A/N: Hello and welcome back everyone. I am glad to see that you guys like this story, it's been getting a lot of views according to the traffic graph on my Bio page. It's nice to see that people enjoy reading what I write. Then there's you guys; the people whose encouragement has helped me get this story off the ground. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you. Believe me, every time I see a review, it makes me smile and get a warm feeling in my chest (to the people in the peanut gallery, no, it's not heart burn). I do have more in store for this story as it progresses, so I'm glad you guys will join me for the ride.
So, here's a shout out to you crazy ones; a very lengthy authors note for 30+ reviews!
-Darkhope: I am working out in my head for how the kids and parents are to interact with each other…it's a little tasking but I think I know what I want to do. I like how you're a Gruvia fan by the way. Yes, Gray and Juvia did the inverted tango somewhere down the line after tying the knot…it was bound to happen sooner or later. When I wrote that, I was trying to put myself in Gray's shoes so naturally the whole idea of having kids with Juvia and Gray's current mindset made me put that down. As for Chiara being the youngest of the group, look at it this way; she was neither unplanned nor an accident. Gray and Juvia had been wanting another child but they got busy raising Sam and Jenny. So they waited a while before giving it another go and voila!
Gray: Doesn't mean I have to like it…also doesn't help that one of my fans is encouraging you.
DD42: Gray, we have a guest here so be nice. Or else.
Gray: Or else what?
DD42: I know you and Juvia read this story…don't make me lock you in a room with her.
Gray: *Eyes widen considerably and nervous swallow* I'm sorry! You wouldn't do that…would you?
DD42:*Troll face with evil laugh* Oh Juvi~a.
Wow…I just ripped the fourth wall a new one didn't I? Oh well, back on tangent!
The part with Chiara being afraid of thunder and lightning is actually based on personal experience. When I was very young, I was terrified of thunder and lightning…and my mother would always be there to comfort me. I think at one point or another, every kid gets a little afraid of that weather.
As for Igneel and his nightmare…if I told you what was up with him that would spoil the surprise X).
-skelekc: I'm glad you still like this, I'd be a little worried if you didn't. CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING MY 30th REVIEWER! I'd give you a prize but sadly that's not possible…this latest update should suffice I hope.
-kazenoseiren: It is a little funny when it comes to Gray and his feelings…he is kind of a wild card in that regard, wouldn't you agree. However, he isn't necessarily being a pervert. He's just trying to wrap his mind around all that has happened. If he was being perverted, however, I would have added something steamy into that part of the chapter *sly smirk and chuckle*. As for Igneel and his nightmare, I'll keep you guys guessing on that one for a little bit. I will say that the nightmare was caused by an incident so traumatic to Igneel that I have categorized it as PTSD with some severe phantom pain. And I'm sorry for making you impatient! It just takes me a while to write this that's all!
-Sesshomaru'sCrazyGirl: Welcome back Crazy Girl! I'm glad you like-correction-love this story. Sadly this story will end…BUT NOT ANY TIME SOON I ASSURE YOU! Thanks for being understanding with my updates by the way. As for liking Igneel, I'm a guy so I do and don't see the attraction some of my characters have created. I actually have another reviewer by the name of PandaGirl wholikes my character Saito Redfox, so I can see where you're coming from.
-ichihime4: I'm glad to hear this story makes you excited, I'll do my best to keep that excitement going until the very end. It's good to hear that my writing is exciting, it's a big confidence boost.
-Tomoyo10798: Welcome back Tomoyo-chan, I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Yes, Natsu is starting to question his feelings for Lucy. Everyone seems to focus on Lucy's thoughts pertaining to Natsu so I figured that I'd try to get into his head a little. As to the "her" that Igneel mentioned…let's just say that you'll have to wait to find out ;). Thank you for being patient with this story by the way.
Any who, now that, that's settled' let's get started shall we? OH! I have something at the end of the chapter that I want to try, so let me know if you like it!
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CHAPTER 8: Adjusting…and a confession
Saito awoke early to sound of the slow drip-drop of water. The rain storm, which had lasted most of the night, had ended an hour earlier. It was still dark out and therefore, the apartment's interior was hard to see. Luckily, Saito's natural night vision came to his aid as he let his eyes quickly adjust to the darkness before settling on the small clock hanging on the wall.
