AN: Chapter 12
At long last… I have returned with a chapter. No amount of sorry will excuse my absence… u-u;; things have just been crazy and I've been too lazy lol anywhos, I want to thank all of you who have been reading this since I haven't updated in so long. I hope to be back on track and get a new chapter up every week. * crosses fingers *
OH! New song added in this chapter! It is called Heart Attack by Demi Lovato, I don't own anything, but anywhos, make sure you go check out this song because it describes Lily in a nutshell. Lol most if it will refer to later chapters, but a good part of it deals with her now. :)
Replies to reviews at bottom!
The young ice mage sat down onto a large crate in the back of Fired Up with a loud huff. Exhaustion was written clear as day over his entire body as he sat there, relieving his tired feet. The restaurant was unusually busy for this time, which didn't make matters any better for Finn. He was late getting to work, he managed to mess up five orders, and dropped two plates in the time he was there. Not to mention the earful he got from Natsu and his ever so faithful blue cat, Happy, who really just chimed in here and there as Natsu spoke. Finn knew Natsu was taking pity on him because of everything going on between him and his family, but it didn't change the fact that he let himself be late to work… all because of a girl.
'I shouldn't have gone over there today… I had everything planned out perfectly, and then…' Finn blushed slightly as he thought about Lily's lips over his once more. The blue haired boy groaned as he rubbed his head frantically with his hands, trying desperately to get the memory out of his head. "Why did she have to do that to me?!" Finn let his hands fall down into his lap as he let out a sigh, his eyelids closing slowly as he leaned back against the kitchen wall. 'I just wish… I had enough nerve to tell her how I felt already. Probably wouldn't have all this trouble with her if I just was honest.'
The young ice mage continued to sit there, tossing the idea of telling Lily how he really felt around in his head as he heard his phone go off in his pocket. He let the phone ring and let it go to voicemail, not having the energy to talk to anyone at the moment.
Natsu peeked his head around the corner of the kitchen entrance, glancing around until his eyes landed on the boy sitting on the crate with his eyes closed. "Oi! Finn! I need ya up front! Break times over!"
Finn looked up quickly to see pink hair disappearing back into the front of the restaurant, letting out a sigh as he stood up. "Yes sir…." Before the ice mage made his way out of the kitchen, he reached into his pocket lazily, pulling his phone out to see who had called him and left him a voicemail. The number displayed on the screen wasn't one that Finn had seen before as he stared down at it. "Wonder who this was… wrong number maybe?" The young boy put the phone up to his ear to listen to his new message before he joined Natsu and the rest of the waiters out front. His heart sank immediately as he knew the all too familiar voice that left a message.
Before the message had ended, Finn deleted the message and ran out to the front to find Natsu. The fire dragon slayer was furiously trying to match the meals ordered to the right tables as Happy read them off the tickets. Finn stepped beside Natsu and spoke quickly. "Um… Mr. Natsu? I really hate to do this to you guys, but I've gotta head out early today…."
"Yeah, no problem kid. What time you thinkin' bout heading outta here? Read me off the next ticket Happy! Oi! Table twenty-three is ready to go!" Natsu said as he handed off a large tray to a server.
Finn rubbed the back of his head as he looked away from his boss. "Now?"
"Are you kidding me?! We're jam packed right now and busier than ever! And you just wanna leave in the middle of it!?" Natsu said loudly as he brought one of the tickets Happy hadn't picked up yet closer to his face. "Hey who wrote this ticket out? I can't read this scribble! Can't anyone do anything right around here?! Happy, try to read this for me!"
The blue cat jumped up with a determined look over his face as he shouted. "Aye Sir!"
Finn began to plea with Natsu as the dragon slayer continued to quickly move around behind the counter. "I know, and I'm sorry, but… it's really important that I leave now."
"What is going on that's so important that you have to leave now?!" Natsu said angrily as he finally turned to face Finn. Worry was over the young ice mages face as he stared into black eyes, as two words left his mouth.
"My dad."
Finn pulled up into the parking lot of The Purple Flame Lounge and quickly made his way to the front after he found a parking spot in the very crowded bar. As he approached the front doors, passing the long line of people who had been waiting for hours, he wondered what he was going to find inside. The door man was the son of the owner of the bar, and quickly spotted Finn running up to him. He half smiled at the young boy as he lifted the purple velvet rope blocking the entrance to the bar.
"Hey Finn. Comin' to get your old man again?" Said the larger man as Finn approached the door. He was taller than Finn, and clearly older, with a bit more muscle on him. He seemed to dress a lot like Finn's boss at Fried Up most of the time when he was working. The ice mage remembered Gray telling him that the bar owners son looked up to Natsu his whole life and as the boy got older, he often started to dress like the fire dragon slayer.
