Author note,
Hey you all returning, or new to this story. Thank you to those who've corrected me in any errors on my previous chapter. I will try and avoid those to the best of my ability. I really debated on this chapter. I wasn't sure if I wanted to dive into the arcs or not. A retelling of what we already know is kind of boring, and Mira really doesn't do a whole lot until battle for Fairy tail. But I did decide to go into them, and I have a general idea of where im headed with it. I also debated on bringing Lucy in. It's not that I don't like her, I just didn't know what I'd do with her, and I still don't. However I thought not having her would be more trouble than having her. So the first chapter is the only one prior to canon. However from the timeline I've found it leaves a lot of wiggle room to add in original content. Without further ado. Oh and I own nothing.
What more could one ask for. Well I do know everyone has extra wants, but really, I mean on such a gorgeous morning like this. Twilight slowly gives way to dawn. The present moon barely visible behind the water colors of reds, oranges, greens, and blues. It's just an awesome sight, one I think people take for granted. The simple start of a new day. No matter your problems, nature sure has a way of elevating some of the stress. Oh and let's not forget about Orion's belt, three of the most luminous objects in the night sky. It's clearly visible next to the moon, although slowly being out shined by the sun.
There's a lot of myths and legends relating to twilight, some say you can enter another world if you're on the horizon. I'm not sure how that works though, Earth Land is round. Another is demons can carry you to the underworld if you're not in bed by a certain time. It's mainly a story to get children to go to sleep. Some say if two lovers kiss during that time, their love will be unfulfilled. Others say the opposite if it's done under an oak tree. There are many legends, such as a paladin who saved a princess from the twilight, they all play on the theme that it's bad, but I wonder if it really is.
Anyways, Natsu didn't get the other half of the tablet, although the client did say he'd recommend him next time. And Natsu did give me half, although I'll save that for when he's broke and hungry, I just won't tell him about it. I don't think he'll mind, but I don't feel like having that discussion. I make a satisfactory living from tips and my wage from waitressing, so it's not like I need the money.
It's the beginning of July, last month went by so quickly, a lot of fun things happened. Grey and Natsu got into it almost everyday, well except when Erza was present, but she went on a S-class request yesterday, Natsu heard a rumor that a dragon was being talked about in Hargeon, I doubt he'll find one. They said salamander, I'm pretty sure they'd say dragon, not salamander if a dragon did appear. His optimism is part of what makes him, well him.
I was busy wiping down tables, stocking the dried glass mugs, and other morning rituals. Nab came in first, and took his usual spot next to the request board. He's very picky about the requests he takes, and to be honest I'm not sure how he eats properly.
"Find any you like?" I ask trying to help him to decide, I knew it was a fruitless endeavor, but it's worth a try at least.
"No, not yet. There's some really good ones, but none that are perfect for me." He said with a serious look as he analyzed every detail of each request. I guess I could try Erza's tactic, he does pick a job as she scolds him, sometimes if he hears a rumor she'll be in that day. Nah, I'm sure he'll find one he's comfortable with. I'd hate to make him just pick one, and it end badly for him.
"Would you like anything while you look?" I asked.
"Hmmmm." He thought, "I'd like a beer."
"Kinda early for you huh?"
"Well normally you'd be right, but today I'm feeling like it'll help."
I nodded, just how it'll help I have no clue, but hey who am I to judge. I set his mug within reach, he thanked me, and paid.
"Hey Mirajane." A familiar voice came after the door opened, and Wakabe walked in, "Oh hey, good morning."
He walked up to the bar, "So what about taking today off, and coming with me?"
"I could, but I don't think you're wife would approve."
"Oh she'll never know."
"Well." I said as if I was considering it, "I could, but I'll call your wife just to make sure."
He doubled back, "no, that's alright Mira."
"So what'll it be?"
"Two scotch, hold the rocks."
"Did you and her have a fight again?"
"You can tell huh?"
"Well I wasn't sure until you ordered two scotch."
"You know me too well."
"That's a waitresses job right?"
"I suppose so. Keep'em comin Mira."
"Sure thing."
Actually that might have only been part of the reason. Macao hasn't been back yet, and those two are practically brothers.
After a while the seats were filled, the girls and I were busy tending to everyone. It sure can get hectic at times like these. The master got called away on business with the council, I could only imagine the complaints he'd receive.
It started to settle down, and Cana and I had been on a discussion about destiny. That's when she asked if I wanted my fortune read. I thought why not. I didn't hold her responsible for a year and a half ago, she did warn me that she could be wrong, and that I should be careful. At first I was hesitant, but I came around.
"Alright but I want you to use the dragon deck." I said.
"Oh, you sure have become a fan of them." She said, with a look like she had something else to add.
"I think the cards look pretty."
"I bet. He is nice." She said handing me the deck of cards to shuffle.
"He is." I said, then realized the trap I fell into. Although she didn't press the issue, which I was glad for, and pretended that it didn't effect me.
"Alright, remember these are different, we'll do a simple 3 card draw. The first represents yourself now, in the present, because dragons have such a long life span, they don't view their past self any differently than their present self. Meaning they are their experiences."
She looked at me to make sure I understood, and I did, I remember when she told me her unintentional error in my first reading with these cards. The tower card I originally drew meant I was on the road to ruin. It made since, I did well with magic, I had a chip on my shoulder, and very arrogant in my abilities.
"Alright, they're shuffled."
"Now spread them out so that all of the card's backs can be seen." She said, and unlike last time she refrained from touching them, these cards in particular, are very sensitive to the flow of a person's energy, so by her touching them after me, she could inadvertently cause a different reading, although they were spot on the first time.
"Now pick a card, and flip it, putting it to your left."
I did, and it was the queen of wands, a large Red dragon hovering over, and holding with her tail a flaming stick with a bowl on the top. Hovering above her head was a purple crown, behind her was a mountain range, and gold orb giving the mountains and sky a gold hue. There was an odd symbol above her head, it had sharp points that didn't connect to anything, but intersected with the other lines in the middle.
