A/N: I hope you guys are ready for some Middream fluff. ;) Let me know what you think!
Chapter 20: Trouble in the Rose Garden
Jezran led Syllest off the train. Dreamer was busy trying to wake up Midnight.
"Come on, Midnight, we're here." She shook his shoulders. "We've got to walk!"
The man grumbled in response. His head lolled to the side, a drool bubble on the corner of his mouth. She sighed and tried to scoop him up to no avail. "Wake up or you'll be stuck on the train!" She snapped her fingers in front of his face, then clapped her hands, then poked his cheek.
He finally somehow managed to stand and lean heavily against her, eyes partially open but unseeing.
"You have to carry some of your weight, Midnight," she grunted, trying to walk with him along the aisle. "I seriously wish there was a way you could sleep and walk at the same time."
"I used to have a magic carpet," he grumbled with a yawn. He picked up his boots slightly, though he still leaned on her.
"A magic carpet?" She helped him down the steps of the train and into the crowd of people waiting at the station. They garnered some amused glances.
"Does he have motion sickness?" Someone asked, with a chuckle at Midnight's deadweight-form.
"No, he's just lazy," she answered with a winning smile.
He rubbed an eye with his fist, then yawned loudly. "I had a magic carpet until you so kindly kidnapped me and left it buried in the wreckage of Nirvana." His voice was a whiny pout.
"Did you just say I kidnapped you?" She giggled.
"Shut up," he hissed, finally standing on his own. "I'm too tired to think straight."
"You're cute when you're like this," she said, without really thinking about her words. After they escaped her mouth she felt a creeping blush and a jolt of fear that he'd be in her face threatening her for saying something like that.
"I'm not cute…" he grumbled, starting to regain his normal sneer, though his voice retained its whine. "I'm a ferocious nightmare."
Dreamer laughed out loud. You're a black and white kitten, she thought, but knew much better than to say this.
They caught up with the other two and walked out of the station, into the bustling town of Rose Garden.
"Woooow, look at all the lights!" Syllest spun in a circle. "Mom, can you feel all that magical energy?! It's everywhere! It's making me feel fuzzy and ticklish." She giggled and tugged on Jezran's hand. "Come on, come on, let's go see everything!"
"We should check in to the hotel first," Dreamer said.
All the earlier tension between her and Syllest from the train ride had dissipated, or at least been pushed aside for the time being. The captivating town was a perfect distraction. With its buildings that scraped the bellies of the clouds, the bustle of people and shops selling magical supplies, wizards flying above on vehicles and broomsticks, light glowing blue and bright from giant lacryma hovering high above the streets… It was truly majestic.
"I suggest Thorn Charade," Jezran said, pointing to a building at the end of a long street. "It's comfortable and has a sophisticated security system." He gave Dreamer a mustached smile, as if he knew safety would be the first thing on her mind. Security for Syllest.
"Isn't the Thorn Charade really expensive?" she asked.
"Have no worries, dear me, I will cover all of the expenses this weekend," Jezran bowed low, making his top hat fall off-which Syllest quickly scooped up and placed on her own head.
"Jez—"
"It is my pleasure, dear me." Jezran's brown eyes were kind but firm. He would not take no for an answer.
"It doesn't matter to me," Midnight said with a disdainful shrug. "As long as I get a room separate from the trash." His words were cruel but his lips drawn in a taunting smirk.
"You're not getting a room alone," Dreamer said pointedly. Master Makarov had forbidden it. And though Dreamer had faith in Midnight's capacity for good, she wasn't stupid.
"Then I'll share a room with you, sweet dream." Deviousness glinted in his sharp eyes, making her stomach churn.
"I'll share a room with you, Macbeth!" Syllest jumped up and down in front of him. "Asides, uncle Piper said I should hit you if you ask to sleep in Mom's room."
Midnight smirked while Dreamer blushed. "Maybe I will share a room with you after all, Dreamer."
"Okay, we are done with this conversation!" Dreamer cleared her throat. "Midnight will be staying with Jezran, and Syllest will be with me. Discussion closed."
Midnight laughed as if truly amused. Jezran bowed. Syllest whined in complaint about not getting to share a room with the assassin. And Dreamer ignored them all, making a beeline for the hotel.
The Thorn Charade was expensive. That much was obvious from the thorny vines made of gold that climbed the marble pillars in the lobby. Plus, everyone staying at the hotel was dressed to the nines, as polished and pressed as Jezran was on a daily basis. It definitely made the ragtag group stand out.
