Now and Forever

by GrandPuubaTikiElderMcTootTooT

They were always really close growing up after meeting in fairy tail. And throughout the years nothing could tear them apart. That is until she was taken away to Edolas through the Anima. But now that she is back in Earthland with the Natsu she grew to love, things will go back to how they were starting now, and lasting forever. Progression Natsu x Lisanna, Mira x OC T for Language

4. It's Been A Long Time Coming

(Authors Note)

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another update for my story! I am very happy with how the story is turning out, and as far as how idea's keep cluttering my brain. Had a few weird dreams about my story too.. is that normal? Bah normal is lame anyways. Any who! For everyone reading I want to just say that there will be lots n lots of fluffy moments between Natsu, and Lisanna coming up soon. This chapter has the makings of the start of it all. After this chapter I won't hold back on it, unless I think it's too much haha. Whatever though.. Anyways! Make sure to Review, Follow, and Favorite this story. Your support is what keeps me putting in the many hours of writing to get these new chapters out. 10 reviews before the next update would be nice, so get to it guys! :D

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Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or any of the characters from it, but I do however take ownership of any OC that I create for the purpose of my story.

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It's Been A Long Time Coming

The Next Morning

After yesterday's all day celebration of Brian's official return back home to the guild, as well as him and Mira officially announcing that they are finally a couple. Everyone was slowly moving about in the early morning, trying to either shake off their hangovers from the previous day's drinking, or nurse their bruised bodies back into good health after taking part in the very numerous brawls that had occurred over the past 24 hours.

Needless to say, very few members of Fairy Tail were not in fact feeling the strain of yesterday.

Being woken up by Mira after passing out on a couch at Lisanna, Mira, and their brother Elfman's house last night once the party had come to a close. Natsu groaned loudly as he immediately took note of how sore his body was from all the fighting he got mixed up in at the guild, as he stretched his aching muscles.

"I see you're finally awake." Mira smiled, already dressed, and ready for the day ahead.

"I guess so.. What time is it?" Natsu asked with a yawn.

"It's 7:30am. Lisanna wanted me to get you up while she was getting dressed, and tell you that you two are going to be doing some practicing for the talent show." Mira explained as she folded the blanket Natsu was previously covered with during the night.

"Alright." Natsu yawned once more as he looked around the living room. "Where's Happy? He was sleeping on the couch with me last I remember." Natsu asked curiously.

"He's in Lisanna's room." Mira smiled back at him from the kitchen. "Lisanna took him to her room in the middle of the night after checking up on you two." Mira explained, noticing her brother exiting his room.

"Good morning Elfman." Mira greeted happily.

"Morning Mira. Natsu." Elfman greeted the pink haired boyfriend of his youngest sister, as he sat down on a chair at the kitchen table.

"So Natsu, have you and Lisanna decided on what you two will be doing for the talent show?" Mira asked curiously as she poured herself a glass of milk, seeing him sit down at the table across from Elfman.

"Yeah, but Lisanna wanted to make it a surprise to everyone." Natsu explained before hearing Lisanna leaving her room, with a still sleeping Happy in her arms.

"Good morning everyone." Lisanna smiled, with everyone replying back.

Making her way to the kitchen, and giving Natsu a quick good morning kiss on the cheek before sitting down next to with a smile. "So what do you two have planned for the day?" Lisanna asked her siblings.

"I'm not sure yet, but whatever it ends up being. I'm sure it will be MANLY!" Elfman answered a little too loud for everyone seeing how early it still was.

"Oh.. you know me. I'll be at the guild most of the day. Brian, and I have a meeting with the master to go over the details of the talent show today." Mira smiled.

"Say where is Brian at? Didn't he walk you home last night Mira?" Lisanna asked noticing that her older sister's boyfriend wasn't anywhere near the house.

"He said he'd be fine staying at his new house he bought yesterday after walking me here." Mira answered, before taking a sip of her milk.

"That asshole owes me a fight after making me eat dirt yesterday.." Natsu informed everyone making them sweat drop at his claim.

"I'll be sure to let him know Natsu." Mira giggled.

"You won't have time to fight him, or anyone else today Natsu. We are going to be practicing for the talent show together, remember?" Lisanna informed as she looked over at her boyfriend.

"Fine.." Natsu grumbled out.

"Natsu would you mind doing a favor for me?" Mira asked with a cute smile, getting the pink haired man to look back at her.

"What kind of favor?" Natsu wondered aloud.

"Would you go over to Brian's house, and make sure he's awake. And then tell him to meet me at the guild?" Mira asked.

"I suppose." Natsu nodded as he got up out of his chair.

"Once you send Brian to the guild head back here. We can work on the details for our act without anyone bugging us." Lisanna smiled.

"Alright. I'll see you guys later." Natsu waved them all goodbye as he left the house.

Walking through the streets of Mongolia to get to Brian's house, Natsu took in the sights of the cities people running around, trying to prepare for the large amount of out of town visitors who come to see the guild's talent show.

'Shesh.. by the way everyone is freaking out trying to get everything ready, this years talent show just might be bigger than last years..' Natsu thought to himself as he turned down a road that neared Brian's neighborhood.

Walking for a few more minutes before spotting the house he was looking for, Natsu suddenly sweat dropped once he started making his way to the front door.

Natsu spotted Brian laying face down with his house key in his hand, three feet in front of the door out cold while two small birds hopped around pecking at his head, and back. Shooing the birds away with his arms, and then nudging the downed mage with his foot. "Hey Brian, wake up. Mira wants you to meet her at the guild." Natsu cautiously called out while trying to ruse the sleeping shadow dragon slayer.

"Guh.. Natsu.. the hell you doin' in my house.." Brian groaned out and he squinted his eyes shut even harder in hopes of tuning out the wake up call.

"Actually we're outside.." Natsu chuckled.

"Outswah?" Brian lazily questioned while opening his eyes, notice that they were in fact outside. "Well shit.." Brian mumbled out as he rubbed his temples to ease the pounding headache he was currently enjoying, courtesy of his hangover.

"Feeling alright?" Natsu asked in amusement as he watched Brian stagger to his feet.

"Yeah, yeah. Fine." Brian waved off his fellow dragon slayers mock concern as he finally managed to upright himself properly, and inserted his house key into the doors lock.

"You wanna come in? I think you said something about Mira ya? What did she want?" Brian asked sounding like he was about to fall asleep again.

"Sure, and she said that she needed you to meet her at the guild this morning." Natsu said as he followed Brian inside the house. Nice house." Natsu commented simply as he took in the open barely furnished home.

"Thanks. I haven't had really any time to get crap to put in here yet, but I got a few things. Bed. Kitchen table with chairs. Food. Crap to cook said food with. It's all any guy really needs." Brian laughed. "Feel free to check the place out, I'm going to take a shower, and get ready." Brian said as he started walking up the stairs to his room.

"Okay, Well I'm supposed to meet up with Lisanna to work on our talent show act, so I can't stay long." Natsu yelled up the stairs, while looking around the place.

"Alright. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Natsu heard Brian yell back from his room.

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Later At The Guild

Arriving at the guild 30 minutes later, and finding Mira walking to the guild along the way. The two made their way to the front doors of the guild. Opening the door the two noticed that most of the members already in the guild were all spread about in different parts of the hall talking amongst each other planning and preparing for the talent show that was only a day away now.

"Seems like everyone is stoked for their shot of public humiliation, and ever lasting ridicule." Brian whispered over to his now giggling girlfriend.

"I'm sure they will all do just fine." Mira smiled, as she spotted Erza, and Lucy sitting at the bar.

"Good morning you two." Erza nodded towards them, with Lucy waving as their approached the two.

"Master wanted me to tell you that he is up in his office waiting for the two of you." Erza informed curious as to why they were being called to the masters office to talk, rather than just out in the guild hall like any other time. 'Must be important.' Erza thought to herself.

"Thank you. We'll see you guys in a bit." Mira smiled before Brian silently pulled her away from the two girls before they could talk anymore.

"Let's figure out what the midget wants.." Brian grumbled as they started making their way up the stairs to the second level of the guild.

Getting in front of the door to Makarov's office, Brian knocked a couple times before hearing their master grant them permission to enter. Opening the door the two saw Makarov sitting at his desk with papers scattered all over it's surface.

"Come in, come in. Thank you for meeting up with me today." Makarov smiled to the two entering his office, making their way over to the chairs in front of his desk.

"It was no trouble at all master." Mira smiled back as Brian pulled out a chair for her, and then sat down in it.

"So what did you need us here for old man?" Brian asked looking grumpy as ever once he sat down next to Mira.

"Ah yes.. I have asked you two here to discuss this years talent show. Seeing how you are the elder's of your age group, and also both ineligible for winning the competition, I would like to have you two help with the talent show this year." Makarov explained with an innocent smile on his old face.

"Sure, I guess?" Brian shrugged not thinking too much of it.