Finn let out a sigh as he waved a hand up, greeting the door man. "Yeah, unfortunately. Your dad called me and left a message on my phone while I was at work. As if I didn't have enough things to worry about today."
The taller man laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well, on a good note, you probably won't have to carry him out tonight. Cana has been feeding him drinks all night and the two seem to be quite cheerful and lively at the moment."
Finn sighed as he walked past the rope into the crowed bar. 'Lively now… still have to drive his happy ass home.'
"Thanks, Romeo, for you and your dad looking out for him while he's here." As Finn entered the loud, crowed bar, he stood up on the tip of his toes, trying to see over the people dancing around in the dark building. The young ice mage could hear excited shouting coming from the bar as he made his way through the crowd. As he stepped up to the bar, he could see his father and Cana throwing back shot after shot as the people around them cheered them on. Cana was first to finish her shots, slamming the last one down on the bar with a wide grin on her face. She threw her arms up in the air, cheering with the excited crowd.
"Come on old man! Can't ya keep up with me?!" She said with a wink.
Gray grinned as he set his second to last shot down on the bar. "You know I had a few drinks before this, I want a rematch!"
Cana stood up on the bar stool quickly and raised her arms up into the air. "You hear that everybody? He wants a rematch!" The surrounding group of people quickly made an uproar as the drunk bartender stepped down and reached for the bottles of alcohol.
Finn shook his head as he watched his father partake in all of this. He was drunk but at least his mind was distracted enough he was enjoying himself.
"I sent that girl over to him an hour ago to cut him off from the drinks… and yet look at them now. Wasting all of my profits."
Finn turned his head to the bar owner who had a sour look over his face as he watched Cana pour the cool liquid into multiple glasses, shaking his head as he watched.
"Mr. Conbolt, I am so sorry about my dad… again…."
"Macao is fine, kid. Don't make me sound any older than I am." The man said as he raised a hand to Finn. "Now about your father—"
Finn reached into his pocket and started to pull out his wallet. "I'll pay for all of his drinks, how much of a tab has he got tonight?"
Macao put a hand on Finns shoulder, shaking his head. "Put your money away kid. I'm not worried about that. Your dad is a longtime friend of mine, and I worry about him. I've seen him coming in here a lot lately and every time he does come in to drink, his mood is always different. I mean, the last time I called he was flat out depressed and we had to help ya drag him outta here. Now tonight, look at him. Having the time of his life. Is everything ok at home? Did your mom come back to him or something?"
Finn's eyes grew sad as his head fell down slightly. 'How can I tell him that dad is just acting like this because mom hasn't come back? He's making things worse for himself drinking like this every night. Not to mention this is totally embarrassing having to pick him up from this place…. This is not how I wanted to be known as a regular here. Here comes Finn! Here to pick up his drunk ass dad again….'
Macao stared at Finn for a minute as the young boy thought. He let out a soft chuckle as he took his hand away from Finn's shoulder. "Never mind. Let's just get your dad to your car."
Finn stared back up at Macao, thankful he understood without him having to say a word. The two headed over to the side of the bar where Gray and Cana continued their little game. Just as Cana was about to pour the last bit of liquid into her cup, Macao took the bottle away from her.
"Alright, that's enough Cana. Go tend to the customers over there for me."
"Aww… you're no fun, boss." Cana said with a pout.
"Yeah, yeah. I know." Macao said with a sigh. His eyes looking towards Gray now who was grinning ear to ear, swinging his mug around in the air wanting a refill.
"Ooii! Barkeep! Anoth-er round!"
Finn took the mug from Grays hand and set it down on the bar quickly. "Come on dad, you're done."
Gray turned his body towards Finn and smiled. "Fffiiiinnn…. H-heeeeeyyy kiiidd… let's have a drink! You an' me!"
Finn sighed as he took hold of Grays' arm and wrapped it around his neck, helping Gray out of his seat from the bar. "Come on, you've had enough for tonight."
Gray began to walk with his son through the bar towards the front door willingly, not processing the fact that they were actually leaving the bar. "Cana! An extra round for my son here!" He shouted as he raised his free arm up into the air.
Finn winced as his father shouted beside him. "Dad you don't have to shout, we're leaving."
The older ice mage grinned as they stepped outside. He quickly tightened his arm around Finn's neck and roughly brushed his knuckles with his free hand through Finn's blue hair. "Aaaaahhh… you're crazy kid. Fun-ny too."
