{Just a fun bonding chapter. Ran way longer than i ever intended}
"Again!" Gajeel called out from across the training ground. There were many spectators, watching the two dragons train. "Iron Dragon Pillar!" Avery shouted, launching her fist forward. The skin turned to a brilliant silver, brighter than her fathers own iron, and her arm lengthened. She tried to concentrate, but just feet from Gajeel she let out a gasp and it retracted so quickly that it knocked her off her feet. Avery huffed in exasperation, they had been practicing all day and she still couldn't get it. She glared up at the sky until a tall black figure stood above her, "Ready for a break squirt?" Gajeel asked with a soft smirk. Avery pouted but grabbed his offered hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. She dusted the dirt from her legs and shorts before following Gajeel to the small crowd. "Your doing great Avery," Mirajane said with a smile as she strolled through the open back doors of the guild. Those who hadn't gone outside had simply watched from the cool of the guild. She offered them cool drinks, which they gladly accepted. "I still can't get it right."Avery said glumly. Mira smiled softly, "Hey, its your first day! Before today, you had trouble just changing your skin right?" Lucy asked from the ground, to which Avery nodded. "It just takes practice." Levy added with a smile. Avery smiled a little and nodded again. She liked Levy, and she was excited when the young woman had been the first to come out and watched their practice.
"Just watch shrimp, today this, and tomorrow she's gonna have me on my ass. Gihi!" Gajeel said with a bright grin, causing the others to laugh as well. Avery blushed slightly. Suddenly she smirked, and everyone but Gajeel saw it. With a quick turn, she had knocked his legs out from under him, and easily caught the glass he had dropped before it could spill on him. "Or I could just do it today!" This was met with roaring laughter from inside the guild and out. Avery quickly handed the glasses to Mirajane before taking off at a dead run across the field. Gajeel lept to his feet and gave chase, prompting more laughter. "Who knew Gajeel was such a big softy!" Lucy said between breathless laughs. Levy grinned as she watched the pair. At some point happy had gone out a latched onto the girls back, and was now carrying her above her father. "It's like he's a totally different person," she said fondly and Lucy grinned. "And now he's got another girl vying for his attention." she said wickedly. Levy blushed. "Lucy!" This prompted the blond to cackle.
By now, the trio had returned, and Levy was sure she missed something, because Gajeel was pulling leafs from his pony tail. "What's so funny Lucy?" Avery asked, tilting her head slightly. Lucy grinned, "Oh just Levy here." Levy was scarlet in the face and Avery quirked an eyebrow. Before she could ask what she meant, Bisca approached with little Asuka. "Hey guys!" She said with a grin. There were several greetings in return. "Hey Levy, mind if I bring Asuka to movie night?" Bisca asked. Levy nodded with a grin, "Of course!" Avery still had her head tilted with a confused look. "Movie night?" Lucy nodded. "Once a month the girls get together at the dorms for a sleep over movie night, and we usually go to someone else's room each time. Tonight is Levys turn!"
Avery perked up and spun to her dad, who was trying to hide a grin, already knowing what she was going to ask. "Can I go dad?!" She asked excitedly. "Hmm I dunno," He pretended to ponder, fist under his chin. Avery gripped onto his waist and leaned against him with a suprising amount of strength, but he didn't budge. "Please!" The women watched the adorable exchange with small smiles. It had been a week since their newest member had been added, and they had quickly become accustomed to Gajeels change into the father he was meant to be. Gajeel chuckled and ruffled her hair, "Just ask the shrimp." She immediately released him and spun to look at Levy, blue eyes wide and pleading. Levy thought about being upset that she automatically knew it was her by the nickname, but the disarming puppy eyes chased it away.
"Of course you ca- Oof!" Her sentence was cut off by the teen barreling into her with a squeel of joy. Both girls were sprawled on the grass, laughter filling the air. Once everything was settled, Gajeel took Avery home to pack a bag before walking her to Fairy Hills. At the gate, Gajeel knelt down so he was eye to eye with his daughter. "You sure you'll be alright hatchling?" He asked, hand on her hair. Avery grinned brightly and nodded, "Of course I will!" She said brightly. Gajeel smiled softly and nodded before standing. All week she had had nightmares and was finding it difficult to sleep without either her father or Pantherlily. Gajeel was hoping a night with the girls would be exactly what she needed.
