Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail, any work professionally associated with it nor any pop culture or classical references. All original plots and characters are mine.
In a land far, far away lies the kingdom of Fiore, a small, peaceful nation of 17 million, and a place filled with Magic found in every home, bought and sold in every marketplace. For most, Magic is merely a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. For some, however, Magic is an art, and they've devoted their lives to its practice. These are the wizards. Banded together into magical guilds, they ply their skills in search of fame and fortune. Many such guilds dot the landscape of Fiore. But there is a certain guild in a certain town that soars high above the rest, one from which countless legends have been born. A guild that will no doubt continue to create legends well into the future. Its name...is Fairy Tail.
The room was dressed head to toe and Heart's Day galore with candles lit for those they loved and lost. Red hearts and pink hearts and white hearts littered the living room with other candles staged for ambiance. Rose petals decorated the table set for two with candelabra all dolled up and pretty. The food would come soon enough, but the plates and salad plates and the forks and spoons and knives and cloth napkins were set with chalices for the iced wine. Gifts were set up, however, for this date, but one was the most important gift. It was a photo album that spelled:
TALES OF HEART'S DAY
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
This is a time of love all around
For the love for your friends and family and the love you share with no bounds
It is not just a time for sweetness and flowers and treats
But a time of friendship and family, of love…and of peace…
•
We tell the tales of couples who found
That while "love" is just a word, it teaches them many lessons with no bounds
For love is a commitment, not a feeling or a flaw
It's a gift that keeps giving
No matter how big or how small
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
One of the presents looked like quite the pair. A pair of winged key chains had been overs. An angelic wing of white had been offered as it was outlined in pink and backed by cold while a matted devil's wing complemented the other, outlined in a blue and backed in silver. But rather than stay close as a pair should, they were on separate rings.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Here comes a young lady who forgets such a day
And worries she'll be left alone without a gift to show she loves him, come what and come may
But here she'll find it's not a gift for which he asks
It's the love that she shows him
And a love that will always last
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
The water a crystal-clear blue, Nashi drifted with a soft blush dusting her cheeks and her eyes vulnerable and shy. Innocence shone in the white lace bra and matching mesh white thong. The frilly lace white suspender garter belt connected to her translucent stockings, but she had no shoes. Rather, she floated in the water with her hair flushed around her.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
Huh… Heart's Day…
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
Nashi slid one hand between her leg, teasing herself, while her other arm crossed over her head, listless. I never really celebrated Heart's Day outside of whatever JJ and Ellie dragged me to.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
She tipped back her head to expose her neck as though caught in an insatiable need for pleasure. I didn't have a boyfriend to give gifts to. I practically dodged Gary every chance I could get. I even tried to deliberately take a mission last year then came home and slept.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
Nashi's lips parted, eyes half-lidded, and she reached her hands upwards as though trying to grab her lover and beg them to come closer. I treated Heart's Day like it was the plague, but it's different now.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
Nashi cupped her chest with a wicked gleam in her eye. I might be new about celebrating Heart's Day with a special someone.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
Her lips twitched into a smirk. But that just means I need to do something that makes his jaw drop.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
Nashi threw her hands up and locked them together. I'll make sure…
CLICK! CLICK!
Her back bowed. …that this Heart's Day…
CLICK! CLICK!
A cry burst from her lips. …takes his breath away.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
CLICK!
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
hitori ja kowakatta yoru demo
futari de nara tasukeatte
chikazukeru SATERAITO
irodoru machi o tobikoetara
sashidashita te o tsukamu "yatto aeta ne"
futatsu no kiseki ni omedetou
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The photoshoot studio was quite set up with production support, coordinators, assistants, a lighting director, and other crew members. Set in a small warehouse studio, the set was controlled through an Illusion Lacrima. While the crystal-clear pool was real, the greens of the grass and the nearby trees were nothing more than illusions tended to by the prop staff in control of the Lacrima.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is one of the DREAM Magazine Photo Studios. The studios always contain an Illusion Lacrima. While expensive and only used with production crews, the Illusion Lacrima permits photo-realistic set designs and the props designers work on customized props the models may touch. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"I think we got it! Good work, everyone! Please give the Angel Princess of Fairy Tail a round of applause!"
Nashi smiled as two crew members helped her out of the water and two assistants were ready and waiting with a towel and a robe for her. "Thank you so much!" she appreciated. "I'm honored to have worked with you all!" Her smile widened as she was able to slip on into house slippers. "Thank you both," she told the assistants. "Goodness, the water was cold!"
"Thank you, Miss Dragneel, for your time today," came dull drawl. "Your work today was astonishing."
Nashi laughed as her hair was toweled dry. "Oh, really, it's nothing!" she assured. "I'm happy to have gotten this experience!" She hid the twitchiness of her smile. And I hope to god Papa never finds out. Or Gary. But the shoot pays really well, and I need the money after dwindling my savings.
"Thank you, nonetheless." The gratitude came from a woman with a short scissor cut and an eyebrow piercing who looked particularly underwhelmed. "Every shot you took was magazine-material. We'll have these rushed out for the Heart's Day edition in no time."
⌜DREAM MAGAZINE
Name: Finesse
Age: 27
Magic: Photo Finish
Occupation: Fashion Photographer
Likes: sticky rice Dislikes: the color yellow
Special Note: Finesse used to work as a freelance photographer and still does, but she predominantly does fashion shoots for DREAM Magazine!⌟
"That's great!" Nashi cheered. "Like I said, I was happy to do it!"
Finesse raised an eyebrow. "You don't look happy." From her view, she could see Nashi shaking. "In fact, you look pretty nervous. What's the problem? Afraid your boyfriends will find out about you doing this shoot?"
"U-Uh…" Nashi started to sweat as she kept up her weak smile. "Well, it's not like I have to ask them for permission or anything…" Right. I have to get used to people thinking I'm in a poly relationship. "And neither of them really read magazines, so it's fine." I had to double-check on that one.
"Why would I be interested in magazines?" Gary looked innocently confused over the FaceCall at such a question. "Sure, they do interviews, but magazines aren't my thing unless Angel is being featured. Skade doesn't care about reading." He beamed. "If Angel tells me she'll be in a magazine, I'll happily buy every copy!"
Nashi sighed as she put on her robe. Such a sweet sentiment. I'll tell him about this…one day.
"Well, either way," Finesse started, "that was the last set we needed. Once you're finished redressing, come meet the director for a follow-up. Oh." She pulled out a business card and handed it to Nashi. "Here's my card. In case you want to do a photoshoot in the future."
Nashi blinked in surprise at the offer, but she took the card. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Finesse nodded. "Hope to see you again soon, Miss Dragneel." She turned away to speak to one of her assistants.
One of the assistants asked Nashi, "Are you ready to go back to your dressing room, Miss Dragneel?"
"Oh, yes!" Nashi smiled. "Lead the way!"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Fairy Adventure 080
•
Tales of Heart's Day Weekend
Tale of Nashi and Gary
Cinderella
•
ハートの日の週末の物語
ナシとゲイリーの物語
シンデレラ
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The dressing room was nothing too special. Since no other models were scheduled for the day, Nashi had the entire space to herself with make-up packed up and bags from Heartz Cruz, Glamour and Illusion, Agent Aphrodite, and even House of Vionnet with the sets of lingerie she had used for the photoshoot.
Nashi sighed in relief in her regular clothes (just some athleisure pants and hoodie). "Man, it feels good to be comfy again." She looked at all the bags. "And even all the lingerie from the shoot, I get to take home as a bonus perk. Honestly, after my interview with the actual Petra, I've been bouncing from interview to interview and doing some pretty nice photo shoots." Her eyes darkened. Petra…
"So you've been on vacation this whole time?"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The focus looked at the Compact set to ⟪ Speaker Audio ⟫ with Petra's contact headlining the call. "Yes, and I am so sorry about that!" Petra profusely apologized. "That was completely unprofessional of me and I sincerely apologize! I guess I had taken my vacation and completely forgot about the interview. I understand if you want to work with another journalist because of this—"
"No, no, that's okay," Nashi assured. "I'm still willing to do the interview with you if that's okay."
"Really? Thank you so much!" Petra cheered. "And I promise I'll be ready with my questions for you!"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi's face fell into a thoughtful frown. From what I'm understanding, Petra was probably replaced with a Machias. And I'm sure her receptionist was in on it too. Petra was probably drugged like the rest of us. More than likely, Petra had something done to her to think she was on vacation. I'm sure Alvarez did a good job covering their tracks. Her hands tensed. However, that makes me even more cautious about the influence Alvarez has and even the Faction. They implanted their agents into DREAM and no one knew. Not exactly no one. Býleistr told me two people stormed in. The same two people from the elevator.
An arrogant smirk and magenta eyes. Bored yellow-greens and an impassive expression.
"Somehow, they had to have known I was in danger," Nashi murmured to herself. "But that begs the question who they were? How did they know me? If they were trying to stop the Fake Machias, then that means they weren't on Alvarez's side. It doesn't make them the bad guys, though. So what does that make them?" She let out a ragged groaned. "Ugh… All these questions and no answers."
