Stage Fright pt. 2
"Hold still," Lucy said as she began began braiding Layla's hair into two pigtails. She'd had to scramble to find the little girl a dress that went well with her Fantasia parade costume. They did find one, eventually, an adorable little navy blue dress with a tulle skirt and sparkly bodice that complimented the sequined navy blue mermaid shaped dress Lucy was wearing. As Lucy finished tying off Layla's braids and began winding them around her head in a braid crown, she heard a soft shuffling behind her. She turned her head and beamed at the sight behind her.
"Oh, you look so cute!" Lucy squeed as she smiled at Nashi stood behind her dressed in a white covered with multi-colored polka dots and a white button-up shirt under it with puffed sleeves and a lacy collar. Her pink hair had been curled and tied into two pigtails at the top of her head with colorful ribbons. Despite the adorable outfit, Nashi had a bit of a sour look on her face.
"I look like a cupcake," she whined.
"No, you look adorable," Lucy crooned as she patted Nashi's head.
"Do we have to where these matching things?" Storm asked as he appeared next to Nashi, wearing a polka dot set of overalls and a white, collared button up shirt.
"Storm? Storm? Come here and let me see," Juvia's voice rang out. She soon found her son and squeed.
"Oh, you look adorable!"
"I look stupid," Storm grumbled. "Why we gotta match in these baby clothes?"
"Because it makes you look cute!"
"Hey guys, the parade's about to start, everyone get in position!" Laxus shouted.
Lucy finished tying Layla's hair up, set her on her hip, and took her outside. Natsu and Igneel were already out there, dressed in matching black pants and white shirts, Igneel propped on Natsu's hip.
"You girls ready?" Natsu asked.
"Yeah!" Layla cheered.
Nashi didn't answer, though. She was staring at her feet, playing with the edge of her skirt in nervousness.
"Hey," Natsu set a hand under her chin and tilted ther face towards him. "You're gonna be fine, Firecracker."
Nashi smiled weakly. "Yeah. Okay."
Natsu smiled back at her, leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Good luck."
He stood up and kissed Layla's cheek, making her giggle. "And good luck to you."
He smiled mischivously as he turned to Igneel.
"And you…"
"No!" Igneel covered his face with his arms. "No kissies!"
The other four Dragneels laughed at their youngest as Natsu cupped Lucy's face in his hand and kissed her lips.
"Good luck."
"Ew!" three tiny voices cried out, making the parents laugh.
"Now lets get this show on the road," Natsu cheered as he carried Igneel to their spot in line.
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"Excuse me. Excuse me. Oh, I'm very sorry, excuse me," Jude said as he pushed his way through the crowd. The train from Acalypha to here had been a bit late, and now he was scarmbling to find a good seat for the parade.
"Ah, Jude, I had a feeling we'd being seeing you here tonight," a familiar voice called.
"Oh, hello, Master Makarov," Juse smiled as he approached the older and shorter man.
"Jude, Jude, Jude, I haven't been Guild Master for four years now," Makarov smiled.
"I've always know you as Master Makarov, though, so I'm afraid you'll have to withstand me calling you that," Jude replied with a chuckle.
"Very well, here, have a seat," Makarov patted a space on the bench next to him. "The parade will be starting soon."
"Thank you," Jude smiled, taking his seat, only then noticing that the triplets, Lorelle, Bianca, and Meeko were seated on the other side of Makarov. At the other end of the bench, blocking the children between him and Makarov was Jellal, who smiled and waved to the older man.
"Why, hello children," Jude waved back. "Jellal."
"No Fair!" Lorelle crossed her arms. "Why does Layla get to be in the parade and not me?"
"Because she has her magic and we don't," Bianca answered. "Now shut up. You're making my head hurt."
"Even baby Igneel got his magic before me! No fair!" Lorelle began kicking her legs and whining.
"Aw, come now, little one," Makarov patted her head. "Igneel and Layla are just early bloomers. You'll get your magic soon."
"But I want it now!"
"Igneel's found his magic?" Jude's eyes brightened.
"Indeed," Makarov smiled. "About two hours ago. The boy's a Celestial Dragon Slayer."
"Those exist?" Jude's eyebrows raised.
