"So this is where you've been hiding?!" Demanded a gruff old voice.
The tiny Guild Master strode towards a blonde man sitting on an old wooden bench that faced a white stone angel, it's feet shrouded in wild flowers.
"What'd you want old man?" Asked Laxus, never taking his eyes from his clasped hands.
Makarov shook his head, he looked upon the grave of his great-granddaughter and sighed.
"I don't have to remind you what day it is?"
Laxus looked at his tiny grandfather and laughed in a hollow sort of way.
"You didn't honestly think I'd forgot my baby girl's birthday?"
Makarov sighed as he climbed up to sit with the brooding blonde man. Both men sat in silence as soft breeze caused a flurry of snow white petals to drift onto the wild flowers, covering the colourful blooms.
"Silver's tree." Laxus muttered under his breath.
He sighed and met his grandfathers worried gaze. "Gramps it's getting harder. I miss her so much. I failed her!"
"Now listen to me Laxus, you where a child raising a child. Ruby adored you and no one can deny that you didn't give her the best life you could. She couldn't have wished for a better father. I'm proud of you son."
Laxus shook his blonde head in disagreement. How could his grandfather be proud of him after all he had put him and the Guild through.
"I get where Fullbuster was coming from, you know? I almost destroyed the Guild because of my grief, he almost destroyed himself. Can't blame the guy, he's lost everyone he's ever loved, it would drive anyone crazy. He really wanted that little boy."
The little Guild Master patted his shoulder sympathetically.
"You love that little girl don't you?"
He felt tears form in his eyes, he had never opened up about his daughters death or how he felt for the girl from Edolas.
"Yeah. She's a great kid. It's not what you think Gramps." He added as he noticed his grandfather giving him a reproachful look.
"It's not because she looks like my baby, I would never try to replace her. The more I get to know that kid the more I want to protect her. I want to give to her what I couldn't give to my baby. She gave her son my name, Gramps. Did you know that? I'm not her father but she did that for me. I love her like she was my own daughter."
The afternoon grew late as both men, young and old sat in silence, lost in their memories.
Makarov broke the silence when he burst into laughter.
"You've lost it, old man!"
"Do you remember when she was five? You tried to teach her how to make blue lightening for the Fantasia Parade..." He had fallen off the bench, clutching his ribs in fits of laughter.
Laxus couldn't help but laugh himself. "Yeah, it wasn't so funny at the time. She blew my eyebrows clean off my face, had to wear that stupid hat for months!"
Makarov got to his little feet still laughing, wiping the tears for his eyes. It had been two long years, full of hardships but finally his grandson had a smile. He patted Laxus on the knee, he knew it wouldn't last.
"You know it is Ruby's birthday too? I gave Gray the gift you left to give to her but wouldn't it mean more if you where there for her?"
The smile faded from the younger mans face.
"I can't Gramps. Not with HER there. She broke my heart and abandoned our daughter..."
Makarov held his wrinkled hand up.
"She left as soon as she found out about Ruby. She's gone, so go be with your daughter."
He smiled at his grandson who could not help but return his smile. Crysta had done what she did best and run, and he was glad. He didn't want her in his life, or in Ruby's life.
"Will you come with me, Grandpa?"
The old man nodded as Laxus stood and walked towards Ruby's angel. He rested his hand on it's flowered feet.
"Happy birthday baby girl. I love you."
The old Master watched as his grandson then made his way across to a large, almost silver cherry blossom tree. He soon followed and both men stood in silence.
"My grandson." Laxus said quietly.
He noticed a teddy bear made from unmelting ice.
"He will make a great father. The love he had for that little boy without ever meeting him."
Laxus nodded in agreement.
"When things where bad, Gray came here and met him. He was delirious with grief but I believe he did. The way he described him..." He trailed off lost in thought.
"You know Gramps, I would have spoiled him rotten."
"I don't doubt that son. You'll have that chance soon when the twins are born. Come on, let's visit the birthday girl."