I unfortunately do not own Fairy tail. Character credit goes to Hiro Mashima.
"Tabasco-breath better get here soon. He's the one that called us all to meet up here" Gray said to everyone sitting at the table.
"Well we are here slightly earlier than he said he'd be here" Lucy said while thinking for a reason as to why Natsu asked them all to show up at Fairy Tail tonight.
"Very true Lucy, but I do wish he'd hurry up. Although I am enjoying catching up with everyone. It seems like ages since everyone has gathered together like this" said Erza.
"Yeah," Mirajane said, "The last time we all got together like this was for our joint graduation party three years ago, and even then it was Master and Natsu that made sure everyone showed up."
Erza hummed in agreement. "That was nice of him, especially since he had to take time off from the military to help set up."
"Hey guys!" Levy exclaimed as she walked in the doors.
Everyone in the restaurant turned to the door and welcomed Levy and Gajeel warmly. The recently married couple managed to catch up with those that hadn't been able to make their wedding before sitting with their tight-knit group of friends.
"I feel like it's been forever since we all got together like this" Levy said once she finally got to sit down.
"We were just saying the same thing!" Lisanna exclaimed. "It's so nice to see everyone again. Especially little Asuka, she's grown too much for my liking."
"Yeah, makes yah feel kinda old huh?" Lucy asked chuckling.
"Well you girls aren't getting any younger, so when are you settling down?" Mira asked, directing the question at Lisanna, Lucy, Erza, Cana, Kinana and Laki. The latter two just happening to be at the next table over.
"Oh come on Mira, this was supposed to be a fun get together. Not another interrogation of our love lives" Lucy whined with Lisanna nodding in agreement.
"Yes, well I'm just curious if any of you single girls have found someone yet" Mira stated. "At least Juvia, Kinana and Erza are in committed relationships that could lead to marriage sooner rather than later." A statement to which Gray groaned audibly while Juvia got hearts in her eyes and went into her own imaginary wedding between her and Gray.
"Yes, Jellal and I have been talking about marriage a bit recently. He still hasn't proposed, but now at least we both feel we are in a position where we could afford to be married" Erza informed them.
This got some of the girls to squeal, while the guys tried to cover their ears in time.
"Can Salamander get here already? I don't really want to sit through this conversation for the hundredth time" Gajeel said to Gray.
"I know, the idiot probably isn't watching the time..again.." Gray sighed. "But at least he was able to get all of us together."
"Well the runt better show up or I'll just have to have a little talk with his CO" Laxus said darkly.
"Oh come now honey, you know Natsu hasn't missed a party in his life" Mira replied while putting a hand on his forearm.
"Yeah, He's too egotistical to miss something as big as this where he could be the center of attention" Gray chuckled. The rest laughed at that and began to reminisce about how in high school Natsu would always try to be the center of attention, and then again when he'd visit any of them at college.
The group quieted down when they heard the doors open once more and were slightly shocked at what they saw. From the open doors in walked Igneel, Grandine, and Wendy obviously looking around for their son/brother.
"Wendy! Igneel! Grandine! How lovely to see you again!" Lisanna exclaimed as she and the others got up to embrace the Dragneel family.
"Oh it's been so long since we've seen some of you! How are you all doing?" Grandine asked the group as a whole. "And of course congratulations to the newly weds" Grandine said smirking at Levy and Gajeel.
"Yeah, we're sorry you couldn't make the wedding, but we were glad that Natsu and Wendy were able to make it. We were actually worried that you all would be too busy" Levy told them.
"Oh no, of course Natsu and I would make time to see some of our closest friends get married! And the ceremony was beautiful Levy!" Wendy said excitedly with a faint blush since she was now the center of attention. "Even Natsu was telling me how he would hate himself if he missed it!"
"Speaking of my idiot son, have any of you seen him?" Came the deep voice of Igneel.
"No, we were hoping that he'd be here by now, but you know how your son likes to make an entrance" Lucy said with a smile. Everyone chuckled at that.
"Oh of course I remember how he likes to embarrass himself at every opportunity" Igneel said while laughing.
"Do any of you know why he called us all down here tonight?" Lisanna asked curiously.
"No, we're just as much in the dark as the rest of you" Grandine informed them with a small smile. "But I hear that Zeref and Mavis are coming as well."
"No way!" Wendy yelled, surprised. "We haven't seen Zeref in years with him being a big shot doctor in Crocus! Always too busy to do much more than skype with us on occasion so we can see his face."
"Speak of the devil and he shall arrive, here they come now. And it looks like they brought August!" Mira exclaimed with stars in her eyes because another baby is being brought to their old hang out spot.