"I'd be happy to help." Mira nodded.

"Lovely. As you both know, I host, as well as coordinate the acts for the talent show. Seeing how I am getting up there in years, I am handing down those positions to you two. Mira, you will be the coordinator back stage. Brian, you will be the host of the talent show." Makarov informed, getting nods of agreement from the two younger mage's in front of his desk.

"WADDYAH MEAN I'M THE HOST!?" Brian suddenly yelled out after finally registering what he just agreed to do. "I.. am NOT! Hosting the damned talent show.. on top of playing in front of everyone as it is. For-get it." Brian huffed while crossing his arms over his chest in defiance.

"I think you'd be an amazing host." Mira smiled as she placed a hand on Brian's thigh to calm him down a little bit.

"I agree, you have natural charisma, and character. You'll do fine." Makarov stated.

"Charisma or not, I am not spending anymore time than I have to on that damned stage in front of GOD knows how many people..." Brian trailed off while looking away from his master.

"Tell you what.. if you do this for the guild, and host it. I will pay you." Makarov suggested using bribery now, and watched as Brian turned his head back to him.

"How much?"

"250,000" Makarov offered.

"Not happening." Brian quickly replied.

"300,000?" Makarov tried again.

"No." Brian once again refused.

'Master.. why is it that you yourself refuse to host the talent show to where your bribing Brian to do it in your place?' Mira thought to herself as she watched the two "negotiate" possible terms of agreement.

"500,000. My final offer." Makarov sighed seeing that Brian wasn't moving an inch. And watched as Mira leaned over, and whispered something into Brian's ear making the man smirk wickedly.

"750,000 and I will host the stupid thing. BUT!" Brian trailed off narrowing his eyes towards his master. "If by some chance your trying to be stupid, and pull one over on me... it will be 1,000,000." Brian said in a state that left no room for any more negotiating.

A little nervous at the amount of money he was going to have to pay Brian to host the talent show, Makarov started sweating a little.

"Your hesitation makes me believe there is something else to to this years talent show you aren't telling us.. explain." Brian demanded while narrowing his eyes.

Not wanting to have Brian flipping out on him right now Makarov inwardly sighed while holding his hand out to shake on the deal, in an attempt to not say anything else about the "special" details of this years show. "I accept your price." Makarov said quickly.

Holding his narrowed gaze at his master, looking for anything that he deemed off, Brian slowly outstretched his hand, and shook his masters. "You will pay me 1,000,000. I know you have something in store for everyone, and I'm not taking any chances with you." Brian informed as he sat back down into his chair next to Mira who was curious as to what was going to be so different from last years talent show.

Sighing out loud, Makarov looked over at Mira, and then Brian again. "Very well."

"Master, would you by chance have a list of the members of the guild who will be participating, and what they are planning on doing in the talent show tomorrow?" Mira asked seeing her chance to ask a question. Handing a couple pieces of paper across his desk. Mira took them, and started looking them over chuckling as she read through them with Brian peeking over to read what was on the pieces of paper as well.

"This talent show might not be so bad after all." Brian laughed after reading a few of them.

"I agree." Mira giggled.

"Now. Since we are all in agreement with who is going to be doing what. I'd like to go over the preparation list with you both." Makarov started, getting both of the two in front of him to look up, and away from the papers. "The stage is being set up as we speak, so there is no need for us to worry over that. I do however need to tell you that after spreading the news of the talent show around, that we are estimating a much lager turnout than ever before."

"Like how many people are you thinking master?" Brian casually asked.

"Well.. a lot.." Makarov weakly chuckled. "I have requested that we set up large lacrima screens for the people farther away that can't see the stage, so I think that should take care of everyone being able to watch, and hear everything that happens on stage." Makarov finished explaining.

'Fuck me running.. everyone will be able to see, and hear.. ugh..' Brian mentally groaned.

"Now.. did you have a plan as far as your act Brian?" Makarov asked curiously.

Grinning widely Brian just sat there for a moment, as Mira watched her boyfriend wondering what he was planning. "Yeah I do have a plan of sorts. I'm just going to play a couple songs. I don't really wanna do this to be honest, but I think I will manage." Brian explained. "I'll play them both by myself, but I want Mira on stage with me for the last one. That way I wont get booed off the stage with an amazingly beautiful woman sitting next to me." Brian said making the two laugh at him.

"Are you sure you don't want me to play with you?" Mira asked.

"We can play together another time Mira." Brian smiled, "The songs I have for the talent show are kinda solo ones." Brian explained, getting a nod from his girlfriend.

"Well I look forward to them as usual." Makarov said after controlling his laughing.

"Master." Brian spoke up in a serious tone, that made both Mira, and Makarov look at him intently after noticing the change in his voice. "I would like to talk to you about something else as well."

"Very well. What is it?" Makarov asked curious as to what he needed to discuss.

"I would like to let you know that I won't be taking on any more jobs unless absolutely necessary." Brian informed, making the other two in the room give him questioning looks.

"May I ask why?" Makarov asked after digesting what he had just heard.

"Well.. as you know, I failed my decade quest.. but also got paid for most of it seeing how I did complete the better part of it. But it's not about the money really.. I just don't want to be away from home any more.. traveling around for the past three years, crossing different lands, and exploring different cities was fun, and all.. but I nearly died more times than I wished to remember.." Brian trailed off while looking away from his concerned girlfriends face, who took a hold of his hand as soon as he did look away. With Makarov just sitting in silence, waiting for the man to continue.

"I have too many things that I would like to do, and experience before I die.. being away for so long made me realize that I had everything I ever wanted right here in Fairy Tail, and that there was no need for me to take on that stupid quest. I'd like to still help the guild in anyway I can of course, but I can't leave it again." Brian finished explaining with sad look in his eyes.

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to Brian, nobody is going to think any less of you." Makarov said with a sad understanding smile.

"I would like to get your opinion on something that I've been thinking about once I got back from my quest." Brian said while looking slightly better than a moment ago.

"How would you feel about me training those who are close to S-Class?" Brian asked with a neutral look on his face, trying not to get his hopes up.

"I think that'd be a good idea, but.." Makarov said before being cut off by Brian.

"Just.. hear me out first before you decide. Okay, right now in the guild we have four mage's ranked S-Class; Mira, Erza, Mystogan, and myself. Not including you seeing how you are the master of the guild, and don't take on jobs yourself, or Gildarts who is where ever the hell right now.. After talking with Mira, and hearing about everything that she has gone through, I know that Mira doesn't wish to take on any jobs, and wants to remain working in the guild. And also there is myself, I don't want to take on anymore jobs either for many different reasons. So that just leaves Erza, and Mystogan who are taking on the bigger jobs.. That isn't enough for our guild to remain the best right now. The guild needs more S-Class mage's in its ranks to fill in the gap that Mira, and I have created." Brian explained with Makarov nodding in agreement, noticing that he hasn't mentioned Laxus yet.

"Yes I agree with you. The S-Class exams are going to be held in a little while, so we will be adding one more to our ranks soon enough." Makarov explained.

"Normally I'd say sure whatever, but the guild has lost too many of it's active S-Class mage's over the past few years.. including that dumb shit Laxus.." Brian growled out, making Makarov raise an eyebrow at how hostile Brian just sounded after bringing up his grandson. "I know it's tradition for any guild member who wishes to become an S-Class mage to complete, and win the exam. But the way I'm seeing it is that the guild needs more than just one addition to S-Class." Brian explained.

"I do see your point. However I can't just give S-Class rank to anyone just because the guild is low on S-Class mage's." Makarov replied with a tired sigh.

"Look, with me taking on a member here, and a member there.. I can teach, and or beat what it takes to be an S-Class mage into anyone who you deem potential S-Class material. If I help out a few members that are close to being ready, I am sure that the guild will be better off as a whole. We need the generation below Mira, and myself to step it up so that the next generation of members have strong iconic mage's to look to." Brian suggested.

"I have to agree with Brian master. With everyone in Natsu's age group becoming more, and more well known, and powerful over the past couple years they are definitely reaching the S-Class mark, but are all falling short in different areas. If Brian were to help them out in those key areas, becoming S-Class for them would be very simple." Mira explained.

"Very well.. I will think about everything you said, and will let you know what I decide later." Makarov said as he watched Brian put on a feint victory smile.

"Thank you. I just want what is best for everyone master." Brian said.

"I know, I know." Makarov chuckled.

"Is there anything else you wanted to talk to us about master?" Mira asked, with Brian now wondering the same thing.

"As a matter of fact there is.. Tomorrow.." Makarov trailed off, getting back to the details of the tomorrow's talent show.

---

Downstairs

After finishing up their meeting with Makarov upstairs, the three made their way down to join the others in the hall who were all making noise and having a good ol time as usual, the only key difference between now, and any other time. Was that there was currently now a large red-ish brown haired man sitting at the bar, laughing it up with the others near by who caught the sight of the three making their way down the stairs. Especially noticing the intensity in the younger male's eyes as he stared back at him.