"They do now," Makarov chuckled as a lively tune began playing. "Oh, quiet children, the parade is coming!"
As the music grew louder, bright lights began illuminting the street.
A green blue float came rolling down the street with a bright yellow balloon arch hanging over it. Cana and Guildarts stood in the middle of it, Cana raised her hand creating various glittering shapes with her cards before spelling out the words "Fairy Tail." Guildarts just smiled in pride at her while throwing handfuls of candy into the crowd (he was too scared he wouldn't hold back enough to use his magic during the parade.)
"Here, Uncle Guildarts, here!" All the little children cheered.
Guildarts smiled down at them, making sure to throw several extra large handfuls their way. "There ya go, you little ankle biters!"
"Yay!" They all cheered as they snatched up their spoils.
Jude and Makarov only chuckled at them.
Behind Cana and Guildarts float was a blue one, decorated to look like a coral reef with a pirate ship sailing behind it. Juvia sat on a pearly throne in the middle of the reef, decked out in a mermaid costume as Gray manned the ship's wheel dressed as a pirate captain.
"Hi, Mommy, hi Daddy!" Bianca called, waving her arms.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Meeko cheered, reaching up with tiny hands towards his parents.
Juvia smiled and waved to her younger two children before creating a fountain like affect along the edges of the coral reef with a flick of her wrist. Gray placed one of his fists against his palm, creating several ice canons along his ship, shooting out harmless shavings that did nothing but sparkle. All the children squealed in fun as Gray saluted to them and the parade continued on.
Next came Levy and Gajeel's float, shaped to look like a high tower that a princess (Levy) was being rescued from by a galant knight (Gajeel) who was walking along side it with his squire (a reluctant Pantherlily). The float paused and Gajeel gave off an Iron Dragon roar into the air, followed by solid script confetti, making everyone clap and applaud.
Next was the exceed family, all dressed like funny little gnomes as they danced around their mushroom shaped houses atop their float, tossing candy to anyone who raised their hands, especially the cheering children next to Jude and Makarov.
Erza's float was next, her float was fairly simple, a silver, flat platform, leaving plenty of room open for her various swords to dance around her as she requipped into luxurious outfit after luxurious outfit.
"Mommy!" the triplets cheered, jumping up and down on the bench as she passed by. She smiled and waved at them. Jellal smiled at his wife, blowing her a kiss. She blushed slightly and blew one back.
Next came the Thunder Legion's float, all pretending to hike up the treacherous mountain their float was shaped as. At the top of the mountain was a new face to the group. Farrah smiled brightly as she clapped her hands together, sending a burst of lightning in the shape of the Fairy Tail mark into the air, earning a round of applause.
All the children cheered.
"My, my. She's certainly improved, hasn't she?" Jude asked as he smiled and clapped as he craned his neck. When were his family's floats going to come?
"She's getting so big!" Makarov agreed, proud grandpa tears brimming his eyes.
Jude bit back his laughter. He couldn't promise he wouldn't be as mushy when his three little ones showed up.
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"Alright, show time kids, you ready?" Laxus said as he helped the Birthday Gang onto their float.
"Yeah!" they all shouted. All but one.
Nashi tried to smile, but she was getting nervous again as she made her way to the top of the birthday cake.
Everything's gonna be fine, she told herself. Like Daddy said, they'll love you. Right?
She took her spot, ringing her hands as butteflies flew in her stomach. Despite her telling herself it would be fine, she couldn't help but worry about those few horribly familiar faces she'd spotted earlier.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Storm suddenly popped his head up from the lower teir of the cake.
"Gah! Storm, what are y-" She began asking as he climbed up and stood next to her.
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be at the-" Nashi began
"Eh, changed my mind," Storm shrugged as he scooted closer to her. "You looked lonely up here."
"I'm fine," she rolled her eyes, though she was secretly thankful he'd joined her. The float suddenly began to move. Nashi let out an involuntary squeak. She could almost feel herself trembling as she thought back to those unfriendly faces just waiting for her to pass by further up the street.
Storm noticed her getting nervous again and reached out to hold her hand. "You'll be fine."
Nashi smiled as she squeezed her friend's hand. "Yeah. Thanks."