"Dad! Stop it!" Finn said as he struggled to free his head from Grays tight, and quite drunk grip. "Ugh, I don't know what's more annoying, your depressed or happy drunk self!"
As Gray let out a laugh, his grip loosened enough for Finn to escape and assume his position carrying his father to his car nearby.
'This is gonna be one fun ride home….' Finn thought as he stopped beside his car, reaching into his pocket for his car keys all while trying to keep Gray on his feet.
Finn opened the passenger side of the car, unbuckling the seat belt for Gray. "Ok, dad. It's only a few feet away from the front door, and just a little bit further for the couch. Think you can make it to that without falling over?"
Gray's head hung low as Finn grabbed his arm and wrapped it around his neck once more. Finn was surprised how quiet his dad had gotten on the ride home and wondered if he had passed out. "Dad?" Finn said as he slowly and carefully got Gray out from the passenger side.
"Yeah…" Gray said quietly.
Finn adjusted his father's large form as he looked up to the front door. "Oh good. You didn't pass out on me. All you gotta do is help me to the couch and then you can go to bed." Finn and Gray began to walk towards the front door slowly, careful not to let Gray lose his balance if left to walk himself in.
'Another late night for me I guess… I've gotta get him inside and start on my homework as soon as I can. Might need to wake up early tomorrow and finish it up if I have to.'
Finn groaned as he threw his head back slightly. "I really wish you didn't do this to me tonight. I was already having a bad day and on top of that, I had to come get you again from the bar. I wish could just pull yourself toget—" Finn stopped talking as he could hear soft weeping beside him. He stopped in his tracks and looked down at Gray.
His father had brought a hand up to his face, shielding his dark eyes as tears streamed down his cool cheeks, gritting his teeth as he wept. All Finn could do was stare, unable to believe what was happening at that moment. "Dad?"
"I'm… so sorry Finn….I'm sorry I'm putting you and your sister through all of this… you shouldn't have to stay here with me… but you did… I'm… I'm such a fool for letting you go… Juvia…. I'm so sorry…."
Finn's solid blue eyes widened at the sound of Gray's weak voice speaking his mother's name. He hadn't said it since the day she had left his side, and didn't like to talk about her whenever she was brought up.
'He's… he's sorry? Is he just saying this because he's drunk? He sounds so sad and sincere though… dad… you still love mom, don't you? That's why you haven't signed those papers…. Why can't you just tell her?' Finns' thoughts stopped as he began to think of his own situation with the girl he loved. A frown appeared over his face as he looked back towards the front door to the house. 'A son taking after his father… can't bring himself to tell the girl he loves how he truly feels. Now I know where I get that from I guess.'
"Come on dad… let's get you inside…" Finn said softly as he began to step forward again, listening to his father continue to weep quietly.
The next morning Finn awoke from his slumber by his phone going off next to his head. He had fallen asleep with his head laying on his desk, his homework spread over the small space. He groaned as the phone continued to ring seconds after the first call ended. He answered it and grumpily spoke into the phone.
"This better be good Leo…."
"Dude! School was canceled today! Turns out there was a major water leak in one of the bathrooms and yeah, it's pretty nasty by the sounds of it. But that's not why I called you! You gotta come over later and watch this episode of Sorcerer Weekly!"
"Mmmhm…" Finn replied as he slowly drifted back to sleep.
"I'm serious Finn! Don't miss out on this week's ep! It's about Lily and her band!"
Finn shot up quickly and held the phone closer to his ear. "What did you say?!"
"Ha! I knew that would wake you up! But no, seriously. Lily was on the show and they are airing it today! You should totally come over and watch it!"
"What time is that gonna be on?" Finn said quickly.
"Should be on around two, so just come over whenever. My parents won't be home til later."
"Awesome, thanks for letting me know Leo. See ya later." Finn said with a grin as he hung up with his friend. He held his phone for a moment, looking down at it with a smile. 'Lil had been talking about getting onto the show for a while now… I can't believe she didn't tell me she got on finally. Ah who cares! I get to see her perform one of her new song she was telling me about.' The young ice mage glanced outside at the rising sun, just starting to make an appearance. 'Maybe dad will want to practice some magic with me since classes were canceled.'
The blue haired boy yawned as he stretched his arms up, his eyes glancing over to his alarm clock that wasn't set the night before. "Well, I guess it's a good thing classes were canceled. Forgot to set my damn alarm." Finn turned his head slightly to crack his neck as he looked back out his window then down to the unfinished homework. "Guess I should finish this first then go see if dad is up."