BUM…
Nashi perked when she saw her Compact turned on with it plugged into its charger. "Oh. My Com is finally charged." She took hold of it as she thought, I can take my mind off everything for this weekend. Gary flies in tomorrow, so I need to find the perfect present. Her face dipped into a scowl. Although, my stupid cat decided he had better things to do.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"Wait, so you can't be summoned at all? Are you serious?"
Býleistr was in his Cat Form and was rolling around on the ground just because. "Yeah, sorry. But I'm going to be busy."
"With what?"
Býleistr sent her a devious look as he got to all four paws. "You're not the only one who plans on getting busy. I'm finally out of the Void." He shifted into his Natural Form to grin. "I'm finally going to have an opportunity for my own fun. So I'll be out of commission. Sorry."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi shivered. Ugh. Does he have to be so gross? She blinked when she saw an onslaught of text messages. What the…? She read through the text messages to see Gary had called and texted her. A tick mark battered her temple. Gosh, he really is obsessive.
⌜MESSAGES
My Dog
I was hoping Angel was waiting for me when I got homeeeeee ⌟
Nash's eyebrow twitched when Gary had sent her a sticker with a crying cartoon dog. What is he, a teenaged girl? Then it occurred to her. "Wait? Waiting for him when he got home?" She checked the date.
Hickories widened. Oh, no.
Friday, February 11
Outside in the hall, the staff were going to and fro with their files and wardrobe as they chattered amongst themselves when all of a sudden—
"I FORGOT TODAY IS FRIDAY!"
The staff froze as a door ripped open and a crazed Nashi came out loaded with bags and sprinted away. Crap, crap, crap, how could I forget today was Friday and Gary was supposed to get into Fiore this morning! How could I?
Yesterday came back to her in flashes as she saw the interviews she had done, sinking into the tub the moment she had gotten home, getting wine-drunk, and the rather risqué videos she had sent to Gary.
Red covered Nashi's face as she burst out of the studio. Dammit. I've been hitting the ground running with all these interviews. Top it all off, I embarrassed myself to that stupid dog. He probably has enough ammunition to bring up the whole living-together thing again. She whipped out her Compact and ordered a Ryde. "Crap. I totally got everything mixed up." Once her order went through and the Ryde was only a few minutes away, she tapped to Gary's contact. "I hope he's not too mad at me."
Nashi placed a call and waited, but she frowned when she heard the voicemail. She tried again, but it was voicemail. "Damn dog! How dare he send me to voicemail!" She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Then again, he's probably mad. It's fine. I'll make it up to him when I get home. It's fine."
The Ryde came only minutes later, a subcompact SUV pitch black with tinted windows. Quickly, Nashi entered with all her bags and showed her Compact to show the color on the screen. "Hi. I'm Nashi."
The driver glanced at the color, nodded, and pulled them off the curb.
Nashi sat back with a whooshed exhale. I can't believe I'm celebrating Heart's Day in a relationship. And with him out of all people. A soft smile lit her face as she stared out the window. These last few months have been insane. She held up her Compact to look at the lock screen and pressed down. She chuckled to herself when she saw her in the mirror and Gary popped out of nowhere to kiss her cheek. I know I loved him when we were young, but it still feels like a different lifetime. And this stupid dog makes me fall in love with him again.
"Gary Fullbuster, my precious Devil… I love you."
A soft pink feathered her cheeks. My Devil… Fingers touched her lips. She could remember the feel of his own on hers. With his official statement out that he's training in Arcticados, it's easier for him to come back. I feel pretty spoiled he's home after two weeks, but he can only come back to Fiore once a month, so we have to be careful what days he uses for his days off. Her sigh turned sad. He's only here for the weekend. He'll be heading out with his family too for something.
"Angel should come too!" She remembered how enthusiastic Gary sounded. "I want to show Angel off that she's my partner! We should invite your family too! I want everyone to know I belong to Angel!"
Nashi covered her mouth with a hand as the heat on her cheeks intensified. He's so shameless. But I love that about him. She shook her head. "Maybe I'm the shameless one for loving how eccentric he is. That Devil…"
"Hmm?"
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Nashi apologized to the driver. "I'm just thinking out loud." She crossed her legs. "I'm just excited to go home." Home… Gary…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
And then…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi unlocked the door and took down the protective enchantments to cross into the condo with all her bags and a silly grin. "Gary…!" she called. "I'm home!" She kicked off her shoes to slip on her house slippers. "How was your flight in?"
When silence answered her, she was not discouraged as she went past the living room and kitchen to the hallway. "I'm so sorry I didn't welcome you home, but since you're home… I thought you could have a little fun before we go out today?" She went into the master bedroom with a saucy smile. "And we could…" Her smile fell when she saw the bedroom was empty. Huh? Not even his stuff is here…
Nashi frowned as she set down her bags on the bed. "Gary?" she called. "Are you home?" She went to check the bathroom and walk-in closet, but when she came up empty-handed, more confusion hit her. "Did he not come back home first? Maybe he stopped by the guild hall?" She sat on the bed and took out her Compact. But her frown deepened when she called and got his voicemail. He's still not answering?
Nashi went to Julia's contact. Maybe he went to his parents' house first? She called Julia and waited for an answer.
"Hey, Nashi. What's up?"
"Hey. Sorry to bother, but I was just wondering if Gary's at your parents' house," Nashi said. "He's not home, so I figured he'd be with family."
"Oh, calling his condo 'home', huh?"
Nashi reddened. "Just answer the question," she grumbled.
Julia laughed. "Sorry, but he's not home."
Nashi sighed. "I see. Well, thanks for taking my call. Yeah. Yeah, bye." She ended the call and looked at her contact list. "Hmm… Maybe…he's at the guild?" But three minutes later, she was huffy. "So he's not at home and he's not at the guild. Damn dog. Where could he be?" She sprung up from the bed, nose in the air. "Whatever. If he wants to run around, so be it. I'll just send him hints about his Heart's Day gift." She grinned, proud of herself. "If I know him, he'll come running through the door when he realizes I have his gift ready and waiting for him."
She moved to the closet. And I thought of the perfect gift. I got him—
She froze.
The wind blew.
Hickories rounded. No.
She rushed into the closet and searched high and low. No, no, no, this isn't happening! Frantically, she checked around the condo from turning up cushions to checking the cupboards until the crushing realization smacked her down. "I didn't get him a Heart's Day gift!" she cried with her fingers digging into her cheeks. "How could I forget?" She sat on the couch in pitiful despair as she remembered all the interviews and shoots. I've been so busy that I just forgot. Crap! My first Heart's Day with someone and I forget a gift. Okay. Okay, think about this. He won't be too mad, right?
"Angel…didn't get me a gift?" Fantasy-Gary somehow had a dog tail and ears that drooped as he sniffled. "But I bought Angel all her favorite things." He lamely gestured to the mountains of gifts behind him. "And Angel forgot about me all over again…" Fantasy-Gary's eyes watered before he started to bawl. "Angel forgot about me again!"
Nashi shook away the imagery as she stood up, wild-eyed. "Oh god, I don't want him to think I forgot about him." She rushed to find her keys and Compact. I'm sure I can find something he likes before he comes home! "Býleistr!" she called. Then, she cursed. "Dammit. Stupid cat is out for the day." She pulled up ⟪ Ryde ⟫ and ordered one. I can do this. I can figure this out. I just need to stay calm. She wrangled back on her jacket and shoes when she saw her Ryde was here. I can find the perfect gift for him before he comes home.
After making sure she had her wallet and keys, Nashi made a break for it. The Ryde was outside. She offered a harried greeting; the driver agreed her color was the one he had been looking for with a nod, and they were off. Her leg bounced as she looked out the window. I know I might've forgotten, but I can fix this. I will fix this. I'll get Gary a Heart's Day present. But the question is…
°•°•°•°
…what the Hell do you buy a man who has everything?!
Nashi had come to BC Towers as her last hope. Dressed in bountiful decorations of balloons and streamers and paper chains of pinks and reds and whites and golds with floral arrangements to spare, it was a popular spot for friends, family, and lovers to come to spend their afternoon. Flash sales every hour on the hour were happening all around and people were frothing at the mouth to hit as many as they could. This time of year, lingerie shops were the most potent with lines formed to get their hands on good quality pieces for a percentage off. The pop rendition of Bella Notte from Magia's Nikki and Nina's Harmony of Hearts parade was playing over the flow of conversation.
Nashi hesitated as her gaze swept around to all the stores. I thought coming here would give me some sort of idea, but it's just making me feel worse. She stopped at The Art Shop and looked longingly inside the store. I'd get him art supplies, but…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"Look at my art studio, Angel!"
Nashi gawked as Gary showed her one of the largest studios she had seen. Supplies out the wazoo were organized in a creative mesh of crates, mason jars, and other everyday items you would never think to be something you could use for storing this many materials. Canvas has been crafted and stored properly. A negative room existed in a walk-in closet, and one wall had been dedicated to graffiti craft.
Nashi choked. "Th-This is your art studio?"
Gary nodded, beaming. "Yes! I normally work here and hold private classes in here or in one of the other studios."