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"Hey, look!" Bianca pointed as a birtday cake shaped float began rolling by.
"Big brother!" Meeko cheered.
Jude turned his head and smiled. Standing on the top of the cake was Nashi, smiling and waving, Storm by her side. Nashi raised her hands. Ontop of the colorful pillars standing all over the cake float sparkling crimson flames burst to life. Jude smiled at the sight of them, beautiful, brilliant balls of glittering fire. Her magic was so pretty and so powerful, really a sight to behold.
Despite that, Nashi had butterflies in her stomach. Her flames were burning bright now, how would people like it.
"Nashi!" Jude called as he stood to his feet and waved his hand over his head. "Nashi!"
Nashi turned towards him, smiled, and waved back. The butterflies began to die down at the sight of her grandfather's face beaming at her. At least Pops liked her. Not to mention Old Master Makarov and the other kids, who were smiling and waving at her.
"Isn't that the Titan Fire wizard?" someone in the crowd said.
Nashi held her breath.
"What a cutie!"
"Wow, her magic's really pretty!"
"Good job, kiddo!"
They…
...They were actually saying nice things about her! She let out a sight of relief as the compliments and cheers kept coming in.
"Never seen fire like that before!"
"SO COOOOOOL!"
"Can't wait to see what she'll be able to do when she's older!"
"Told ya they'd like you," Storm whispered to her as his tendrils of water began slithering up the candles, extinguishing the flames before creating royal blue flowers floating above the pillars.
"Thanks," Nashi whispered to him, ducking her head slightly to hide her blush.
"Aren't you going to keep waving? They're still cheering for you," Storm asked.
Nashi smiled and began waving again. The other four members of the Birthday Gang also waved from where they stood on the bottom tear of the cake. Roman had a series of throwing stars floating and making shapes in the air above his head. He'd added telekinesis to his repetoire. Not that it was surprising, both of his parents posssessed that skill.
Roman created a heart in the air, that Koree then shot an Iron Dragon Roar through.
"Yay, Roman!" the triplets cheered. He smiled and waved to them and his father, who was beaming in pride at his son's show.
"Good work, son! Keep it up!"
Persephone called forth several screens before shattering them and then using the peices to create Fairy Tail mark in the air over her head. Cato put a finger to either side of his head. Spirals of ice and fire surrounded the Fairy Tail mark in a shining circle.
"Look at my boy!" Makarov sniffled.
As the Birthday Gang's float rolled along Jude sat back down, but only to stand back up to his feet at the sight of a crescent moon float with two blond celestial wizards sitting on it. Lucy held out two keys. Loke and Aries appeared, Aries tossing out bits of pink wool in the shape of cute little animals as Loke created streams of bright, yellow light swirling around the float and in between the stars handing over the float.
Layla, seated in her mother's lap, also held out a key. Fyllo appeared, sending out waves of multi-colored roses into the crowd. Everyone cheered as dozens of people snatched the roses out of the air. Some of the men gave it to their sweethearts, setting them behind their ears. Some were sticking it into their shirt pockets for a flare of style. Some who had handfuls of it were making flower crowns. Layla gasped and beamed at what she and her spirit had just done.
"See that, Fyllo?" she beamed. "They like it!"
"Sure, ya lil'cutie," Fyllo smiled as she patted her head.
"Lucy! Layla!" Jude called to them and waved, they both smiled and waved back. He beamed as they passed by, turning his head. Sure enough, he saw a burst of fire from behind the Celestial Wizard girl's float. Natsu came walking down the street, several small dragon carvings on wheels surrounding him. Igneel was seated on his shoulders. Natsu paused, craned his head back and puffed nine letters into the air, spelling out "Fairy Tail."
Igneel watched with intense concentration. As his father finished up, Igneel leaned his head back and let out a burst of shining dots of light, decorating the words his father had created. Jude had seen that light enough times to know what it was; celestial magic.
He smiled as he called: "Natsu! Igneel!"
They both turned to him and waved back.
"Pops, see what I did? See what I did?" Igneel asked.