"The queen of wands huh? Not bad, this card suits you. She's like a mother figure, challenging, encouraging, and fair to those around her. She's in a position of authority, whether official or unofficial doesn't matter. She has a habit of putting other's needs before her own. Now this has importance to the next two cards. This suit in particular is all about emotion, hence the flame, and intuition. Fairly close to reality, but not always. It means you could be right, or you could just as easily be wrong. That's what this symbol in-between the crown and her head means. Notice how the points connect to nothing, meaning incomplete, although the inside of it does connect to the other points indirectly, meaning complete. You're complete, but still lacking something." She finished saying. "Next card." She said before taking a gulp of her drink.
I flipped the next card, it is the King of wands upside down. It looked like the last one, except it had a palace structure in the background, along with a few twinkling stars, and his body was a bit longer.
"Well this just got interesting."
"Why?"
"Well it's telling you that either right now, or soon there will be or is, someone whom you're close with, however since it's upside down the card is trying to tell you, that there's a major flaw with him. Or rather a flaw you perceive. It may be a justified observation, or an illusion. Now he's in the situation place, meaning he may do something that you won't like. The challenge card will tell us more."
"Why does it have to be a him? Couldn't it be a she?"
"No." She said flatly, "When a male card appears after the Queen of wands card does, it generally means that you are on good terms with a man, and since it's a King card, he's all the more important to you. He is the King to your Queen, and since it's of the same suit, it brings a stronger emphasis to your bond to him. It's a good indicator for romantic feelings. However it doesn't mean he feels the same, or rather it could be you're unsure of his, it could be that you think it's one-sided. The wands suit is all about emotion and intuition, and both can be wrong, but they could be right also. Intuition tends to be right more often then not though."
"That just confused me."
"About what? Emotion and intuition. Well think about it, how many times have you felt a certain way about something, only to learn that you're feelings we misplaced? Now think of your intuition, how often are you wrong?"
"I see your point."
"So normally in the right side up position, he has many good qualities, but is hard to pin down. He enjoys his freedom, and loves adventure, loves to take on important tasks, and has a bit of an ego. Just to sum it up." She said then refreshed her throat before continuing. "Now since it's upside down it has many more, or one unfavorable trait you personally see in him, or will see for the challenge. He may still be all these things, plus a negative not listed in the right side up position. Or he could be fooling you, and he may have all the bad traits associated with this card."
"Such as?"
"A bigot, liar, violent, reckless, manipulative, a poor leader, or dictator and anything else considered bad, a tyrant."
"Generally speaking, as a rule of thumb, the first person you think of that fits a description, is who the card is referring to. Also any bad or good qualities he has are relative to your personal assessment of him, mostly irrelevant to anyone else's thoughts. It could be based in reality or it could be your perception is flawed. In any case, he has an influence on you, and this flaw will become apparent for the challenge I'm sure." She said.
"How do you figure that?"
"Well as I said the King has a high priority in your life, so naturally you'd think of a certain person with whom you gave that position too, consciously or unconsciously."
"So I should do what exactly?"
"Flip the next card and let's see what the challenge is."
I did as instructed, and it is the Hanged Man card. It depicts a green dragon who's tail has been caught up in a tree, weaving around the many branches, his body makes a side ways letter "U" as his upper body lays on the ground, a red shield lays next to him against the trunk of the tree, higher up in the tree is a white triangle, maybe a tent? There's a crescent moon on the right, with one dim star near it, as twilight signals the rising sun.
"That's unexpected." She said.
"What do you mean unexpected?" I asked a little worried.
"It's not bad, but it's not good either. Basically the King is going to play a part in your hang up. Whether he's going to be the cause, or going to be help I'm not sure of. I'd say the cause of it. In any case you're going to be going along for a ride, with very little control over the situation. Best course of action is to think hard to yourself, and figure out what's worth hanging on too, and what's not. That's what's going to help you get through this, for the better or for the worse."
"I don't like the sound of that."
"Well I see why it bothers you, but it shouldn't be anything horrible. If you had drawn another Major arcana then I'd be worried, but just the one, signals that it won't be too bad, hard sure, but nothing that will you can't get through."
"That's reassuring." I said unconvinced.
"Look the dragon in this case, is tied up, and can't get loose on her own, so one of two things will happen, someone will come along and help free her, or see how the tree looks dead, like it could break any moment, it could just let loose freeing the dragon. Also note that the leaves have fallen, meaning it's fall, the harvest is done, there's nothing to be gained right now, so you will have to wait until spring, or a new beginning. You're at a crossroads, and you don't know which way to take, but fate is telling you to wait, and you'll be forced to follow the path you were meant to, regardless of the loss, and gains."
That's a bad omen if I ever heard one. "So there's nothing I can do?"
"Mira you probably could, but whatever he plans on doing, you're more than likely going along with it, with little to no control over what happens. You can fight it, but the cards say you won't, when taking the Queen's nature into effect, and you'll give in to his needs. You can't help it, he's high on your priority list, meaning it'll be hard to say no to him for you. But that doesn't mean it'll be bad. The hang up could already exist, and become more apparent during the situation, and your hang up could end."
"So it's not that bad then?"
"Probably not, your hang up is probably over his recklessness, which I do think he'll never grow out of. Just accept that and you'll be fine."
"Why didn't you say that in the first place?" I said getting angry with her, she went on this rant, and had me sweating for nothing, well almost nothing.
"Relax, I just wanted to see you sweat a little bit." She said with a sly grin, "I hope he knows how lucky he is." She said taking a drink.
"Why's that?"
She shrugged saying, "After seeing the different faces you made, he's fairly important to you." She coughed to cover her saying Natsu.
"No, we aren't that close."
"That could be your other hang up, be honest with yourself. You both deserve that much, you especially."
A few days had passed, I was really thinking about that tarot reading. I thought of my own hang up, and the issue I had with the King. I knew who it was implying, but Elfman could be reckless at times, although not so much now from what I've heard from Macao and Wakabe, he does a lot of requests with them. He's always kind of looked up to them. But I wouldn't say he's a King as much as he thinks he is.
Maybe I should just admit it, I have a thing for Natsu. I do like spending what little time I do get to spend with him. I also want to spend more, but I have my responsibilities here. I don't think the master would mind me going on requests here and there, but what if Laxus comes back while I'm gone, the other waitresses have already said they'd quit before they had to serve him anything. They're good workers, and that's hard to come by.