It was about five-ten in the morning.
Saito silently stretched his arms and stood up, arching his back as he did so before stretching his legs.
Pantherlily was still asleep by his spot near the window, blissfully unaware that Saito was moving about with the silence of a ghost.
Saito peeked his head past Gajeel's door and checked up on his father.
The bed sheets were in a rumpled mess around Gajeel, evident that the Dragon Slayer had a rough, dream filled sleep. Saito had occasionally heard the man toss and turn during the night.
Saito made a small smile before quietly changing into a pair of baggy sweat pants, running/hiking shoes, and tying a set of bandages around his lower abdomen and waist, leaving his muscular arms, chest, shoulders and back exposed. Saito then splashed some water on his face before tying his headband around his forehead. He kept his trademark shades in his pants pocket.
Saito gave a smile as he pulled his fingerless work out gloves over his hands.
He was going for a run.
Saito made his way out the front door but not before snagging a piece of scrap metal off of Gajeel's kitchen table and leaving a note behind that simply said: WENT OUT FOR A RUN, BE BACK LATER. Biting down and devouring the piece of iron in one bite, Saito cracked his neck before setting off at a paced jog for a warm up. All the while he enjoyed the feeling of the cool early morning air against his skin.
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Later; 10:00 AM…
Lucy woke with a start as the morning light filtered in through her window.
Squinting her eyes shut and pulling the covers over her head and let out a small groan. When it came to mornings in general, Lucy was not someone who immediately hauled themselves out of bed. Especially after the dream filled sleep she had.
Dreams concerning a certain pink haired, fire Dragon Slayer.
Lucy let another groan.
She was upset because she had enjoyed most of the dreams. They ranged from her and Natsu doing simple, comfortable things like holding hands as they walked down the street, watching the sun set at the beach or enjoying a meal together. Then there had the more…intimate dreams and Lucy immediately felt her cheeks and body warm up at those memories. Especially a particularly steamy one of her and Natsu…alone…in an open field…with a camp fire blazing away as the two passionately-
"OKAY, LET'S NOT GO THERE!" Lucy mentally screamed at herself as she pulled at her hair. It took her at least several deep breathes to calm down again.
Lucy groaned again.
"I need to stop thinking about those dreams…I need to make breakfast or something; anything to not remember those particular dreams." Lucy thought.
And speaking of breakfast, it was then that Lucy smelled something that could best be described as mouthwatering.
Finally dragging herself out of bed, Lucy walked down the hallway to her small kitchen to find a surprising sight.
Lilly stood in front of the stove humming to herself while she held a frying pan in one hand, spatula in the other as she gently tended to the sizzling pieces of bacon in the pan. Lilly still wore her pajamas but had let her blonde and pink hair down, the strands reaching the middle of her back.
Lilly noticed her mother out of the corner her eye and turned to greet her with a warm smile.
"Good morning." Lilly said.
"G-good morning." Lucy said in awe.
"Breakfast will be ready in a minute so why don't you take a seat."
Lucy did so and sure enough, Lilly had finished her cooking. The table and silver ware had been set out before hand and two tall glasses of, surprisingly enough, watermelon juice had been poured.
"W-where did you get all of this food and how did you pay for it?" Lucy asked.
"Paid with my own money. I woke up earlier and went out for some quick shopping. Came back here and changed into my PJ's…more comfortable that way."
Lilly brought her cooking over to the table and filled Lucy's plate first with her favorite morning meal; scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and a toasted, buttered bagel.
Lilly made a plate for herself, sat down and began to eat.
It was then that Lucy realized how hungry she was. She hadn't eaten since lunch the day before.
So she took one bite of the eggs.
Then another bite, then another and another.
Dear Mavis, the food tasted absolutely fantastic. Before she knew it, most if not all of her meal was gone.
Lilly smiled as she watched her mother chomp down on her bagel as it quickly disappeared down her throat.
"Would you like some more?" Lilly asked.
Before Lucy could answer, her stomach grumbled in response and she let out a very un-lady like belch.
Lucy covered her mouth with an embarrassed "eep."
Lilly let out a hearty laugh and rose from her seat.
"Good thing I made seconds, just give me a second to heat 'em up."