Gray had slept for a few hours since Finn brought him back home, his drunken state slowly turning into a pounding headache as he sat on the couch with his head in his hands. He opened his dark eyes and reached for a small bottle of medicine, taking out a couple of pills and throwing them to the back of his throat. He picked up a left over glass of water from the night before and chugged it quickly. The ice mage let out a sigh as he set the glass back down on the table, his eyes catching a glimpse of the picture he had kept on the small coffee table.
He continued to stare at it for a long minute before looking down at the divorce papers lying next to the small picture. He picked up the pen and put it to the paper on the line with a small arrow sticker pointing at it. He paused as he held the pen in place, thinking things over in his head. He looked up to the stairs quickly as Finn stopped midway coming down them, shocked to see Gray awake.
"Oh, dad… you're up. I didn't wake you, did I?" Finn asked as he took a few more steps down, eyeing the pen in Grays hand and the paper he had been staring at.
Gray set the pen down and shook his head. "No, I've been awake for a little while now. Hard to sleep well on this old couch. You would think that after four years of sleeping on this thing, it'd be comfy by now." Gray said as he tapped the back of the couch lightly, half grinning towards Finn at his own sad joke.
Finn reached the bottom of the stairs and pointed his thumb over his shoulder towards the kitchen. "You hungry? I could make us something to eat."
"Nah…" Gray said as he turned back around, facing the table before him. "I'm not that hungry." He reached past the paperwork and picked up his cigarettes, taking one out of the box and bringing it to his lips. "Thought you had school today."
As Finn rummaged through the cabinets for something to eat, he spoke back to his father in the other room. "Yeah, Leo called me a bit ago. Apparently they canceled school caz of a water leak or something. I guess it's kind of a blessing since I didn't get much sleep last night and I wasn't able to finish my homework."
Gray paused for a moment as he began to light the cigarette he held with his lips. Last night was running through his head as he sat there. He didn't remember much but he could remember the last bit from the ride home to when he had wept in front of Finn. He always avoided crying in front of his kids, always wanting to prove to them that he was strong in any situation. Last night was the first night he couldn't control himself. He had wept in front of his own son, showing that he had become weak, how he was honestly falling apart, how sorry he was for letting her go.
"I wasn't too much of a burden last night, was I?" He asked as he lit up the lighter in his hand.
Finn knew from the delayed question that Gray had remembered what happened last night and was playing it off as if he didn't. The young ice mage let out a sigh as he responded. "Not more than usual. I think you were actually having a good time last night with Cana. But I'm sure you're regretting it now."
"Hm. I think you could be right." Gray said as he let out a puff of smoke.
Finn came back into the living room, walking in front of his father. "So… I was wondering if we could practice some magic before I go hang out with Leo today."
Gray looked at Finn, pondering if he should actually try to train his son today or not. After a minute let out a long sigh. "I guess. I owe you that much at least for helping me out last night."
Finn headed back to the kitchen and rolled his eyes. 'You owe me more than that dad, but I guess I can let it slide since you are willing to help me out while you're hungover.'
Finn could hear Gray call to him from the couch in the other room. "So when do ya want to start up with this session?"
Finn grinned as he turned around on his heels. "Now."
Gray turned his head as he placed an arm over the back of the couch, staring down his son with the smirk on his face. "Are you serious, kid?"
"Very." Finn replied.
Gray groaned as he took the cigarette from his mouth and put it out in the ash tray on the table. As he stood, he spoke quietly to himself. "You're killin' me kid… don't ya know I'm hungover? How the hell am I supposed to concentrate while in this state?"
Finn half grinned as he turned slightly. "I'm sure you will manage dad. Besides this isn't the first time you've worked with me while hungover."
Gray scoffed quietly to himself as the thought back to when Juvia had first left, how often he would just drink, masking the pain he was feeling deep inside. "Alright… we can start now. Just give me a few minutes."
Finn nodded and quickly made his way outside, leaving Gray to watch his son excitedly get ready for some magic training. 'He reminds me so much of myself when I was younger… I just hope Finn can make better decisions than what I have done over the years.'
"I want you to now concentrate Finn. Focus on what you are doing and what you want to do. Maker magic is one of the easiest magic's to learn. All you need is your imagination and concentration." Gray said as he stood behind Finn. They had been at it for hours and Finn had yet to get right one of the most powerful moves Gray knows. For once, Gray was actually talking to his son and not yelling or putting him down. The young ice mage thought it could possibly be because he had to help Gray home the night before or it was the hangover he was experiencing.