"Other studios?" Nashi echoed. "You're allowed to rent out the other art studios here? How?"
"Oh, that's easy! I'm the landlord of this entire building! And I was really lucky for one of the local art shops made a contract with me for supplies!" Gary thought about it while Nashi was too busy trying not to faint. "I have two property managers, but one of them is on vacation. You'll have to meet them since everything that's mine is yours now. We're actually converting one of the floors into solely music studios since they're really popular…"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi's shoulders dropped, and she trudged away. Why would I get art supplies for a guy who owns an entire building full of art supplies? she lamented. She perked when she saw Gamer Spot. The deals were outrageous and customers flocked to the store. I could…get him a lacrimagame. She smiled, relieved. Yes! I could—!"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"Look, Angel! This is my game room!"
Nashi was twitching when Gary had such an innocent pride about him as he showed her a flat screen with surround sound and two gamer chairs with every gaming system under the sun and a bookshelf full of games. A comfortable desk with dual monitors and an Archive System and a gamer's chair also took up space alongside a mini-fridge.
"Genius helped me build it," Gary told her. He scratched his cheek with a sheepish smile. "I was sort of hoping to show this to Luke, so I could get on his good side. Do you think he'd like it?" He looked around. "I have over three hundred games…"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi wanted to cry. I can't buy him lacrimagames when he pretty much owns every single one, she wailed. She moved on from Gamer Spot and kept her shuffle down the main hall of BC Towers. She looked around until she caught sight of a kitchenware store and a timid thought came to her. Maybe…I could…
"You'll never have to worry about the kitchen, Angel!" She remembered being blinded as Gary beamed as he showed almost every appliance and all of them were glowing with cleanliness. "When I built my kitchen, I handpicked everything out to make sure I could cook Angel anything she wanted!"
Nashi growled. Dammit. Her eyes went to a clothing store and squinted. Well…
"Angel got me new clothes?" Fantasy-Gary looked quite dapper in his new suit and tie and his face said he was over-the-moon. "I'll treasure them forever!" And just a second later, he was rushing at her half-naked. "I want to thank Angel properly…!"
"Why the Hell would I buy him clothes if all he's going to do is strip them off!"
Silence.
Nashi froze when she realized her shout accumulated an abundance of attention.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Wow ~
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi offered a tentative smile. "My three-year-old just hates wearing clothes," she lied.
And it was business back to normal.
Nashi sighed in relief. I might not want kids, but they make for good excuses. She scowled as she thought of Gary's shimmering aura. And honestly, he acts like a child. Her nose wrinkled when she was forced to witness one of the commercial posters to hype the exhibition hockey match happening in May. Much to her displeasure, because the poster was so big, fans were eager to take selfies. Jaxton and Gary had been featured on the poster. Jaxton had ripped off his helmet, eyes burning in rage, and hair matted in sweat with his jaw tight while Gary was smirking, those blues aglow with Magic as he barreled down the ice.
"He's so hot," a man with red hair and a beauty mark sighed. "They're both tens. Why can't I hit that?"
His friend beside him in her beanie snickered. "Right?" She drooled as she stared at the poster. "Couldn't you, like, imagine what they're like in bed? You know they're packing. I bet they're total serious-types too. Like, I get the whole 'bad boy daddy' vibe from them."
Nashi snorted. Jaxton might look like he's angry there, but in real life… She saw his blank face as he tried hard to control Tesla from petting a cat she was dead-set on petting. He's pretty quiet and barely gets mad. I don't think I've even heard him raised his voice. He's serious, but not a 'bad boy'. And Gary… Maybe in bed, Gary's commanding, and in a battle, he's in the zone, but typically… Her eyebrow twitched as she saw a childish Gary with those damn dog ears and wagging tail open his arms to her.
"Come here, Angel! I want to feed you today!" Fantasy-Gary cheered. His tail suddenly drooped. "I can't feed you?" Suddenly, he was on the ground, throwing a tantrum. "I want to feed Angel! Pleeeeeeeaaaaase…!"
How is he S-Class and rich and everyone thinks he's sexy, but he acts like a dog and a child at the same time? Nashi grumbled. She moved on and kept walking. People think they know him, but they really don't. Hickories darkened. He warned me against looking at his social media stuff, but I couldn't help it. But the comments are so disgusting. He never even posts pictures of himself, but those people are relentless. A tick mark hurt her temple. And when he took that selfie of us when I was just waking up—
("Say, 'cheese', Angel!"
"Wha…? What the…? Why are you taking a picture of me—!")
—the comments were so…horrible. Nashi shoved her hands in her hoodie pocket as nausea rolled in her stomach. A lot of them were positive, but the negative ones were really painful. They called me names. We're lucky Genius designed programs for us to filter out death threats, but the name-calling is getting more creative. Her eyes dropped to the floor. I know I should never look at the comments. I know that. But I did, and…
She stopped before a pet shop. Someone had caged together a Shadow Bird and a white bird with a few others. The Shadow Bird was dancing and its red eyes were pinned to the white bird, but the other females were doing their best to get that attention for themselves. I…love him. And I know Gary loves me. All those stupid tabloids would try to pin us being together before. I never really cared back then…or so I told myself. But now that we are together and the whole thing with Skade… She picked at her black locks. I feel I can't even go in public anymore without being attacked. Using my Transformation Magic to hide in plain sight is genius, but…
One of the bolder female birds had tried to match rhythm with the Shadow Bird. The white bird had seen it and turned away to stare out the cage.
…it's like people are just…cruel for no reason about us…
"Can you believe it?"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The restaurant was nothing special, and that was exactly why Nashi had chosen it for her quick break between her scheduled events. The focus was concentrated on her PAL as she rehearsed the answers she had formulated for the questions Master had thrown at her to be prepared for.
'—and that's why I think—'
"Why would Gary even want her?"
Nashi perked, and the focus found the source. A group of university students was sitting at a round table. 'They're talking about us?'
One of the larger guys put his arm on the back of a girl's chair and looked at her Compact with a grin. "C'mon. You know why they're together. I mean, look at her. She's Daddy's little princess, and she's a total knockout." He shrugged. "With her rep and her body, I'd date her too."
"But she's into bestiality," one of the other students pointed out in disgust. "Did you see her other boyfriend? He's some actual animal."
One of the male students frowned. "That's not true. He has a human form, right?"
"But he's labeled as a 'Magic Creature', genius," another student replied. "Which means she's fucking an actual animal." She shivered. "God, I'm impressed Gary has the strength to be around her and still want to have sex with her when she's doing that."
Nashi swallowed, and the focus drifted back to her PAL. 'But I'm not…'
"And I hear she's pretty much screwed around her guild too," one of the students revealed. "A friend of mine is neighbors with King Cobra of Fairy Tail and he saw Nashi going to his apartment and leaving the next day in the same clothes." She nodded, confident, while the others looked surprised. "Right? He said he swore he heard them fucking."
'But…' Nashi's hands mangled together. 'That was just Orochi. And we've never been together. You probably heard Justin and Ace…'
One of the guys drawled, "Look. All I know is I get why he'd be with her. She's hot and it's for clout. She's the daughter of the Dragon King and the Star Queen. I mean, come on now."
"Yeah, it's definitely some publicity stunt for her," a student agreed. "I mean, he's pretty famous, isn't he? She's probably just trying to get out of being Daddy's little princess, and he gets more free press from being with her." She sat back, smug. "It's celebrity dating one-oh-one, right? She climbs the ladder and his money. He gets a perfect little girlfriend at his beck and call who sucks him off whenever he tells her. Easy."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi walked by the grand fountain as a water show was on to Do You Believe In Magic? with her head done and a grimace on her face. It's not like people haven't talked bad about me before. It comes with the territory of having Mama and Papa for parents. Mama told me people talked badly about her too. They called her names for being with Papa or they accused Papa of being with her only for her looks. She warned me people would question the validity of my relationship. They'd trash talk me. I'd be watched even more so than before. I knew it was coming, but…
She stopped. I guess…I didn't think it would get so vicious like this. Her eyes heated, and she sniffled. I can't cry. I have to be the strong partner Gary deserves. I just wish this didn't bother me as much… She brushed away a blistering tear. I'm not with him because we're sleeping together. I'm not using him or anything like that. I didn't sleep my way through Fairy Tail; I just…
Nashi sat at the fountain and tried to keep her hands from shaking. I just love him. And here I forgot Heart's Day. She groaned as she placed her head in her hands. I don't even know what he wants. I barely even know what he likes. We didn't really have time for a proper date. And over the years, he had the one-up on me. I thought I could finally beat him at his own game, but… Her eyes watered. I don't even know where to start.
"Nashi?"
She sniffled and looked up to clash with pale hazels. "Leo…"
Galileo stood before her with his bandana headband, his metal arm, and a small gift bag in his hands. He looked like he had seen better days, but his surprise to see her was positive. "What are you doing here?"
"Hold on. How did you know it was me?" Nashi has to ask.
Galileo tapped his nose. "I could never forget your scent." His eyes shopped around. "Is Gary here?"