"Of course I did!" Jude beamed as the two Dragneel boys kept walking along. A few other floats passed by before the final one showed up: a massive, glittering, golden platform that towered over the crowd. Laxus and Mirajane stood in the center, dressed in a fabulous golden suit and dress. They stood next to each other, hand in hand, waving to the crowd. They looked like a king and queen.
Makarov sniffled again as he waved to them. "Look at my kids!"
They both smiled and waved back to him. As their float passed on the crowds began to disperse.
"Alright, you three, lets go back to the Guild Hall," Jellal said, setting Von on his shoulder and taking Evan and Minette by the hands. Makarov took Meeko and Lorelle by the hand, and ordered Bianca to stay close. Jude slipped off to one of the multiple stands nearby to get some gifts for his grandchildren. The parade still had a ways to go before finishing back up at the Guild Hall. He had time for a little shopping.
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"There it is," Cato called, pointing to the Guild Hall. They'd almost made the full circle and the parade was almost done.
Nashi called her flames up to light the candles once more, waving and smiling wildly. She was quite animated now, her nerves having completely left her as the fun of the evening had infected her.
"Hmph!"
In an instant those nausiating nerves came back. Nashi turned and saw the family she'd spotted earlier watching on. The mother of the family had her arms crossed, frowning up at her. Nashi's hands stopped waving and instead fell to her side, clasping behind her back as she ducked her head. She closed her eyes, flinching, waiting for a reprimand, or protest, or boo. Instead, though, she heard a loud-
"WHOOPS!"
And a "thunk."
She opened her eyes and looked.
Storm had apparently "tripped" falling flat on his face. During his tumble he'd "accidentally" sent a jet of water straight into the disapproving mother's face, soaking her to the bone. The woman shrieked and raced off through the crowd as they all guffawed at her misfortune.
"You did that on purpose," Nashi whispered as Storm stood back to his feet. Though she was frowning, she was happy that the attention was no longer solely on her.
"Did what on purpose?" Storm asked in feigned ignorance as he lifted his hands, extinguished her flames, and created his water flowers again.
The rest of the Birthday Gang all laughed at Storm's "fumble." Only he and Nashi knew the true reason behind his fall. Nashi blushed as she began waving again.
"Thanks."
"For what?" Storm asked, still playing dumb.
Nashi smiled at him and playfully socked him in the shoulder. "You know what, you dummy!"
"Nope. Not at all," Storm shook his head, though he was smiling. The float finally came to a stop and the children all scampered off of it with Gray, Juvia, Gajeel, Erza's, and Levy's help. Nashi waited until the rest of her family came back before heading inside.
"Pops!" all three Dragneel children called as they entered the Guild Hall's doors and saw their grandfather sitting at a table near the front.
"Ah, there's my three little super stars," Jude smiled as he opened his arms to his three grandchildren and pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads.
"Did you see us, Pops? Did you see us?" Igneel asked.
"I most certainly did," Jude answered. "Oh, you all did so well!"
"You think everyone liked us?" Nashi asked.
"Of course, they adored you!" Jude assured her. "Your flames have gotten so much stronger since last I've seen you. And you-"
He turned to Layla. "I believe that was a new spirit you called tonight, wasn't it?"
"Uh-huh! That's Fyllo. I just contracted with her a few days ago."
"You'll have even more spirits that your mother if you keep this up," Jude smiled. "And...hm...I thought I'd heard something about a Celestial Dragon Slayer, but I forgot who it was? Maybe I was mistaken…"
"Me! Me! Me!" Igneel began jumping up and down in place. "I'm a Celestial Dragon Slayer!"
"Are you? Are you, now?" Jude beamed at him. "Well, how about that? Oh, I almost forgot-"
Jude turned around and picked three packages off the table behind him. "I have a few things for you."
"Presents!" Layla cheered as she and her siblings all but snatched the gifts from him.
"I think you bring them presents every time you come down here," Natsu commented as Jude stood to greet him and Lucy. "You're going to spoil those kids rotten."
"I'm a grandfather, that's my job," Jude replied.
Lucy chuckled as she walked towards him. "Hi, Dad."
"Hello, sweetheart," Jude hugged his daughter. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing great, how about you?"
"Splendid, splendid," Jude answered as he let his daughter go and smiled at her.