Finn took in a breath, slow and steady, slowly putting himself into a stance for his next move. He placed his hands together; a flat palm and a tight fist. He closed his eyes as he exhaled, an icy mist slowly forming around his hands.
"Good, you're concentrating. Now imagine creating a geyser before you. It'll take a lot of magic energy and trust me, it's not an easy thing to create. Think about what you want to do, have confidence in your magic, and then make it."
Finn opened his eyes slowly as he could feel the magic coursing through his body, moving to his hands as he imagined creating the ice geyser. 'I can do this… its weird… but I can almost feel my magic wanting to create what I'm thinking… maybe today will be the day I can do this.'
Gray watched as the magic grew around Finn, slowly but surely. "That's it Finn. Now create it. You can do it, kid."
Finn took another second to think about what he wanted before slamming his hands down towards the ground. Ice began to form before him, a smile forming over his face as well as he saw his magic actually working for once. 'I'm doing it! It's actually working!'
A moment later Finn's smile faded as just a tiny little ice geyser was formed in front of him. "Damn it… I thought I had it that time…"
Without a word, Gray lowered his head slightly and headed back towards the house. Finn looked at him and quickly spoke. "H-hey! I thought we weren't going to stop until I got it right?"
The ice mage stopped and glanced back at Finn. "That's good enough for today kid. Maybe tomorrow we can practice some more."
Finn looked on as his father disappeared inside the house, disbelief was over his face. "Did… he just say we were done for the day? That's really weird…" Finn looked back down to the small geyser he had made, sticking out his bottom lip slightly. "I wish I did better than this… pathetic excuse for an ice geyser…" Finn said as he kicked lightly at the chunk of spikey ice before his feet. "Maybe Leo will want to hang out now instead of later."
The blue haired boy followed where his father had gone into the house, eyeing him at the couch once more, staring into the small picture frame had been looking at for a long time now. Finn often wondered what Gray was thinking about when he looked into the old picture. It was one of the whole family together, happy, and full of love. Rain had just turned one and they were all celebrating her birthday in the picture. It was one of Grays' favorites of him and the whole family. Everyone was smiling, even Rain. Finn watched as Gray rang his fingers over the glass lightly before setting the picture down and reaching for the remote.
"You going to head over to Leo's now?" He asked coolly.
Finn snapped out from his own thoughts and responded. "Uh, yeah, I was gonna see if he wanted to hang out now."
"Don't be out too late, you've got school tomorrow."
Finn shook his head slightly as he walked up the stairs. "I know, dad. I know."
Leo swung the front door open and grinned at Finn. Finn raised a brow at his friend as he took a step inside the house. "What's with that face?"
"Oh nothing… just been watching the cover story on Lily and the band."
"What?! Why didn't you tell me it started sooner?!" Finn said as he rushed to Leo's room, throwing his backpack on the floor as he ran. The blonde haired boy was right behind Finn as they both ran.
"Don't worry! It's just that Jason guy askin' Chrono and the other band mates all of these questions individually and Chrono is just clueless. Lily hasn't come on yet."
Finn sat down on the bed and looked at the TV. "Dude, don't scare me like that…" He said with a blush.
Leo grinned as he sat down in his chair next to his bed. "Afraid you missed out on Princess Lily's interview?"
Finn sent a glare towards Leo as the blonde haired boy laughed at Finns' reaction to the question. "Shut up Leo!"
Leo waved a hand at Finn as he put another one behind his head. "Don't worry, they didn't show her new song yet either."
"Who's new song?"
Both Leo and Finn turned their heads to see Lily in Leo's doorframe. Leo stood quickly and pointed a finger at Lily. "What the hell are you doing in my house?!"
"Well for starters, I saw Finn pull in and run inside the house, then you chased after him and left your front door wide open. Stupid." The dark haired girl said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Leo's hand fell down at his side as he muttered the word "Oh."
"Yeah, so I came over here since we practically live a couple houses down, let myself in, closed the door and heard you two love birds talkin' bout someone's new song."
All heads turned back towards the TV as they heard the interviewers' loud voice speak into his microphone.
"And now, the moment you all have been waiting for ladies and gentlemen! The gorgeous, the talented, the cooooolest, Lily Redfox!" He said excitedly as he stood up from his chair and held up a hand out towards Lily who was making an appearance on stage.
Lily rolled her eyes as she saw herself on the TV. "Oh…. You guys are watching this… ugh, that was such an annoying interview." She said as she made her way to Leo's bed, sitting down next to Finn. Leo eyed her carefully as she sat down, lowering his eye brows as he stared.