Nashi shook his head. "No, he isn't. I, uh…came alone, actually. I don't know where Gary is." She offered a pitiful smile. "And I don't even have a present for him on Heart's Day. Aren't I the worst?"
Galileo softened before he offered his hand to her. "Come on. Happy Hour is just around the corner, and I think you need a little pick-me-up. And besides"—he smiled—"it's been some time since we've talked, hasn't it, Aphrodite?"
Nashi laughed as she wiped her eyes. "Yeah, it has"—she placed her hand in his—"Ares."
°•°•°•°
The bar and grill was within the food court, but it still had its own restaurant with dark carpet, dark wood, low lighting, and LVs settled on ISPN. Swollen with guests, a wait would soon come with this intake. They made it apparent, however, that children were discouraged due to most of the food being brazen and stewed in alcohol outside the salads and soaps (and, of course, if you specially requested a dish sans alcohol). A group of old college friends had gathered to raise a glass for the friend they had tragically lost a year before. Two girlfriends were debating a potential vacation in Melandia. An older pair of friends were chuckling over their youth.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Happy Hour Bar and Grill. While it is named after "happy hour", it sells alcohol and cooks most of its meals in alcohol during its business hours. After a successful opening in BC Towers, it has more than fifteen restaurants across Fiore and one in Caelum. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi and Galileo had settled at the bar with a helping of fries and bread between them. Galileo had settled on a draft beer while Nashi decided a tall cocktail was enough for her. Silence dwelled between them as she stirred her cocktail and he took an absent sip of his beer.
"The trial," Galileo began in a low murmur. "I had watched it."
"I know." Nashi sipped her drink. "I got your text."
Galileo sighed. "Yeah, but I should have reached out to you in person too." He aimed a half-smile at her. "What you did was impressive and courageous, Angel-fish. No doubt about that."
Nashi laughed. "I don't know about that." Her eyes turned fond as she remembered the trial. "Honestly, I was so nervous about the whole thing. And when that Brassard guy started questioning me…"
"That guy was a bastard," Galileo growled. "I can't believe he revealed your past like that to the public. Please tell me you went after him for slander or something."
Nashi shook her head. "It wasn't worth it," she said lightly as she cupped her glass. "And I said my piece at the end of the day. I spoke about what mattered and every word of it was true." Her expression tinged. "No, it wasn't right about what he did. To be honest, if I had it my way, no one would ever know. And I'm sure those four boys who did that to me are swearing up and down I was asking for it."
"And that's what makes me sick the most." Galileo gripped his beer. "That bastard lawyer made it sound like you were defending those sick assholes. But you weren't defending them."
"Wasn't I?"
"Of course not!" Galileo whipped his head to face her. "You weren't—!" He paused when he saw the sadness in Nashi's smile and eyes. Nashi…
She took a deep breath through her nose and exhaled from her mouth. "There's no point getting angry about it now," she told him. "People have probably formed their own opinions about the situation, but it is what it is. It's not like this will be the first bad thing people have said about me."
Galileo wanted to argue, but he could not. He looked down at his beer instead. "How have you been these days?" he asked. "It sounds stupid to ask, I know. We just haven't talked since…"
"Since November, yes." Nashi sipped more of her drink. "Outside of the trial, it's been okay. I've been pretty busy these days doing interviews and shoots."
"That's good. Great, actually," Galileo complimented.
Nashi's smile brightened. "Thank you. I wanted to hit the ground running. The interviews ask me about Gary and Skade, sure, but Master's been great at rooting out the superficial journalists for the ones with depth." Hickories gleamed. "I've been able to speak about my advocacy for equality for Aberrants and intelligent Magic Creatures like Chimaera. I even learned about Exceeds having trouble in other countries. I want to make my message clear about equality, free will, and mutual respect for all, so I've been putting in every effort into researching scholarly articles, international news, and statistics."
"That's amazing," Galileo told her. "But from the way you speak about it, you're very passionate about it. Sounds like you found your calling."
"I might have," Nashi chuckled. "It's a rush, and I'm still gathering my bearings. I got an offer to work with this big project that advocates for the same things I'm advocating for," she confided. "I still want to figure out everything first, but I'm hoping I can become a spokesperson there."
"As you should. You have a lot to say, and that trial proved it." Galileo smiled. "The way you spoke… It was like I could feel you were putting your heart into every word you were saying. I know other people thought the same. You could change thousands to millions of lives." He took a swig of his beer. "You certainly changed mine."
Nashi opened her mouth, but she had to think about her words. "I…told Gary about you and me," she confessed to him. "I know we had talked about it, but I just wanted you to know I did on New Year's Eve." Her grip on her glass tightened. "I let him know everything. How you helped me re-learn about intimacy being my choice, but in the end…" She sighed and closed her eyes. "I know those last times weren't okay. And you were right. I was being stupid and foolish and scared. I didn't think he could actually love me. I ran from him like a coward, and I hurt him and you. And I'm sorry for that, Leo." Hickories opened, aggrieved. "You've been a great friend to me all these years. And I'm sorry for the way I treated you."
"It's not your fault," Galileo sighed. "I was to blame for this. I knew how Gary felt about you, but I kept it going because…" His fingers threaded in his hair. "There's no good excuse. I was just a coward. I was lonely. And that excuses nothing." His smile was self-deprecating. "I could see it. I could see the way you were feeling about him. And I could tell you were afraid of it all being too real. I should've stopped it then, but I didn't."
Nashi tried to cut in, "That's not on you—"
"That is on me—"
"Then it can be on both of us," Nashi conceded. "You were lonely. I was a coward. We hurt each other, and we hurt someone we care about. We can share the blame." She scratched her cheek. "And I'm sorry if any of this has ruined your relationship with Gary."
"No, we're fine."
Nashi looked at a wincing Galileo in astonishment. "Really?" she gaped. "So you two are okay? You guys talked it out? He isn't upset and you guys are still friends?"
"Ah, yeah…" Galileo turned away to hide his grimace. "Yeah, we talked it out two weeks ago…"
"Galileo? It's been so long since I've seen you, friend!"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Galileo remained wide-eyed with a smiling Gary on the porch of his house. "G-Gary?" He started to sweat. 'I didn't realize he was still in town. I've been meaning to talk to him, but I always bailed because I've been such a coward.' "U-Uh… Yeah, it has been a long time." He roughly swallowed. "Look, there's something that I need to talk to you about—"
"There's no need to, friend. You see"—Gary's smile sharpened—"I know everything."
Galileo shrunk. "E-E-Everything?"
"Yes." Gary loomed over him with that threatening smile. "Everything." He reached out a hand—
Galileo winced at the severe force Gary used on his shoulder. "S-S-So then… I take it you're angry at me." He hurried to add, "Which I one-hundred percent understand! I shouldn't have done what I did—"
"I'm not angry with you, friend." Gary's smile widened as he bore down his hand even more on Galileo's shoulder. "Because, friend, I know you'll watch after Angel while I'm gone, won't you, friend? And you'll take care of her respectfully, friend, since I trust you with her life when I'm not here. And if she's out late, I trust you, friend, to walk her back to the home Angel and I share. You'll do that for me, won't you, friend? She is after all my Angel. If anything happened to her"—cerulean glowed—"I would have to kill whoever wasn't watching over her properly, wouldn't I"—ice covered his hand—"friend?"
Galileo paled. "I…understand."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi smiled, oblivious to Galileo's turmoil. "I'm happy you two worked it out. I was worried it would be awkward for you both since you two hang out in the same circles. Gary wasn't angry when I told him, but still…"
"Yeah, we're fine. All good." Galileo touched his flesh shoulder. But I had to make a trip to Granny P's hut. He made sure to touch my actual shoulder to get his point across. He shivered as he remembered the look in Gary's eyes. I'll be walking on thin ice to get back on his good side. Nashi might think he's some harmless husky, but the guy turns into a bloodthirsty wolf without her around. He wanted to whimper. A bloodthirsty wolf ready to murder me on sight if someone happens to her. But this is the price I pay… A thought came to him. "Hold on. You said Gary wasn't angry. What did he end up saying?"
"He said he couldn't get angry since it was before we became official," Nashi recalled. "But he told me he needed lovey hugs if he ever started feeling jealous." She blushed when she remembered the first time she had to do it. She had climbed into his lap, red-faced, while he hugged her with his damn dog tail wagging while she was embarrassed as all get out. "The method is so effective, but…" She wriggled from the secondhand abashment. It just makes me feel like a kid.
Galileo gaped. She gets hugs and I get a death threat?! He could see two Gary's, the bloodthirsty wolf version of him, and the perky husky version of him. Christ, talk about dual personalities… Hesitantly, he brought up, "Angel-fish, uh… About my talk with Gary…"
"Sir, we have a special order for you."
Galileo and Nashi looked up as a bartender offered to Galileo a plushie husky on a silver platter with a note on the color. "Uh…" Galileo exchanged a weirded-out look with Nashi. "I didn't order this."
"No, sir, this came from another patron," the bartender informed. "I was told this is a gift to you and you are to squeeze the husky."
"Um…' Galileo tentatively took the plushy. "Okay…" He looked at Nashi, who shrugged, and decided to squeeze the husky.
