Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! To help get myself into the holiday spirit, I decided to do a fun little Christmas story based on The Nutcracker. I hope you enjoy it :D God Bless!
Chapter 1
Christmas Eve
Makarov wandered around the newly built guild hall, glaring at his sleeping children with a playful frown. The kids finally fought themselves out and passed out on whatever relatively flat surface they could find; Erza propped herself up next to a tall pillar, a case of cakes guarded protectively next to her; Gray and Natsu lay on the floor in an undignified heap and Elfman sprawled out on the counter, rear end facing the sky.
With a shake of his head, Makarov headed for the front door. Thankfully, the building remained intact, although he already had to purchase new furniture from the local shop; he was certain the shop stayed in business solely by all of Fairy Tail's mucking about. Makarov made sure to hem and holler just enough to let his children know exactly how many jewels they were costing him, but was grateful they had a real roof over their heads for the Christmas season. With only a few more days until the much anticipated holiday, Makarov was certain the guild would be more lively than ever during the necessary preparations.
He took a careful step over his two rowdiest boys, making a mental note to remind Erza to keep an extra close eye on Natsu for the next week: no one wanted the fire mage burning down the building before they could even get a tree inside.
A dark shadow drew his attention to the far wall. He grinned, veering to where Gajeel slunk in the darkness toward the door. His white suit was more suited for a stage than sneaking around in the middle of the night, but the pensive look on his face told Makarov the young man wouldn't enjoy any well-wished advice at the moment.
"Decided to stay in the dorms, eh?" he called out softly, chuckling to himself when the Iron Dragon Slayer startled.
"Ya kiddin'? Have ya even been watchin' what's been happenin' lately? Ain't no way anyone will want to bunk with me. I'm still the enemy, remember?"
A growl laced his words, warning Makarov not to pry, but it was the most the young man had spoken to him since that fateful day Makarov found him in the trash heap.
Makarov tilted his head, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. "Last I checked, you were a full-fledged member of my guild." He jerked his chin at Gajeel's arm, where his new guild mark stood dark and thick underneath his jacket. "That makes you family."
Gajeel snorted. "Well, every family has to have at least one black sheep. Guess I'll just hafta take up that spot."
"Just give them time…they'll come around."
"Even I wouldn't want someone like me hangin' around."
Makarov hummed, pursing his lips. Gajeel must have noticed the movement for he sighed and ran a hand through his unruly hair.
"I'll figure out somethin', Gramps, so don't be gettin' all teary on me."
Gajeel stomped out of the building, but quietly closed the door behind him. Makarov felt the corners of his mouth lift at the unexpected courtesy. He sobered after a moment, his heart feeling heavy in his chest.
He hated to admit it, but the boy was right. His children were hard pressed to fully accept Gajeel into their ranks. Oh, Makarov tried his best to help, giving Gajeel difficult quests Makarov couldn't trust to anyone else or revealing secret information to show how much he appreciated their newest member. But it would take nothing short of a miracle for Gajeel to feel at home with his new family.
A miracle that would no doubt need a tiny, blue haired mage's help to accomplish.
With a sigh, Makarov turned and headed up the stairs to his sleeping quarters. A sudden thought froze his steps. He glanced at the pile of three inseparable mages sleeping in the corner, a flash of blue hair grabbing his attention, before looking back at the door where Gajeel exited. Makarov chuckled to himself and with silent steps, hopped down the stairs and headed toward the basement.
He walked deep underneath the guild where the Fairy's most secreted weapons lay in hiding. He stopped before a large, crystalized pillar, rubbing his hands together with glee.
"We haven't had to use this since the founding of Fairy Tail, but I think even the great Mavis would agree…it's time for a bit of Christmas Cheer!"