"Hello Fairy Tail!" Mavis yelled out as soon as she came through the doors.
"MAVIS!" was the collective response from everyone in the restaurant. It had been years since anyone had seen her in person and she was always so well loved, so everyone was happy to see her. They were also excited to see Zeref, but he wasn't loved to the same extent his wife was.
"Hehehe hi everyone! It's so good to be back! I'm so glad i get to see all of your smiling faces again!" Mavis exclaimed while looking around at everyone that's gathered. She sees the Conbolts, Wakaba, the Connells, the bigger group of friends that was embracing her in-laws, Reedus, Max, Warren, the Thunder Tribe, Elfman, Nab, Vijeeter, Cana, Gildarts, Makarov, Jet Droy, Loke, Laki, Aries, and even Porlyusica have gathered for this party.
"It will never get old seeing how much everyone loves you dear" Zeref laughed while shaking his head.
"Don't be jealous Zeref, we're happy to see you too" Lucy told him while smirking as she walked up to the little family.
"Lucy! Hi!" Mavis exclaimed as she pounced on the busty blonde in a hug.
"Hahaha hey Mavis!" Lucy laughed back as she held the smaller woman close.
"Aren't you just the cutest thing!" Mira said with eyes honed in on August.
The boy didn't seem to like too much attention though as he buried his head into his father's shoulder.
"Auntie Mira! I thought I was the cutest thing ever!" came the voice of Asuka Connell as she pouted.
"Oh Asuka, you both are super adorable!" Mira exclaimed while grabbing the young girl and snuggling with her, causing the young girl to giggle.
"Hehehe okay, okay I guess we can both be cute!" Asuka said with a big smile that got everyone else smiling at her.
"I-I'm not cute!" August stammered. "I'm handsome!"
"Of course you are sweetie" Grandine said while she walked over to embrace her son and grandson. August's outburst reminded everyone of how another Dragneel used to say the same thing when he was younger.
Flashback
"Oh Natsu are you gonna cry?" A younger Mirajane asked after she just finished teasing a younger Natsu.
"I am not crying!" Natsu yelled.
"Natsu, you're so cute!" Mira exclaimed.
"I'm not cute! I'm handsome! Get it right!" Natsu yelled in the middle of Fairy Tail for all to hear as he ran away.
Flashback end
"Oh it's so good to have all you brats back here. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I missed all of yah!" Makarov yelled out to which he got a roar of approval from everyone.
"I wonder why Natsu decided to get everyone together again like this… He could've sworn no one wanted to talk to him anymore" Wendy mumbled to herself, but was just loud enough for a few others to hear her.
"What was that Wendy?" Erza asked, shocked to hear that Natsu feels that way.
"I-I didn't say anything!" Wendy exclaimed with a slight blush.
"What do you mean Natsu feels like we don't want to talk to him anymore?" Mira asked. This got a few people close by to stop and give their undivided attention to Wendy, which made the poor girl blush the color of Erza's hair.
"I-It's just th-that n-no one r-reaches out to him unless they n-need s-something" Wendy stuttered while looking at her feet.
"That's not…" Erza started, but soon realized that there might be some truth to what Wendy said.
"That's not true Wendy" Lucy said, "I still see him at least once a week."
"Well yeah, but…" Wendy started then thought better of it, "I guess you're right"
"If Wendy doesn't know what the deal is then I'm really curious. He usually tells her everything" Igneel said 'quietly', or as quietly as his booming voice would allow. This got many of the other people present to start their own conversations about what Natsu could possibly want with them. Erza, however, is thinking hard about what Wendy said.
'When was the last time I reached out to Natsu just to talk?' Erza thought to herself. She couldn't remember. Not since high school or occasionally during a college break would she reach out to Natsu to talk. He generally reached out to her once a month to stay updated on her life. 'Did I really not notice how this must have made him feel? I'm sure everyone else did the same thing to him after we all went to the same university. We were able to stay in touch because we almost all saw each other everyday. I can't believe we just abandoned him like that.' Erza thought while biting down on her thumb nail. Erza being so quiet caught the attention of Mira, who slid over to see what was bothering the red haired beauty.
"What's wrong Erza?" Mira asked slightly worried.
"I just… I'm thinking back to what Wendy said. I don't think I've been the one to reach out to Natsu since the summer of our sophomore year of college" Erza said with a frown. This made Mira think back and she discovered that she too seemed to have only been kept up to date on Natsu by either him reaching out or Lisanna talking about him.
"I-I think it's the same for me" Mira hesitantly replied with a frown. "The only time I remember recently reaching out is when I needed help with something and both Elfman and Laxus were busy with work. He didn't act any different so I didn't think anything had changed between us."
