Dawn of Adventure {Book One of The Paths We've Traveled}

Chapter Sixty-Three: Dancing Through Life

Mira sighed, one hand resting on her swollen stomach and the other wrapped around Laxus's arm. The guild master looked down at his wife, a hint of a smile bringing light to his face. "You alright?"

She huffed, glaring up at the Lightning Dragon Slayer with absolutely no malice in her gaze. "Contrary to what you and everyone else seems to think, pregnant women are not fragile creatures who can't do much beyond care for our basic needs."

"Oh, Levy definitely proved that point. And Juvia. I thought Gajeel would strap them both down to keep them from working."

Mira snorted. "I'm surprised he didn't have to. That pair are probably the most stubborn people I know."

"Well, I can think of someone else more stubborn."

Mira dug her elbow into his side. He chuckled, pressing a swift kiss to her forehead. He apparently wasn't quick enough.

"Aw, Laxus has feelings," Cana teased, appearing from the darkness as if summoned. The large man sighed, his moment of quiet shattered for the rest of the night. The Magic Card wizard wrapped her arm around Laxus's free one, a bottle of ale hanging from her opposite hand. "Good to know you're not just a shell of a man."

"Oh, Cana." Mira smiled at her friend, taking in the tight teal dress the brunette wore. "You look beautiful, by the way."

Cana winked. "I always do." The brunette cast her gaze around the streets, looking for signs of their guildmates. "Where's everyone else?"

"Already there. We were running late. Seems like you were too."

"Oh, I'm never late. Nothing starts until I get there." Laxus rolled his eyes, arms trapped by the women on either side of him.

"I'm pretty sure the party started when Queen Hisui said it would. Which was twenty minutes ago."

Cana scoffed, chugging the rest of her drink in a few seconds. "Whatever. I really doubt anyone got there on time."

"I don't know, Evergreen was pushing Elfman out the door about an hour before it started."

"Yeah, but she's always had a thing for getting places early." Cana raised an eyebrow, glancing between the couple. "What's your excuse for being late?"

"What's yours?" Laxus shot back, fake annoyance dripping from his words. Unfortunately for him, Cana knew him too well to be fooled.

She grinned, raising her now empty bottle. "Oh, you know, the usual."

Mira laughed. "I'm not surprised. It's really my fault for being late. It never even crossed my mind to try on this dress before going out tonight, even if I am the size of a whale."

Cana snorted. "Out of all the pregnancies in the guild so far, yours has definitely been the most graceful."

"I try to tell her that," Laxus muttered, "but she never seems to hear."

"Oh look, we're here." Mira pulled their small group forward, her words accompanied by Cana's bright laugh. The three of them passed underneath the arching gates leading to the Mercurius Palace. Small lights glittered on the hedges and fences, candles glowing in every window up above. Music and laughter drifted from open doors, and spilled throughout the gardens and courtyards. Mira sighed happily. "I love a good party."

"It certainly helps that Mercurius is absolutely gorgeous," Cana said. She finally let go of Laxus's arm while giving the couple a massive grin. "I'm off to find the booze." And she saturated off, hips swaying in what could have been her own intentions or the alcohol in her system.

Mira snorted. "She'll never change, will she?"

"Probably not," Laxus agreed. "But the guild would be a very odd place if she stopped drinking."