Lucy watched Lilly, while taking a generous sip of her juice, as Lilly formed a small ball of fire in her hand and held it near her pre-made food. The heat radiated from the flame and warmed the food up in a matter of seconds.
"That's a neat trick." Lucy said as Lilly refilled her plate.
"It's come in handy more than once," Lilly said as she sat back down, "Dad actually taught it to me."
Lucy paused mid bite into her eggs.
"…When you say "dad", you mean Natsu…right?" Lucy asked hesitantly. No matter how many times she heard Natsu and "Dad" together in the same sentence, saying the words still proved to be difficult.
Lilly gave Lucy a small smile.
"Yeah."
Lilly then placed her hand on Lucy's. When their hands touched, Lucy instantly felt the maternal part of her mind establish the connection between mother and daughter.
"I know this has been hard on you...that you're still trying to adjust to it all. But if you just give us time, until we find a way back home, I'm sure the idea of me and Igneel being your children will become easier to understand."
Lucy gave Lilly an uneasy smile.
"Right…I'll try." She said with a nod.
"That's all we ask." Lilly said before continuing to eat her breakfast.
After a moment of watching Lilly, Lucy continue to eat as well.
XXXX
After finally getting his body to fall into a dreamless sleep, Natsu had groggily awoken from his dead slumber. He could feel the slight bags under his eyes and his throat still hurt from Igneel's…incident.
Even though he had fallen asleep for a couple of hours, Natsu swore it felt like fifteen minutes.
Wiping the sleep from his eyes, Natsu let out a tired yawn as he stretched his arms.
It was then that he smelled it.
Something that smelled positively delicious.
"What smell's good?" Happy asked as he began to wake up.
Natsu immediately hopped out of bed and made his way to the kitchen, his stomach grumbling all the way.
Natsu soon found his kitchen table pilled with a large breakfast consisting of smoked ham, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast and a couple cartons of orange juice.
Practically drooling, Natsu was about to immediately dig in when he saw a note near the plate of bacon. Picking up said bacon, Natsu began munching on the strips as he read the note.
Dad,
Sorry about last night; I really wish you hadn't seen that. I'll be heading out early with the guys and won't be back till later. Help yourself to some breakfast. Don't worry about paying for it, I got it covered.
P.S. I left out some fish for Happy to eat.
-Igneel
Natsu let a small smile cross his face. Igneel had obviously put some hard work into the breakfast so he might as well enjoy it; he didn't get a chance to eat like this very often.
In the back of his mind, however, Natsu was touched by the fact that Igneel had made him breakfast. It was both a form of apology and trying to get Natsu to connect with him. Maybe he wasn't so bad?
XXXX
"Two hundred and ten…two hundred and eleven…" Saito grunted out as he went about his callisthenic routine; this part involving pushups.
"Don't push yourself too hard man," Sam grunted out in a teasing manner as he lowered his arms in unison with Saito, "don't want to hurt yourself now do ya?"
Saito simply gave his signature grin, his father's grin; his eyes now hidden beneath his shades.
Sam was dressed in a form fitting muscle shirt, a pair of blue and white swim trunks with intricate line patterns and a pair of running shoes. His skin was already slick with sweat in the morning sun and heat thanks to fifteen mile run and subsequent workout with Saito and Igneel. The former of the two having started out earlier with his early morning jog through town while the latter met up with Sam.
"I could say the same for you Popsicle head." Igneel grunted out as he switched from a two armed to one armed push up, alternating between his left and right arm. Igneel was shirtless but wore a pair of khaki cargo shorts that passed his knees by a couple of inches and a well-used pair of hiking boots. His glasses and wrist bands remained, however.
"Show off." Sam grunted back.
The run had taken the trio through the forests and hills surrounding Magnolia, down the main roads of town which surprised the shop owners and early risers who were milling about town and finally down to the beach that bordered the towns edge. When they reached the beach they immediately started their routine of sit ups, leg and arm raises, stretches and finally pushups.
"Two hundred and eighteen…two hundred and nineteen…two twenty…" Saito grunted as he lowered his body in the plank position, Sam and Igneel following suite.
"C'mon guys…just hold it for sixty more seconds." Saito grunted out.