"Because, friend, I know you'll watch after Angel while I'm gone, won't you, friend? And you'll take care of her respectfully, friend, since I trust you with her life when I'm not here—"
Galileo scrambled to hide the husky, panicking, while Nashi had question marks coming off her. How did he do that? Galileo cried as he searched around the restaurant, but he saw no sign of Gary anywhere. He's spying on us?!
Huh… Nashi rubbed her chin. That voice… It sounded so familiar… "Leo, who is that—?"
Galileo loudly laughed. "Just a joke! A practical joke from an old friend of mine! Ah-ha-ha, such a good joke!" He quickly changed the subject when it looked like Nashi wanted to ask more questions. "Anyway, um, are you going to the burlesque show?"
"For sure," Nashi enthused. "I won't be actively participating, though, but I'm coming in support. What about you?" She saw Galileo hemming and hawing and nudged him. "Come on. You totally should! It'll be fun, there's an open bar…" She wiggled her eyebrows. "People will be in lingerie…"
Galileo snorted. "Are you going to be wearing some?" he teased. "Because I'll go if—"
"Because, friend, I know you'll watch after Angel while I'm gone—"
Galileo lunged for the second husky puppy and smothered it under his jacket in panic. What the Hell! I was just joking! He shrunk, eyes skulking around. He really is spying on us. And I can't even smell him!
Nashi raised an eyebrow at Galileo's behavior, but she was quick to dismiss it. "Sadly, no lingerie for me," she relayed. "But you'll see plenty."
Galileo still looked uncertain. "I don't know…"
"My hot friend is wearing leather."
Galileo preened. "Jax's girlfriend? She's doing this?"
Nashi squinted. "I expected a reaction, but now I'm worried you had this big of a reaction…" She shook her head. "Yeah, she's participating. Just don't tell Jaxton." Her face fell flat when she remembered Tesla's giving her those puppy eyes. "JJ, Chi-chi, and I had to swear we wouldn't tell Jaxton since it's a surprise, apparently, and she's certain Jaxton will like it." But somehow, I have a feeling I'll need to pray for that girl on surviving him after her surprise. She raised her glass. Here's to praying she comes back to us alive and she can still sit. In the name of the Presence.
Cael and Seraphim solemnly added, Amen.
"I'll think about going," Galileo told her. "Will Gary be going?"
Nashi shook her head. "He can only come back to Fiore once a month, so he's using Heart's Day weekend for his time here. It sucks, but it is what it is." And now she was sad all over again. "And I still haven't gotten him the right present… Aren't I terrible?"
"I'm sure Gary doesn't care about that," Galileo soothed. "He's not a big material person for his birthday or holidays, right?"
"I… I don't know."
Galileo was taken about when he saw pain written on Nashi's face. "Angel-fish…"
"For years, I pretty much ignored him or run away like a coward," Nashi told him. "I didn't take the time to learn about him. I don't know if he loved gifts on his birthday or not. Sure, I got him a gift, but I never really stayed. All this time, he's known everything about me, but I know nothing about him. And anything I think about buying him, he already has it." She gritted her teeth. "What kind of partner am I? I know nothing about the man I love. Does that mean I even love him? I don't even know where he is. He hasn't been answering his Com. He's not at his parents' house or the guild. The tenants at the art studio say they haven't seen him. I don't even know the regular places he would be. I don't know what he likes for dinner or his favorite movie. I know nothing. And I call myself his partner. I say I love him, but…"
Galileo softened when he saw her eyes cloud over. Oh, Nashi… "Loving a person and knowing everything about them doesn't have to be mutually exclusive," he murmured. "You love Gary for the person he is. You'll learn about him the more time you spend with him. You'll learn what sort of pizza toppings he likes and his shoe size and his favorite music. But I know you love him, Angel-fish."
"I just…" Nashi sniffed. "How can I claim I love him when I know next to nothing about what he likes and hates?"
Galileo wished he could provide words of comfort, but he innately knew nothing he said would get across. "I think this is something you and Gary should talk about."
"But where do I even find him?" Nashi wiped her cheek. "I don't know where to look."
"You'll find him."
Nashi looked down when Galileo placed his metal hand on top of hers. Hickories looked up to clash with pale hazels.
Galileo promised her, "You'll find him."
°•°•°•°
Galileo and Nashi both caught the subcompact SUV coming down the curb, and it stopped right before them. Galileo stopped Nashi before she could take a step, and he searched her face. "You'll find him," he stressed to her. "You'll know where to look."
"I hope so." Nashi craned her neck to kiss his cheek. "It was nice talking to you, Leo. I missed my friend."
Galileo smiled. "You still have me," he assured. "We can talk whenever. Promise."
Nashi softened. "I'd like that." She rubbed her cheek. "I'd better go." She offered a shy wave. "See you later."
Galileo waved back as she walked to her Ryde. "See ya." He shoved his hands in his pockets. I'm surprised Gary would up and disappear on a day like this and leave her alone. He's pretty gung-ho about holidays. I remember he was like a bloodhound trying to track Nashi down everywhere. He watched as Nashi opened the door and made sure she had the right Lacrima Car. It's just so strange to see her alone. He sighed. Oh, well. I guess—
A wind violently brushed through.
Galileo's nostrils flailed.
Hazels widened.
Lips parted.
The Ryde drove away with a distraught Nashi inside.
Ah. I see. Galileo smiled as he looked up at the sky. She really isn't alone, is she…—the husky plushie in his jacket shifted—friend?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Fairy Adventure
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi looked out the window with all the attentiveness in the world. She cared little for all the decorations regarding Heart's Day and glossed over the couples out and about with their smiles and cheer. She was on the lookout for black hair and those loving blues, but with each second that passed, her heart lurched.
I can find you, Gary. If you won't answer your Compact, I'll find you, Nashi determined. She called to the driver, "Are you sure it's okay for you to just drive like this? I don't want this to reflect badly on you."
The driver nodded to her.
Nashi nodded back. "Thank you very much. I'll make sure to give you a fifty percent tip for this." She continued to sift through the pedestrians. He had to have told me once where he liked to eat at some point, right? He had to.
"Here, Angel! I found a great restaurant with a good seafood selection for you!" Gary had smiled that bright smile at her. "I only want to eat where Angel has a lot of options and doesn't have to be around meat!"
Nashi wilted. That's right. He always accommodated me. Yeah, he'd have steak and burgers, but he always made sure any place we went had healthy seafood and vegetarian options for me. She facepalmed. I know I should be over-the-moon my partner is so thoughtful of my life, but it's becoming annoying for situations like this. She shook her head, resolved. No. No, I can't think like this. I have to be positive. I have to be positive.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
1 hour later…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi felt drained. I still haven't found him. And my driver is probably pissed at being used as a taxi rather than a ride. She checked the time with her face pinched. And it's getting late. She tried for his Compact again, but her heart weighed down when she was sent straight to voicemail. Come on, Gary, where are you? Are you mad at me? Hickories shimmered. Maybe he should be mad at me. I forgot he was coming home today. I forgot Heart's Day. I forgot his present. He has a right to be mad at me.
She sighed and looked over to see a convenience store coming up and asked the driver, "Would it be okay if we stopped at that convenience store? We can end the ride here. I'm so sorry to have taken up your time like this."
The driver shook their head as they pulled over to park in the parking lane outside of the convenience store, but they left the car running.
"You're okay to keep going?" Nashi wanted to confirm.
The driver nodded.
"Oh." Nashi unbuckled herself and opened her door. "Thank you. I'll be right back. Did you want anything?"
The driver shook their head.
"I understand. Thank you again. I'll be quick." Nashi hurried into the convenience store. After using the bathroom, she trailed the beverage aisle until she found iced coffee from Starfox in a canister and grabbed it. But the more the cold of the drink spread on her fingers, the more she saw…
Gleaming cerulean.
A clenched jaw.
To Hell with his holiday, Nashi decided as anger festered and replaced her nerves. This is a pain in my ass. The entire concept is commercialized and stupid. She trudged over to the check-out counter. Why should I have to look for him, anyway? Why should I have to buy a gift? If he really cared, he'd be answering his Compact instead of sending me to voicemail. She huffed. I'm sick of this wild goose chase. It was her turn to pay and she and the cashier started the process.
"She was such a bitch for forgetting to buy him anything."
Nashi's ear perked.
Three men in their very early twenties were grouped behind Nashi, one who shamelessly displayed a box of condoms, another who got a pack of beer and jerky, and the third had decided on ice cream and chips. The man who spoke had on a god-awful tacky t-shirt and headphones around his neck. It was Preston. "I was surprised when she showed up at the frat house all crying and saying she was sorry. But"—he shrugged, the pack of beer moving with him—"it is what it is. He pretty much gave her everything, and then the one time she could have taken initiative? She doesn't. It's like she was just using him."
Cal sighed as he readjusted his grip on his mint chocolate chip ice cream. "She kind of was," he pointed out. "It was shallow of her to let him chase after her, do everything in the relationship, and I don't think she ever took the time to even learn what his favorite food was. She didn't plan anything for them. She was selfish."