"We'll just have to make it up to him and try to be better about this in the future. Our friendship with Natsu is too important to let it fade away" Mira said determined to make it up to the young man.
"You're right. I'd feel lost without him in my life at all. He's made a big impact on me especially since we've all been together since we were kids" Erza replied with a smile but the same determination in her eyes..
As she turned to walk away, Mira got a text message that she curiously opened since it was from Natsu.
Hey Mira, did you bring your guitar like I asked?
Yeah Natsu. What do I need it for?
Well I think it's high time we played that little song for everyone that we used to practice when we were younger.
Mira's eyes widened after she read that.
Really Natsu?! This will be such a good surprise.. But isn't the song a little sad for something like this?
Yeah, but it'll make sense as the night goes on. I'll be there in 5 Mira and I'm coming thru the stage door so we can get right to it.
Got it.
With that Mira went over to her guitar and stealthily made her way on the stage where she went behind the curtain and tuned the guitar. After she was satisfied, she took a stool and brought it out to sit on while she played. She heard the door open behind her, the mic turn on, and the curtains started opening, which signalled Mira that Natsu was ready. So Mira started playing a tune that is very familiar to her as she played it at least once every other week while she and Natsu practiced when they were in high school. Hearing a guitar playing, everyone quieted down and turned toward the stage to see Mira playing her guitar. What they didn't expect was Natsu's voice to come over the speakers to sing along with what she was playing.
Of all the money that e'er I had
I spent it in good company
And all the harm I've ever done
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
By this time Natsu is standing next to Mira on stage holding a microphone. Everyone is stunned by the fact that Natsu is singing a song that sounds like he's already leaving after just getting there. But what really threw them for a loop was the fact that they then heard bagpipes out of nowhere while Natsu was singing Da da da.
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be to you all"
"Good night and joy be to you all"
Everyone was still surprised by Natsu's entrance until the Dragneels started clapping for the performers. This woke everyone else up and they all started hooting and cheering for the duo. Then one voice yelled over the crowd, "glad to see you finally decided to show up fire freak!"
"What was that you perverted stripper?" Natsu snapped, "Why're you even here?"
"Why am I… I'm here because I was told to be by you you dumbass!" Gray yelled with a visible tick mark above his left eye.
"Gray there are children present!" Erza hissed at him which made him cower behind Juvia.
"Juvia" Natsu whined, "I thought I told you to leave him home!"
"If Juvia remembers correctly Natsu told her to 'make sure ice-princess comes so everyone else can see the selfish prick'" Juvia said with a smile as everyone laughed at the slightly embarrassed Natsu.
"Yeah well I heard he was too busy for his friends recently and I knew everyone wanted to catch up with the whole group so.." Natsu replied while scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"So my boy" Makarov started, "mind telling everyone why you gathered us? Everyone's been takin bets as to why."
"Well the main reason is it's been awhile since we've seen everyone together like this right Gramps?" Natsu said with a smile.
"You're as cheeky as ever Natsu. I was kinda hopin the Marines would've whipped that outta yah" Makarov said with a smirk.
"Nah, they encourage it as long as we aren't deployed or doin trainin" Natsu said with a laugh.
"Well why don't you come on down and mingle Natsu, everyone has been waitin to see you" Mira said with a smile.
"Will do Mira, but first," Natsu said as he brought her into a hug, "Hello Mira, I've missed you."
"Natsu we saw each other not too long ago" Mira said with a smile as she hugged him back.
"Mira, that was at the weddin a few months ago" Natsu said with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh god you're right! I'm sorry Natsu, I lost track of time" Mira said with a frown realizing that they had actually been neglecting their pyro friend.
"Hey, don't frown! We're all together now ain't we? So smile, you've always looked better with a smile" Natsu said as he walked down from the stage with her. This caused Mira to start smiling thinking how Natsu hasn't changed much, always willing to make sure his friends are happy no matter what.
As they made their way back towards Laxus and the rest so Mira could put her case down, Natsu got sidetracked by everyone else that wanted to speak to him. He had a short conversation with just about everyone there as they all came up to him to talk and thank him for organizing this little get together for them. To which Natsu would reply that it was his pleasure because he missed everyone getting together too. Macao and Wakaba told him that they were really happy that he remembered to invite them since they were older than him. He told them that that didn't matter because he saw them and any of the older generation there as members of his family too.
"Uncle Natsu!" Asuka shouted as she raced over to the pinkette and leapt at him.
"Hey Asuka! There's my favorite girl!" Natsu yelled back as he caught her and spun her around in a hug before putting her up on his shoulders since she liked it up there so much. "How've you been since I last saw you?"