The three were in excellent physical shape for their age but no matter how many times they did the same routine it always managed to take a bite out of them. However, it was how they had bonded over the years. Their daily workout had become something akin to a ritual they undertook at the dawning of each day.
After counting to sixty in his head, Saito let out a gasp of tired air and rolled onto his back.
Sam rolled to his side while Igneel sat down, hunched over.
"So," Sam asked breathlessly, "how your folks adjusting?"
"Dads still a little paranoid around me…not quite sure how he feels. I was never good with that to begin with." Saito said as he rose into a sitting position.
"And I haven't spoken to my mom since yesterday," Saito added, "what about you?"
"Same here. Dad woke up before I did. Just eyed me cautiously as I went about the apartment," Sam let out a tired sigh, "as for my mom, she's with my sisters so I'm bound to talk to her later."
"…I attacked my dad last night." Igneel said.
"What!?/Why!?" Saito and Sam said in unison.
"I had that nightmare again."
Sam and Saito's expressions changed from shock to pure hatred.
"The same one…the one about her?" Saito asked through clenched teeth as his Dragon Skin began to turn his hands into claws.
"The very same." Igneel said as he glared off to the ocean, the malice in his eyes clearly evident.
"I swear to Mavis, the moment we find her I'm gonna gut her in two." Sam said as cold air began to leave his mouth, becoming visible in the air despite the heat.
"Get in line Sam, you know Igneel and Lilly have first dibs." Saito said having calmed down somewhat.
"I know…I know…but still; every time I think about her and those other freaks, I just want to…" Sam left the rest of the sentence hanging in the air as his hands clenched together.
"Don't worry guys," Igneel said, his voice now dangerously low, "they'll all get what's coming to them…one way or another."
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Meanwhile…
Jellal made his way down the streets of Magnolia. He moved at a slow but even pace, his gaze forward but his eyes not particularly focusing on anything.
Meredy was back at the inn they were currently staying at but had mentioned she was going to stop by the Guild Hall later in the afternoon.
That was a good thing seeing as how Jellal just wanted some time to think…to get his thoughts or better yet, his feelings in order. And everything at the moment seemed to be focusing on a certain crimson haired swordswoman. He didn't know how long he had been walking but he was snapped out of his thoughts when he finally noticed he was standing in front of the Fairy Hills dorm.
The exact same place where the woman on his mind lived.
Jellal sighed. He knew he would have to come here sooner or later.
Entering the building's main Lobby, Jellal signed into the guest book before he looked up the residence sheet to find Ezra's room number. Venturing to the aforementioned room, Jellal soon found himself standing in front of the door.
He stood there for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before raising his hand and wrapping his knuckles on the door.
There was a moment of silence before the door opened to reveal Senna, dressed in her normal attire.
The swordswoman's eyes widened in shock for a moment before a small smile formed on her face.
Jellal swallowed slightly. She looked exactly like her mother when she smiled like that.
"Hi." Senna said.
Jellal swallowed again.
"Hi." He said.
The silence held between them.
"Would you like to come in?" Senna asked.
Jellal nodded and Senna moved so he could step in.
"Is…is Erza here?" Jellal asked hesitantly.
Senna nodded and began to walk towards the back of the apartment.
"Mom," she called out, "someone's here to see you."
Erza soon appeared from one of the rooms and soon stilled in her tracks when she noticed Jellal.
"Jellal…" Erza whispered.
Jellal gave Erza a small smile.
"Hello Erza…can we talk?"
"Yeah, I mean, sure, w-we can talk." Erza answered quickly as her cheeks reddened in embarrassment.
"I'll leave you two alone." Senna said as she wandered off.
Erza motioned for Jellal to follow and the two soon found themselves in Erza's small kitchen, Jellal taking a seat while Erza made some tea. Once the hot liquid was finished, Erza poured herself a cup before taking a seat and filling Jellal's.
The two were silent for a moment, not meeting each other's eyes.
"How is she?" Jellal asked.
Erza knew he was referring to Senna.
"…She's…she's nice…I mean, she's polite and quiet in her own sort of way. She reminds me of myself actually."
"I see."
"But I see more of you in her…she has your eyes and some of the little things that one tends to notice after a while."
Jellal took a sip of his tea.
"How…how are you holding up?" Erza asked.
"…To be honest; I don't know."
