space | fairy tail

29 | the grand ball

Several days after the Grand Magic Games, Galatea was standing a dressing room with Lisanna, Mira, Wendy, Yukino, and Lucy. She watched with a smile on her face as the others cheered up Yukino, as she laced up Lisanna's corset.

"Is that too tight?" Galatea asked.

"No, it's perfect!" Lisanna said. "Shouldn't you be getting dressed though?"

Galatea looked around, seeing the rest of girls already dressed. She herself was only in an long petticoat and corset, having only tossed on her under layers before helping the others get into dresses. Her hair was in a thick braid that fell down her back, filled with jewelled roses and butterflies. She had gone with minimalistic makeup, and her eyes were swiped with gold.

"Yeah, but you guys needed help. Not everyone can lace their own corset properly like I can. Besides, Wendy needed help with her makeup." Galatea said, "But I should get into my dress."

"I'm so excited to see you what you're gonna wear!" Mira gushed, "You've been keeping it a secret from everyone."

Galatea grinned as she pulled a box out of her bag by the door.

"That's because it's a surprise. Besides, I never wear anything this fancy so I'd thought I'd grab something special for tonight." Galatea explained, opening the box and pulling out a mound of scarlet satin.

"Wow..." Lucy said, looking at the fabric. "Is that silk from the country of Minstrel?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Galatea asked.

Lucy blushed slightly, "I kinda have an eye for things generally reserved for nobility."

"Right, you're a Heartfilia. Makes sense." Galatea grinned, as she shook out the dress slightly. "Mira, would you mind helping me?"

The eldest Strauss eagerly nodded, walking over as Galatea stepped into the dress. After a bit of adjusting, Mira stepped away and looked at the dress in awe. The other girls had similar looks on their face.

"What do you guys think?" Galatea asked, nervous that her dress was too much.

"It's amazing!"

"You look great!"

Galatea's dress was a full length scarlet satin ballgown, with the top clinging to her frame while the bottom twirled around her body and was held outwards by her petticoat. It had a square neckline that allowed a tiny bit of her cleavage to show. The dress was short-sleeved, with two frilly sheer sleeves floating just past her shoulders allowing her black guild mark to be seen.. The bodice was covered in beautiful gold embroidery emulating tiger-lilies, the gold thread catching the light and making her shine.

"Thanks, I was wondering if it was too much." Galatea said, a light blush coating her face.

"What are you accessorizing with?" Mira asked, her eyes sparkling.

"My accessories are in the other box." Galatea said, pointing to the other box which made Mira squeal and rush to get the boxes. "I didn't think you'd be that excited."

"Of course I am!" Mira grinned opening the box and passing Galatea a pair of matching opera gloves. "Imagine what Laxus is going to be like when he sees you! He might faint?"

The mention of the blonde dragonslayer made Galatea blush, which the other girls caught. Wendy gasped.

"Do you have a crush on Laxus?" Wendy asked.

Galatea's blush deepened.

"I don't wanna talk about it right now." Galatea muttered, "Mira, can you pass me my jewellery?"