Fairy Tail: Falling Towards the Chaos

Chapter 34

That had all happened about two weeks ago though yet the memories of Mirai Lucy dying in her arms seemed to play on repeat in her mind. However, knowing their future was secured, and her future self was finally at peace, Lucy felt alright with the turn of events.

So, when her boring morning at the guild was ruined by Bisca and Alzack, who wanted a break and a day to relax, promptly dropping Asuka in her lap. The young girl was mischievous but a joy to be around so, Lucy couldn't find it in herself to decline, besides, she hadn't planned anything else for the day.

"Alright, we'll be back around dinner time," Alzack smiled almost apologetically at Lucy before crouching down to Asuka's height, he ruffled her hair affectionately, "be good for Auntie Lucy, alright pumpkin? Mommy and I will be back soon."

Lucy and Asuka waved goodbye to the girl's parents, watching them depart from the guild, before Lucy helped Asuka sit up on the barstool next to her properly.

"Do you want something to eat? You know Auntie Mira can make anything your little heart desires," Lucy teased, poking the girl in her ticklish spot. Asuka giggled, lightly batting Lucy's hands away.

"Hmm... I want strawberry pancakes!" Asuka declared, jumping up onto the stool, settling her hands on her hips confidently. Lucy laughed, waving over Mira, turning to chide Asuka for standing up on the stool, only to find Natsu gently easing her down to sit properly before taking a seat next to her.

"Oh, Lucy! You're on babysitter duty today?" Mira came over, flashing a smile to Chaos and little Asuka who beamed in response.

"Yeah, Alzack and Bisca said something about needing a break, so I figured, why not?" She shrugged, "Asuka here wants some strawberry pancakes as well." Mira nodded, hurrying away to get started on Asuka's meal.

"What do you want to do today, Asuka?" Lucy asked, turning back to the little gun-slinger only to find her missing from her place on the stool. Starting to internally freak-out, Lucy scanned the guild hurriedly for a sign of the girl and was relieved to find her horsing around with -- Natsu, of all people. It was incredibly endearing to see Chaos so gentle and patient with Asuka as she gave him firm instructions and demands on how to play Horsey.

"Massive birth control moment for me right now," Levy slunk over, looking like she needed a cup of coffee.

"Really? You're not fond of kids, Levy?" Lucy leaned forward into the blue-haired mage's face, only to be swatted away with a grumble.

"I like kids, but it's just too early for all this noise," the short girl whined, kicking her feet on the stool.

"I second that," Gajeel groaned, sliding into the spot next to Levy, grabbing one of the metal cups from off the counter and proceeding to dig into it. Levy and Lucy winced in unison.

"Why? Are you thinking about kids, Lucy?" Levy wiggled her eyebrows, teasing, flagging Mira down to ask for a coffee.

"N-not right now, o-of course! But one day, obviously, I want a small family though, maybe... two kids?" Lucy sputtered, hands tapping the counter in a rhythm.

"Oh, really? Two boys? Two girls? Or one of each?" Levy leaned forward deviously, and it was Lucy's turn to roll her eyes, pushing Levy's face back with her hand.

"Honestly, I'd be happy with anything but... if I could choose... two boys," Lucy declared, looking up at Levy and Gajeel who wore matching smirks on their faces. Mira came back to their section of the bar, settling down the pancakes and the coffee Levy had asked for. As the barmaid began to scold Gajeel for eating yet another one of the metal cups, Lucy turned around to call over Asuka, but locked eyes with Natsu instead. His stare was so intense, Lucy almost couldn't look away.

Asuka tugged on Natsu's pant leg insistently, whining about playing more, but Lucy quickly caught her attention; breaking off the stare down with Natsu.

"Asuka! Your pancakes are ready," Lucy called out, watching the girl break into a sprint towards the counter, ducking and weaving through the crowd of their guild mates with ease. Lucy smiled. She knew Asuka would forever be loved in Fairy Tail and how lucky she was to grow up in a guild filled with positivity.

"Say thank you to Auntie Mira before you eat," Lucy reminded the girl, helping her onto the bar stool. Lucy sighed, hearing Levy and Gajeel snicker next to her. She already knew it was going to be a long day.

-----

"Yay! Water park!" Happy and Asuka cheered together excitedly.

"Guys, settle down! Stay close and don't run," Lucy sighed, watching the two toddlers skip ahead of them. Natsu stuck close to her side, clad in some swim shorts and a t-shirt with flames on it. Lucy herself was clad in some denim shorts and a pink tank top with her bikini underneath in an attempt to combat the hot Magnolia sun.

In reality, the so-called "water park" was really just a slightly oversized splash pad for kids to cool off in the sun. Lucy assumed it was installed sometime during their seven-year absence in the centre of the town, but it looked lovely, and she needed Asuka to burn off some of that hyper energy she carried around. Maybe she would even take a nap after the water activities.

Asuka and Happy walked off to play under one of the rotating buckets filled with water, while Lucy and Natsu found a nearby available beach umbrella with two lounge chairs underneath to keep an eye on them closely. Lucy set her beach bag down, setting aside a few towels. Natsu sat on the chair next to her, watching her with deep interest.

The silence was interrupted as small feet stomped their way towards them with eagerness, Lucy almost doubling over with the impact of the two "children" running into her.

"C'mon! C'mon! The water feels great, let's go!" Asuka shouted with impatience, tugging Lucy's hand before reaching both arms up towards her.

"What do you say, Natsu? Should we join them?" Lucy giggled, grabbing a hair pin to keep her bangs out of her face. She pulled Asuka onto her hip smoothly, tickling the girl in the stomach as she waited for Natsu's response.

"Yeah, let's go," he said quietly, watching as the three dashed off; Lucy balancing Asuka on her hip and Happy flying overhead. He would never forget the care-free smiles on their faces, especially when Lucy looked back at him, urging him to hurry up with the most beautiful grin.

Yeah, maybe kids wouldn't be so bad.

To be continued...