"So then why are you staying here?" He asked coolly.
Lily sighed as she leaned back on her arms. "Caz I'm bored and I'm tired of hearing my dad chew me out."
"Still don't know why you can't just go hang out with your other friends—oh wait that's right, you don't have any!" Leo teased as he looked over to Lily.
"Finn is my friend. So your statement is wrong." Lily said as she leaned up and wrapped an arm around Finn. "Isn't that right Finn? You and I are the best of friends."
The young ice mage blushed bright red as he tried to keep his focus on the TV. He watched as Lily sat down on the chair, a bright smile over her face as she waved to her fans before turning her head to the interviewer.
"Lily, thank you so much for coming onto the show!" Jason said calmly, folding his hands together on the desk he sat behind. Lily giggled as she closed her eyes happily.
"Thank you so much for having me and the rest of the band on the greatest show on earth! Am I right?" she asked as she looked out into the crowd. They all cheered in agreement as she turned back to face Jason.
"S-s-sooo cooool! I love how the crowd is full of all of this energy just to see you here! Now, before we get started with the questions… we here at Sorcerer Weekly have been hearing a certain rumor that you have a new song that you would like to perform here today. What do you have to say about that rumor?"
Lily smiled as she brushed back some of her dark hair behind her ears. "Well, I would like to say that the rumor is most definitely true." The young mage looked out into the crowd as she stood. "Would you all like to hear it?"
The large sitting crowd nodded and urged Lily to sing her song to them as Jason began to squirm in his chair in excitement. "You heard it here folks! The rumors were true and we are about to hear something amazing!"
Finn glanced over at Lily who had taken her arm back and crossed it over her chest as she watched herself on TV, getting ready to sing her newest song for everyone. He couldn't understand why Lily looked so annoyed as they watched the episode. He wondered if it had to do with the man interviewing her. He was well known for his crazy, overly excited reactions to answers from the people he interviewed. His solid blue eyes went back to the TV where Lily was getting ready to sing for everyone.
The older girl looked back at her band, nodding her head to let them know that she was about to perform. As the lights began to dim, the music began, Lily's voice starting up immediately.
Puttin' my defenses up.
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love.
If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.
Never put my love out on the line,
Never said yes to the right guy,
Never had trouble getting what I want,
But when it comes to you, I'm never good enough.
When I don't care, I can play 'em like a Ken doll.
Won't wash my hair, then make 'em bounce like a basketball.
But you make me wanna act like a girl,
Paint my nails and wear high heels, yes you,
Make me so nervous, that I just can't hold your hand.
You make me glow,
But I cover up, won't let it show.
So I'm puttin' my defenses up,
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love.
If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.
I think I'd have a heart attack,
I think I'd have a heart attack.
Never break a sweat for the other guys,
When you come around, I get paralyzed.
And every time I try to be myself,
It comes out wrong like a cry for help.
It's just not fair.
Pain's more trouble than love is worth.
I gasp for air,
It feels so good, but you know it hurts.
But you make me wanna act like a girl,
Paint my nails and wear perfume, for you,
Make me so nervous, that I just can't hold your hand.
You make me glow,
But I cover up, won't let it show,
So I'm puttin' my defenses up,
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love,
If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.
I think I'd have a heart attack,
I think I'd have a heart attack.
The feelings got lost in my lungs,
They're burning, I'd rather be numb,
And there's no one else to blame.
So scared I take off and I run,
I'm flying too close to the sun,
And I burst into flames.
You make me glow,
But I cover up, won't let it show,
So I'm puttin' my defenses up,
'Cause I don't wanna fall in love,
If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.
As Lily sang, Jason couldn't help but jump up from the sidelines, shouting, "SOOOOOO COOOOOOOL! YOU HEAR THAT FOLKS?! WHAT VOCALS! THIS GIRL HAS GOT IT ALL!"
I think I'd have a heart attack,
I think I'd have a heart attack,
I think I'd have a heart attack.
I think I'd have a heart attack.
Jason slid across the floor on his knees in front of the stage where Lily and the others stood, pumping his arms up and down in excitement. "There it is everybody! Black Lotus's new song by the newly favorite singer in Magnolia, Lily Redfox!"
Lily smiled as she held her hand up in the air, thanking the crowd for their support. As the rest of the band left to go backstage, Lily joined Jason back to the chairs next to his interviewing desk.
"Ok, so now we got that new song out of the way, let's get down to some other rumors we have heard. Is it true that you and the guitarist are dating currently?"