Jellal looked at Erza.
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she's our daughter. That she's here, right now, in our present."
"…I know."
"Do you?" Jellal asked, "Do you know what she means…about you and me?"
Erza bit her lip.
"I…I do know what she means about us. Jellal…I'm having just as much trouble accepting it as you are…but there's a part of me that's…glad, she's here."
Jellal lowered his cup from his lips, slowly and carefully.
"Glad?"
Erza nodded.
"I'm glad she's here because she helps reaffirm my feelings for you. No matter which way you look at it Jellal, Senna is our child. And there is only one way that is possible."
Jellal lowered his gaze. Erza stood from her seat and went over to Jellal, kneeling slightly so they were eye level.
"Jellal, I know you don't want to believe it, but you've done enough. You don't have to keep punishing yourself for things that were out of your control…you deserve to be happy."
Jellal shook his head.
"I…I don't deserve to be happy." Jellal said as he let out a slow, sad sigh.
"I keep feeling like there is always something trying to push us together," Jellal said," no matter how hard I try to distance myself from you…it seems like we are drawn back to each other."
Jellal looked at Erza and it was then that she saw the pained look in his eyes.
"I thought I could redeem myself…I thought by defeating Dark Guilds, I could atone for my sins. I thought I could punish myself for all that I have done…for what I did to you."
Erza held Jellal's hands as the latter gripped the swordswoman's hand with a silent, desperateness.
"For seven years, Erza. For seven years, I thought you were dead. I thought I had lost you again. I thought I would never see you again. But then you came back and words couldn't describe how relieved I was to hear that you were alive."
Jellal tried to take a calming breathe.
"I wanted to see you as soon as I could and when we shared that moment between ourselves during the Grand Magic Games; I felt truly alive again. And then in Crocus, when Deathwing nearly killed you, I was so angry. I was angry at him and myself. I was angry that he nearly killed you but also that I failed to protect you. In that brief moment before he attacked me, I just wanted to comfort you…to tell you everything would be alright. I was terrified that I would have lost you again.
"But no matter what my heart wanted…my mind told me otherwise. And despite what you say…despite what Senna says… I can't allow myself to love you. I'll only end up hurting you by doing so-"
Jellal was cut off when Erza, in one fluid motion, used her hands to frame Jellal's face and brought her lips together with his. Jellal's eyes widened in shock. After what seemed like an eternity, Erza released Jellal from her embrace.
"Erza…" Jellal whispered.
"Don't…" Erza said as tears began to form in her eyes, "don't think like that…don't say things like that!"
Erza grabbed Jellal's shoulders with a firm shake.
"Don't you even dare think like that Jellal Fernandes! Don't you ever think that you could hurt me like that!"
Tears began streaming down from Erza's eyes.
"Just because you believe you should be punished for crimes you were forced to commit doesn't give you the right to think you can't love someone." Erza managed to choke out as she sank to her knees.
"No matter what has happened between us, I have always loved you. But you…you're not even giving yourself the chance to give love a try."
Erza took a shaky breathe. Years of suppressed feelings, combined with recent events were finally making Erza's protective shield crack…and with each crack, Erza began to pour out her soul.
"How can you say you can't love me when we shared that moment during the games…when our daughter is literally here before our eyes?"
The tears continued to leak from Erza's eyes as the gravity of her words began to reach Jellal.
"Senna isn't just proof that we have a daughter…she's proof that you were able to let yourself feel love…to stop torturing yourself and just let yourself be happy."
Erza leaned forward and buried her face into Jellal's chest, her tears wetting his shirt.
"Please…" Erza said in a hoarse whisper, "just let me love you."
Erza felt her grip on Jellal's shoulder weakening.
"Please…" Erza said, her voice a half sob half plea.
Jellal was still. Erza squeezed her eyes shut. Had she pushed him over the edge…just as she had feared?
The silence between the two became unbearable and Erza…didn't know what to do.
She was scarred.
Scarred that Jellal would reject her…scared that she would lose him again.
"I'm sorry."
Before Erza could react, Jellal had drawn Erza into a tight, desperate hug.
"Erza…I'm so sorry!"
Jellal drew back and made the bold move by kissing Erza.
It was Erza's time to be surprised.
Jellal drew back and rested his forehead against Erza's.
