Fairy tail Next Generation

30-Genorations

The arena was buzzing with excitement as the next match was about to begin. Amidst the crowd, Liddan made his way slowly towards his team, his body still wrapped in bandages but determination clear in his eyes.

Naku was the first to spot him. "Liddan! What are you doing here? You should be resting in bed!"

Liddan waved off his concern with a grin. "I'm fine, really. I couldn't miss watching the other matches. We need to learn as much as we can about our opponents."

Layla and Laurie, noticing the commotion, walked over to check on him.

"Are you sure you're okay to be up and about?" Laurie asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

"Yeah, where's Masaki?" Layla added, looking around. "I thought she'd be glued to your side."

Liddan shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "She went to see how Mist's battle against that Mermaid Heel member went."

A mischievous smirk spread across Laurie's face as he draped an arm over his best friend's shoulder. "Oh really? I thought for sure you two lovebirds would be cuddling in the infirmary room."

"Why would you think that?" Liddan asked, confusion evident in his voice.

Layla's eyes sparkled with mischief as she exchanged a glance with Laurie. "Oh, I don't know... Maybe because we heard you say, and I quote, 'I'm not going to let these stupid burns stop me from doing what I want with the girl I love.'"

Laurie and Layla burst into laughter as Liddan's face turned a shade of red that rivaled his father's hair.

"W-what?!" Liddan spluttered, his eyes wide with shock and embarrassment. "How long were you two standing outside the room?!"

Layla wiped a tear from her eye, still giggling. "Long enough, brother. Long enough."

Liddan groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I can't believe this. You guys are the worst."

Laurie patted him on the back, still chuckling. "Come on, man. It's cute. We're happy for you."

"Yeah, yeah," Liddan muttered, his face still burning. "Can we please just focus on the matches now?"

Nashi, overhearing the commotion, couldn't resist joining in on the teasing. "Aww, my little brother's all grown up and in love," she cooed, pinching Liddan's cheek.

Gideon chuckled, shaking his head. "Never thought I'd see the day when Liddan Dragneel was rendered speechless by a girl."

Liddan, his face still flushed, decided to fight fire with fire. "Oh yeah? Well, at least I'm not sneaking around trying to hide my relationship like you two!" He pointed accusingly at Nashi and Gideon.

Their laughter cut off abruptly, replaced by matching looks of shock and embarrassment.

"W-what are you talking about?" Nashi stammered, her cheeks turning pink.

Gideon tried to maintain his cool demeanor, but the slight redness creeping up his neck betrayed him. "Don't be ridiculous, Liddan."

Before the bickering could escalate further, Sylvie's voice cut through the chaos. "Would you all shut up already? Aike is about to start his match against James from Blue Pegasus!"

The group fell silent, turning their attention to the arena. Laurie, however, couldn't resist one last jab.

"Oh, I see," he said with a sly grin. "Sylvie wants us to be quiet because her boyfriend is fighting."

To everyone's surprise, Sylvie nodded without hesitation. "Yes, exactly. Now shush!"

There was a moment of stunned silence before the group burst into laughter, the tension from their earlier teasing dissipating.