"You saw me yesterday Uncle Natsu" Asuka said with a giggle.
"So nothin new since yesterday huh?" Natsu asked with a smirk as he swung her down and began to tickle her.
"HAHAHA Uncle Natsu… Uncle Natsu… Stop!" Asuka said in between her laughter.
"You know what you have to say little lady" Natsu cackled as he continued to tickle her.
"Uncle! Uncle! I give up!" Asuka yelled as she laughed. This caused Natsu to release her as she laid on the ground panting heavily.
"Now you can say somethin interestin happened since yesterday" Natsu said giving her a mischievous grin.
"It's always the same when you two get together huh Natsu?" Bisca asked with a bright smile as she shook her head.
"Hey Bisca, Alzack. I can't help it if I don't want her life to be boring" Natsu said with a smile as he hugged his two friends.
"Well as long as you're around I'm sure that won't be a problem" Alzack said with a smile. This caused Natsu to lose his smile for a second but it came right back making the couple think they imagined it dropped at all.
"Heh, yeah well you know me, keepin life interestin for everyone" Natsu said with a chuckle.
As this was going on his group of close friends was watching him play with Asuka.
"He's really going to make a great father one day isn't he?" Mira said as she watched him.
"He's always been good with kids. He was Wendy and Romeo's favorite playmate when we were all younger, remember?" Erza said with a fond smile as she watched the pinkette talk to some of the other people.
"That's true, plus his volunteering at the local orphanage when he can really shows just how much he gets along with children" Lucy said with a bright smile as she watched the pinkette. This caused most to look at her in surprise as they didn't know he volunteered.
"How long has he been doing that?" Cana asked, shocked.
"Hmm… I think the first time he did it was the spring of senior year in high school. He does it a couple of days a month" Lisanna answered.
"Wow, I don't know how he found the time" Levy said smiling at the boy now.
"Well he didn't have to worry about college letters or applications since he knew he wasn't going" Gajeel said since he knew that his cousin had a pretty light load that spring.
"Plus, you should see how much the kids adore him when he goes there. He's brought me and Lisanna once or twice and it's like he's their hero or something" Lucy said with a smile.
As they continued to talk Natsu was able to break away from everyone else and headed towards their table.
"Hey guys!" Natsu yelled as he neared the table with his closest friends.
"Hey Natsu!" They replied as they all got up and went to hug the pinkette or shake his hand (in the case of the other guys).
"How's everyone been? Busy?" Natsu asked as he looked around.
"Yeah, work's been killer recently for me" Laxus said as he stretched.
"Same here. I've been working odd hours all over the place" Erza said.
"Well that's the life of a detective" Natsu said as he laughed.
"True" Erza said with a smile.
"How's the bookstore Levy? Is it as good as Lucy makes it up to be?" Natsu asked with a grin as Lucy pouted.
"I'm sure Lu's been telling you the truth Natsu. We've been getting a lot of business. Especially since the honeymoon" Levy said with a slight blush.
"Well that's great to hear!" Natsu said with a laugh as he rubbed Lucy's head which got her to half heartedly swat at his hands.
"Stop messing up my hair! I got it done just for this party" Lucy complained with a huff.
"Sorry Lucy it just looked too good to resist" Natsu said with a smirk.
"Loser" Lucy replied as she rolled her eyes.
"So how's everyone else been?" Natsu asked as he looked around.
"Well work's still a bitch but there's a couple of new places in town with good booze" said Cana with a grin.
"HA, but nowhere near as good a place to drink as Fairy Tail right?" Natsu asked with a mischievous smile.
"Oh, you know, they come close. But when there's a group of the gang here there's no place better" Cana replied with a bright smile. This got everyone to smile at her words.
"It's been too long since we all got together like this. I've missed watching everyone interact and laugh along with each other" Lisanna said while looking around at the rest of the group.
"Uncle Natsu!" August cried as he ran up to his uncle.
"There's my favorite nephew!" Natsu replied with a grin and he scooped August up.
"Uncle Natsu… I'm your only nephew" August said with a giggle.
"Still my favorite" Natsu said while smiling down at him. "So how've you been? You liked flyin on the airplane?" Natsu asked which made August's face light up.
"Yeah! It was so~ cool! Mom even let me sit by the window so I could watch as everyone got real tiny" August exclaimed.
"Whoa really? How tiny'd they get?" Natsu asked.
"Like ants! Even the big building daddy owns looked tiny like this" August said as he left a little space between his pointer finger and thumb.
"Speaking of daddy where is he?" Natsu asked as he looked around, only to see his friends watching him interact with his nephew with warm smiles on their faces.