Lily waved a hand slightly as she rolled her eyes with a smile. "Come on, Jason, didn't you even listen to my song just now? If I was seeing someone, how could I have written that? Not to mention we talked about it and decided to just stay friends since it would possibly become complicated with the band and all. So no. We are not dating."
"You hear that fellas? This little lady is still quiet single! Are you searching for someone right now? Or is that something further from your mind?"
Lily kept her cool as she spoke to the interviewer. "Well, as much as I would like to say that I would love to have a man right now, the band and song writing takes up way too much of my time. Not to mention I'm in college still. I would like to graduate and further my music career before I even consider taking on a guy."
Just as Lily's comment ended, her phone rang in her pocket. She quickly answered it with a sigh and an unenthused hello.
"Lil! What the hell! Why did you tell them we weren't going out?" Chrono said angrily on the other line.
"Well maybe I would tell other people that we are a couple if you would stop flirting with other girls and then going home with them after our shows."
Finn looked over to Lily as she argued with Chrono over the phone, not realizing that he was just staring at her now. 'Wonder what happened between them… maybe they broke up?' Finn's eye brows leveled as he continued to think. 'Great, that means she's single… and now every guy on earth is gonna be after her if they aren't already!' His solid blue eyes softened once more as they stared in her hazel eyes, burning with anger as she continued to shout into the phone. 'I wish you would just look at me differently, Lily. I could make you so happy… if you would just give me a chance to show you.'
The script mage hung up with Chrono without another word and turned her phone off. "Ugh, god he's such a dumbass. Does he really think I'd say that we were going out when other people clearly see him with stupid bimbos on either side of his arms after each show? At least have the common sense to see other people sneakily like me."
Leo turned his head slowly to her and shook it side to side slowly. "You're the worst…"
Lily stuck her tongue out at the blonde haired boy and went back to watching the show. Finn too slowly turned his attention back to the TV to listen to the next part of the interview.
"Speaking of your music career, is it true that most of your inspiration comes from your father, the famous Gajeel Redfox? Did he influence you a lot to get into this music business? And do you think that your band will become as successful as the Iron Lions one day?"
Lily smiled brightly as she spoke. "Of course. I definitely have my father to thank for me getting into music. When I was younger, he taught me how to play every instrument known to man, and he was always helping me throughout the years to write my own music. And as for becoming successful, I definitely plan on surpassing my father and his bandmates on the charts!"
Lily groaned beside Finn as she mouthed her answers along with the TV. "It's always the same fucking thing at these interviews. They ask me how my father has influenced me or if I owe it all to him just caz he was a famous drummer in his stupid band. I mean come on, can't they just think for one second that maybe I got into this stuff on my own?"
Finn shrugged his shoulders as he continued to watch the TV. "I don't know Lil, I mean… you really do owe a lot to your dad."
The dark haired girl scoffed as she looked to Finn. "Finn, don't take that annoying man's side. I don't owe my dad that much…."
Leo turned his head quickly to Lily and started to yell at her. "What do you mean you don't owe your dad that much?! You owe him everything! He gave you a roof over your head, took care of you when you were younger, bought you anything and everything your black heart wanted and he was the one who got you into music! Man… why people can't see the real you is beyond me…."
Lily quickly stood and raised a fist to Leo, baring her fangs slightly as she spoke. "You want to fight little boy?! You callin' me a spoiled brat who didn't have to work to get where she is now?!"
Leo stood and raised his own fist at Lily, using is Regulus magic to light his hand up. "If the shoe fits, yeah that's what I'm sayin'!"
Finn shook his head as he sighed. "You two just can't go one day without fighting…" he said quietly to himself. His eyes widened slightly as he looked down at his pocket where his phone began to ring. He reached in and answered it as the other two continued to argue loudly.
"Hey Mom."
Juvia's voice could be heard on the other line, sounding happily upbeat. "Finn! I'm so sorry I haven't talked to you all week, but I've been quite busy."
"It's cool, what's up?"
"Are you still planning on coming over to visit this weekend?"
"Yeah I had planned on coming over Friday night, or early Saturday morning. Why?"
"Well… there's something I have to tell you. Promise me you won't freak out."
Finn raised a brow as he listened closely. "Ok… what is it?"
Juvia paused as she gathered herself before she spoke to her son. "Finn, I've been seeing someone for about a month now. I figured that now would be a good time for you two to meet. I planned on cooking dinner Saturday night for the four of us. Are you ok with this? Or should I just wait to introduce you two?"
Finn was speechless for a long moment as his mother spoke. The very idea that his mother had a new boyfriend was almost unimaginable to the young boy. He honestly didn't know how to answer his mother at first until her voice came ringing back into his head.