"All this time…I was just being selfish. I put my own pain first, never once considering how you felt because of my need to set things right. I became blind to your feelings."
"Jellal…" Erza whispered.
"It all seems clear to me now," Jellal said, "and...it will take some adjusting, but I am willing to make this work. I want to make this work."
"Jellal…what are you saying?"
Jellal smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair away from Erza's face.
"I want to be with you Erza…I want to be with the woman I love."
Jellal drew Erza into another hug; a hug which Erza quickly returned.
Now, tears of joy formed at her eyes and a smile formed on her face. It would take some adjusting, that she was sure of, but Erza was sure they could make it together.
And while Jellal and Senna enjoyed their embrace, Senna leaned against the wall, out of sight and her presence masked to the two. Senna smiled and closed her eyes, glad that her parents had finally become closer.
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Later…
The Guild Hall was unusually quiet. Considering how lively the place was, this would normally be the cause for concern.
But, when it came to Fairy Tail, things were never really normal.
Most of the conversation was rather hushed between the mages as they would occasionally direct their attention towards the bar area where Lucy, Lilly, Jenny, Chiara, Juvia and Levy sat.
Currently, Lucy, Levy and Juvia were trying to ignore the stares they were receiving from their guild mates.
"I feel so awkward." Levy said as she tried to hide her embarrassed blush behind the pages of the book she was attempting to read. She was also trying to hide from Gajeel, who sat towards the back of the Guild Hall away from everyone else. She could feel his eyes staring intently at her, however.
"Tell me about it." Lucy said as she took a generous swig of her drink.
"Give them time. After all, it's not every day that you see people from the future around here." Lilly said.
Lucy chuckled and rubbed the back of her neck.
"You'd be surprised."
The sound of slurping from an empty straw caught the girl's attention. They turned to see Chiara curiously inspecting her empty cup of milk. She quite possibly had the cutest look of confusion on her face as she pouted out lower upper lip while her brow knitted together slightly.
"Would you like another one sweetie?" Mirajane asked warmly as the barista set down the glass she was cleaning. To everyone's surprise, Mirajane had instantly warmed up to the youngest of the Fullbuster siblings. But then again, Mirajane was sometime considered the mother hen of Fairy Tail.
"Can I mommy?" Chiara asked as she looked up at Juvia.
Out of all the mages affected by the appearance of the kids, Juvia seemed to be the one who was adjusting the best. She was still not used to being called "mommy" but she found that she was starting to like hearing Chiara call her that.
Juvia smiled down at Chiara.
"Yes you may sweetheart." Juvia said as the little girl beamed.
Chiara held out her cup which Mirajane accepted with a giggle.
"You are just too cute." Mirajane said as she went to refill the cup.
"Wow," Levy said, having watched Juvia, "she seems to be taking this well."
"Yeah, you could say she may even be a natural at this." Lucy added.
Jenny smiled as she rested her head on her arms.
"That's my mom for you."
The sound of the main door opening caused everyone to turn their heads as Saito, Sam and Igneel walked in, their skin still slick from their workout.
The three young men plopped down at the bar with their siblings and mothers. Mirajane approached the boys, carrying three clean mugs in her hands.
"What can I get you three?"
"Water." The trio said in unison.
Mirajane giggled at how thirsty the boys sounded. They must have done one hell of a workout.
"Enjoy your run?" Lilly asked.
"You know it." Igneel said as he cracked his neck.
"Where's dad?"
"Last I saw, he was asleep at his place. Probably filling up from the breakfast I made him."
"Knowing him he probably inhaled the food before actually tasting it."
This caused Lucy to stifle a giggle. Yeah, that sounded like Natsu.
Mirajane returned with her ice filled glasses of water which the boys immediately set to drinking.
"Excuse me, Aunt-er-I mean, Miss Mirajane," Sam said as he caught said woman's attention, "has my dad stopped by yet?"
Mirajane placed her finger on her chin in thought.
"I don't think so…" she turned to the other end of the bar.
"Cana, have you seen Gray yet?"
Said woman, who was currently downing a mug of beer, shook her head in response.
Sam and Jenny frowned slightly when they noticed the pained look in Juiva's eyes.
"You think he's alright?" Jenny whispered to her brother.