Nashi's eyes widened. So if you don't celebrate Heart's Day, you're considered a selfish bitch?
"Didn't they have that whole fight in front of the house too?" Christophe remembered. "About if their relationship was worth saving?"
Nashi drummed her fingers on the counter. Please tell me they stayed together. Please tell me—
"Yeah." Cal nodded. "They broke up, remember?"
Nashi felt like a mirror shattered. People break up over this?! She swiped her iced coffee and her change and offered a busy smile. "Thank you!" As she rushed away…
"Hey, Christophe, you never answered about why you're buying condoms since we both know you haven't met a girl down here…"
Nashi darted back to the waiting Ryde and knocked on the window. The door unlocked, and she rushed inside, strapping herself in. "Please keep driving! I'll pay you double! I promise I'm good for it, but please keep driving!"
The driver nodded and pulled off the curb.
Nashi opened her can and took a healthy gulp. Would Gary really break up with me over something like this? I mean, we love each other, so he wouldn't, right? But what if he does? What if he takes this as me not caring about our relationship? What if he thinks I'm just using him?
DRIP.
She sniffled.
DROP.
"Where are you?" A cracked whispered. "Please. I just need to find you." She sniffled and rubbed her cheeks. I can do this. I'll find him. I have to find him. I have to tell him how sorry I am for forgetting and hope he doesn't leave me. More tears dribbled down. "Please don't leave me," she whimpered. "I'm sorry." She sniffed. "I'm sorry."
The driver glanced back, cocked their head, before going back to the road.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
2 hours later…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Hope gone, fatigue wore down Nashi's body. The sky had closed up shop and made room for the night crew with the managing Moon and her stars. The city lights were brighter than ever, but it did not matter to Nashi. Nothing seemed bright anymore.
Everything seemed dull.
I can't find him. I…failed.
The Ryde pulled up in front of the condo building. Nashi sniffled as she dug out her wallet. "I have cash," she croaked to the driver. She brushed away the wetness on her cheek as she counted out her jewel. "I'm so sorry I made you drive for so long. You can report me or something." She sniffled and offered a wad of jewel. "Here. Two-thousand jewel plus a tip. Th-Thank you so much for doing this."
The driver shook their head.
"Please just take it," Nashi beseeched. When the driver shook their head, Nashi felt like she was closer to falling apart. "I-I'll just leave it here then. Please take it when you have the chance." She left the wad of jewel in the backseat of the car before she gathered her belongings and whispered, "Thank you once again." She climbed out of the car and offered a bow of gratitude before she closed the door and trudged to the doors to the building.
It's dark, and I still can't find him.
She went to the mailroom first and picked up the coupons and other irrelevant letters.
I forgot he was coming in. I forgot a Heart's Day gift for him.
The elevator opened to her floor.
I don't even know where he could be. I don't know what he likes or dislikes.
She closed the door behind her and dwelled within the stagnate silence of the condo. She dropped her bags.
All this time… He's done so much for me. And this is how I repay him? With nothing?
She fell into the master bed and grabbed onto one of the pillows to snuggle to her. She took a deep inhale. This even smells like him. Her eyes clouded over in unshed tears. Alone again on Heart's Day because I deserve it. He's always been so sweet and thoughtful, and I couldn't even do this for him. How can I say I love him? What if I've just been using him this entire time? Her eyes closed as tears fell and she buried her head in the pillow. I've been such a hypocrite. I want him to feel treasured and cherished like he's made me feel, but I can't even do that right. I can't do anything right. All I'm doing now is making him think I don't care, but… She sniffled. But I really do care. I love him. So why…?
Magic flooded the room.
Býleistr leaped out of his Stargate and shook out his fur. "Princess, I'm here! I just—!" He softened when he saw Nashi crying. "Oh, Princess…" He transcended into his Natural Form to kneel by her side. "You can't be crying on such a special day, Princess," he murmured. "You don't want Wolverine seeing you like this, do you?"
"Why should he care?" Nashi sniffled. "He's just going to break up with me once he sees I'm just some freeloading woman and he deserves someone who can actually remember getting him a gift."
Býleistr smiled. "Come on, Princess, you don't think he'd break up with you over something like that." He tried to turn her towards him, but she petulantly turned away, much to his amusement. "Princess…"
"Leave me alone," Nashi mumbled, sniffling. "I need to prepare myself for a break-up." Her eyes saw her bags of lingerie and an idea occurred to her. She sat up with fire in her eyes. "Or I can seduce him with sex so he won't leave and he'll stay with me because I'm hot!"
Býleistr sweatdropped. "That sounds like a horrible plan." He sighed as he yanked Nashi out of bed and dragged her. "All right, well, you can't be seen all puffy-eyed and red, so come on. Into the shower you go, Princess."
"No…!" Nashi thrashed and whined, "I don't want to shower! Let me wallow in the misery my first partner is going to break up with me! Let me get wine-drunk!"
Býleistr forced Nashi to her feet in front of the shower. "I am never letting you get drunk off that cheap shit again," he said flatly. "You were horrifying to watch. You should be thanking me or else Wolverine would have videos of you doing unspeakable things." He nudged her to the shower. "Go shower and change into something nice."
"Why?" Nashi rubbed her cheek. "So Gary can break up with me while I look hot?" Then she brightened. "Or so he can't break up with me because I look hot?"
"Something is seriously wrong with you," Býleistr muttered as he exited the bathroom. "Shower. Change. I'll be outside." He pointed at her. "And don't even think about locking yourself in her when I can just teleport to get you out." He shut the door behind him.
Reluctantly, Nashi started to strip and muttered under her breath, "Who pissed in your litter box?"
"I heard that!"
Nashi asked him louder, "Is the pussy said he didn't get any pussy?"
"I heard that too!"
Nashi growled as she turned on the shower, "I know! That's why I said it loud!" She stepped under the spray and muttered, "Asshole."
"I heard that too!"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
30 minutes later…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi made sure she looked okay. Hair in a half updo, she had dressed herself a long-sleeved V neck, pantyhose, and chunk heel thigh-high boots. She adjusted her cuffs in the mirror while Býleistr watched, arms crossed. "Well?" she prompted him. "Is this nice enough for you?"
"Nice enough," Býleistr mocked, but he shook his head when Nashi pushed up her breasts. "He's not going to break up with you. And trying to look like a wet dream isn't going to help the situation. He's just going to pounce on you." He shivered in remembrance of Gary with steam puffing out of his nose as he watched an alarmed Nashi with that predatory gleam in his eyes. "And then you're going to be whiney about it the next day."
"Shut up." Nashi inspected herself in the full-length mirror. "He can't break up with me if we're too busy getting busy." She cringed. "How desperate do I sound?"
"Very," Býleistr replied. "You sound very desperate." When Nashi sighed, Býleistr came over to her. "And you don't need to be desperate," he soothed. "Trust me. Gary isn't going to break up with you."
Nashi flicked an irate wrist. "Oh, what do you know?" she grumbled. She looked at her Compact and saddened. He still hasn't called or texted. Maybe he really is done with me. Hickories glimmered. Maybe…I really am horrible. She yelped when Býleistr grabbed her. "Hey—!"
"Your thoughts were getting dark and depressing," Býleistr rumbled. He let her go to go back to his Lion Form. "Now, stop thinking about seducing him and get on my back. We've got places to be."
Nashi begrudgingly got onto Býleistr's back. "These places better include wine," she muttered.
Býleistr chuckled. "Well… I'm pretty sure he bought some." He roared his Stargate.
Nashi's brow furrowed. "Wait. 'He'—" But she was cut off when they went through a field of warm Magic. One moment, she was in a bedroom. The next moment, Býleistr and her emerged into the wilderness with a tent pitched, a firepit stoked, and fresh drinking water. Nashi had no idea what to feel or say when Býleistr hunkered down to allow her to slip off. "Um…" She looked around the abandoned camp and the river before it. "This is…"
Nashi looked at Býleistr through narrowed eyes. "This is where you plan to murder me, isn't it?"
Býleistr rolled his eyes as he laid down. "Why don't you try using your heart for once instead of getting caught up in your head?"
"My 'heart'?" Nashi growled at him. "I'm so sick of this stupid day! I have to deal with forgetting this stupid holiday and now your smartass proverbs and—!"
LUB-DUB.
Nashi's eyes turned to the sky. Gary.
Býleistr watched as Nashi's wings effortlessly emerged, and she took off with no question. Finally. He laid his head on his paws with a sigh. Using your heart.
°•°•°•°
Nashi could not care less if someone saw her. The biting cold of February did not bother her. The immunity Gary had once given her still had not completely faded, but when she was up here, she never felt the cold. Normally, she would feel warmth and freedom, but she was on a mission that she could not lose focus on. Her wings carried her higher and higher, and she cared little for anything below her or around her. She could feel that winter against her summer. She could feel him.
He's here. I found him. He's here.
As Nashi climbed higher, something about her flight path seemed…familiar. Hold on. She looked around at the rock tower formations impressed with foliage and trees only mountain goats and powerful big cats could climb for pleasure or for food. This place… No… But we can't be… She felt a tug in her chest, in her heart—in her soul. Winter freckled her face as a powerful updraft swung her and she rose above a rock tower formation.