"Pardon me," Jezran stood at the reception desk. "We would like two rooms, please."
The receptionist didn't look up from the magazine he was reading called "The Life of Sophistication and Sorcery." He gestured toward a sign on the counter. "I am terribly sorry, sir, but we are booked for the evening. You will have to schedule in advance next time."
"That will be two rooms for the Excalibur family, if you will, dear me." Pops' mustached smile didn't falter.
The receptionist gasped audibly and took a step back, eyes widening. "E-Excalibur, you say? Ah yes, it seems we had a last minute cancellation! I can get you in immediately!"
Dreamer watched this exchange with a sweat drop. "He's really not all that great at keeping it low profile…"
After they checked in, they sat in one of the hotel rooms and debated about how they would spend the rest of the evening.
"I want to fly on a broomstick!" Syllest begged, while jumping on the satin red comforter of a hotel bed. "I saw a shop giving training rides to children! Can I go, can I please go!" She sprung off the bed and into Jezran's arms. He caught her nimbly, chuckling at her enthusiasm. "Please, please, please?!"
"It is entirely up to your mother, dear me."
"I'm not asking her." She cut her eyes at Dreamer. "She'll just say no."
Dreamer winced and sighed. "You can go on a ride, Syllest. But only if Pops is willing to pay for it."
The old man ruffled Syllest's hair and smiled with happy closed eyes. "I will gladly escort you, my dear."
"I want to walk around the famous Garden," Dreamer said, eyes sparkling. The Garden, where the town had gotten its namesake. One of the wonders of Fiore. It was a massive garden with fountains and hedges of the most beautiful roses in the country.
Midnight was already walking to the oversized fluffy bed.
"I don't think so." She grabbed his wrist by the black bracelet. "You're stuck with me."
He snatched his wrist away from her. "Go to hell."
"Watch your language in front of Syllest!"
"Mom, hell isn't a bad word."
"Well it's rude to tell people to go to hell!" She countered.
"Please, go to hell," Midnight corrected. Syllest giggled.
"That did not make it any politer…" Dreamer said through narrowed eyes and puffed out cheeks. She regained composure quickly. "Come on, Midnight. It won't be that bad. I won't even talk to you, I just want to look at the garden."
"Is that a promise?" He raised his eyebrow.
"Yes. I won't say anything unless you talk to me first," she bowed her head in solemn promise.
He smirked widely, as if that were some kind of game. "Fine. But if you break your promise, I'll make you pay."
Dreamer glanced at Syllest, truly worried about what she might learn from seeing these threatening exchanges.
Syllest giggled and tugged on Jezran's sleeve, standing on tiptoes so she could cup his ear and whisper. He chuckled.
"What?!" Dreamer put her hands on her hips and glowered at them.
"Mom and Macbeth, going on a date~" Syllest sang and did a jig. "Macbeth, if you kiss her are you going to wipe your lipstick off first?"
"SYLLESTRA!" Dreamer flushed in deep embarrassment and grabbed her by the shoulders to push her out the door.
"What? It was just a question!"
"It's not a date! Now go!"
Jezran chuckled and followed the jabbering girl out of the room before slipping a card into Dreamer's pocket. "It will allow us to communicate," he said quietly, "in the event that something should happen."
"Thank you, Pops." Dreamer smiled. "Take care of her for me."
"Dear me, worry about taking care of yourself." He looked past her at the dark wizard with a suspicious gaze, but then stroked Dreamer's knuckles before continuing after Syllest. Leaving Dreamer and Midnight alone in the hotel room.
"Mid—" she started.
"Quiet. Your promise starts now." His dark smirk lingered, purple shaded eyelids looking particularly sinister in the low hotel room light. Especially with the blood red irises shadowed below them.
She nodded and went into the hall. He followed.
The two of them took to the streets of Rose Garden in mutual silence. She led the way, but he walked close behind her—the distinctive sound of his boots dragging, ensuring her of his closeness. She picked up a brochure at a news stand and looked for directions to the Garden, which was only a few blocks away.
The night air was brisk, even though it was summer. Or perhaps it was the wind blowing that made it feel cold. There was probably a storm approaching. But for now, the skies were clear, albeit empty of stars due to the glare of lights from this never-sleeping town. Up ahead was a beautiful archway, covered in tendrils of vines and roses, marking entry to the park. Her pace quickened.