"He's over with grandma and grandpa! Let's go, let's go!" August said as he started wriggling out of Natsu's grip so he could pull his uncle towards his family.
"Sorry guys, I'll be right back" Natsu called out over his shoulder.
"No problem Natsu, go talk to your family" Erza replied with a smile.
"Whoever shacks up with him will be a really lucky woman" Kinana said as they watched the pinkette go. This made everyone look at her.
"What?"
"Sounds like someone has a crush on the local pyro" Gray teased as Kinana faintly blushed.
"Oh please, I've already got my man. Although if I didn't maybe I'd pursue him. It's been years since I've heard he's been in a relationship" Kinana said thoughtfully. The single girls at the table could only nod as they watched him go.
"You'd never think he went on a two year tour to the frontlines the way he acts" Cana said absentmindedly.
"I actually forgot he did" Mira said. "It's hard to imagine Natsu having to kill and watch as some of his troops were killed."
"At least he made it home in one piece" Erza said with a slight frown.
"It was a tough time for him when he first got back" Kinana said sadly. "He spent almost every afternoon in here drinking."
"Yeah, but that didn't last long thank goodness. I think we have Wendy and Asuka to thank for that" Lisanna said.
"They were the ones that he pushed forward for so he could be happy and fool around with them" Lucy continued. Mira and Erza both frowned at this.
"I wasn't aware of him having such difficulties" Erza said. "He told me he felt off when he came home but didn't mention any of this."
"Well you know him, keeps his own emotions and feelings bottled up to make sure everyone else stays happy" Lucy replied with a fond smile.
There was a pause as they looked over at Natsu who had just finished hugging his family members and was forced into the seat next to his father.
"So son, how've you been lately? Haven't seen ya in about a week or two" Igneel said with a smile.
"I've been good old man. Just been busy with meetins and briefins recently" Natsu replied.
"They aren't going to send you back to the warfront anytime soon are they?" Grandine asked worriedly.
"It sounds like they might, but nothins set so fingers crossed" Natsu said while looking down at the table.
"I hope you don't have to go back there. Neither side has gained anything from this. I was hoping it would be over already" Zeref said.
"Ah well, they say this new movement of troops they're trying to finalize will end the war, but who knows really" Natsu said. "But enough about that, how are you two doing? I haven't seen you since two Christmases ago. It's been way too long" Natsu said with a smile.
"Aww. We missed you too Natsu" Mavis cooed. "We've both just been busy recently, but I'm glad you convinced us to come down for a little vacation. We needed it and I'm glad I get to see everyone again."
"Yes, with how busy things have been recently in the office I hadn't even had time to think about taking time off" Zeref added. "But your invitation was just the incentive I needed to come visit little brother."
Natsu scowled with no malice behind it. "I've been taller than you since high school Zeref."
"Yes, but you'll always be my baby brother" Zeref teased to which Natsu rolled his eyes playfully.
"Ugh. How's everything else back in Crocus though? The city still as crazy as it's always been?" Natsu asked.
"Well it has calmed down some, but still much louder and faster paced than life here in Magnolia. Though I do miss this place dearly every time we have to leave" Mavis replied with a sad smile.
"Uncle Natsu I made a bunch of friends at school!" August exclaimed happily.
"That's right! You just finished your first year! How you likin it?" Natsu asked with a smile as he saw how excited August was to talk about his new friends.
"It's great! I've met a lot of kids my age. I even had a sleepover last week with my friend Ajeel" August said as he was bouncing up and down.
"Now that must've been fun!" Natsu said excitedly to match August's energy.
"Yes! It was so~ much fun! I asked Mom if we can have another soon and she said okay! I can't wait!" August said not taking his eyes off his uncle, so he didn't see his family smiling at how excited he is.
"I'm sure it'll be fun. Maybe you can get another friend o join to! The more the merrier I always say" Natsu said with a smile and a glance at Mavis.
"That'd be awesome~!" August nearly yelled as he turned to his mom. "Can we invite Invel too mommy? Please~?"
"Well~... We'll see if everyone's parents are okay with it first, but I don't see why not" Mavis said with a smile aimed at her son.
"And we can have it at our house this time if you want bud" Zeref said which got August to start running around happily.
"HAHA I like your dance skills bud" Natsu chuckled. "Now how about you go play with Asuka so we can catch up? I'll be over in a little to play with you two."
"Okay Uncle Natsu!" August said as he bolted towards the table the Connells were sitting at.
"So what's on your mind Natsu?" Igneel asked. He always seemed to be able to read Natsu better than anyone.
"Nothin much old man, I just miss our family dinners and get togethers. This feels sorta like one so I was hopin to just talk" Natsu said with a small smile.