I let out a long sigh, maybe she is right I'm making excuses, but it's not like I'd be of much use in a fight, I've lost much of the power I once had. That's when I really wanted to see him burst through those doors like always, he's been gone for two days, he must have gotten stuck on the train to Hargeon. I did hear about his fight in Hargeon, destroyed a ship, and half of the port. Too bad he didn't go down there with the request to apprehend those kidnappers.
I should be more cheerful, everyone is laughing and having a great time, now's not the time to be a party pooper. Just then the doors bursted open, a familiar pinkette, with his leg still extended, with a bright smile. I had my own smile at seeing his.
"We're back!" He announced to everyone.
"Hey Natsu, I heard to destroyed part of Hargeon." Said a buck toothed member, with a bowl haircut. I'm sorry I forgot his name, now what was it? Natsu leaped at him punching him into the wall.
"WHAT'S THAT FOR?" He shouted angrily.
"YOU LIED! THERE WASN'T A DRAGON IN HARGEON!" Natsu shouted back just as fiercely.
"I TOLD YOU A RUMOR, IT'S YOUR FAULT FOR GETTING YOUR HOPES UP!"
"ERR, SHUT UP!" Natsu leapt at him and the two started rolling around, and kicking up dust as they fought.
Happy came up and sat on the bar table. "Hey Mira, can I have two fish, and a glass of milk."
Sure coming right up." I turned in his order, and as I returned I noticed a new face. A pretty young blonde. She looks like she's in heaven, I gather she's new in town from the bag. Maybe she a soon to be new member.
By this time Elfman and Grey had joined in, the brawl, and other members started their own brawl. It's pretty entertaining, they fight over the funniest reasons. And it always seems like Natsu is at the center of them all.
"Oh you must be new here." I said smiling, she really is pretty. I notice her spirit keys and deduce that she is in fact a wizard.
"Oh my god it's Mirajane!" She says in the cutest voice.
"In the flesh." I replied.
"Should we um, break this up?" She asks, clearly she's not used to the way Fairy Tail is.
"You think so? They'll get tired eventually, besides, I think it's kind of fun."Then out of nowhere I get hit by an unconscious Elfman. Then I lose consciousness, but only for a moment. Soon I'm back up, and the, "STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!" The distorted voice of the master booms throughout the guildhall. Everyone ceases their fighting. He might not look it normally, but he's a saint wizard, more than capable of stopping a minor brawl. Well all except one stopped.
With flames igniting with every word of supposed triumph Natsu boasts, "HA HA, I WIN, YOU'RE All A BUNCH….." he's silence by a giant foot stepping on him, with an ooof sound.
"QUIET DOWN NATSU!" The master demands.
"Oh hi master, you're back early." I say greeting him. He looks at me, then to the new girl who's in shocked fear of the Masters Titan magic.
"A NEW RECRUIT I SEE." He says, to which the young blonde gives a trembling "yes". Her eyes get wider as the master shrinks down, down, down.
"You're the master!" She asked in shock at the old man's short stature.
"Why yes my dear, I'm master Makarov, and you are?"
"Lucy sir." She says with a respectful bow.
"You'll make a fine addition, Mira get the stamp. Everyone we have a new member as of today, you will treat her just as you would any other member, are we clear?" He said finishing with a rhetorical question. Everyone acknowledged the Masters declaration.
"Coming right up sir." I answered.
"Now on to pressing matters, you brat's always get the council mad at me." He did a somersault up to the second floor showcasing his agility even at his age, although he misjudged the height and landed on the banister back first, and quickly got up and coughed in embarrassment.
"Look at these complaints, the damages, and apologies I have to write." He said holding a thick stack of papers, "This is the most I've seen yet, are you trying to give me an ulcer? They want me to keep a tighter leash, hold you back. But you know what I say, to hell with those blowhards!" He said lighting the papers on fire, and tossing them into the on lookers. To which Natsu leapt up like crocodile eating the flaming paper.
"Magic isn't some phantom power, it takes courage, and an intelligent soul to use it, it's when the flow of nature and the wizard are in perfect sync. They want to suppress our growth as magicians, in doing that they suppress our very souls. So follow the path you believe in. In that way even the gods will be forced to acknowledge you. Because that's what will make you the best in your craft, and that is what makes Fairy Tail number one." He finished raising a single finger, and likewise every wizard mimicked his gesture.
After the Master's pep talk, he settled in with his usual drink on the bar top, as I finished stamping Lucy's right hand. Then Romeo came in, he looked upset. He walked up to the master. I decided to make myself look busy, instead of just staring at the worried young boy.
"But it's been almost a week, and he said he'd be back in three days!" Young Romeo pleaded.
"He's a wizard kid, and just like everyone else, he can take care of himself." The Master reasoned.
"Err, can't you just send someone to go check on him."
"Listen brat, go home and have some milk and cookies, and wait patiently for him to return." The Masters said, and Romeo in response punched the old man in the nose, while screaming he hated everybody while running out of the guild hall.
"Wow, that's harsh." Lucy said, and rightfully so. It does sound harsh, but the Master is worried, but he also has faith.
"I know it may seem harsh, but the Master has faith in his members, even if he's worried about them." I said to try and explain, then a loud sound of something being hit and breaking resounded throughout the quiet hall. It was Natsu, and he stormed out on a mission.
Nab said to the Master, "That Natsu, doesn't he know he's only going to hurt Macao's pride if he goes?"
"We cannot choose another's path for them Nab, we'll just have to have faith in his decision." The Master reasoned with wisdom that comes with age.
"Wow, what's Natsu's deal?" Lucy asked rhetorically to herself.
"He probably sees a little of himself in Romeo, that's why he can't sit by and wait." I said looking at the young blonde. She seemed interested in hearing more. "His father went missing several years ago, and he dreams of the day when he finds him again."
Well that's not quite right, "Not his real father, but his foster father, he was raised by a dragon."
"No way! Igneel is a dragon!"
"Yes, he found him wondering in the forest, and took him in, teaching him to read and write, and his own brand of fire magic. He misses him terribly."