The Garden was more glorious than she had imagined.
Endless rows of roses—in hedges—climbing towers and arches. Reds and pinks and yellows, glowing like lights because of an enchantment cast on them to keep them vibrant even in the night hours. Fireflies flickering and landing on the leaves. The overwhelming aroma of growth, soil, and fresh flowers. The only sounds were the quiet rustle of leaves when a breeze blew through, the croaking of rainbow toads, the soothing gurgle of fountains and a tiny stream through the park, and the occasional low murmur of voices from lovers wrapped in each other's arms on park benches.
Actually, this was the perfect location for a romantic excursion, she realized. Like something out of a novel. She glanced over at Midnight, walking with his hands in his pockets and his eyes staring into the distance—the breeze playing with his dual-colored hair.
Oh no, what was I thinking?! This IS like a date!
Her limbs stiffened and her face started to burn. Did HE think it was like a date?! She hadn't even thought about that! She just wanted to see the garden because she was interested. In the garden, not him!
A couple kissed passionately on the edge of a fountain nearby. Dreamer gulped and averted her eyes when the woman glanced at her and Midnight and smiled knowingly before plunging back into an intimate kiss with her lover.
Oh my god, I have to get out of here!
She walked like a robot, now searching desperately for the exit. But this garden was massive, and part of it was literally a hedge maze. Great! She was lost on an unwilling date with Midnight of the Oracion Seis!
"What's with the amusing expression?" he asked, his eyes falling on her.
She opened her mouth to speak. He bit his lip as if eager for her to slip up and answer his question, thus breaking her vow of silence. She caught the words in her throat and looked at the ground with a shrug.
"I find you mildly entertaining," he mused, which almost sounded like a compliment. "I always found women to be incredibly boring." His lip twitched in disgust at a memory. "Angel was the worst. Her constant nagging and complaining put me to sleep. But you, Dream…" He reached up and flicked her earring, teasingly. "Your misery is a lullaby to my ears."
She pointedly avoided looking at him. Exit, where's the exit?!
A giggle followed by a very suggestive noise came from behind some bushes nearby. Dreamer's face flushed even more. What was she thinking, bringing him here at night?! And were those people really doing THAT right now?
"You almost look scared," Midnight mocked. He stepped in front of her, making her stop, and leaned to her ear. "Do I make you nervous?"
She went to give him a hard shove in the chest but he caught her arms. "Don't you dare." His voice was menacing, reminding her of the anger lurking below the surface of his teasing façade. Striking him would be a bad idea. Instead, she snatched her hands away and walked briskly past him. He didn't stop her, simply made an amused sound, something like… A purr?
You should pet him and find out.
She practically ran to the exit, trampling roses on the way.
She was about to step out under the archway when something caught her attention on the path in front of her. She'd almost stepped on it. She blinked in surprise and knelt down to pick it up.
A black rose.
She stood and looked back at the rose garden. Strange. She hadn't seen any black rose plants. Maybe it was from a part of the garden they hadn't walked through. She tossed it carelessly to the side of the path.
She hated black roses.
Relief washed over her when they were finally free of the horrific love garden. She returned to the main street and window shopped at stores that were still open, despite the hour. Up ahead was a large marketplace. She gestured for him to follow and raced on ahead to the shops. Something stood out to her in a stand at the end, so she wound her way through the crowd to it. Unable to haggle with the shop owner while keeping her promise, she bought the object at full price and then turned.
Midnight was gone.
"Oh no…" The crowd of people was so thick that she must have lost him when she hurried to the shop. Now, she couldn't see his head of black and white hair anywhere.
What if he'd snuck off on purpose? What if this was it? He was gone? Would she have to call the Magic Council and tell them to comb the city for him? She'd always known it was a possibility, but with every day he'd spent with Fairy Tail, she'd grown in the hope that… maybe he would stay.
Her heart caught in her throat. She pushed through the crowd, hunting for him.
"Macbeth!" she called, afraid to use the pseudonym in public. "Macbeth, where are you?!"
She asked a handful of people if they'd seen a made up wizard walk by. They all shook their heads. Panic gripped her. He was gone. She'd have to go back to the room and call the council right away—and then Makarov, and somehow explain how she'd lost the fugitive.
"Macbeth!"