Looking over at his girlfriend, who had a worried look on her face. Noticing who it was that stopped by in the guild. Mira grabbed Brian's hand, and squeezed it to let him know that she was here for him.

"Ah Gildarts. Nice to see you moving around, and back in the guild again." Makarov said as he hopped up on the bar with his long time drinking partner.

Making her way around the bar to carry on with the rest of her day, Mira started talking with the two as Brian made his way over to Cana who was sitting on the top of a table surprisingly with no alcohol near her at the moment.

"You doing okay sis?" Brian asked quietly once he sat down at the table.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Cana answered while still looking at Gildarts back.

"Why the long face then?" Brian asked, notice the slightly scared look in Cana's eyes once she turned back to see him.

"I don't know if I can.." Cana whispered as she slid off of the table, and into the seat next to her brother.

"Hey.. don't look so depressed.." Brian patted her back a couple of times trying to cheer her up, but it didn't really do much of anything.

"I.. am just worried that.. after all this time.. that he wont even care I'm his daughter... and me coming here to be around him was for nothing.." Cana whispered as she put her face into her arms while slouching on the edge of the table.

"Cana. You can't think like this, it's not healthy. If you keep battling yourself mentally, you will not only never become an S-Class mage.. but you will most likely forever be stuck not knowing what dad really will feel once you tell him the truth." Brian wisely informed his depressed sister.

"Your right.. I'm.."

"No, stop right there. None of that. Do I need to take care of this for my little sister? Because I will if I have to." Brian stated in a stern voice, that made Cana look up from her arms.

"..What are you going to do..?" Cana quietly asked.

"I'm going to drag dad away, and drag you with me. Then we will talk. Simple." Brian nodded at his own sense of simple logic, that made Cana laugh at him as he was looking towards the bar smiling at Mira.

"You know.. that sort of plan is something I would of normally expected from Natsu, not you of all people." Cana laughed again before taking a deep breath, and releasing it. "Okay. Lets do this." Cana said trying to reassure herself to be strong no matter what the outcome.

"Soo... you want me to drag him out? Or are we going to talk to him?" Brian asked with a smirk, as the two started walking towards the bar where Gildarts was sitting.

"Only if he gets hostile." Cana smirked, making Brian laugh.

Getting to the bar, and standing next to Gildarts. Brian gave another smile to Mira before speaking up to the man next to him.

"Been a long time ya old fart." Brian opened up with a smirk.

'The first thing you do is call him an old fart Brian?' Cana thought to herself as she sweat dropped.

"Eh? Who ya calling old fart? I'm only 45.." Gildarts pouted as best as a 45 year old man could. "Wait.. You look a little familiar.. your Brian aren't you? Boy you sure have changed since the last time I saw you." Brian just nodded to confirm it. "The master here told me you came back from a 10 year quest. Pretty amazing stuff that you took on one, let alone a quest like that." Gildarts complimented the younger man next to him.

"Thanks, but I failed my quest, so don't think I'm anything great or something.." Brian trailed off. "Say you have a minute Gildarts?" Brian asked once he noticed Cana getting a little fidgety.

Looking over at the Makarov trying to figure out a possible reason as to why the two kids next to him wanted to talk to him away from everyone else, Gildarts just got a shrug from his master before he took another drink of his mug.

"Sure, I got a few minutes." Gildarts nodded as he stood up.

"Great. Lets go outside for a bit." Brian informed him as the three started making their way outside. "I'll be back in a while Mira, and try not to worry." Brian called back without even looking back towards the bar, and waved everyone in the guild off. Once the three were outside of the guild, Cana spoke up for the first time.

"Anyone know of a quiet place that no one will bother us at?" Cana asked mainly Gildarts, already knowing they could go to Brian's new house.

"Hmm.. we could go to my place I suppose. It's just a couple minutes away." Gildarts suggested, and started leading the two to his house.

After walking for a few minutes in silence, and reaching Gildarts small little house away from the guild. Gildarts was getting curious as to what the two wanted with him.

'Could he be wanting to know about something related to his quest? Advice on women? I have been sort of like a father figure to some of the younger kids in the guild...' Gildarts mused to himself.

"Okay enough of this silence crap.. I can't take it anymore." Brian groaned out as Gildarts sat in his rocking chair with an eyebrow raised, while Brian, and Cana sitting on regular chairs in front of him. "First off Cana, and I have been needing to talk to you for a while now." Brian started, but paused once he realized just how freaking hard it was to figure out how to say this in the first place.

'Maybe Cana does have a good point to be freaking out..' Brian laughed to himself.

"Okay, about what?" Gildarts asked simply.

"Cornelia Alberona.. Does that name.. sound familiar?" Brian quietly asked with his eyes locked onto Gildarts boots.

Looking up and over at the two in front of him, Gildarts notices that Brian was trying to glare a hole into the ground for some reason, and Cana was nervously chewing on her bottom lip. Sighing loudly, Gildarts leaned his head back into his chair as he slowly rocked back, and forth a few times.

"Yes. I remember her.. how could I not.." Gildarts finally answered.

"What the first thing you remember about her before you left her?" Brian quickly asked with a small glare pointed in his direction.

"What do you mean?" Gildarts asked.

"What I mean dammit is do you not remember what you left behind to go on that quest!?" Brian yelled a little too loud as he tried to stand up, but was caught by Cana who pulled him back down into his chair.

Looking over at his sister with a serious look, questioning if she wants to say something to their father or not. Brian notices that his sisters eyes were starting to water. 'Calm down.. calm down..' Brian chanted to himself before sighing as he looked away from Cana, Brian muttered a small apology.

"I apologize. I should not of blown up like that." Brian quietly said while bowing his head as he leaned forward in his chair.

A short thirty seconds later Gildarts spoke up with his eyes closed.

"It was 18 years, and 3 months since anyone had brought up her name to me.." Gildarts quietly said as he stopped rocking in his chair, and looked at the two younger dark haired mage's in front of him with soft eyes. "Not a day goes by that I do not think about her, and our two babies we had together.." Gildarts trailed off, making Brian, and Cana stare at him, intent on where he is going with this.

"I was.. so obsessed with my work at the guild at the time.. trying to make a name for myself, all while helping out the guild in anyway that I could blinded me from what should of really mattered in my life.." Gildarts then became silent as he closed his eyes as he too leaned forward in his chair, mimicking Brian's posture.

"During those days, good jobs were fairly hard to come by in the guild that paid very well.. when one did come up of high enough class, and of importance. It was nearly mandatory that the S-Class mage's take them. Of course the master wouldn't force us to take them.. but all of us knew they had to be done.. and seeing how Cornelia, and I had two little ones together.. We needed the money... we.. needed the money..." Gildarts trailed off again trying to control his throat as he just about choked on a sob thinking back all those years.

"I left Cornelia, and our two small children at home, taking the job that came up.. I didn't want to.. but my sense of duty, and pride lead me away from what I should of kept close to myself." Gildarts quietly spoke as he rose out of his chair, and walked over to old dusty bookshelf, and grabbed a couple things off it. Returning to his rocking chair, Brian, and Cana noticed he brought back two large envelopes with him, one looking older, and more discolored than the other. Opening the older looking one up Gildarts started talking once more.

"About 4 months into the job.. the master had someone track me down to deliver this message to me.." Gildarts explained as he slowly started tearing up as his gaze fell upon the piece of parchment he pulled out of the envelope. "It was a message that Cornelia had sent to the guild, saying that.. our baby boy had disappeared into the forest two, and a half months after I had left." Gildarts explained while he slowly wiped a small trail of tears away from his face with his only remaining hand still made of flesh.

"She said that.. nobody could find him after two weeks of searching, and that.. he was presumed dead, and most likely eaten by the predators of the forests.." Gildarts said while looking back over at the two silently listening to him.

"I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to get so choked up there." Gildarts weakly chuckled, but noticed the saddened looks on both of the younger adults faces.

"May I.. see the letter?" Brian quietly asked, and getting a nod from Gildarts as a response. Gildarts reached out, handed to aged letter to him. Reading through the letter Brian heard Cana speak up quietly as he read on.

"Please continue.." Cana nearly whispered.

Gildarts sighed once again to try, and calm his emotions down before talking again. Opening up the same envelope he took the letter out of, Gildarts pulled out a stack of pictures. Silently thankful that they were facing downwards away from his eyes. Looking at Cana, and Brian, "I.. haven't looked at these pictures in a little over 16 years.." Gildarts informed sadly as he handed them to Cana carefully. "I can't bring myself to look at them anymore, because I end up thinking about the many.. many.. what if's.. and possibilities that should of had with my family.." Gildarts said as he watched Cana silently crying as she looked at the pictures.