She seemed to be in deep thought on the matter, then I got a great idea, it'll kill two birds with one stone.
"Why don't you go with him?"
"What? Me? I might just get in the way."
"You think so huh? I don't think you will though, even if it's just a small contribution, you're still the only one who can give it." I realized the hypocrisy in my own words. "Besides it'll be fun, and Natsu has a way of pulling the fighting spirit out of everyone around him."
She thought over my words, then with a bright smile I knew she made her decision.
"I think I'll go."
Then I watched as she too, ran off after them. Now I'll have someone keeping an eye on him, and her gaining some confidence.
"Wow, you ok with that?" Came a familiar voice.
"Yes, why wouldn't I be? She'll be fine, Natsu won't let anything happen to her. You know that as well as I do." I asked confused.
"Ok, but just remember what you just said to her, about contributions, to her lack of confidence."
"If I'm not mistaken, I think Greg came in last night looking for you, while you were seeing Jake."
"Eh, he's old news." She answered, waving it off as no big deal, knowing I changed the subject on purpose. "But you know she sounds intelligent, why she might be able to help in translating tablets as well." She said.
I hate when she does this. I know what's she trying to do, but it's no use, I'm not who I used to be anymore. I guess that's my hang up, I know i could get better if I tried, but I just don't want to fight anymore.
"I'll be right back, someone's calling me over." I said getting away from the conversation.
It was late, the just after dusk, the time of twilight. I always enjoy this time of the day, how the red bleeds into blue, the blues bleeding into purple, and the purples bleeding into black. Only the brightest of stars could be seen, the moon barely visible through the reds of the sun dipping over the horizon.
I then saw one person walking, with a short person with odd shaped ears. It was Natsu and Happy, minus Lucy. "Oi, Natsu, Happy I'm glad you made it back, where's Lucy?" I said loudly getting the pinkette and blue cat to turn in my direction. His face was shadowed, but I could tell he had a smile on his face, just by his posture.
They waved back replying their greetings in unison. The Natsu said, "She's at Fairy Hills I think."
They waited for me to catch up and then I asked, "So how was it?"
"We kicked his ass." Natsu said triumphantly.
"Macao got possessed by a Vulcan, and we had to fight him." Happy answered with better details.
"But he's alright?" I asked to confirm.
"Oh yea piece of cake." Natsu said nonchalantly.
"And how did Lucy do?"
"She was a little scared, but she pulled through, and she has a cow!" Happy answered.
After a moment I caught the stench of something horrible. I got closer to them, and sure enough they needed a shower, and laundry done.
"So where are you headed now?" I questioned.
"We're going home, I'm whooped." Natsu answered.
"Why don't you come by my place, and I'll fix you something to eat, while you take a bath." I said holding my nose closed.
"Thanks for the offer Mira, but are you sure?" Natsu asked.
"I'll go if there's fish."
"I wouldn't have asked if it was a problem, you should know that. And happy I do have some fish."
"Sold!" Happy said happily. He's a easy customer to please.
"Alright." Natsu agreed.
We made it to my home, it's a cute little three bedroom, one bathroom, a living room, and kitchen. I've lived in it for years with my siblings, now it's just Elfman and me. A lot of good memories are tied up in this ole house.
"Now you two go get cleaned up, I'll start dinner."
"Where's Elfman? Did he go on a job or something?"
"No, he's out at the moment, he said he'd be in late." I said, "just leave your cloths in the basket in the changing room, and I'll get them cleaned." I instructed. And as they turned to leave I said, "oh and Natsu, make sure you scrub yourself clean, or do you need me to help you, like I used to when you were younger?"
He blushed a little and said, "No I got it." He then regained his usual self, "I'm not a little kid anymore Mira!" He said as a matter of fact. "I know, you were so cute then." I said feigning disappointment.
I watched him disappear through the hallway, I agree, you're turning into a fine man. That brings back memories, actually the first time he ever came over was after Happy was born. Him an Lisanna got along really well. At first I was against it, only because I thought of him as being on Erza's team. But I couldn't ignore that my sister had made a friend. Two of them in fact, if neither one were on a job, they'd be doing something together.
(Flashback)
I remember it like it was yesterday. The first time Lisanna invited him over, at the time Natsu lived out in the forest, he didn't have that house he has now, he lived like a wild animal. Who could blame him, living with his dad for as long as he did, it was the only thing he knew. But with the arrival of Happy, and the hut he built to house Happy's egg, he now lives in that.
When he came in that first time, he was filthy from hardly bathing, sure he'd burn the dirt to ash, but it didn't do anything for body oder.
"Hold it right there Natsu." I said sternly, like the few times I had done to Elfman or Lisanna. "I don't care if you want to run around the guildhall stinky and filthy, but when you come into my house, you will clean that stench off, and try to act like you're civilized." I said scolding him. Happy didn't stink, I've seen him groom himself on occasion at the guildhall, so he passed.
"Oh Mira I'm clean, see." He said lifting his shirt, and showing his hands. Indeed there was no dirt, but that wasn't the issue. I got up in his face, "I'll repeat myself one last time, you stink, and your cloths are filthy, and stinky, now go clean yourself, put your cloths in the basket, and I will clean them." I said even more sternly.
Natsu was not a good listener when he was younger, he was defiant, oh was he defiant. He folded his arms like he was in charge and said flatly, "No." With a look like he was King shit.
"Natsu you better do what she says." Lisanna warned him.
"Nee-chan calm down, remember what I told you about bees and honey." Elfman tried to reason with me.
That pissed me off, normally I find this cute when he's doing it to the Master, or Erza, or anyone for that matter. I could feel a headache coming on. "Last warning kid, I'll make you take a bath if you don't.…"
"Bring it on Mira!" He said getting into a fighting stance. "I can beat you. I'm not scared of you like everyone else." His eye's burned brightly with determination, and they pissed me off to no end. I had my own fire brewing in my belly.
"Fine!" I said with venom in my words, my right hand soon followed, with a sharp slap sounded right across his cheek. I hit him hard too, my hand hurt because his head is so damn hard. Before he could react I already had a fist full of his spike pink hair.
