Shattered Dreams ||Nalu||

Chapter Twenty-One

The next morning found Lucy curled up on the infirmary bed, tucked safely into the side of the snoring Natsu with Happy squished between them. Her fingers were tangled in his scarf, as if holding onto it would anchor him to her, and he'd somehow managed to rest his cheek against the top of her head. There hadn't been any need for blankets, as Natsu's heat was more than enough to keep the chilled celestial mage warm.

Naturally, upon quietly entering the room, Mira had turned right back around and walked out, returning a few minutes later with Reedus. She'd given him a look that had clearly ordered him to paint, and Reedus quickly went to do as he was told.

Nearly an hour later found Mira beaming at the paper he'd stuffed into her hands before scrambling off to safety. She folded it carefully, stuffing it into her pocket to later gift to Lucy - who she was sure would blush and sputter but accept it - and went back to carefully cleaning the guildhall, which had nearly been destroyed the previous night when Natsu's brief appearance had filled the place with flames.

"You're in a good mood."

Mira, who'd been humming as she swiped at the bar, glanced up. "Master," she greeted warmly, her blue eyes sparkling. She smiled warmly, returning to what she'd been doing. "I went to check on Lucy...I made sure to place a minor spell that would keep noise and everyone out. She and Natsu were sleeping, and I thought it best not to disturb them."

"Ah." Makarov, who'd seated himself on top of a clean portion of the bar, nodded. "Good choice. That brat hasn't slept properly since Lucy was hurt."

Mira tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, pausing to ask, "Any word from Levy, Master?"

"Not quite yet," he answered with a sigh. "She, Gajeel, and Lily haven't reported to me since their arrival to their job's location...I'm sure they'll be back soon enough. Gajeel said he'd keep Levy safe, and I believe him."

"The demon though..." Mira's voice was uncertain. "Look what it did to Lucy...I hope they're alright."

"They'll be fine," he replied firmly. He gave a bright grin, studying the destruction around them. "I am glad my child has woken...it was a long few months without her."

The ex-S-Class mage nodded cheerfully, poking at an unconscious Cana, who'd passed out at the bar with a barrel of alcohol cuddled in her lap. Cana moaned, toppling off the bar stool and onto the floor, where she proceeded to sleep again. Mirajane beamed, wiping at that spot. "For all of us. That party we decided to have will probably happen again when Lucy is capable of coming down to join us."

Makarov sighed. "Don't let them destroy too much," he wailed, "The Magic Council received several complaints last night and sent them to me!"

"Erza, Gray, and Wendy must be in a rush to finish that job before they come back," Mira mused. While Natsu and Happy had come back immediately, she'd received word from Erza that the rest of Team Natsu was going to finish the job they'd accepted before heading back. They planned on returning within the day, more than likely late at night, so Mira wasn't too concerned.

"They don't have to destroy a town to do so," Makarov muttered.

She flinched. "True," she agreed. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, saying in a hushed tone, "Has the First returned yet? She said she would return to check on Lucy."

"Not yet," he answered. "I'll alert you as to when she returns, though. She should be coming back within the next few days, I believe." He sighed heavily. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do...." Mira watched him slowly make his way into office he used, shaking her head to herself. At least he didn't seem to be so hunched over anymore...the master of Fairy Tail was returning to his usual self, as was everyone else.