"About 4 years later.. the same thing happened.. Master had someone deliver this envelope to me." Gildarts started speaking as he opened the second envelope, and pulling out another letter. "It was the last letter thing I have that Cornelia ever wrote to me.." Gildarts explained as he pulled out another piece of paper, this time a folded up one that looked like it had water damage on it, by what Brian, and Cana could tell by it's appearance.

"This one letter.. is the one thing I never wanted to receive.." Gildarts slowly started crying once again. "To be told.. that my wife.. had passed away.. and that our daughter had just disappeared without anyone knowing where she had gone.. tore my heart apart." Gildarts very quietly spoke as he bent forward in his chair setting the letters down, and silently crying into his hands. "I.. just wish.. that I was there for them.."

Looking up from the letter he had in his hand, Brian looked over at his crying sister with soft eyes, and put his hand on her shoulder getting her to look over at him. Mentally trying to tell his sister that their father has cried, and beaten himself up enough to keep going on like this.

Reaching into the side pocket of his pants, Brian pulled out a couple things with a sad smile, and looked back up at their father.

"Stop.. please.." Brian softly asked, getting Gildarts to look up, and over to them. "I.. have something you might want to see.." Brian said while gesturing to the small picture in his hands, that he was handing out for Gildarts to take a look at.

Taking the picture from Brian's hands. Gildarts let a weak chuckle out at the picture as he examined it, and then flipped it over to read the back. "I haven't seen this picture in a very long time. Where did you get this?" Gildarts asked.

"From my house." Brian answered with a half smirk.

"Your house?" Gildarts asked curiously.

"That's right. After I made it back home from being away for a little while. I also have this.." Brian said as he opened his left hand up showing a small silver fairy tail emblem that was obviously not crafted by a master craftsman, and tied with a small leather band as a necklace.

Reaching out to inspect the necklace closer that Brian held it out by its leather band so that he could take it, Gildarts carefully started examining it once it was in his hands.

"T-this.. I-I.. made this.." Gildarts stuttered out as he looked over the fairy tail emblem, noticing the small date stamp on the back that was barely noticeable over the years of wear, but still there non the less.

"The thing is.. That is my necklace. My mother gave it to me saying that my father had made it for me when I was little. She said if I ever got lost, to look for that emblem, and that they were family." Brian quietly explained, as Gildarts just sat there staring at Brian silently.

"When my mother had passed away.." Cana sniffed to try, and control her tears that were still spilling out of her eyes, "She left me a letter saying who my father was, and where I couple possibly find him.. and when I finished reading the letter I packed what little I could carry, and made my way to fairy tail at the age of five.. Once I had gotten there I asked everyone in the guild, and around town if they had seen my father, but told me that they haven't, and that he has been gone for a long time.." Cana wiped a few more stray tears away from her eyes.

"N-no..." Gildarts whispered to himself.

"In any other circumstances I'd probably laugh at your stuttering denial.. but at this moment in time.. I will resist from doing so." Brian tried to smirk at his attempt to make the mood lighter in the small house.

Looking over at Cana, the two gave each other a small nod before looking back at Gildarts. "The thing is.." Brian started.

"You.. Gildarts Clive.. are our father." Brian, and Cana said at the same time, watching as Gildarts eyes widened with new tears slowly leaking out, before he lunged forward, and grabbed both of them in a gigantic hug.

Tense at first, the two slowly relaxed into their father's embrace, and eventually hugged him back, with all three of them silently crying as they remained hugging each other for what seemed like an eternity.

Pulling back to see his long lost kids faces, Gildarts smiled widely with his tears still running down his face. "I.. can't believe it.. you.. two are still alive.." Gildarts sniffed. "And you've both been under my nose the whole time.." Gildarts laughed, with Brian chuckling weakly along with him, and Cana still sobbing into her father's shoulder.

After about ten minutes the three moved away from each other, trying to scrub away the tears that just kept trying to fall. "As you can see.. we aren't so little any more." Cana laughed, causing Brian to snort.

"Yes.. I can see that." Gildarts laughed, before becoming quiet again. "I'm.. so sorry.. about your mother. She, as well as you two meant the world to me.. To hear you all had been taken out of my life all those years ago left me feeling that there was nothing left to make this old man happy in this world."

"You really need to stop beating yourself up about the past.. dad.." Brian tried to cheer his father up by trying out a word that he rarely ever spoke with anyone around. Seeing what her older brother was doing, Cana decided she needed to try, and do the same.

"Yeah seriously dad.. It's depressing." Cana snickered as she watched Gildarts sad smile turn into a genuine happy smile.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to being called that." Gildarts laughed.

"Hey I'm right there with ya.. I think I've only ever said that word to one person in relation to your name in the past." Brian laughed along with his father.

Seeing an easy shot at her brother Cana smirked, "Oh yeah, how are you and little miss Mira doing by the way?"

"Oh you know." Brian shrugged casually.

"Wait.. you, and Mirajane are dating?" Gildarts asked with a semi laugh/chuckle.

"That we are." Brian confirmed. "Actually we've been together for quite a while now. Technically we started dating three months before I left on my decade quest, we just chose to keep face, and not let anyone know." Brian laughed, before Gildarts slung an arm over his shoulder.

"Come on my boy spit it out, tell your old man all about it!" Gildarts laughed as he started smacking Brian on the back, while Brian just glared at Cana for bringing Mira up in front of their dad.

As the three spent the next hour asking each other questions, and laughing together, and going through all of the pictures Gildarts had stored from his younger years enjoying each others company. There was just one thing that stood out in forefront of their minds as they sat in Gildarts small little house, and that was simply.

'Family'

An Hour Later

"Alright, alright enough bugging me old man.. shit." Brian laughed after Gildarts pestering, turned into petty childish begging. "If you really want to know so bad, fine. But you need to know something first.." Brian trailed off.

Gildarts looked over at his daughter with a questioning look, trying to see if he could get any clues out of his smirking youngest child. Seeing that he wasn't getting anything, he looked back at Brian.

"Alright.. what is it that?" Gildarts asked with his best thinking face on.

"My last name.." Brian said simply before continuing, "I still have your last name." Brian informed his father as a large smile started making its way across Gildarts face.

"Seriously?" Cana asked, not knowing this yet.

"Yup. I've always been extremely cautious about people knowing my name, and now you know why." Brian stated simply.

"So that's why you never gave your name away to the clients, or anyone else that wanted to know outside of the guild." Gildarts wondered aloud.

"Precisely." Brian confirmed with a nod. "Anyway, Cana already knows this, and is already in on it, so I figure I might as well give you the chance to do something as a father." Brian explained as he stood up from his chair, and stretched his arms above his head as Gildarts raised an eyebrow in waiting, and Cana trying to not laugh.

"I would like your.."

---

Natsu, and Lisanna

Meanwhile as Brian, and Cana were having their talk with Gildarts. Natsu, and Lisanna were currently running over possible good ideas they could do for the talent show, unfortunately for them they were coming up short on ideas, and were running out of time.

"What if we.." Lisanna trailed off, noticing that Natsu wasn't paying attention as he laid on the floor staring at the ceiling. "Are you even listening to me?" Lisanna huffed with a pout.

"Of course. Just not that well." Natsu laughed from his spot only to receive a couch pillow to the face courtesy of his girlfriend.

Pushing himself off of the floor, Natsu made his way over to the couch his girlfriend was sitting at while she was trying to ignore him. "So did you ask Mira for advice on possible helpful tips on winning?" Natsu asked in a serious tone, to make Lisanna notice he wasn't trying to play around.

"Yes I asked her last night when she spotted me taking Happy to my room. But.." Lisanna sighed in frustration. "I should of known better than to ask Mira-nee.."

"What did she say?" Natsu asked curiously, as Lisanna laid her head down on Natsu's lap while looking up at him with her large blue eyes.

"She said that we should just be ourselves, and play to our natural talents. Then said that's what she has always done when performing in the talent show." Lisanna weakly laughed at the poor advice.

"I mean.. your natural ability is fighting, and destroying things.. and mine is.. nothing I can use in a talent show.." Lisanna sighed in frustration.

"Okay well we just need to make sure our act stands out above everyone else's. And I think I know the perfect person to ask too." Natsu laughed, with Lisanna giving him an odd look.

"Who?" Lisanna finally asked seeing Natsu wasn't going to tell her unless she asked.

"Who's the only other one that has won the talent show, and can make just about anything stand out above others?" Natsu chuckled.

"You want to ask Brian about tips on the talent show?" Lisanna asked a little skeptical about her boyfriend's idea.

"What's the worst that could happen? If he gives us crap advice, we simply toss it aside, and throw caution to the wind." Natsu explained.

"I think you just discovered your other god given natural talent there Natsu, tossing caution into the wind is what you do on a day to day basis." Lisanna giggled before quickly leaning up from his lap, and kissing him on the lips before he could protest.