"Ouwwch, Mira that's cheating! Ow, ow, ow, ow Fight me like a man!" He yelled as I pulled hard, I don't think I've been this mad before.
"Bye Natsu, you were a good friend, I'll always remember you." Elfman prayed.
"You should've listened Natsu, I did warn you." Lisanna reminded.
After getting to the changing room that is connected to the bath, I tossed him onto the floor.
"Take off your cloths."
"Screw you Mira! Now fight me!" He got up and launched a fist at me. I dodged it, and smacked him hard enough that his head hit the wall. "The other rule is no fighting in my house, now take off your cloths and get a bath." I informed, and stated my demand.
He got back up, "Make me." He said defiantly. I thought ok brat, so I, "What the hell are you doing Mira?" He exclaimed in surprise as I began disrobing. "Getting ready for a bath, after I'm done, it's your turn to take them off. I'll treat you just like I did, when Elfman was young and wanted to argue about bath time."
After I finished, I looked back at him, and he had his eyes covered, with noticeably pink cheeks. He's so cute. Why did such a brat have to be so damn cute.
"Last time, take them off." I really didn't want to make him, I'm giving him every opportunity to do this one small request.
"Ok Fine!" He said taking off his shirt, "I can't fight a girl while she's naked anyways." One last article remained. I cleared my throat, "And the scarf."
"No." He said flatly. "Ouch." He yelled as I smacked him again, and as soon as I started unwinding the scarf around his neck, I felt an intense heat, and a hard thud to my cheek. I stepped back in bewilderment, I never saw what hit me. As I looked up, I saw a very naked Natsu, with his fist ablaze, and him cradling his scarf in his free hand. Then I realized what happened, that little shit hit me, he actually landed a hit. That was the first time I'd ever been hit by him, and it hurt, and what's more, it was the first time I saw his pretty brown eyes, replaced by equally captivating crocodilian eye's, goldish in color, and very prominent slits for pupils. He meant business, and for a moment I hesitated, for the briefest of moments I feared him. He was like a cornered animal once I touched that scarf. I think that was the time, he earned my respect, even if only by a little.
"IT'S MINE YOU HEAR! MY DAD GAVE IT TO ME! IF YOU WANT IT, YOU'LL HAVE TO KILL ME FOR IT!" He bellowed fiercely.
"Natsu Dragneel!" I said angrily, after a moment of analyzing what had transpired, "You're going to get it back numbskull, now take it off, so it won't get ruined in the bath!"
"You promise?" He asked with a soft voice, his whole persona changed drastically, now he was just your average bratty kid. If I wasn't so pissed off, I'd think he was cute. He had these 'I want to trust you' eyes.
Jeez why am I going to such lengths for him, I should've just kicked his ass out. Lisanna would understand. As I was contemplating this I noticed he had set his scarf in the basket.
After that I got him back for the headache he gave me over getting a bath, I scrubbed him until he was as red as my cheek. And then I left his privates up to him, as I went and did his laundry, the scarf however, I did by hand, you can't help but respect someone's irreplaceable belongings.
"I knew you two would get along." Lisanna said with a knowing smile.
"I never disliked him to begin with." I responded back.
"You two are a lot alike." She said as she continued to help me prepare dinner.
She peeked my interest, just what was she going to say. "I'm not agreeing with you, but how would you say we're alike?"
"Let me see, in a lot of ways you two are, and in other way's you're not. You're both like that Yin yang symbol, you act like you don't care, and a lot of people believe it, but deep down you do, and him he cares a lot, but people don't think he cares about anything because of how reckless, and free spirited he is. Hmmmm what else?" She said thinking, and I let her continue, "oh and you both are really stubborn, and don't want to be the first to back down from a challenge, oh and you both earn another's respect through conflict." She said, "oh and you're both really easy to embarrass."
"Oh I am, am I?" I said taking that last bit as an insult, "Perhaps I should read your diary out loud in front of everyone at the guildhall. Then we'll see who embarrasses who."
"Mira-nee, just try it, I dare you, and everyone will know about your secret crush." She said with a sly smile.
Shit! How did she know? I've never told anyone. "I..I don't have a crush on anyone, nice try Lisanna."
"Oh really? Hmmmm does Mirajane Dreyer ring any bells?"
Shit! How did she know? I took a long breath, "How did you know that?"
"You left your diary open for all the world to see, and I happen to see it, when I was picking up your room."
I grasped her shoulder really tightly, "If you breath a word of this to anybody, you'll never live to see grandkids!" I said completely embarrassed. Now it was her turn to be afraid.
"I…I was only joking Mira, calm down."
"Mira I thought your last name was Strauss not Dreyer. Are you adopted like me?" a familiar voice from a certain pinkette came from behind me and Lisanna. My face must have looked like Erza's hair. Lisanna was laughing at his misinformed thought. I even heard Elfman laugh heartily.
"No Natsu, it isn't Dreyer, and if you ever, ever speak of that to anyone, you'll end up as kibble for Happy." I threatened while stringing him up by his hair, "Ouch Mira my hair, I promise, I promise."
(End of Flashback)
A lot alike huh? I think she missed the mark on that one. Ahhh those were the days. And yuck, I think I taste a little vomit in my mouth, what was I thinking? Thank God I grew up, and nothing ever became of that little girl crush. I feel my face flush in remembrance, isn't it funny how we look back on our old selves and just shutter in embarrassment of how we acted, and what we thought we were doing?
Speaking of which, I better go lay out some cloths for him. So as I'm gathering up his cloths, throwing them in the Magiwasher, and bring his scarf with me, I can't help but overhear him and Happy.
"Natsu what is this?"
"I don't know Happy, which one is the soap?"
"Maybe it's this one."
"I don't know, let's smell it." Reasoned Natsu.
"It smells like Mira."
"I think you're right, and so does this one."
"And this one too."
"Maybe we need to use all of them, what do you think Happy?"
"Aye, girls are confusing."
"This one kind of feels good Happy."
"Let me try."
"Hey Happy?"
"What?"
"Do girls shave?"
"I don't know what do you mean?"
"Well look at all these different razors, I'm sure one of them is Elfman's, but who do these belong too?"