A hand closed over her mouth and muffled the following scream. She relaxed only after seeing black fingernails.
"You lose," Midnight hissed in her ear. "You weren't supposed to talk."
She turned and looked up at him with wild eyes. "I thought you…" She didn't finish the sentence because she realized she was wrong. He hadn't run away. He was still here…
"And here I hoped I would spend the rest of the night without hearing your annoying voice," he said, condescendingly. "I knew you wouldn't be able to stay true to your word."
"Midnight, I…" She blinked, noticing for the first time his change in appearance.
He had changed clothes and was now wearing a long gray coat, the belt hanging loosely at the side. Around his neck was a long, white fur scarf. He wore white striped pants now, that hung low on his hips, revealing skin in the space between the pants and the hem of a black halter top. Most amazing of all, was the fact that the long sleeves completely covered his Oracion Seis mark. She also realized, that hanging beneath the fur scarf, against the bare skin below his collarbone, was the makeshift dream catcher Syllest had made for him. He hadn't taken it off.
"You want to stop staring before I rip your eyes out, fairy?" He scowled harshly at her.
"I-I'm sorry, I just… You look…" She didn't even know what to say. Had he done this because of Master Makarov's suggestion that he change his appearance?
"What are you holding?" He narrowed his eyes at the bundle in her arms.
"Huh? Oh, this…" She blushed lightly and held it out to him. "It's a magic carpet. If you didn't notice, they're everywhere in Rose Garden."
He narrowed his eyes in total disbelief. "You got this… for me?"
"Of course! To make up for the one I cost you."
"Hmph." He took it from her arms and unrolled it. Then stared at her.
"W-What? Did I do something wrong? You don't like the color?" She knew she should have gone with the black with beige trim… Or maybe it was the material he didn't like. Was his old magic carpet made of wool?
"I can't use it if you don't put some magical energy into it." He said, as if it were obvious.
"Oh yeah, I guess you can't do that with the limiter on, can you?"
The glare he gave her told her all she needed to know about how he felt on the matter. She swallowed nervously and put her hands on the carpet before channeling some energy into it. It hovered off of the ground in response and Midnight immediately climbed onto it.
He fidgeted on it for a moment, leaning to the left, then the right. Crossing his legs, running his hand through the gold threads. "This will do," he said.
"Good." She smiled in relief.
Suddenly, his hand was extended to her. She stared uncomprehendingly at it. His palm was open toward her. When she met his eyes, they were consuming crimson pools.
"Get on," he commanded.
"What?" She shook her head. "No thanks, I don't think it's designed for two people," she said, as a carpet with three people and a dog flew over her head.
He smirked and kept his hand extended. "I know for a fact that I make you nervous, now."
"No, you don't." She countered, defiantly. "I just prefer to keep my feet on the ground, thank you very much. Besides, why do you want me to join you?"
"It's simple," he said casually. "Your magic is what's powering it, so it will be easier to do this if you sit here too."
Of course he just wanted her for her magical energy.
"And your lap would make a comfortable pillow so that I don't have to sleep sitting up."
She blushed at the image of a serenely sleeping Midnight with his head on her lap. "Stop making fun of me," she commanded.
"Not likely."
She was about to argue when his fingers closed around her wrist without warning, and he yanked her onto the carpet anyway. She squeaked and tripped on the rug—fell against him, and ended up in a position where she straddled his thigh. Her breasts were flush against his bicep and… the palm of his other hand. Not only that, but their noses were touching, eyes and lips barely separated.
"…"
Red and pink eyes gazed into one another for what felt like an eternity. Swirling pools of blood—of rouge light, caught in cherry blossoms—sweet cotton candy pink.
"… HEY!" She floundered to get out of the awkward position, swatting his hand away from her boob while her cheeks burned with the intensity of an etherion blast. Midnight looked both amused, and… slightly flushed as well.
"That…! You…!" She fumbled for words with no idea of what to do from here.
Before she had to decide however, there was a sound from her pocket. She pulled out the card Jezran had given her, which had a cartoonish version of him waving its hands frantically on the face of it.
"Dreamer, dear me! Dear me do you hear me?!"
"Pops? What's up?" She said into the card.
"Dreamer, it's Syllestra!"
Syllest. A choking panic gripped her throat. Somehow, she knew what was coming before he uttered those two words. The two words she feared more than any. The ones that haunted her sleep and filled her with terror nearly daily…
"She's gone."