Hickory collided with cerulean.
Gary stood atop the rock tower formation with his black wings furled. While she had cloaked herself in black like a mourning widow, he had gone against the grain and doused himself in white. A white button-down with the top buttons undone, white shorts, and white shoes contradicted the black of his wings and the black of his hair. But he smiled up at her. "My Angel," he murmured. "You've found me."
Hickory quickly watered.
Nashi circled thrice as she descended with grace on the opposing side of the rock tower formation. She folded her wings and kept herself opposite of him as she covered her mouth. She could not believe it. But when the winds picked up, and a breeze pranced by, she smelled that scent. She shook her head. "No." She sniffed and blinked away tears. "No."
"Yes." Gary stepped towards her, but he stopped when Nashi held up a hand.
"Don't come closer to me," Nashi whimpered. "Please, I just…!" She closed her eyes and gulped in this air. This breeze. "You can't…" She swallowed as she wiped her cheeks. "You can't…do this to me—" She hiccupped as she tried to dry her eyes, but it seemed impossible. All she could do today was cry, apparently. She tugged herself away when Gary's hands captured her cheeks. "N-No, I…!"
"Angel." Tone soft. Loving. "My Angel."
She cracked her eyes open.
Teary hickory connected with cerulean.
"I thought you were going to leave me," Nashi whispered as she held back a sob. "But you just…!" She gestured in vague to all around them. "Here? Really? You had to choose here? Because you know we—"
"Yes. I know." Gary kissed her forehead. "This is the place we flew to the first time when you gave me the courage to use my wings again. This is the place where you gave Skade his name the first time." He rested his forehead against hers. "And this is the place I was brave enough to kiss you, Angel."
Nashi cupped her hands over his. "I was so worried," she told him through her tears. "I'm so sorry I didn't answer, I…! I'm just so sorry—"
"Oh, Angel." Gary smiled. "There's no need for tears. I know you've been busy these past two weeks. I know you've had a lot on your mind. I know." He thumbed her cheeks. "And I don't care about gifts, Angel. I never have. I just care that I have you. And that you love me."
Nashi shook her head and gulped. "You say that now," she said shakily, "but one day, you'll realize—"
"That special days like today mean nothing if you can't share it with someone you love," Gary finished for her.
Nashi sniffled. "I couldn't even figure out a gift for you," she confessed, ashamed. "I didn't know what you would even like or…or wouldn't like; I…! I couldn't even figure out the places you'd normally be or who you'd be with…" She looked up at him with both love and pain collaborating in her eyes. "How can I love you right if I don't even know what your favorite food is or where you like to go or what your shoe size is—?"
Gary chuckled. "Angel…"
"Don't laugh at me." Nashi wiped under her eyes. "This is serious."
"I know it is. I'm not laughing because I'm making fun of you," Gary assured. "I'm laughing because I went through the same questions you did."
Nashi looked up at him in disbelief. "Really?"
"Yes." Gary pulled away, but he made sure to keep their hands locked. "Come here, Angel. Sit with me." He led her to the ledge and helped her sit down before he sat beside her. And just like before, his wing extended to curl around her and shield her from unsuspecting zephyrs. He interlaced their hands once again and kissed her knuckles, then the inside of her wrist. "In those years where you had forgotten our time together, I still loved you," he told. "But it worried me about love. I knew I loved you, but… I knew little things about you and not everything. I asked my mom how I could love you when I didn't know everything about you. And you know what she told me to do?"
Nashi shook her head. "What?"
"She told me to stalk you and learn everything about you." He barely missed the swipe for his head.
"Be serious here, you stupid dog!"
Gary laughed. "She did say that to me!" He smiled when Nashi huffed. "But then she gave me more advice." Ceruleans turned wistful. "She told me love isn't something tangible. It's beyond all contrast and doesn't depend on complete harmony and knowledge of the other person or parties involved. Independently and dependently, we're going to go through different experiences in life. And we might not tell the other everything regarding all those experiences. But love isn't based upon knowing every single minute detail. Love is a learning experience. No one goes into love with every single fact of their partner committed to memory. You love the person because you connect and trust them. And you build off the connection and trust to learn more and more about the other."
"But what if we learn something about the other that isn't good?" Nashi asked.
"Then we learn that part about them," Gary said simply, "and we learn how to balance." He saw Nashi's confusion and expanded further: "Of course there will be traits about each other we might not like. We're people. We're destined to be imperfect. But minor flaws we might not find so great don't matter in the long term." He squeezed her hand. "But, if something really does bother you or me, we should still talk about it and work on it. It's all a part of the experience of love—to work and put effort into our commitment."
Nashi nodded in understanding. "I see…" She looked up at the starry sky. "So we could do that? We could still love each other even if we don't know everything about each other and just…learn about each other."
"Yes."
Nashi sighed and bumped his shoulder. "Why is it you always make me feel like such a little kid in times like these?"
"I don't mean to," Gary promised her. "I don't know everything either." Amusement danced in his eyes. "I've just been doing this for a little longer than you."
Nashi smiled. "That, you have." She crossed her ankles. "It's so weird. This feeling. Love, I mean. I get butterflies seeing you, but…it's different, I guess. Like today, I saw that poster of you and Jaxton for the exhibition hockey match and everything. People were going crazy over it. I thought I would feel jealous, but…I saw that picture of you…and all I could remember was how you actually are."
"And how am I?"
"Childish."
Nashi cackled while Gary pouted. "Angel's so mean to me…"
"But very mature when you want to be," Nashi cooed to sate his ego. "You're amazing at art and cooking and you're driven and determined. But you shoulder a lot of things alone. People think you're this open book due to your interviews and think they know you, but I know you. You're not that open. You're a lot more private and I understand why. You hold yourself to high expectations. You're cautious, but you'll do to whatever needs doing to win a fight, which can be a good thing and a bad thing." Her eyes softened. "But you love people with your all. And even if it takes years, you keep the door open for them to return."
Gary hummed. "I still have a lot to figure out," he admitted. "Seeing Invel again… He brought back memories I wasn't ready to see again. He brought back feelings that…"
"'Feelings'?" Nashi prompted him to continue.
Gary tried to gather his words. "He held me captive for over two years. The doctor before him held onto me for a few months before Invel had taken me as his Morningstar. I hate him." His hand twitched. "Or at least…I want to hate him. But it's…different. He forced me to become a murderer. Because of him, I grew numb. I was his perfection." His jaw tensed. "But it's like… I remember he took care of me. He called me his Morningstar and his…son. He groomed me for a death I would have accepted. I can't forget that. But at the same time…"—blues shimmered—"I'll remember those times when I was covered in blood and he'd make sure I'd have a warm bath. Even with those Guards there to keep me back if I ever rebelled, they'd only shoot me."
Gary swallowed. "I remember only once when one of them touched me. Invel…lost it. He's normally cold and composed, but…he just killed the Guard right then and there. He froze and shattered them. And he made sure the other Guard would let anyone else know no one was to touch me, but he said…'my son'." He shook his head. "I can't think he cared about me." Frost expelled from his mouth. "He's done horrible things to me and to others."
"But he raised you for three years," Nashi said softly.
"He didn't…" Gary closed his eyes, hand shaking. "I have a dad, and I love him. Invel… I hate him for everything he did to you—"
"But you still have those days where you wonder if he cared."
Cerulean opened to collide with understanding hickory.
"Now it seems you know what to say," Gary breathed.
Nashi shook her head. "I don't. I can feel your emotions. And when you talk about Invel, the emotions become complex. I can feel your hatred of him. And I can feel the bloodlust for him too. But I can feel the emotions of a little boy who relied on Invel too." She leaned against his shoulder.
"I wish I knew what I was supposed to feel," Gary whispered.
"I wish I could tell you," Nashi replied, "but I can't. I'm well-aware he ripped off my rings. He was responsible for kidnapping Lu, Luke, and me and bringing us to Alvarez. He was responsible for bringing you so much pain. But whatever I feel about him shouldn't matter to what you're figuring out."
"I would have killed him." Gary's bottom lip trembled. "I was…so close to killing him. I wouldn't hear his voice in my head. He'd finally be gone. I let the arrow go, but…" His brow furrowed. "Why didn't I kill him sooner? Why did I wait? Why didn't…?"
Nashi exhaled through her nose. "I don't know," she murmured. "I really don't know." She tightened her grip on his hand. "But I'll be right here as you figure it out. And if we ever face Invel again, I'll support whatever you choose to do."
"Even if that means I kill him?" Gary asked of her. "If it means I let him go, the man who forced you to become Eveningstar? The man who tore off your wings?"
Nashi nodded and looked up at him to brush back his hair. "Even then," she told him. "No, I don't condone death or murder. I'll always be on the side of Life." She rested her hand against his cheek. "Even if I'd like to kill Hemlock for what he did to Luna, I won't. But that's my choice. Not an easy choice, but it's solely mine. Invel held you prisoner for three years. If you meet him again, do what you have to do." Her eyes sparkled. "Just like I did what I had to do."