"Maybe we should ask Mira, she'll know."
"We can't do that. Oww it burns, it's in my eye's!"
"Some fire dragon you are."
"Just what is that supposed to mean Happy?"
"Well you got burned, and your a, NATSU? What happened to your eyebrows?"
"My what? Oh, they're gone, WHAT THE CRAP! What is this stuff?"
"Hmmmm, hair removal, prefect for bikini lines, just apply, works in seconds, then rinse, warning may cause slight irritation." Happy read.
I think I'll just go back into the kitchen, I have a feeling I'm going to see something pretty funny when they come out.
"Natsu don't you dare."
"Come on take one for the team."
"Nooooo, I'll get cold without my hair. I'll tell Mira you drank her bath water."
"You're such a liar Happy, I slipped on that bar of soap…" it was quiet for a moment, as I'm sure eureka lights brightened in both of their heads.
"Natsu, I found the soap."
"No you didn't, I did."
Now that, that's settled, the foods on, and now I just have to clean this and I'm done. I can't help myself, as I take a sniff of his dirty garment, his pungent oder is strong, I know I shouldn't, but I enjoy his smell. It's not that bad as stench goes, but I can't help but feel like a pervert for doing this in secret. It's really making me want him. As my mind drifts, I can feel each nerve ending firing off a tinkly sensation.
I imagine his hands gently gliding over my exposed flesh, cupping my chin as he kisses my neck. My lower back shivers in excitement, and sends a tingle to my groin. I don't care if Happy sees I'm going in there. I set off towards the bath, quickly dropping my garments, and wrap a towel around me.
My heart beat skyrockets, as I hesitate near the door to where a naked Natsu awaits. After debating whether to follow through with it or not, my body moves on it's own. Before I know it, I've opened the door, and Natsu turns in my direction with suds in his hair.
"Mi.. Mira? What's…what's wrong?" He asks, I hear the nervousness in his voice.
"I thought I'd help wash your back." I made the excuse. "I'll be gentle this time I promise." I say seductively. As I let just enough of my towel to fall away, leaving only my most intimate parts covered. I can feel his gaze drinking in my nearly nude body.
I kneeled behind him, and his body quivers under my touch. I lightly drag my nails across his back. As I accidentally drop my towel completely, I lean forward pressing my breast into his muscular back, I slide my hand down his stomach before reaching the washcloth he is using to cover himself with.
"I need to borrow this." I whisper sweetly into his ear, nipping a little "accidentally" on his earlobe.
"Mira, we shouldn't." he tries to dissuade me.
"Shouldn't what N-A-T-SU" he let's me take the cloth. "I'm just helping you wash your back." I play innocently. I love how pure he tries to remain, "My you've grown into a man before I knew it, and what's this?" I let my nails brush his base, "I think you're turning into a real dragon."
"Oh Mira." He whispers helplessly, by his want to run, and his need to be touched more, his need for my touch. The touch I'm all to happy to give him. "Oh Mira, oh god Mira, come Mira, Hey Mira come back to Earth."
I shake my head, and I realize I was zoned out in my own fantasy world. My god it felt real. The butterflies in my belly made me think it was for a moment, then I realize who was trying to get my attention. "Oh, Elfman, hey, welcome home." Horrible time though. I was just getting to the good part. I wonder though, would it really be that easy?
"You seemed pretty zoned out, is something the matter?" He asked.
"No, just thinking is all."
"They in the bath?"
"Who?"
"Natsu and Happy, geez Nee-chan you're really out of it, you've been holding Natsu's scarf for a while at least."
Shit, I was out of it, I totally forgot why I was standing in front of the sink in the first place.
"Oh yeah, sorry I just wasn't paying attention is all. Yea they're in the bath, they should be out soon. Dinner will be ready shortly."
"You need my help with anything?"
"I got it, just have to wash this, but if you could check on the cloths in the washer, and move them to the dryer, that'd be helpful."
"Sure thing."
I heard him go back there, his voice really carries.
"Hey you two, stop messing around."
"Shut it Elfman, oh hey who's razors are these?"
"They're Mira's, heyyyy don't get any funny ideas Natsu."
"I wasn't, right Happy?"
"Aye sir!"
"Well I'd like to get in there sometime today Natsu and Happy."
"Hey Elfman, come checkout Natsu's hair."
"Shut up Happy!"
"Let me see, OH MY GOD NATSU! What did you do to your hair? And eyebrows? And Happy looks like a cat cancer patient."
"Happy started it!"
"Aye."
It looks like I'll have to by more magical hair removal, although I didn't really like it too much, but it was great for preparing for the photoshoots I do with Sorcerer Weekly. I guess I should've put them up out of sight. Oh well, it'll be interesting to see what happens in any case.
Now with his scarf drying, and food on the table. Those two finally emerged, for someone who used to fight me on going into the bath, he sure takes a long time in there. Cats really do look weird bald, and Natsu, well it's definitely not a flattering look for him.
"Have fun you two?" I ask suppressing a laugh. "You two look so funny." I couldn't hold it, I began laughing hysterically.
"Don't laugh at me! It was Happy's fault!" He said, and while he was still flushed from the hot bath water, I could tell he was embarrassed.
"No Natsu, your eyebrows were by accident, and your hair was payback for mine." The poor bald cat started to shiver, "Mira do you have something I can wear?" He asked.
I finished laughing and brought him one of Elfman's old shirts. Those were still to long for him so I hemmed them with a clothespin.
"Happy! You look like a girl." Natsu said snickering. Happy just looked at him, "NATSU YOU BIG JERK, YOU'RE THE ONE WHO DID THIS TO ME!" he said running and hiding somewhere.
After dinner we settled in the living room, Happy curled up on Elfman's lap, like he always did since he was young. I've always been envious of Elfman's natural talent to get just about any animal to come to him. Animals can sense intentions, and even though he appears rough, he's actually very kind, and animals like that. He used to always bring stray animals home, and I really wish we could have kept them, but we simply didn't and don't have the space. If he's around animals will completely ignore me, and go to him.
Happy was fast asleep on his lap. He was talking about fish in his sleep, and drooling. If he hadn't been so tired, he'd be watching Magi-television (MTV for short.) like he always did before.