"W-what was that for?" Natsu stuttered out after Lisanna moved away.

"Just because." Lisanna smiled as she got up from the couch. "Come on, lets get to the guild. I'm sure Brian is still there glued to the bar near Mira-nee." Lisanna giggled as Natsu followed her out of the house.

After making the trip from her house to the guild, Lisanna and Natsu walked into the guild hall noticing that it was errily quiet as the two walked towards the bar where Mira was talking to Makarov.

"Hey Mira-nee." Lisanna greeted getting her older sister's attention.

"Hey Lisanna, Natsu. How are you two today?" Mira smiled.

"Good.." Lisanna quickly answered, before sighing. "Okay not so good.. we can't decide on what we should do for the talent show tomorrow." Lisanna quietly admitted to her sister.

"I see. I'm sorry to hear that." Mira said with a small frown.

"Why is it so quiet in here?" Natsu asked curiously, notice that most of their friends are not in the guild at the moment.

"Oh! Everyone went out to get their last minute preparations done for the talent show tomorrow." Mira answered.

"Ah.." Natsu trailed off. "Brian here by chance?" Natsu quickly asked not seeing him either in the guild.

"No. Brian left the guild with Gildarts, and Cana a while ago." Mira said as she turned around from the shelf of clean mugs. "Why don't I make you two some food. Maybe I can help you figure out what to do for tomorrow while you eat?" Mira happily offered.

"Sounds good." Natsu grinned.

"Sure Mira-nee." Lisanna smiled.

After coming back with their food a little while later, "So you two were looking for Brian?" Mira asked curiously.

"Mhmm." Natsu hummed as he chewed a bite of his food.

"Natsu seems to think that Brian might know the perfect way for us to win the talent show. But I'm not so sure." Lisanna admitted.

Giggling at her sister, "If one thing is for sure, Brian will have at least something you two can use tomorrow. Standing out even if he doesn't want to be seen has always been a natural talent of his." Mira giggled.

"Yeah, he is one that definitely can stand out in a crowd. Just like someone else I know." Lisanna giggled along with her older sister, as she laid her head on Natsu's shoulder.

"What can I say, being awesome isn't easy." Natsu laughed.

"Now where have I heard that before?" Mira playfully teased as she put a finger to her lips pretending that she was thinking hard, before busting out in a giggling fit.

After about an hour had past by with Lisanna, and Natsu talking along with Mira. The guild began to once again start filling up with it's members all brimming with excitement for tomorrow's events, much to the two's irritation. As the day crawled closer towards the mid afternoon, wall next to the door blew apart reveling Gildarts, carrying Cana bridal style trying to get out of her father's arms, and a rope tied to his waist with Brian being dragged behind him looking pissed off as ever as he yelled in protest.

"Untie me dammit!" Brian yelled out while his face was being dragged against the guild floor.

"Put me down!" Cana yelled out in similar fashion only to have Gildarts tighten his hold on her.

Getting to the bar, Gildarts put on a huge smile while facing everyone as he hoisted Cana onto his left shoulder, and tugged Brian up by the rope and throwing him up on his right shoulder.

"FELLOW MEMBERS OF FAIRY TAIL! I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU ALL TO MY KIDS! BRIAN CLIVE, AND CANA ALBERONA CLIVE!" Gildarts loudly announced to the once active guild hall that was now so quiet that you could hear the paint drying on the new house that was just built two blocks away.

"EEHHH!?" Everyone yelled out except for Mira, who was happily smiling that they two had managed to finally tell Gildarts that they were his kids after so long.

Setting Cana down carefully, but dropping Brian down like a ton of bricks, everyone just sweat dropped at the "Fatherly Act" that Gildarts so casually displayed for them all to witness.

"Why have I not been told about this?" Makarov asked as he made his way on the other end of the bar towards the three, with everyone else in the guild quickly agreeing with him.

Slinking around on the floor like a worm would to reach the back of the bar to his girlfriend, while still tied up Brian ignored the question concentrating more on being cut lose.

"We had our reasons." Cana answered as she laughed at her older brother inching his way from them.

"I got my kids back master!" Gildarts cheered as he hugged the short master of fairy tail.

"Gil-darts... crushing.. me.." Makarov wheezed.

"Op my bad. I'm just so happy!" Gildarts laughed. "First rounds on me everyone!" Gildarts announced loudly with the guild all erupting in cheers.

Finally reaching the edge of the bar, Brian cried out for help. "Miiiiirrrraaaa... halp.." As he noticed his girlfriend making her way towards him with a knife.

"Hold still now." Mira smiled a little too happily for Brian's liking, as she bent down to cut him loose.

After being set free thanks to Mira, and with the guild getting rowdy as ever thanks to the alcohol flowing around the guild. Natsu, and Lisanna were talking away with everyone at their usual table before heading towards the bar that Brian was currently hiding behind next to Mira.

"So your Gildarts son?" Natsu asked simply, getting blank look from Brian in return.

"If you didn't figure that out after he literally screamed it out for everyone in town while dragging me behind him while hog tied.. and then shouting it as loudly as possible in front of the guild.. I don't know what will help you figure that out Natsu." Brian said with a bored look on his face. "You two want something?" Brian asked remembering Mira saying that Lisanna, and Natsu wanted to talk to him when he had the chance.

"Actually we did. Natsu, and I are having a hard time thinking of a good act for the talent show that will help us win. We've asked Mira-nee seeing how she's won every one of them, but she wasn't that much help honestly. Love her to death, but yeah.. no help." Lisanna weakly laughed.

"So I figured why not ask you for some advice. You seem to know a lot of stuff to get people notice you." Natsu explained as he sat next to Lisanna at the bar in front of Brian, while Mira was off at the other end of the bar handing drinks out.

"You really wanna get advice from me for the talent show?" Brian asked with a confused look on his face, getting nods from the two in front of him. "Alright. But just remember I don't do things like others." Brian laughed, and then smirked evilly.

"W-we know.." Natsu, and Lisanna stuttered out at the same time.

"Come on, lets go upstairs, and talk." Brian suggested as he hopped over the bar leading the two upstairs into the infirmary.

"Alright you two. If you really want my advice on the talent show I'll give it to ya." Brian said once they were alone in the infirmary. "Don't do it." Brian said simply, making the two sweat drop.

"What!?" Natsu yelled. "What kind of advice is that?" Natsu questioned in a quieter voice one Brian glared at him for yelling.

"Good advice." Brian said while rolling his eyes.

"But we want to do something for tomorrow." Lisanna said looking a little dejected that Brian doesn't seem to be helping them out much at all.

Noticing Lisanna's saddened look, and Natsu looking irritated. Brian sighed, before sitting down on one of the beds in the room.

"Okay look, I can't give away the details but this is what I can tell you guys about tomorrow, and the show as a whole. In the talent show, the main objective is to do something different, and good that someone else can't compete with, while playing to your natural talents." Brian started explaining but was cut off by Natsu.

"No foolin? It couldn't be cuz it's called a talent.. show.. durr.." Natsu scoffed.

"One more smart ass remark like that, and the back of your head will be meeting my boot." Brian warned with a glare, as Lisanna smacked Natsu's shoulder.

"Sorry.." Natsu grumbled out in annoyance.

"Okay where was I.. ah that's right.. Anyways for what I've seen as far as the acts are going to be.. there will be a few singing, some dancing, an acting one, and two unrecorded acts. You guy's being one of them, and Gray and Juvia's being the other. Now seeing how you want to fall out of the norm that the others seem to be going for. It'd be smart to do something both of you could pull off very easily." Brian informed as he put a hand to his chin, and thought for a minute.

"I got it!" Brian smirked. "Okay, okay, okay.. seeing how the talent show is now being judged by a fuck load of people. I think the best way to capture the votes of the audience is by somehow involving them into the act. People are more susceptible to laughter, than anything else while watching a show, it's fun, and it's contagious. Acts that require a lot of thought, and concentration tend to be less popular I think. But ones that are just plain fucking simple that anyone can understand it no matter who they are, tend to be more liked. So I think a comedy act would suit you two best." Brian suggested.

"A comedy act?" Lisanna nervously questioned.

"How would we be able to pull off something like that..?" Natsu wondered aloud.

"Yes a comedy act Lisanna, and you can very easily. I can help you out with a skit of some sort, and then you guys just do the rest. Just be sure to get really into it, and go nuts, and have fun!" Brian laughed. "Remember the crazier it tends to get, even if its confusing, will make people laugh harder." Brian added in just for good measure.

"I think we should do it Lisanna." Natsu smiled, after thinking about it.

"You really think so?" Lisanna asked, not too sure about putting on a comedy act.

"What else is there that we could do on such a short notice?" Natsu shrugged, "Plus Brian said he'd help a little bit." Natsu added.

"Alright. We'll accept your help." Lisanna said while not so sure about how tomorrow is going to turn out.

