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Erza forgets her practiced apology as soon as she comes face-to-face with Elfman and Lucy, he has a rather hopeful, somewhat maniacal smile on his face as he gives the child a small push towards her.
"I wanted to apologize for the other day," she murmurs. "I'm the adult and should've behaved as such."
"I should've been paying closer attention to her," he says. "I have a way that you can make it up. Lucy needs to learn manners, right? Teaching her will build a relationship and make her less of a little savage at the dinner table."
Erza sighs and observes the little girl closer. Her blisters have been meticulously cleaned, cared for, and are healing. Her pigtails are sloppy but then Elfman has never been known for his skills with hair. No matter his sloppy skills, she leans into his leg and gives her a nervous smile.
"What's her preferred learning method?"
"You can't just stick her before some books and lecture. Fighting with her will just ensure that she fights back. show her the action, praise her, and then she repeats it."
Her interest has shifted back towards Elfman, and she marvels over how enraptured the little girl is. Children don't really avoid him, but their interest typically lies closer to how strong is he, and could he beat this creature in a hypothetical fight? Lucy watches him like he's just beaten down every single creature in the hypothetical fights and then trained them to become stronger.
"You haven't been together very long, but she's already become so attached," Erza shakes her head. "I'll teach her and do my best to be patient with her as it seems she certainly isn't going anywhere, and we'd better get along, right?"
Elfman gives her an appreciative nod, crouches and presses their foreheads together. "You're going to have breakfast with Erza here, okay? I'll be waiting over by the bar, right where you can see me."
Lucy nods, pushes her forehead against his, and follows her towards the rapidly filling table. Erza chooses a mostly empty corner and waits until she stops squirming before she reaches for the napkin.
"Some people tuck the napkin into their shirts," she explains. "We'll be spreading it over our laps, though."
She slides the ring off, snaps the napkin open, and spreads it over her lap. Lucy's movements are far more awkward with a sloppy wrist flick and ring nearly rolling off the table, but she manages to get it spread over her lap. She nods but does not attempt patting her head, squeezing her shoulder, or extending her praise beyond the nonverbal.
Erza reaches for the serving spoon. "We have a lot of people which means we have a lot of food. No one will ever go hungry here, but it also means that we cannot just stick our fingers into the bowls, okay? You can just ask for help."
She doles out generous helpings but clears her throat before Lucy can jump onto her plate. Erza grabs her fork and motions for Lucy to watch her. She stabs some eggs and lies her fork against the plate and waits for her to repeat the action.
Lucy grips her fork like a sword. Her brow puckers with determination as she hovers over the eggs. Her initial stabs scrape and squeal over the plate and manage only to gather bits and pieces. Still, she looks expectantly towards Erza.
"A spoon might be better," she murmurs. "You're doing well, though."
Elfman watches their progress with a growing smile. Sure, food is still going everywhere between the table, floor, and her clothing, but she's eating with a fork. Makarov watches the food fly with a chuckle and shakes his head.
"How is she adjusting?" He asks. "I heard her painting was rather unsettling."
"Lucy seems unbothered with it," he replies. "I expected she might have nightmares. I hoped she might give us more than just a game of charades."
"I understand how difficult it is, but you must be patient. For now, we can only hope Mira returns with information as soon as possible."
Elfman chews on his cheek. "Mira planned on coming back as soon as she got information. Lucy did fine this morning but didn't really know she was gone. I convinced her that she could have bath, breakfast, and clean clothes without waking up sis."
Makarov's response is interrupted by roaring laughter. Even Gray and Natsu have slung their arms around each other, seemingly frozen as Lucy picks eggs from Erza's hair. He gives an affectionate sigh and shakes his head.
"Lucy is still learning," he chuckles. "Let's just hope she doesn't try eating those eggs…"
Everyone's laughter is just beginning to settle into snorts and wheezes when the furious knocking begins. Makarov leaps down from the bar and heads for the door.
"Everyone better behave," he demands. "We can frighten our new recruits after they join our guild. Now, how can I help you?"
Makarov backs away looking ashen. Three soldiers fill the doorway with broad shoulders, dour faces, and heavy boots. The tallest one steps forward and clears his throat.
"We're looking for Elfman Strauss," he calls and scans the room. "Perhaps we should do this outside. I do not wish to cause any more upset than necessary."
Elfman raises a hand and moves towards them. "I'm right here; what do you need?"
No one is chattering, laughing, or snorting anymore. Now, everyone is watching him and the soldiers. Lucy has ceased picking through Erza's hair and is watching the soldiers with wide curious eyes. The tallest soldier motions him forward.
"I must insist we do this outside," he says. "Would you please step outside with us?"
His companions squirm back and forth. One speaks to the floor. "Sir, it was requested we bring the little girl…"
No one is watching anymore. Everyone is speaking over one another and moving and attempting to hide said little girl from view. Their efforts are useless, though, because she twists from Erza's grip, runs past Natsu, and even bats Happy away. Instead, she runs directly towards Elfman and throws herself around his legs.
"Let's go outside," he says and lifts her into his arms. "We'll go outside."
Lucy presses her ear against his chest, squeezes her eyes shut, and clutches his shirt until the noise fades. Even as the door closes, he does set her down and she does not loosen her grip.
"I appreciate the cooperation," the soldier sighs. "I didn't want to cause any scenes."
"You never could've avoided a scene," Elfman warns. "Our guild is known for causing scenes and severe destruction."
He recieves a thin smile. "I've witnessed its destruction. Now, I must ask you to set the child down or hand her over to us, whichever will cause less distress. Elfman Strauss, you are
under arrest for the kidnapping of Lucy Heartfilia."
"No," he gasps. "I didn't kidnap Lucy…I didn't kidnap anyone. I found her abandoned behind a tavern dumpster…"
"I am prepared to take a statement," he says. "I also have the necessary information for you, regarding the child. now, please either hand her over or set her down for the
transportation."
"I'll do whatever is asked." Elfman drops his voice. "Just don't make me hand her over to some stranger."
Lucy presses her face further into his chest. Her fingers dig into his shirt. He exchanges a glance with the other soldiers and then gives a resigned sigh.
"You may hold onto her for now," he agrees. "But please be prepared…"