Natsu as usual was passed out, he hasn't once been awake to see anything on the MTV. His head had taken up residence on my hip. I was sitting on the couch so that I could keep my feet warm by having them in contact with Natsu's stomach as he slept on his side. I had changed in my usual sleeping attire, which consisted of mid thigh length nightie, panties, and braless. My guild mark clearly visible on my thigh.
"Sure brings back memories doesn't it Nee-chan." Elfman said making the show we were watching seem like background noise.
"It sure does." I said taking notice of Happy, and then Natsu. I chuckled to myself while stroking his bald head. I'm sure someone in the guild can fix this.
"Now that I think about it, he's always cuddled up with you when they'd come over. Even that first time." Elfman realized out loud.
Now that I think about it, "Yea you're right, even though I wasn't too thrilled with it at the time." I said remembering how annoyed I was. We were sitting just like this, except Happy was on Lisanna's lap, Elfman in his chair, Natsu in between Lisanna and myself. He was complaining about having to sit still and watch a show. Then two seconds later he was snoring, and drooling, while propped up against me.
"Is that how you remember it Nee-chan?"
"Why what do you mean?"
"Well I do remember you complaining about it, but I also remember a look of content on your face, you even draped your arm around him.
I do remember I got over it, and found he was better than a magi-heated blanket. "Is that what you saw?"
"Then when Lisanna and I decided to go to our beds, she told you not to be a cradle robber while she wasn't there."
I remembered the embarrassment of that remark, "I remember waking up to seeing you in that same position. And he was chewing on your arm and saying how Igneel brought him a scrawny pig again." He chuckled.
"Well, I didn't want to wake him, he was such a pain to get settled down in anything." I said while smiling.
"He sure was." He stated. "But you know, you did have an easier time getting him too after that night. Erza had to use brute force, and the Master took her approach."
"People keep saying that, but I don't see it."
"I don't know how you and Lisanna did it. You both had that effect on him, although you only did it when nobody was watching, when they were, you'd instigate, and get him going."
"Well it's fun to see him go at it with someone. That's just what makes him charming. Besides he was going to do it anyways." I said remembering a few times I got him to fight Erza, Laxus, even the Master, oh and Grey. Those two would really go at it, until they both couldn't fight anymore. Those two always had the best fights.
"Well Mira I think I'm going to take Happy and go to bed."
"Well alright, sweet dreams." I responded.
"Don't stay up too late, you know Cana will grill you, if you look tired."
"I won't be too long, I'll just finish this show, and I'll be right behind you." I answered to which Elfman nodded and disappeared through the hallway, I was waiting for this moment. The moment I could finally have time with just Natsu.
He's a pretty heavy sleeper, so adjusting myself into a more comfortable position shouldn't wake him. I had every intention to go to my bed after my program finished, but I still wanted to feel that closeness to him. I was now laying on my side facing him, my head just a little higher than his, so that I could cradle his now bald head. His warm breath felt good on my chest, the way it would heat up on every exhale, the cool on every inhale, making the next exhale all the more pleasant.
I was dissatisfied with his now bald head though. I just like the feeling of his normal mane. Wild and unkept, it's never greasy, probably from him burning it off, which gives it a unique scent. Now he smells like Elfman and my soap. I smile remembering their antics from earlier.
Before I knew it, the program was over, but I still wasn't content with just going to my own bed right at this time. I kissed his face, right where his nose and cheek intersect, but I couldn't stop there, I kept placing light kisses as I slowly moved my way south, only when I felt his upper lip did I pause. "I'm such a bad girl." I said quietly. "You have no idea what you mean to me." I continued quietly, before settling with what I've already done. I want him conscious when I take his lips.
When I awoke, which is usually a feat of strength in the mornings. I found myself in the opposite position I was in when I fell asleep. Now I was wedged in-between the back of the couch, and Natsu's side. His arm cradled my head, and most of my body was on his. My nightie had risen up, exposing my lavender panties, and the lower half of my back and stomach, while my one free hand had risen up under Natsu's shirt, his erect nipples weren't the only things up, I could feel something hard pressing against my leg I had draped between his legs.
Of all the times he's slept over, he's never moved in his sleep. I began to wonder if he'd been awake for anything I said or did last night. I became anxious with both excitement, and dread at the thought. Then a thought hit me. If someone were to see me like this, I wouldn't know what to do.
Then I heard something stir, and reluctantly I got up carefully so as not to wake him. I hurriedly tried to make myself look busy with my morning routine. The last thing I needed was Happy to rain on my parade this morning. Elfman would keep quiet for sure, but he'd have his say in the matter.
I went to find his cloths, and folded them, placing them close beside him. His scarf was still drying, so I place a space heat near by, along with a fan. Worse case is he'd have to finish drying it himself. After that I finished getting breakfast made, ate, and left a note, so they'd know where their plates were.
The warm summer air was nice, my second favorite time of the year, autumn being my favorite. The leaves changing colors is so pretty. Even after they cover the ground, they give the ground such depth in colors for a little while at least. Lisanna used to love jumping onto the piles Elfman and I raked.
Anyways it was just after dawn, I'm running a little behind my usual schedule, but I'll take that consequence for what I got last night. There's not a cloud in the sky. Usually I love seeing the clouds off in the distance saturated with the morning colors, but today it seemed like a good omen being completely clear, and I was seeing the very end of sunrise, so there weren't as many colors. Very few people were up this time of day, just a few merchant's doing their own routine, preparing for a day of business.
After getting the guildhall opened, and situated, I went through some of the new requests we had gotten. They come through randomly throughout the day and night. I was looking through them, and taking note of what they're about. This one here is definitely an S-class request. Galuna island huh? Lifting a curse. I'll have to run this by the Master when he comes in.