"I got a dragon!" Igneel cheered from behind them. He held up a golden colored dragon plushie.
"I got a star," Layla said as she held up a plushie golden star.
"Give it a squeeze," Jude instructed.
Layla did so and the pillow lit up. She gasped. "Mommy, Daddy, look! It lights up!"
"That's cool," Natsu said.
Lucy smiled as she turned to Jude. "Aw, you remembered she's scared of the dark."
"Of course I did," Jude replied.
"Ooh, pretty!" Nashi gasped as she opened up a small box. Inside was a red charm in the shape of a flame hanging from a silver chain. "Look!" she held it up for her parents to see.
"That is pretty," Natsu agreed. "Want me to put it on you?"
"Uh-huh!" Nashi turned around and held her hair up so her father could hook the chain around her neck.
The family talked for a little while longer before heading back hom, Jude in tow.
"Story-time! Story-time!" the younger two children cheered, tugging on their mother's hands.
"Alright, alright, what book you want me to read to you tonight?" Lucy asked as she and the children made their way to the bookshelf in the livingroom. Natsu smiled at the amd made a bee-line to the kitchen.
"I'm starved! Want some food, Pops?"
"I'm not hungry, but I would like something to eat," Jude said as he followed his son-in-law into the kitchen. Natsu tossed him a plastic cup that he then filled up at the sink.
"How have you been, son?" he aske as Natsu pulled an unfinished sub sandwhich out of the fridge.
"Pretty good? How about yourself? The Recovery Center been keeping you busy?"
"Not so bad," Jude said. "Things have been fairly slow there, actually. But that's good. That means everyone's in good shape."
"Yeah, guess so," Natsu said through a bite of sandwhich.
"How about you? Have you been on any exciting jobs recently?"
"Nu-uh," Natsu shook his head. "It's Lucy's month. Come back next month and I'm sure I'll have all kinds of crazy stories to tell."
Jude nodded with a smile. "Well, how did her job go?"
"Fine. Some old lady called for someone to discover who was stealing from her jewelry shop. 'Course Lucy figured it out like that," Natsu snapped in demonstration before chuckling. "It was the old hag's son! The kid had been using it to fuel his gambling habit. Luce got him hooked up with some therapy before she left. Old woman was so grateful she doubled the reward."
"Oh, that must be nice," Jude said as he sipped on his water, smiling. Natsu didn't know it, but this was a kind of "test" Jude did everytime her came around. He'd ask Natsu about Lucy to see if the younger man was attentive to Lucy's life. Of course Natsu always had an answer or a story, proving he had been paying attention. By this point Jude had no doubt Natsu loved Lucy and took good care of her, but it was still nice to reassure himself of this with his little test.
The two men talked for a little while longer. As Natsu finished up his midnight snack he wandered into the livingroom.
"Hey, Luce, kids. How y-"
He gasped at the sight in front of him, a soft smile on his lips as he leaned against the door frame. Lucy sat on the couch, a storybook in her limp hand. Igneel sat in her lap, Layla and Nashi on either side of her, their heads pillowed on her shoulders. All four of them were asleep, snoring softly. Igneel was snuggled up against his mother's chest, his new stuffed dragon toy in his arms. Layla was tucked under Lucy's arm which held her close againt her mother's side. She sucked on her thumb as her light-up star plushie sat in her lap. Lucy's head was pillowed ontop of Nashi's as she wrapped her arms around her mother's middle, chest rising and falling with each breath she took.
Natsu's heart began to ache. It was rare to see his family so peaceful and still. They were usually running here and there, chasing each other all over the place, causing chaos everywhere they went. Family life was certainly hectic, but in the best way possible. He enjoyed their crazy life more than he could ever say. Still, this peaceful moment he was witnessing was one of the sweetest things he'd ever seen. He hated to ruin it, but he knew they'd all be stiff and hurting tomorrow if he let them sleep like this.
He tip-toed towards his family and gently took Igneel out of Lucy's lap. The toddler grunted as he was placed against Natsu's shoulder.