Smiling wickedly, Brian quickly ordered Natsu to run downstairs, and ask Mira for a few sheets of paper, and a pen. While Natsu was busy getting what was asked of him, Brian started explaining certain key elements that he thought were important for Lisanna to know.

"Okay Lisanna. Seeing how Natsu is downstairs, there's something else you should probably know.

"Okay?" Lisanna asked curiously.

"If you guys are serious about winning, you got to do some daring, and flashy stuff." Brian smirked as he saw how uncomfortable Lisanna looked as they were talking about the plan. "You gotta remember who we have in the guild that are going to be going up on stage trying to win. And simply put, the girls will be well.. using their girls to try, and win over the males in the crowd. And well as far as the females.. I'm sure at some point Gray will end up stripping as he does his part of the show." Brian chuckled, as Lisanna paled after getting the hint.

"I see your understanding now." Brian smirked. "You got to wear something that will attract attention to not only the act, but yourself seeing how the crowd will be voting for you. You can figure out what to wear n all that crap don't worry." Brian finished explaining with a laugh just as Natsu walked back into the infirmary.

"Here's the paper, and pen." Natsu said as he handed the requested items into Brian's hands.

"Alright.." Brian trailed off as he started scribbling away on the top sheet of paper.

After spending a good 45 minutes in the infirmary, throwing suggestions around, and writing down a good script for their act. Brian smirk as he looked over his handy work.

"Hot damn, 10 pages front, and back! Even with a few pictures. PICTURES!" Brian yelled making the two younger mage's sweat drop. "If this doesn't get you guys the grand prize, I don't know what will!" Brian laughed, as Natsu, and Lisanna read over what Brian had been working on for a while now with Natsu laughing as he read, and looked at the small pictures Brian drew on the pages.

Looking up from Natsu's shoulder, Lisanna looked at Brian. "If we can pull this off I think we just might win." Lisanna smiled, happy that they now have a plan.

"Thank you, thank you." Brian said as he bowed in front of the two a couple times. "Well if you two don't mind, I am going to head back down stairs, and pound a few." Brian laughed as he waved the two off leaving the infirmary.

"I can't wait for tomorrow now." Natsu laughed once Brian's footsteps were no longer heard heading down the hallway.

"I'm kinda curious if we can pull this off.." Lisanna trailed off.

"Having doubts?" Natsu asked curiously.

"Honestly.. yes.. I've never done something like this before." Lisanna admitted feeling a little embarrassed.

"You'll do fine, besides neither have I. Plus you have the easy parts. All you have to do is be yourself, and just yell at me more than usual." Natsu laughed, with Lisanna giggling along with him.

"Okay maybe it wont be so bad after all." Lisanna agreed trying to be positive about it.

---

Day Of The Talent Show

Today was the big day, and everyone was excited for their chance at winning this years secret grand prize. No matter what anyone said last night as everyone got really drunk, and told each other that their performances didn't stand a chance against their own. Everyone was feeling pretty optimistic about today's big show.

"How did I get stuck doing this again.." Natsu whined as he stood back stage, next to Lisanna who was giggling at her grumpy boyfriend as they checked out the very large audience for the talent show.

"Having second thoughts?" Lisanna asked with a smirk.

"Um.. yes?" Natsu nervously laughed.

"Oh don't be such a puss." Brian said near by as he, and Mira approached the two.

"I'm sure you two will do great." Mira cutely smiled.

"Just remember to have fun, and you'll do fine." Brian tried to reassure.

"I guess.." Natsu trailed off before looking back out at the large crowd.

"At least you aren't hosting this damned thing." Brian grunted as he peeked over Natsu's shoulder, getting Mira, and Lisanna to giggle at him.

"Just remember your deal with the master hun." Mira said as she hugged Brian from behind as the two looked out across the sea of people in front of the stage. "If that doesn't work I'll give you a special surprise later after the show." Mira added with a smile.

"More money?" Brian laughed, making Mira laugh with him.

"No something else." Mira said after controlling her giggling fit, before looking at the clock on the wall not too far away. "Looks like it's time for you to head out there." Mira smiled.

"Yeah.. Do I look alright?" Brian asked as he turned around to face his girlfriend, who straightened out his tie.

"There. Perfect. Off you go." Mira stated as she lightly pushed her boyfriend from behind out onto the stage.

Walking on stage to the microphone dressed in a white long sleep button up shirt with it's sleeves rolled half way up, a black tie, black slacks, and black dress shoes, with his hair laid flat instead of their usual spikiness, all while trying to ignore the massive amount of people out in the crowd cheering loudly for him to kick the talent show off. Brian sighed before he took the mic off of it's stand.

"Hello everyone, my name is Brian Clive, and.." Brian stopped suddenly as he heard, and watched his father popping up from the crowd in various random points of the very large crowd making a fool out of himself screaming.

"THAT'S MY BOY! UP THERE! ON THE STAGE!" Gildarts cheered while slapping a few random people on their backs a little too hard.

"My father everyone.." Brian sighed into the mic, making the crowd laugh at their annoyed talent show host. "As I was saying, I will be your host for this afternoon. For those of you who are attending for the first time this year, we have various different types of acts that members of our guild will be putting on for your entertainment, in hopes of capturing your hearts, and attention in hopes of receiving your vote on the best act of the show! At the end of the show, each of you will vote on the best act of the day, and the winning act that receives the most votes will be awarded the grand prize!" Brian signaled the crowd to quiet down for a little bit so he could continue.

"This year we have a small change in the line up, that you all must know about. Master Makarov has pretty much all but black mailed me into putting on a show for you all today as well. So at the end of everyone's acts I will be playing my own act for you all while you all cast your votes. Also something to take note of is that in fairness of the others participating in the show. Myself, and last years winner.. the ever lovely, and my girlfriend.. Mirajane Strauss. Will be ineligible from winning the competition. So be sure to not vote for either of us, because if you do your vote will be discarded." Brian explained.

"So without further ado! Lets bring out the first act of the day! Ready to publicly humiliate themselves in front of you all.. Please give it up for Jet, and Droy!" Brian announced, with the crowd applauding as Brian walked off stage as Jet, and Droy appeared on stage.

Getting back stage after kicking everything off, Mira walked over to him with a smile, and gave him a loving kiss on the lips. "See? I told you that you'd do great. All that worrying for nothing." Mira laughed at how twitchy Brian has been in the past 24 hours.

"I'm not worrying over just the talent show here Mira." Brian playfully glared at his girlfriend.

"Oh? And what would you be worrying about then?" Mira playfully glared back.

"That I don't make a complete fool out of myself..." Brian trailed off trying not to sound nervous, which Mira thankfully didn't seem to pick up on.

"You have nothing to worry about." Mira reassure. "Now you better get ready to go back out there, while I round up our next act." Mira smiled, giving him one last kiss before separating.

Watching Mira walk back to where the others were, Brian just sighed. "I swear to god I'm going to freaking die by the end of this day.." Brian mumbled out to himself as she walked to the edge of the state to be ready to make his way back out in front of the sea of people.

Approaching him, Lisanna called out to Brian. As she, and Natsu made their way over to him.

"That's a lot of people out there huh?" Lisanna stated simply.

"Yeah.." Brian trailed off with a sigh. "You guys ready to go out there, and cause some mayhem?" Brian smirked.

"Hell yes! I'm all fired up to win this thing!" Natsu expressed while balling his fire encased fists out.

"Just don't get any on ya Natsu.." Brian chuckled as they all watched the performance currently on the stage.

---

Later On In The Show

Halfway through everyone's performances. The ones who were still waiting for their turn were starting to get a little nervous after watching the others go before them. Because everyone in the audience could see the performances, they were all very panicky as the crowd chanted for the next act. Unknowingly to everyone including Brian, and Mira. Makarov made it so that the show was being seen in other cities around Fiore, via lacrima streaming. What a crafty old shit huh?

"Hahahaha!" Brian laughed without remorse as he arrived back on stage after watching Gajeel's singing performance, with the crowd showing their disapproval of the song. "Better luck next time Garbage." Brian laughed again with the crowd quickly joining him laughing along.

"Alright everyone next up we have an act that hasn't been done so far today. Coming up next on stage is the guild's very own Salamander.. Natsu Dragneel, and Lisanna Strauss! The couple will be putting on a show that will surely punch you in the gut a few times, and who knows? Maybe make you shoot snot out of your noses." Brian laughed again as Natsu walked out on stage dressed a goofy lizard costume, holding Lisanna's hand. Who was using her tigress animal soul as an outfit, that revealed a lot of skin to the male audience member's liking.

The cheering got even louder as the two got up to the mic, with Natsu smiling widely as the two waved to the crowd just as Brian came up behind the two slapping them both on the shoulders.

"Knock em' dead guys." Brian chuckled as he walked away to the back. 'Oh this is going to be fucking awesome!'