"Finn? Are you still there?"
"Huh? Uh, yeah… I'm still here mom."
"Are… you ok with dinner Saturday night?"
"…Yeah… I'll see you then."
"Oh, Finn! Thank you so much! I'm so happy and I just know you two will get along! See you in a couple of days!"
The young ice mage hung up with his mother and looked blankly at the ground, catching the bickering two's attention.
Leo waved a hand in front of Finns face as he spoke. "Heeelloooo? Earth to Finn? You in there buddy?"
Lily leaned in from the other side of Finn, shaking his shoulder lightly. "Oi, what's up? Who was that?"
"…It was my mom…" Finn said quietly.
"Is something wrong with her?" Lily asked calmly.
Leo suddenly gasped and gripped Finn's shoulders, frantically speaking. "IS IT RAIN?! TELL ME SHE'S OK!"
Finn looked at them both as he spoke. "My mom has a new boyfriend…. I'm going to meet him this weekend…."
"You're going to see them all this weekend still? Can I come too?!" Leo asked excitedly.
Finn stood up and shook Leo off his shoulders. "No, Leo. It's just me going."
"But I need to see my beloved Rain! It's been too long since I've had the chance to proclaim my love to her!" Leo pleaded.
Lily put her hands on her hips as she spoke to Leo. "Weren't you just with a girl a few days ago?"
Leo crossed his arms over his chest and turned his head up. "That's different. They aren't Rain."
"I gotta go guys… I'll talk to you later…" Finn said as he left Leo's room. Lily quickly followed him out to talk to him.
"Hey, Finn… are you ok with your mom dating someone?" She asked as Finn opened the front door to Leo's house, adjusting his backpack on his shoulder.
The ice mage let out a sigh as he paused for a moment. "I honestly don't know how I feel. Part of me wants to be happy for my mom meeting someone new. But then the mere thought of someone other than my dad being with my mom kinda… weirds me out."
"Yeah, I bet. How's Rain doing?"
"Well. I haven't talked to her in a while, but last time I talked to her, she seemed a bit off. Didn't mention anything about mom meeting someone new. I'll probably have a long talk with her when I go see her this weekend. Anyway… I'll see ya later Lil."
Lily stopped by Finn's car as he got in, watching him carefully. She could tell he was bothered by the idea of his mother with someone, but at the same time she could tell he was trying to be ok with it. 'News like that is going to take some time to sink in I bet… poor Finn….'
Lily's ears picked up a window opening from above, most likely from the annoying boy who lived there. She turned her body slightly and looked up to see Leo leaning out, shaking his fist angrily at her.
"Get off my property you dirty, mean, old dragon!" He shouted angrily.
"You wanna say that to my face, blondie?!" Lily said as she held up her hand, ready to use her script magic on Leo.
The younger boy nervously shook his head and returned to his room, closing the window quickly. She turned her head back to Finn as he rolled down his window.
"Promise me you two won't kill each other while I'm gone…."
Lily winked as she spoke. "I can't make any promises but I'll try not to."
AN: lol Leo. All my love goes to these characters. Next chapter will be interesting. We will be seeing Finn, Rain, Juvia, and this new mystery man she is currently dating… bum bum bum! I hope you all enjoyed and please don't forget to review and let me know what you think! (also I quickly reread over this so sorry if there are any errors… I was tired while writing this and I skimmed over it quickly. Lol )
Sngsngsnyrslp: I too feel bad for Gray. He is one of my favorite characters, I mean I really don't hate a lot of the FT members, but anywhos, I feel even worse for him in this chapter lol
BambooGreen: When I read this review, I about dropped everything I was holding and died from laughter! And don't worry, there will be a bit of Gajeel and Lily throw down soon… not super soon, but soon enough lol and the father daughter time will happen as well. But that definitely won't happen until much later. Lol
Nyma: hahaha! This is why you guys are so awesome! I love hearing stuff like this! Of course I would probably do the same. I too get excited when new chapters are posted :) Yeah I agree with that too. Gray needed to be honest and now it's gotten him into this whole mess. Hopefully he can pull through and make things better! Leo, I'm telling you is one of my favorite characters I have written. My friend, Msktk and I are constantly coming up with things for him to say or do to make the story better! And I too hope Finn will master his magic one day lol
Mgaa: that he is lol that he is.
FairyTailFairy32027: Hello, thank you for reading and enjoying story!
Jess (Guest): haha that's awesome! Thank you so much for reading and I'm sorry for not updating this in such a long time! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well as the last few :)