"He's just being a hard ass, he'll come around eventually."
"…I don't think he's taking our appearance well."
"Just let him adjust, that's all we can do."
Jenny let out a sigh and nodded at her brother's logic.
It seemed like it would take some time for people to adjust to the new arrivals.
The sound of the door opening caused heads to turn again as Senna and Natsu walked in.
While Senna walked straight over to the bar, taking a seat next to Igneel, Natsu sat a table away from the bar.
He hesitantly met Lucy's eyes before looking away, focusing his eyes on the floor, causing Lucy to frown. Lilly looked at her Igneel who simply shrugged his shoulders with an eye roll.
"Where's your folks?" Igneel asked Senna as he took a sip of water.
"They're…they're taking some time to reconnect." Senna said with a wistful smile as she watched Saito and Levy make small talk from her spot at the counter. Although it seemed Levy was still hesitant around Saito, it was nice to see that she was talking to the living weapon. It was a first step of sorts.
The sound of approaching small footsteps made Igneel turn his head before a smile broke out on his face.
"What is it?" Lilly asked, getting the others attention.
Igneel nodded in the direction with his chin.
"Looks like Chiara may have a new friend."
Said girl was shyly trying to hide near Juvia as Asuka Connell looked at the girl with a welcoming smile. Bisca and Alzack stood nearby as they watched their daughter interact with the other girl. It was rare for Asuka to meet people her own age, especially at the Guild Hall.
"Hi!" Asuka said, "My name's Asuka, what's yours?"
"I'm…I'm Chiara."
"Chiara?" Asuka said, sounding out the name in her head.
"That's a pretty name!"
Chiara made a small smile.
"T-thank you…I like your hat."
Asuka beamed.
"Isn't it cool? My daddy gave it to me."
Asuka then looked back at her parents who nodded at her.
"I was wondering, would you like to play with me?"
Chiara looked at Juvia and Jenny for conformation to Asuka's question.
Their smiles told her all she needed to know.
Chiara hopped down from her bar stool before quickly tapping Asuka's arm.
"Tag, you're it!" Chiara exclaimed. And like that the two little girls were off.
Igneel smiled at the tender scene as he and the others in the Guild Hall watched the girls go about their game.
Yep…it would take some adjusting, but he was confident that everyone would warm up to him and his group. However, a look formed in his eyes that no one noticed. Everyone would have to warm up to the new group…because if they didn't, Igneel wasn't sure if they'd be able to face the coming storm.
XXXX
OMAKE!
The trouble with cooking…
Lucy watched Lilly, while taking a generous sip of her juice, as Lilly formed a small ball of fire in her hand and held it near her pre-made food. The heat radiated from the flame and warmed the food up in a matter of seconds.
"That's a neat trick." Lucy said as Lilly refilled her plate.
"It's come in handy more than once," Lilly said as she looked at her mother, "Dad actually taught it to me."
Lucy was about to say something when her eyes widened in horror.
"LILLY PAY ATTENTION!"
"What?"
Lilly hadn't noticed that her fire ball had grown somewhat larger than she had intended and before she could put it out-
BANG!
"Aieeeee!" Lucy screamed.
Needless to say, the kitchen was thoroughly eviscerated.
"…Oops." Was all Lilly could say as she observed the now destroyed kitchen.
Lucy let out a groan as she pulled at her hair.
"Why'd you have to take after Natsu?"
XXXX
A/N: Well everyone, this concludes this latest chapter. I hope you like the Omake, it's my first attempt at writing one. This chapter was a doozy to write considering it took up fifteen pages in Microsoft Office. Believe it or not, writing the part for Jellal and Erza was harder than it looked. Even though they are cannon in in the manga and anime, they aren't technically a couple (not at the moment anyway) even though they love each other. They have a complex relationship with each other so it was hard trying to get past all that goes on between the two and getting into their mindset. I figured that Senna's arrival would be the final straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. I apologize if it felt rushed but I did my best.
Anyway, next week is Thanksgiving here in the states so I'll have a few days off from college to be with my family. I may be busy during that time so don't expect an update immediately.
So for now, read and review to your heart's content! If you have any questions or comments, just post it in your review.
Until next time, I wish all my readers here in the U.S. a very happy Thanksgiving! Happy reading!