Once backstage Mira walked over to him, to watch her sister, and Natsu's act. Getting a questioning look from her boyfriend.

"Did you get that thing I asked for?" Brian whispered to his girlfriend.

"Yes.. but what did you want that thing for anyways?" Mira gave a confused look.

"Come to the dressing room with me, and I'll show you... Nobody is to know about this got it? Just trust me on this one." Brian smirked as the two quickly made their way to the dressing room.

Back on stage Natsu, and Lisanna were just now getting ready to start their act before-

"COMEERE YOU ZOMBIE LIZARD FROM MUCUS MANSION! LEMME SHOW YOU WHAT THE MIRACLE OF SHOVING A TOASTER, AND TOOTHPASTE INTO ONES EAR HOLE CAN DO TO THE HUMAN BODY!" A sudden voice screamed out as a figure dressed in a very elaborate cow costume, bum rushed the stage tackling Natsu, and Lisanna with an actual open tube of tooth paste, and toaster with its unplugged cord freely waving around as he ran into them. Catching the crowd off guard, before busting out laughing.

"Get the hell off of me!" Natsu roared while face down on the stage, with Lisanna struggling next to him to do the same.

"NEVA!" The cow clad mystery person yelled back, before smacking the back of Natsu's head with the toaster, and then using the cord to tie both Natsu, and Lisanna's hands together behind their backs.

"DO NOT DENY THE SINK! FOR IF YOU DO I WILL BE FORCED TO SMACK YOU IN THE SNOOOSHGA WITH A BABY GORILLA! YA GOT THAT!?" The cow roared, making the crowd laugh even harder, before a sudden smoke bomb went off on stage making everyone unable to see anything happening on the stage.

When the smoke cleared, a now standing, and untied Natsu, and Lisanna were in the middle of the stage with the toaster innocently laying on its side, with toothpaste smeared all over their faces.

"Well that was weird.." Natsu's voice echoed out.

"Y-yeah.." Lisanna agreed before quickly shooting a look at where she heard Natsu's voice.

"WHOA! WHEN DID I GET THESE!?" Natsu suddenly yelled out as he looked down, and grabbed "His chest" and started playing with them, making his girlfriend freak out.

"Natsu quite grabbing my chest! And what the hell happened to us!?" Lisanna yelled out while frantically waving her arms around in Natsu's body.

"Huh?" Natsu asks stupidly in Lisanna's body, only to now notice that his body was in front of him. "What the hell!? Why am I there!? What happened!?" Natsu pointed towards his body.

"I don't know, but quit playing with my boobs dammit!" Lisanna smacked her own body with Natsu inside of it on top of the head hard, sending her body through the floor of the stage. Once Natsu recovered, and jumped back up on stage he growls at his body with Lisanna in it. "You wanna go Lisanna!?" Natsu challenged before taking in a deep breath, making Lisanna's eyes widen.

"NO! DON'T NATSU!" Lisanna screamed out in terror, with the crowd at a complete loss at what is going on.

"FIRE DRAGON'S ROAR!" Natsu yelled out in Lisanna's body, opening his mouth, and looking straight at Lisanna who was closing her eyes fearing the worst..

"..."

Except nothing happened, which made the crowd laugh.

"Huh?" Natsu, and Lisanna said at the same time seeing that nothing had happened, with the whole audience roaring in laughter.

"AND THE COW JUMPS OVER THE MOON ON GROUNDHOG DAY!" A strangely familiar voice echoed from the back of the large crowd, making everyone look towards him, just as Brian appeared on stage.

"Oooookay.. times up you two." Brian laughed as he approached the two, slapping them both on the back.

"But!?" Natsu protested in Lisanna's body.

"How do we get our bodies back!?" Lisanna yelled into Brian's face making him wince.

"Hell if I know? I thought this was part of your act?" Brian said in a tone that displayed his lack of interest in their current issue.

"Help us now!" Natsu roared while throwing a punch at Brian's face, but was caught by the waist by Lisanna.

"Don't you dare try fighting him in my body! You'll kill me!" Lisanna freaked out.

"Yeah that's nice, and all but I need to bring the next act up on stage. Soo... off ya go." Brian informed while sticking a finger in his ear digging for any ear wax that might of been dislodged from all the yelling, and then bent down grabbing both of their legs, and dragged them off of the stage with the audience still laughing at their misfortune as the two whined loudly in protest.

Appearing back on stage Brian raised his mic back up to him. "Holy crap that was funny right!?" Brian laughed with the crowd cheering on louder than any other time throughout the talent show.

'All I had to do was publicly humiliate them is all too, haha!' Brian thought with a mental smirk.

"Alright everyone. Our next act of the afternoon is Gray, and Juvia! With a surprise performance that not even I know what it is!" Brian motioned for the two to come out on stage, as he started walking off.

Once back stage again, Brian instantly spotted Natsu sulking in a corner, and a crying Lisanna in Natsu's body next to Mira who was trying her best to console the two.

"Hey you two. Looks like the crowd liked your act a lot, nice work." Brian said as he stood next to the two younger mage's. "Oh yeah.." Brian trailed off as he snapped his fingers with a smirk, making Natsu, and Lisanna flinch as they felt a small electrical shock run through their bodies.

"What was that?!" Natsu, and Lisanna loudly asked him.

"Oh nothing.." Brian playfully smiled while looking at Mira, who wasn't sure how she should feel about what he boyfriend had done to her younger sister.

Noticing that they were back in their original bodies, Natsu, and Lisanna instantly latched onto each other happy to be back to themselves again.

"I... may of put a mind switching spell on you two before your act." Brian explained as he fell to the floor laughing.

"YOU DID WHAT!?" Natsu, and Lisanna roared.

"Hey, I helped you out. Just like you asked me to." Brian said simply as he picked himself up off the floor. "Don't see what the big deal is. Nobody got hurt, crowd liked you, and everyone had a good time. Everybody wins." Brian shrugged casually.

"You know what.. I don't even care anymore.." Lisanna sighed, as she sat down in a near by chair with her arms crossed, and puffing her cheeks out in annoyance.

"You're so dead when this is all over.." Natsu growled out, trying to sound as intimidating as a man dressed in a goofy lizard costume could be.

"Yeah, yeah whatever.." Brian rolled his eyes, before leaning over to whisper into Natsu's ear. "Besides.. you got to see how Lisanna's boobs feel. That must count for something right?" Brian laughed as he moved away from the now blushing Natsu.

"Uh.." Natsu trailed off not trusting his voice after remembering that he did do just that in front of a very large crowd.

"Come on Mira, lets go watch the act up before I have to go out there again." Brian suggested as he took a hold of Mira's hand leading her to the edge of the stage.

"Did you really have to do that to them?" Mira questioned after they were far enough away from Natsu, and Lisanna.

"Honestly? Yeah." Brian said simply as he looked out onto the stage.

Sighing at her boyfriend, Mira just laid her head on his shoulder as the two watched a now boxer wearing Gray, and madly blushing Juvia do their performance.

---

A Couple Hours Later

"Alright everyone shaddup, shaddup, shaddup." Brian announced as he reappeared on the stage with an acoustic guitar strapped on his back, silencing a good portion of the crowd.

"Now that all of the members have all done their acts for you all. It is time for you to all cast your vote on the best act of the day! So while your all voting, it is time for the final part of the show. Now before I start, I'd like to ask someone to come join me up here on stage. Mira would you come out here please?" Brian asked, while the crowd was simply watching on, and talking amongst each other on who they thought should win. And then started cheering once more as they all spotted the white haired beauty walking across the stage with a smile, dressed in a beautiful dark blue dress that showed off her curves, and then sat down in the only chair that had been set out on the stage a minute ago.

"Now something you all hopefully may not know.. Is that I have known Mira for most of my life." Brian started with a chuckle. As the large lacrima vision screens beside the stage for the ones in the back of the crowd can see whats going on with the stage. Started showing pictures of the members of the guild in various points of their lives.

"Now growing up together in the guild, we may of not been the friendliest people in the world to be around, but Mira, and I grew closer, and closer in our teenage years despite denying so to anyone who tried to point it out." Brian stopped, and laughed as he saw the picture now up on the screens showing a few pictures of him, Mira, and Erza locked in a fight with other members of the guild. And then showed the picture of him, and Mira standing next to each other both dressed in their very Gothic looking clothes, from the photo album. Making everyone in the crowd laugh. And then the picture of a younger slightly blushing Brian, handing a younger Mira flowers blushing madly as she accepted them with a small smile on her face, getting many "Awe's" in the crowd.

"A little over three years ago I set out on a decade quest for my own personal reasons, leaving Fairy Tail, and everyone I cared about behind. During those three years I wrote this song for my beautiful girlfriend to let her know how much I missed, and loved her as I continued on with my quest. And I will be playing this song for her for the first time ever right now in front of you all." Brian informed with a smirk hearing the males in the crowd freaking out hearing he was dating the most popular female mage in Fiore for so long, and hearing all of the "Awe's" from all of the females thinking how romantic it all was.

