After a long, trying month, the castle was finally rebuilt. Makarov stood at the top of the stairs and watched his knights enjoy their hard-earned celebration. His chest filled with pride and he crossed his arms, enjoying the perfectly warm day.
They were celebrating in the castle gardens to accommodate their newest, and largest, members. Levy was laughing heartily with the dragons, her pet panther leaping and playing with the litter of colorful kittens that were growing at an alarming rate. He shook his head at the bunch, really hoping to avoid having an army of large cats roaming around the castle. But if it kept Levy safe, he supposed he could get used to it.
He took a sip of his drink and chuckled into his mug when Jet and Droy approached Levy. They leaned in to talk with her but must have gotten too close for comfort. Gajeel spotted them, changed from his silver scales into a human, pushed Levy behind him, and literally growled into the guards' faces.
The men blanched, bowed apologies, and hightailed it to the other side of the field. Gajeel glared at their retreating backs, arms clenched by his side, until Levy stood on her toes and kissed the corner of his mouth. Makarov frowned, hating to see such clear signs that his little girl was growing up. But it was entertaining how Gajeel would always freeze and turn red at the contact. Makarov checked his watch, wondering how long the iron dragon would stay frozen this time.
Levy patted the statue on the shoulder and moved to talk with Lucy, who leaned against Natsu's leg. Makarov checked his watch again, eyes flicking to Gajeel. Two minutes and he was still frozen in the middle of the field. Makarov rolled his eyes and let them wander around the field to the rest of his children. Not of blood, but by bond.
Erza led a shy Jellal to the tables, the captain oblivious to the puppy eyes the man gave her. Mirajane strolled with them, tugging at Laxus's arm as she walked. Makarov snorted, shaking his head at his son's tense body and flushed cheeks. Perhaps the Demon Mage would be the one to convince the punk to finally settle down. Cana looked to be in yet another drinking contest and Juvia's shouts could be heard across the field as she chased Gray around the tables. Makarov squinted and tilted his head, looking closely at the Ice Mage's face and seeing that perhaps the boy didn't mind the attention as much as his protests led them to believe.
He chuckled heartily, downed the rest of his drink and sat on the edge of their makeshift countertop. He folded his arms across his chest and tucked his legs under him, smiling contently and letting the sounds of the raucous laughter fill his soul.
For these were his children.
This…
Was Fairy Tail.