"Well of course. We've missed being able to sit around with you all once a month to catch up. At least we can do the family facetimes almost as often" Mavis said with a sad smile.
"Yeah, and I wouldn't change how happy everyone is… It's just sometimes-" Natsu started before his phone went off. He looked at it and tensed up. "I gotta take this. I'll be right back."
"No problem Natsu" Grandine said.
"When I get back we'll talk about your time at college Wendy."
"Okay Natsu" Wendy said with a smile as Natsu walked outside.
"It must be important if he's taking a call on a get together like this" Grandine remarked. Everyone else nodded in agreement.
"It must be work. He doesn't answer his phone otherwise" Igneel said with slight anger, which got everyone else laughing.
"Yeah. Send him a text message and he'll reply immediately but call him and he'll almost never answer" Zeref said shaking his head. "But he's always been that way so I guess we couldn't expect him to change."
"Ahem… Thanks for the vote of confidence older brother" Natsu pouted as he came back and heard his family laughing at him. This got his family to laugh at him even more.
"So son, who was so important to actually get you to answer the phone? Oh~ was it a girl~? Does my Natsu have an announcement to make?" Grandine asked while wagging her eyebrows.
"OH~ it's been so long since you had a girlfriend. I can't wait to meet her" Mavis said with stars in her eyes.
"Natsu you had a girlfriend and you didn't tell me? I thought we never kept secrets from each other!" Wendy said with a fake hurt expression since she knew he didn't have a girlfriend.
"We don't Wendy! And will you two quit it, it was work" Natsu said as he frantically tried to calm Wendy down. But as soon as he finished speaking everyone started laughing at how gullible he is, except Mavis, who really wanted there to be a girlfriend.
"I just don't see why you don't pursue a relationship Natsu. You're not getting any younger and you're not even looking!" Mavis pouted.
"I agree. I'd like you to give me another grandchild sometime in my lifetime son" Grandine added.
"Yeah, you haven't brought a girl home since Lucy, who my money is still on for your future bride" Igneel said with his arms crossed.
"Ugh… I can't believe you guys actually made that stupid pool on my love life" Natsu said as he groaned in annoyance.
"Natsu, it's obvious there are women that want to be with you. And you seem to enjoy being with them so why not try to see where something with one of them will go?" Wendy asked. "You've never really answered me when I asked why you don't want to get into a relationship."
"Because my job is too all over the place. Especially now" Natsu said as he muttered the last part to himself forgetting his whole family has very sharp ears.
"Especially now? Why especially now?" Grandine asked.
"I-Well- Can we pretend you didn't hear that?" Natsu asked hopefully.
"Son" Igneel said sternly. At this point the family was getting worried since Natsu wasn't one to try to hide something from them.
"I just want to enjoy tonight" Natsu said as he tried to escape only to feel a couple of hands grab him and force him to sit. He looked down and saw all the girls grabbing him to stop him from leaving and the two guys half risen to bring him back if he left. This didn't go unnoticed by the other tables and some stopped talking to look over.
"You're causin a scene" Natsu whisper-yelled, hoping they'll let it go.
"Sit and tell us. Everyone will go back to what they're doing in a minute" Grandine said without taking her eyes off Natsu.
"Please Natsu?" Wendy asked with puppy dog eyes, which she knew Natsu couldn't say no to.
Natsu sighed heavily before sitting back down to collect his thoughts.
"What do you think that was about?" Mira asked as they looked over to see Natsu slump back down into his seat.
"It almost looked like they were going to fight" Erza said. "I don't think I've ever seen that family this serious before."
"Only really when they're fighting about something, but even that is rare" Lucy said to which Lisanna nodded.
"If I didn't know better I'd say the hot head said something to insult them before walkin away" Gray said. "Just look how serious they are."
"Maybe we should go see if we can help?" Cana asked to which a few shook their heads.
"This is family business. If we need to know I'm sure Natsu will tell us" Erza stated as the rest of the table went back to making small talk with throwing occasional glances at the family.
"Fine. If you have to know that was the council" Natsu said tiredly.
"The council called you? The military council? For what?" Zeref asked shocked.
"The new mission I mentioned earlier got the green light" Natsu said without looking up from the table.
"And what does that mean for you?" Grandine asked carefully.
"It means I'm shovin out Friday" Natsu said hesitantly.
"What?!" was the collective yell by the family. This made everyone at the bar stop and look at the family. When they turned they saw Wendy jump on her brother and wrap him in a hug with tears starting to form in her eyes.
"They said you were done! You told me you'd be home for good after that last tour!" Wendy cried. This made everyone in the bar freeze as they now knew why the family looked horrified.
