{Super long chapter.}
Gajeel stood outside the gates of Fairy Hills, waiting for Avey and Levy. He had got home the night before to find a note that his daughter had fallen asleep there and would be staying. He didn't mind, he would rather have her safe there than home alone. As he waited, all of the girls had snuck out of the dorms, making their way for the surprise party waiting at the guild, even Lily had already gone ahead. "Morning dad!" Gajeel smiled as Avery ran out of the doors, launching herself at her father. Gajeel caught her with a laugh, swinging her around slightly before setting her down. "Hey hatchling, did you behave?" He asked as Levy made her way down. "She was an angel as always." The bluenette said with a grin.
Gajeel chuckled as he ruffled his daughters hair before the trio made their way for the guild. Levy and Gajeel talked quietly as Avery ran ahead, making sure to not stray far from them. "You guys are so slow!" She called from in front of the guild doors. "You've got too much energy for this early in the morning brat!" Gajeel shouted. Levy giggled, "She's probably just still excited from yesterday." Gajeel raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Avery looked down shyly, "Aunt Juvia started teaching me water magic," she said quietly. Gajeel was quiet for a minute before grinning brightly. "You'll have to show me sometime!" Avery perked up and smiled brightly with a nod. Finally, she turned and shoved the doors open.
"SURPRISE!!"
Avery jumped, startled at the loud chorus of cheers. Balloons and streamers fell from the ceiling, a large brightly colored banner hung over the bar that said Happy Birthday Avery. Averys eyes watered as she watched them all, smiles bright. A table stretched across one side of the hall, piled with presents, another with food. At the center of the room was a large cake with different colored icing, topped with a soaring dragon. All of the years trapped in the tower, she had forgotten about her birthday, and even before she had never had anything like this.
She quickly scrubbed her eyes as a large hand gently pat her head. "Thank you... Everyone!" She sniffed happily as she tried to stop her tears. "You should thank your father. He's the one that asked us to help him set it up," Mirajane said sweetly as she stood in front of the girl. Avery turned to her dad, who was slightly pink in the face and looking everywhere but at her. Averys eyes teared up again before she launched herself at him, latching around his waist. Gajeels breath was knocked out of him but he smiled, hugging her back tightly.
"Now let's party!" Markarov called, sending the guild into a loud cheer. Avery grinned up at Gajeel before running to the crowd, thanking them all and passing around hugs. Music played from lacrima all over the guild, food was handed out and Erza tried her best to keep Natsu and Gray under control. It wasn't hard, as Gajeel was determined to make his daughters day perfect, and made sure they didn't start trouble. The morning passed quickly, and at noon it was time for the cake. With Natsus help, the many candles were lit, and the dragon on top looked to be breathing fire. "Sure you can blow them all out hatchling?" Gajeel asked with a smirk. Avery puffed out her cheeks before dragging Wendy over to her side. The girls were incredibly close, as Wendy was only a year older now. Both girls took deep breath, and the air seemed to thin slightly.
With more force than two small preteens should be able to produce, a great gust left them that extinguished all of the fire. There was a round of laughter as the gust nearly knocked several people over but the cake stayed standing. Mirajane happily cut and handing out the cake, making sure Erza got a piece right after the birthday girl. Once cake was done, it was time for Averys favorite part.
Presents.
She happily sat at the pile of gifts, simply opening the closest one. It was a small flat box wrapped in bright red wrapping with a white bow on top. The tag read From Natsu and Avery tore excitedly into it. Inside was a soft cloth, bright blue in color that faded to a soft silver. Upon further inspection, it was a thin scarf, more for fashion than for warmth. "You can put it in your hair too," the dragon slayer said with a grin. Avery grinned and immediately tied it in her hair before hugging him tightly. "Thanks Natsu!" Natsu grinned as he ruffled her hair. Avery dove in for te next gift, done in simple pink with no bow.
