She was sitting by the river reading, her bare feet splashing in the cool water, she thought back to her conversation with Laxus and the beautiful gift he had given her for the baby.

"Ummm... I don't know how to respond to that." She said, finally breaking the silence that seemed to last an eternity.

The tall blonde man shrugged his shoulders as he walked away from the window until he was just inches away from her. Ruby couldn't take the intense way he studied her face, having to hunch over her tiny five foot frame as to get a better look at her. When their eyes finally met she could see the conflict of emotions that were raging inside of him.

"To be honest kid, I don't know how to feel myself." He said sitting down and gesturing her to the seat next to him.

"I buried my daughter nearly a year ago, and out of the blue I get a message from Gramps..."

Ruby felt even more uncomfortable, this man was still grieving the lost of his daughter this must be hard for him. Struggling for something to say to him.

"You know I'm not your daughter? I just look like her."

Laxus gave her a pained smile. "Trust me kid no one knows that better than I do, well I should do, I raised her on my own and both Gramps and I taught her the magic she used."

"On your own?"

It was now his turn to look away from her gaze. He got up and strode to the window and watched as the sky began to darken like it was reflecting his mood.

"I was fifteen when my daughter was born" he said as he watched the thunder clouds roll.

"I was young but I was ready to take responsibility for my actions. When her mother, Crysta, gave birth to this beautiful tiny creature I promised I would always look after and protect her and the baby no matter what. I held my little daughter in my arms and when she grasped my finger I knew I loved her and there was nothing I wouldn't do for her. Crysta and her family left Magnolia and I never saw her again, there was no note, no explanation she was just gone and left her daughter in my care. All I can say if it wasn't for Gramps, he's my grandfather by the way, I would have been lost. He helped me raise her. When my baby died, I went crazy and did some stupid things and know I'm trying to make up for them."

Ruby sat in silence,the room was deadly silent only the thunder claps in the distance could be heard. He tore his gaze from the window and noticed that the girl who resembled his daughter had her arms wrapped tightly around herself, shivering uncontrollably. His heart soften slightly as he took of his coat and pulled it around her shoulders.

"Remind me to kick Fullbuster's icy ass. Your baby has too much magical energy?"

She felt the warmth of the heavy fabric chase the cold away, Laxus was kneeling beside her, his hands on still resting lightly on her shoulders.

"That's why I had to come here. There's no magic left in Edolas, if I'd stayed there any longer we both would have..."

She felt a tear trickle down her cheek, she felt him gently wiping away her tears.

"There's nothing to worry about now." He said kindly. "Your here and you are safe."

He looked at her seriously now "Ruby, I may not be your father but if you would allow it, let me love you as a father loves and protects his daughter."

She was stunned at his kindness and willingness to love her so unconditional.

"I only have one memory of my father reading to me when I was sick. It's hazy but it's all I have of him, I was so little at the time."

He brushed the hair back from her face and gently touched her cheek.

"I have something I want to give you." He said taking a parcel from the desk and handing to her.

She carefully unwrapped the silver paper to reveal a white knitted blanket with a satin ribbon and lace trim.

"It was my baby's blanket, I want you to have it for yours."

She was so over come by emotions that she jumped up and threw her arms around his waist and held him tightly. She felt him tighten his grip like he never want to let go.

"Listen kid it's time for me to go, I'm not exactly welcome at the Guild at the moment, but if you ever need me for anything, Gramps will know where to find me."

He kissed her on the forehead and took his coat from her shoulders as he mad his way to the door he felt her little hand holding onto his.

"Can I ask something from you?"

"You name it kid."

"Be a father to me?" She said softly.

"Always." He said with a sad smile, and with a final look at his "new daughter" he left.