"I know Wendy, but I'm one of their best, so they say I have to go" Natsu said lowly while trying to comfort her.
"Natsu?" Natsu looked up and saw all of his friends crowding around the family. "Is it true?" Lucy asked with tears in her eyes.
Natsu let out a long breath. "Yeah Lucy, It's true. I just got the call. I'm shipping out Friday" Natsu said while slowly rocking Wendy.
"So soon?! They gave you much more notice last time!" Lisanna cried.
"Yeah, I guess time is of utmost importance for this mission" Natsu said with a sad chuckle.
"But that's less than a week away! We all wanted to spend more time with you this week!" Mira cried out.
"Huh? What do you mean? We see each other plenty" Natsu said confused.
"No we don't Natsu! Look around you. It's been years since we've all gotten together like this and almost that long with us just spending time with you!" Erza exclaimed while holding her tears back.
"We all have jobs and stuff now so I get it. We can't go back to seeing each other everyday! I'm just happy I get to see you guys when I can" Natsu said with a chuckle.
"Wait" Mira started as her eyes went wide. "You knew." This got everyone to look at her questioningly as Natsu just looked down.
"You DID!" Mira yelled. "That's why you wanted to sing that song tonight. You knew it might be the last…" Mira started but she couldn't finish her sentence as she started crying into Laxus' chest. Everyone looked at Natsu wide-eyed. Some of them started tearing up as he didn't deny it. Wendy started crying harder into Natsu's chest and Asuka and August climbed up and hugged Natsu before they started sobbing.
"Well Natsu.. What can you tell us?" Gildarts asked as he made his way to front of the group.
"Yo old man…." Natsu said sadly. "I wanna thank you for keeping me home for as long as you could."
"What do you…" Gildarts started before his eyes went wide too.
"Yeah.. they forced you out so that mission would pass the council" Natsu said while comforting the three younger kids.
"THAT's WHY?!" Gildarts raged. "For something as stupid as that! I'm gonna-"
"No" Natsu said firmly.
"Wha… Natsu that mission's-" Gildarts was cut off again.
"I know. But they were goin to do it anyway and it will probably lead us to victory. If me goin will save someone else then hell yeah I'm goin" Natsu said determinedly.
"They're playin you boy. They know how you feel about your men and they're usin that so you'll go" Gildarts said.
"I know. But I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to one of my men that I had to send over there" Natsu said as he handed the two kids to their mothers. He then moved Wendy to the chair next to him and stood up to look Gildarts in the eye. "You can't stop this anymore and I need to know you believe I can do it."
Gildarts grinned. "Of course I know you can. I trained yah after all."
Natsu gave a fanged smile. "Thanks old man. And I hope ya'll can keep me in your thoughts and prayers while I'm gone" Natsu said as he looked around the room.
"Of course you can Natsu. We're your family and we will do anything we can to try and keep you safe" Erza said with determination in her eye as she didn't stop the tears anymore. This got a roar of approval from everyone else in the bar as they each went up and hugged Natsu wishing him well and promising to keep him in their thoughts and prayers. Asuka latched on to him and made him promise that he'd play with her everyday until he leaves, to which he easily said he would. Lucy brought him into a strong hug and demanded that he spend time with her this week too, and Lisanna did the same. Erza and Mira said they'd stop by a few nights to just hang out. Kinana told him she'd make him lunch for free if he'd come in for it to which he replied that he'd stop by to chat at least once this week.
Cana walked up to him and kissed him square on the lips, which got a few of the girls to squawk in protest. She then told him that she was just going to show up at his place a few nights this week so he better be prepared. Natsu was stunned for a second before laughing and agreeing with her. Makarov made the boy promise he would take care of himself and not put himself in any more risk than he already was by going back to the warfront. Gildarts demanded Natsu show off how well he was trained by going and completing the mission in no time and coming home a hero to which Natsu agreed while laughing.
Natsu laughed and then turned back to his family and saw they were all openly crying.
"Uncle Natsu, you're going away again?" August sobbed as he was picked up by his uncle.
"Yeah little buddy. I gotta go" Natsu said with a watery smile.
"But I don't want you to go. I want you to come stay at our house so I can show you my new toys and my friends" August cried.
"I'll be home in no time buddy. Then I'll take a nice week or two long vacation and hang out with you everyday. How does that sound?" Natsu asked with a smile.
"I-I think I like that idea" August said with an attempted smile.
"Good" Natsu said. "Now I got a mission for you little buddy" Natsu 'whispered.'
"What is it?"August asked.
"I need you to look after your folks for me. They're gonna need you to be strong for em while I'm gone" Natsu said with a big smile that August returned.