"Yes. "My" girlfriend." Brian laughed before glaring back at the crowd, and then turning his complete attention over at the giggling form of his girlfriend sitting next to him, and slowly strummed his acoustic guitar silencing the crowd, and then started slowly playing the beginning of the song.

(Listen to Avenged Sevenfold's song: Dear God)

A lonely road, crossed another cold state line-
Miles away from the one I love, purpose hard to find..
While I recall all the words you spoke to me-
Can't help but wish that I was there-
Back where I'd love to be, oh yeah..

Dear God.. the only thing I ask of you-
Is to hold her when I'm not around-
When I'm much too far away..
We all need that person who can be true to you-
But I left her when I found her..
And now I wish I'd stayed..
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm tired..
I'm missing you again, oh no...
Once again..

There's nothing here for me, on this barren road-
There's no one here while the city sleeps-
And all the shops are closed..
Can't help but think of the times I've had with you..
Pictures, and some memories will have to help me through, oh yeah..

Dear God, the only thing I ask of you-
Is to hold her when I'm not around-
When I'm much too far away..
We all need that person who can be true to you-
I left her when I found her..
And now I wish I'd stayed..
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm tired..
I'm missing you again, oh no...
Once again..

Some search.. never finding a way..
Before long.. they waste away..
I found you.. something told me to stay..
I gave in.. to selfish ways..
And how I miss someone to hold..
When hope begins to fade...

A lonely road.. crossed another cold state line..
Miles away from the one I love, purpose hard to find..

Dear God, the only thing I ask of you-
Is to hold her when I'm not around-
When I'm much too far away..
We all need the person who can be true to you-
I left her when I found her..
And now I wish I'd stayed..
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm tired..
I'm missing you again, oh no...
Once again...

Brian's voice slowly faded out as he moved away from the mic, and taking a couple steps to reach the now crying Mira who was holding a hand over her mouth trying to control her tears.

Setting his guitar down on the floor, Brian bent down on a knee slowly reaching for the hand Mira was holding over her mouth, with the crowd cheering after the song had finished.

"Mira.." Brian quietly spoke as he pulled her hand away from her, and held onto it.

"During these past years that I have been away, the only thing that has been on my mind, was you.. remembering all of the memories we had together growing up, gave me the strength that I needed to return safely into your arms." Brian softly spoke as he kissed Mira's hand.

"I love you more than anything in this world, and will continue to do so.. doing everything in my power to ensure that you are always happy, and cared for until the day comes that our physical bodies leave this world. And because of everything that I feel, and see in you, I would like to ask you this one question.." Brian softly smiled as he reached into his pants pocket searching for something, making the entire once cheering crowd go as silent as a ghost town.

"Will you marry me?" Brian's asked happily with everyone in the entire crowd able to see and hear him.

"YES! OF COURSE I WILL MARRY YOU!" Mira all but yelled as she jumped forward out of her chair, tackling Brain to the ground kissing him repeatedly, as the crowd suddenly roaring with excitement, and cheers for the happy couple.

Sitting up while chuckling, Brian slipped the diamond ring he secretly bought with Cana's help onto Mira's left ring finger, as she shed tears of joy, and happiness. Just as everyone from back stage rushed to the stage to congratulate the couple as they were once again hugging, while Mira cried into Brian's shoulder happily.

---

An Hour Later

Once being congratulated by damned near everyone around them. Brian, was hold the still beaming Mira's hand who was showing off her engagement ring to every person she spotted, or approached her. Chuckling as he walked up the couple in the center of a crowd of guild members. Makarov squeezed his small body through the crowd to get near them seeing how they were still all on the stage.

"Congratulations again you two, I did not see that coming." Makarov smiled sincerely for them. "I hate to say this now, but we have the results from the talent show." Makarov announced as he held up a small envelope for Brian to take.

"Awesome. Lemme grab the mic, and I'll announce the winner." Brian happily said as he pulled Mira by the hand through the crowd to get back over to the mic.

"Aright everyone!" Brian yelled into the mic at the still noisy as ever crowd that was all talking about the talent show, and everything else that had happened during the day. "I have here in my hand the winner of the this years Fairy Tale Talent Show!" Brian informed while showing the crowd the envelope Makarov handed him, and slowly started opening it as the crowd once again went silent awaiting to hear the winner of the talent show.

"Before I get to announcing the winner, I also have here in this envelope the grand prize for the winner! This years will be winning an all expense week long stay a luxurious, relaxing five star beach resort!" Brian announced with the crowd cheering, and wanting to hear the winner of such a great prize.

"And the winner is! By a staggering 900 votes! Natsu, and Lisanna! For their hilarious acts of stupidity!" Brian announced loudly, as the cheering crowd of gathered guild members on the stage started pushing the young couple to the front next to Brian, and Mira.

"We.. won?" Lisanna asked in denial, once they had gotten next to Brian who had the mic.

"WOOO! We are the best!" Natsu cheered, as he picked up his girlfriend, and twirled her around, before kissing her square on the lips. Earning a bunch of "Awe's" from the crowd.

As the celebrating continued on, Makarov coughed next to Brian to get his attention as he, and Mira were laughing at the winning couple.

Signalling that he wanted the microphone, Brian took it, and handed it to his master.

"Congratulations you two for winning this year's talent show. I'd like to make a special announcement for everyone that has joined us here today. As many of you have already noticed, that we have large lacrima vision screens placed around the area for you all to see. But not only were they set up for those in the back to see, but also for the many people located in other cities that were not able to make the trip here to Mongolia to witness today's events." Makarov chuckled as he watched everyone give him blank shocked looks.

"So thank you all for coming today, and we hope to see you next year for an even greater talent show!" Makarov announced as he held up the universal Fairy Tail sign, with the crowd cheering loudly, happy to hear that there will be another talent show next year.

"You crafty bastard..." Brian mumbled just loud enough for Makarov to hear him. "I'll get you back for this.."

"Be nice." Mira said as she kissed Brian in front of everyone happily. "I love you so much." Mira whispered into Brian's ear.

"I love you too Mira." Brian smiled back at her.

"That was by far the most romantic thing I think that anyone could of hoped to pull off." Mira said as she continued to hug her now fiance.

"That's what I was going for." Brian smirked into Mira's hair. "How long do you think it will take your sister, and Natsu to get married?" Brian playfully asked.

Moving away from their hug, the two watched as Natsu, and Lisanna happily held each other, and occasionally kissing each other, with Erza, and Lucy, and the others all cheering along next to them.

"Not long my love.. not long." Mira smiled, happy for her little sister.

Squeezing away from the crowd. Cana, and Gildarts managed to break free from it, and Gildarts a little too happily grabbed all of them in a gigantic hug.

"MY BOY'S GETTING MARRIED!" Gildarts yelled out, making everyone chuckle at the three he caught struggling to breathe properly in his large hug.

"LIKE A MAN!" The distance voice of Elfman cheered for his sister while stuck in the crowd.

"Your squeezing my head dad! And with your metal arm too!" Brian yelled out in the middle of the hug, with Mira laughing along happily enjoying the moment.

"Excuse me." A voice called out next to the group at the front of the stage. "I'm a reporter for Sorcerers Weekly Magazine, and I was wondering if I could get an interview with the winners of the competition, as well as you two." The reporter smiled towards Mira, and Brian.

About to decline the interview, Mira spoke up before he could say anything.

"Of course! We'd be happy too!" Mira answered happily, with Brian slapping a palm to his face.

"Ugh.. whatever.. the cats out of the bag now anyways.. fine.." Brian relented, making Mira smile up at him, and give him a quick kiss.

"Thank you! Is it alright if I stop by the guild a little later to get the interviews?" The reporter asked.

"Sure. We will be there." Brian answered with a nod.

Walking over to Brian, and Mira. Natsu looked up at Brian, as Lisanna jumped at Mira giving her a big hug.

"So... who was that guy in that cow costume..?" Natsu asked quietly to Brian who instantly burst out laughing, with Mira giggling as she held onto Lisanna.

"I have no idea." Brian laughed even harder.

---

(Authors Note)

Well people.. there is chapter four! I'd like to say that in response to the reviews that I've been getting for this story. That all of your Natsu x Lisanna want/needs/whatever will be taken care of very soon. As those who may have read my other story.. I am a writer who likes to do things with a realistic progression rate. It makes the story more in depth, and fun to read in my opinion. Anyways! Natsu and Lisanna are going to be spending a week at a fancy five star beach resort alone, and away from everyone else. Hmm makes ya think what might happen during that time huh? Haha BUT I WONT TELL YOU NOW! Haha.. Well as always, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and leave a nice review, and fav, and follow this story. It needs more of them.. plus I'm greedy. Haha. Until the next update everyone!