Gary stole her hand to kiss her palm. "Thank you," he whispered to her. "Thank you, Angel, for loving me even when I'm broken."
"You're not broken," Nashi told him. "You're being you—a person. You're just a little lost." She smiled when he kissed her fingertips. "You'll find your way back. And when you're ready, I can be right there with you. I'm here"—her eyes closed when Gary kissed her forehead—"my Devil."
Gary pulled away to search her eyes. "Come on. Let's go back to camp."
The memories pulled up before Nashi. "Okay."
°•°•°•°
Fish had been cleaned and cook. Two steaks had been pan-fried, and the rice had been easy to manage. They had washed down every bite of food with water, but as the night went on, Gary had brought out a wine bottle from an exceptional year to choose from while Býleistr indulged in his spiked cream. Nashi and Gary laid in their tent together with their clothes shed, a thick blanket on top of them, and a bit of a blush covering Nashi's cheeks as they went for another glass of wine.
"I can't believe you were the driver this entire time," Nashi told him. "What the Hell were you thinking? I was crying over you, you stupid dog!"
Gary gave a sheepish laugh. "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make Angel cry," he wanted her to know. "I was touched Angel went to so much trouble to look for me." He had a dreamy look on his face. "I'm always the one chasing Angel, but it was nice for Angel to chase me for a change…!" He merrily sighed. "One day, I hope Angel chases me around naked—"
"You are a psychopath!"
As Gary broke into a laugh, Nashi took a swallow of wine in annoyance. "So what exactly did happen when you arrived?" she questioned.
"Not too much," Gary admitted. "Since Skade and I are still Council secrets, the Chairman's having me use his private jet to fly to and from Fiore and Arcticados. We leaked I was coming on a commercial flight to divert attention to me. A private driver took me to the condo, but you were already gone."
Nashi hummed. "How did you find me, anyway?"
"I stalked you."
TICK!
Gary held back Nashi's fist from hitting his head as she snarled, "Don't be creepy!"
"I have a nose for wherever Angel is!"
"That's even worse!"
"By the way, Angel…" Gary's smile sharpened. "How come you were doing a lingerie shoot?"
Nashi froze before she started to sweat and tried to sip her wine, but Gary took it away and she was left defenseless. She spluttered, "H-How did you know it was even a lingerie shoot, anyway?" It hit her. "You saw…the bags in the car…" She gulped when she saw Gary's grip tighten. "W-W-Well, I, um…" She tried, "I need the money—"
"You have access to all my finances."
Nashi shrunk. "But I wanted my own money—"
"You have access to all my finances as an authorized user."
Nashi felt even smaller. "I, um… Well, I… I…"
"See, Angel…" Gary set down their wine glasses. "I think I know why you did it."
Nashi tried for a smile, but she felt uneasy all the same. "Because I wanted my own money?" She squeaked when Gary took her into his arms.
"No, Angel." Gary's nose brushed against hers. "Because you love driving me crazy."
Nashi blinked, surprised. "You're…not mad?"
"'Mad'?" Gary shook his head. "No. Angel, your life is your choice. I will never take a choice away from you."
Nashi sighed in relief. "Oh, good. Here I thought you'd be mad at me."
"Of course not, Angel." Steam puffed from his nose and he pinned Nashi down with that predatory gleam in his eyes. "I'll just have to spank you for every copy sold of you."
Nashi reddened. "Y-Y-You can't do that!" she gaped. She shivered when Gary's finger trailed up her throat. "That'll be…too many…" Her eyes closed when his thumb touched her bottom lip and dragged across it.
"Angel enjoys driving me crazy," Gary murmured as he watched her under half-lidded eyes. "People are going to see Angel so vulnerable and fall in love with her. But it doesn't matter how many people fall in love with you or want you. Does it, Angel?"
Nashi swallowed. "N-No." She trembled when he placed a rewarding kiss on her throat. "It doesn't."
"Why?" Gary imparted the question onto her skin. He kissed her chin. "Tell me why, Angel."
"B-Because…"
"Look at me when you say it, Angel."
Nashi sniffed as she cracked open her eyes for abashed hickory to connect with heated cerulean. "Because I love you."
"My Angel… Saying such words to me…" Gary brushed her cheek. "It's like a dream come true to hear those words. I want to make sure Angel only tells those words to me. Those precious words that make my heart beat fast." He reached for his wineglass to dip a finger in it before he offered the finger to Nashi, who suckled on it without missing a beat. "The Chairman was kind enough to let us stay here for the weekend and gave Býleistr permission to use Teleport. I thought we could go for one of our walks tomorrow morning." He pulled his finger from Nashi's lips.
"I'd like that," she rasped.
Gary kissed her forehead. "But tonight, you'll need to sleep, Angel."
"'Sleep'?" Nashi furrowed her brow as her blush spread. "But I thought…"
"The wine's hitting you. I can tell." Gary smiled. "As much as I loved it when Angel got wine-drunk and sent me all those videos, Angel needs to sleep it off tonight. We have all weekend, and I only want Angel when she's sober."
Nashi tried to wrap her head around the concept, but her head swam with a lethal dizziness. "But I wanna…"—her brow crinkled even more—"do it with you." Her hand slid down his chest. "Missed you, Master…"
"Close your eyes and sleep, Angel," Gary commanded her in soft tones. "I'll be right here. You've had a long day."
Nashi tried to gurgle a reply, but it came out noncommittal. She tried again. "Happy…Heart's Day…"—her eyes fell shut—"Gary…" She heaved two breaths into sleep.
Gary chuckled as he grazed her skin. My Angel is so cute. You chased after me all-day. I'm sorry I made you cry. I was worried you could sense me being so close, but your anxiety blocked out your other senses. He kissed her nose. You're my greatest weakness and my greatest strength.
"Gary Fullbuster, my precious Devil… I love you."
Gary settled with Nashi in his arms and closed his eyes. "Nashi Dragneel, my darling Angel…" He smiled. "I love you." He kissed her hair. Happy Heart's Day.
The empty dinner table made for two had poured out the wine in healthy doses. The two wings, one of an Angel and another of a Devil, swish around, but they remained rested and comfortable together rather than apart and together on one ring.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Gifts to show love are fine when they are with care
But what matters the most is the love both share
Love is an experience; it's growth, and it's learning
And the love these two share is now full blooming
•
Our next story in these tales is a classic, at least
The tale of the ever-wondering Beauty
And the story of a Beast
Until next time, my friends, with a story of love and light
Happy Heart's Day to all
And to all a good night
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Takamaru ai no naka
Kawaru shinjou no naka
Sanzen to kagayaku sugata wa
•
Marude suisou no naka ni tobikonde
Toketa enogu mitai na iregyuraa
•
Hitori ja nani hitotsu
Kizukenakatta darou
Konna ni azayaka na shikisai ni futsuu
No koto da to tobokeru kimi ni iikaketa
I Love sono tsuzuki wo okurasete
TO BE CONTINUED…
Next time
On Fairy Adventure
TALES OF HEART'S DAY WEEKEND
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance
Narrator -
Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa
Finesse -
Petra Cromwell – Felicia Day
Býleistr – Josh Tomar
Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns
Galileo Redfox – Josh Grelle
Preston Lates – Chris Patton
Calcifer "Cal" – Benjamin McLauglin
Christophe Justino – Eric Stuart
• — • — •
Additional Voices
Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn
— • — • — • —
⌜OPENING SONG
⟪ Prism ⟫
ClariS & GARNiDELiA
Lyrics by
Ryosuke Shigenaga⌟
•
⌜ENDING SONG
⟪ I Love... ⟫
Official HIGE DANdism
Lyrics by
Satoshi Fujiwara⌟
"Next!"
Galileo waited in line at a convenience store with an energy drink and some jerky fresh in hand as he yawned. Man. I feel like I've been losing sleep these days. He rubbed his eyes. I could use a vacation right about now. His eyes flicked around the store until something caught his eyes. Hazels widened, and he crowded a stand to pluck out a magazine, jaw dropping when he saw...
"A… Angel-fish?"
There Nashi was, smack on the cover. Her hair covered part of her face as she sat on a black chair with her wrists bound as a pink bustier and skirt fitted her. It was like she was challenging you as she licked her lips and wanted to see what you were made of.
She's…on the cover of a magazine? Galileo flipped through and his eyes bulged when he came to Nashi's lingerie shots. Woah… He was intrigued at the black number she had put on, mesh and sinful, and she had on a blindfold as she bit into a riding crop. She looks…phenomenal! He walked back to his place in line as he looked at the next number. It featured her floating in a pool with a lacy white lingerie outfit that told her innocence. I'll have to congratulate her on this…and maybe check out the rest of the magazine.
"Next!"
Galileo set down his energy drink.
"Are you buying that, sir?"
Galileo closed the magazine. "Yeah, I am." He reached for his wallet. "How much—?"
"Because, friend, I know you'll watch after Angel while I'm gone—"
Galileo choked when he saw a husky plushie on the counter spewing Gary's pleasant, yet ominous warning to him. How many Gary's are there?!