"Of course I will! August exclaimed with a salute.
"That's my favorite nephew" Natsu laughed.
"We'll be thinking of you every night Natsu. I just wish this war never started so you could stay home with us forever" Mavis hiccupped as she took her son back.
"Hey now, you gotta smile Mavis. You're beautiful when you smile" Natsu said smiling at his sister-in-law.
"Hehe You always did know how to get anyone else to smile and laugh Natsu" Mavis said with a watery smile before it dropped. "I'm really gonna miss you" she said as she wrapped him in a hug after passing August to Zeref.
"I'll miss you too. And everyone else. I'll be thinking about you guys everyday. You're the reason I fight and I'm hoping this mission will protect us all for a long time" Natsu said as he wrapped Mavis in a hug and stepped back once he let go.
He had just enough time to brace himself as Wendy came crashing back into him. "NATSU!" she cried out while sobbing.
"Hey little sis" Natsu said softly.
"I don't want you to go. I want you to stay here with us. I can't go back to waiting three weeks to get a letter from you. I don't want to have to go to sleep at night praying that we don't get a letter saying the worst has happened. I don't know what I would do if I lost you" Wendy cried out as she cried uncontrollably. Natsu rocked her back and forth slowly while whispering reassurances in her ear to calm her down. After a few minutes she calmed down.
"I promise you Wendy, I will do everything in my power to make sure I can back home to you and everyone else" Natsu said with a strong conviction in his voice.
This got Wendy to finally smile, albeit a watery one. "Okay Natsu. But know I'll be thinking of you everyday. I'll keep a journal of major events so when you come home I won't forget anything that I did while you were gone."
"Thanks Wendy. I look forward to reading it" Natsu said with a fond smile as he looked down on his sister.
He slowly got both of them up and turned to his brother who was smiling at him.
"Natsu, there isn't much I can make you promise me that everyone else hasn't thought of yet" Zeref said with a laugh. The made Natsu and a few other people laugh. "Just know you're going to be on my mind until you come home. And I will be holding you to that two week vacation" Zeref said with a smirk that Natsu returned.
"I hope you'll be ready to house me and Happy for two weeks when I get back" Natsu said with a mischievous glint in his eye that made everyone sweat a little.
"HAHA of course. You and Happy are both welcome any time" Mavis chimed in since Zeref seemed to be having second thoughts.
"Yeah...Any time…" Zeref said while everyone laughed at him.
Natsu then walked up to his parents with a small smile on his face.
"I was gonna wait until the end of the night to announce it since I figured this would happen" Natsu said sadly.
"Oh honey, of course everyone is going to want to give you the best farewell they can. This party is just that" Grandine said while crying.
"Your mother's right son. Everyone here cares about you so much. Some more than others of course" Igneel laughed while winking at a blushing Cana, "it's only natural we all want you to come back home safe and sound."
"You know I will dad. Just like last time" Natsu said.
"I know boy, but that doesn't mean I won't worry about yah everyday. Especially with how reckless you are" Igneel said with a watery smirk as everyone laughed and Natsu pouted.
"Natsu?" Grandine said to get her son's attention.
"Yeah mom?" Natsu asked quietly.
"Can you stay at the house a few nights this week?" Grandine asked while crying.
"Of course I can Mom" Natsu said as he wrapped his crying mother in a hug. This made a large part of their audience aww at the cute scene.
"Good. Bring Happy with you. We'll take good care of him while you're away. He won't want for anything" Igneel said with a small laugh as he hugged his son next.
"I'm calling the hospital and taking Friday off so we can take you to the airport" Grandine said.
"Thanks Mom. You guys are the best" Natsu said as he pulled away from both of his parents.
"Well this was pretty drainin. But I'm glad we got a few hours of happily hanging out before the world got in the way" Natsu said with a laugh as everyone laughed with him.
"I guess it's time to head out since I know someone has work tomorrow. Plus I gotta be up early to head in for a physical now" Natsu said slowly. "So I'm gonna head home now and start packing everything me and Happy'll need."
"Okay Natsu, be safe and just know we're all happy we got to see yah again" Macao called out.
"I'm happy I got to catch up with everyone too. Lets not wait a few years before we do this again yeah?" Natsu asked as he turned to leave. Everyone agreed and watched as he walked away.
"Oh and Natsu?" Makarov said to catch Natsu's attention.
"Yeah Gramps?" NAtsu asked as he turned around to see everyone doing the Fairy Tail hand sign.
"Remember, even if we can't see you. No matter how far away you may be. We will always be watching over you" Makarov said from his place on top of the table.
"Yeah. Thanks everyone" Natsu said as he opened the doors to the bar and walked out.