"Sh," Natsu whispered as he patted his son's back and ascended the steps. He carried Igneel to his room, pulled the covers of his bed back, and set him onto the bed. He dug the boy's pajama's out of the dresser and carefully changed him out of his parade clothes and into his sleep clothes. Making sure his toy dragon was still under his arm, Natsu tucked Igneel in and gave him a small kiss on the top of his head.
He walked back down the steps, moved Lucy's arm, and picked Layla up. Carrying her to her room, he took off her party dress and put a nightgown onto her. He tucked her in, making sure to turn her night light on and to set her light up plushied under the blankets with her before giving her a kiss goodnight. She muttered something in her sleep, but he couldn't make it out because she still had her thumb in her mouth. He chuckled softly as he picked bobby pins out of her hair and let the braids fall from their crown ontop of her head to lie on the pillow behind her head. He then stood and closed the door, making sure to leave it open just a crack in case her night light and plushie failed she'd at least have light from the hall way.
Walking back down the steps he gently lifted Lucy's head so he could pick up Nashi. He grunted slightly at the drastic weight difference between his youngest two and Nashi.
"You're getting so big, Firecracker," he whispered as he stood up and began walking back towards the steps. He still couldn't believe she was eight years old. It seemed like only yesterday he'd stumbled upon the test Lucy had left on the bathroom counter. Now here he was having to use both arms to carry her up the stairs and into her room. He carefully changed her into her nightgown, tucked her in, and pressed a small kiss onto her forehead where her scar was and stroked her hair. She was still his little girl, always would be, but she certainly wasn't a baby anymore, as much as he hated to admit it.
As he untied the ribbons from around her head to let the already falling curls lie free on her pillow he noticed the necklace Jude had given her was still around her neck. He reached to take it off, but Nashi set a hand over it in her sleep, muttering something that sounded like "don't touch it" in her sleep. Natsu thought for a moment. Well, she was eight years old. She was old enough to take it off herself if it got too tight in her sleep. He kissed her forehead again and walked back into the hall and down the steps.
He took the book Lucy was holding out of her hand and set it on the coffee table before slipping one arm under her legs, and the other behind her shoulders.
"Getting your workout in, aren't you, son?" Jude chuckled from where he'd been watching in the doorway between the kitchen and livingroom.
"Eh, well, you know," Natsu shrugged as he lifted Lucy into his arms and turned towards his father-in-law. "Gotta get that weight lifting in somehow."
Jude laughed, then grew serious. "Thank you," he said.
Natsu shook his head. "You say that every time you come over. No need to thank me, I'm just doing my job, that's all."
"I know, but I can still be thankful that my daughter and granchildren are well cared for, can't I?"
"I guess," Natsu smiled carrying Lucy up the steps. "Need anything before I turn in?" he asked over his shoulders half-way up.
"No, no, I can manage. I know where the guest room is. Thank you, though," Jude replied. "Good night, Natsu."
"Night, Pops," Natsu said carrying Lucy all the way to their bedroom. He set her on the bed before seraching through the dresser for one of her night gowns. Her slipped her sparkly dress off her, removed her bra, and slipped the nightgown over her head. He then scooted down the the foot of the bed and began unfastening the strappy heels Lucy had worn. The kids had kicked their shoes off the minute they got in the door, but had whisked their mother away to bedtime story. He rubbed her feet for a little while. She'd been in those heels for a long time, and had chased their kids around in them, her feet were probably sore. She hummed softly in her sleep as he worked, making him smile. He stood again and went to her vanity to find her hair brush.
It took him much longer to undo her hair than it had Layla or Nashi. Her updo was much more complicated and had a lot more pins. He actually considered just leaving it after a while, but then remembered the horrible headache Lucy had gotten one time because she left her hair up. After he'd finished pulling all the pins out he began to brush it. He knew he didn't need to. Lucy had told him it was the pins that made her head hurt, not having it curled and stiffened. Besides, she was just going to get bed head anyways. Still, he wanted to. For some reason he liked brushing Lucy's hair.
After he'd smoothed in back down to where it was looking normal again he stood up and changed into his own pajamas. Lying back down he tucked the blankets around himself and Lucy before snuggling closer against her.
"Good night," he whispered. "I love you."
She hummed in her sleep again as she instinctfully moved closer to him. He smiled and closed his eyes, soon drifting off to sleep.