Generally I do have a lot of say in where requests end up, that's part of my job. But S-class requests need to be seen by the Masters prior to me posting. He takes them very seriously, and with good reason. Take this one, a curse is a very hard thing to deal with. They're similar to magic, and to be honest I haven't had much dealings with them so I don't know everything. But they can be as harmless as say a curse for diarrhea, or as bad as instant death. They also have a nasty habit of transferring when someone tries to lift them, or have a bad backlash type of effect. Hence why the S-class study is off limits. The materials for even attempting to lift one, can only be found in there. One needs an in-depth knowledge of curses and magic to deal with them, to ensure not only the cursed, but to minimize the danger to all parties directly or indirectly effected by it. I have heard of failed attempts to lift a curse by those with little to no knowledge of them, they didn't end well, I've also heard of the lucky ones, but those are very few.
Oh and it looks like Natsu was requested personally. It's from the same guy who had the request for that tablet, but this one is to scout out some ruins just unearthed, this sounds fun. Being the first to enter something long forgotten is quite the experience, one that I've only done once in my life.
While I was posting them, my first customer for the day arrived.
"My, I didn't take you for an early riser Lucy." I said.
"Good morning Mirajane."
"Just Mira is fine, anything I can help you with?" I asked.
"Could I have an omelet, please."
"Sure coming right up."
After turning in her order, I came back to chat.
"So how was it yesterday?"
"It was amazing, I'm still in awe of how strong Fairy Tail wizards are. Macao defeated 19 of those Vulcans by himself, and I had trouble with just one."
"It'll come my dear, with experience you'll be taking down Vulcans left and right."
"I hope so."
"So how are you liking Fairy Hills?"
"It's nice, but a 100,000J a month is going to kill me."
"Well there are other options out in town." I said, then remembered something, "Oh I know of a few, and I know the land lady."
"Really? That would be great."
"She has a lot of nice properties, for under 100,000J, she can be a little nosy but she's nice. In fact if she likes you, she might even allow you to rent to own"
"Wow, that sounds too good to be true." She said, I think she thought I was pulling her leg.
"Well I was renting a house from her, and after several years we came to an agreement. She might not with an apartment, but a home she might, but those go for more than a 100,000J."
"I think I'll look into it"
"I'll get her contact information for you. I'll be right back."
After giving her the landlady's contact information, "You may want to wait until around noon to speak with her, she's not a morning person." I said remembering the frustration I felt dealing with her on some occasions.
As the day went on, Natsu and Happy finally made their appearance. And every eye was in shock, then in unison everyone burst into laughter.
"Hey cue ball, what happened? Did you lose a fight with a weed eater?" Grey mocked.
"SHUT UP STREAKER!"
"I may be a streaker, but even I could beat a weed eater." In no time at all, they were fighting. It went on for a while, but the Master finally broke them up.
"I think I can fix your hair you two." Lucy said as she summoned her spirit cancer. Happy was delighted about him being a crab, drooling over him. "Lucy, can we eat him?"
"No Happy, he isn't food."
"Oh, well that's a waste." He seemed saddened by that.
"What's shaking baby? Looking for a new do?" The humanoid crab asked.
"Not for me, bit can you do something about those two's hair?" He turned towards Happy and Natsu.
"Sure thing." He said and in no time they both had hair again.
A lot of questions were asked towards cancer, he seemed a little overwhelmed by all the attention he was receiving.
"Natsu you have a personal request." I say informing him. Once the excitement died down.
"Really! That's great, what is it?" He inquired.
I handed him the parchment and he read it over. "Man this sounds awesome!"
"Let me see, let me see!" Happy curiously begged.
"Here little buddy."
"Explore recently uncovered ruins, pay equal to any treasure found, bonus pay for any translation of old text. Base pay 2,000,000J unless treasure found equals more." Happy read aloud.
"That sounds so fun, just think Happy, we could be rich!"
"2,000,000J do you know how much fish I could buy! I'll never go hungry again."
Natsu turned towards me, "You wanna go Mira? It'll be fun." He said smiling like it was already decided.
I thought it over, I did want to go with him, especially since he asked me too, but that amount is monster slaying pay, I don't know how helpful I'd be in a fight.
"Don't worry Mira, I'll do enough fighting for the both of us. Those mummies won't know what hit them."
"How do you know there's mummies in there?" I inquired to he reasoning.
"Everyone knows mummies live in ruins, duh." He said as if it was certain. He's heard too many of Gildarts old stories, and ruins don't always have mummies, or zombies, sometimes spirits or ghosts, which aren't effected by normal everyday magic. Sometimes demons live in such places if it's old enough, and those could really give us serious problems.
"I think it would do you some good to go Mira. It'll give you a chance to gain a new perspective. Maybe you'll discover something you thought you'd lost." The master said nonchalantly, "but the choice is yours to make." He said while enjoying his beverage in his usual spot on the bar.
My way out was suddenly cut off with that, then the reading flashed in my head, maybe this is the challenge that I can't run from. I decided if I couldn't escape it, then I'd go along. Besides she did say it wouldn't be that bad.
"Well ok, if you're sure. You know I won't be much help in a fight." I said trying to make that fact clear to Natsu.
"Don't worry Mira, I told you before, I'll do enough fighting for the both of us."
"I'm sure you will, but don't you think we should take one more, just in case?" I asked, trying not to let my anxiety of what could happen, leak out in my voice. To which he seemed to think over for a moment. "Ok deal." He said, "Hey who want's to go with us?" He said loudly.
"You'll be fine you two." A few people said something similar. It felt like I was setup. I already agreed to go, so there wasn't any backing out now.
"I guess it's just the three of us." Natsu said.
"Hey Natsu!" Came Elfman's voice, he was squeezing his shoulder tightly, "You better take good care of my sister, or else." Natsu had a look of anger at Elfman's sudden grasp, but he calmed as he realized what Elfman.
"You know I will."
"And no funny business, ya hear!"
"I won't do anything fun!" Natsu retorted.
Deciding that was it, I headed out the doors with them, "Remember Mira, trust in your companions, but more importantly trust in yourself, and your magic will carry you through." The Master's departing words of wisdom.
"You ready you two? I've got to pack a few things before we leave town."
"Sounds good, Happy and I need to grab our stuff, meet you in front of the train station in an hour?" Natsu suggested. To which I agreed, and we parted ways only to meet back up. I couldn't shake the feeling that something could happen, I decided to fight against my fear, trying to suppress it. I can't be a stick in the mud, the whole trip would be awful. I'll just have to make the best of it.