Catch the Thunder

Summer Garden Party

Audio drama: http://chirb.it/E9mN8y
The background music in the audio is "Summer" from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

Laxus had never felt more out of place in his entire life.

At least he was not alone. Next to him, dressed in an outfit worthy of such company, yet looking just as awkward standing under a shade tree with a china plate holding a tiny sandwich, was Elfman. They both stood there, staring at the party, unsure what to do besides hold their drinks and sandwiches and try not to screw up.

"Is he worth it?" Elfman suddenly asked.

Laxus glanced over in momentary confusion. Worth it? Ah ... was Freed worth the personal awkwardness of being in a party where he totally did not fit in? He smiled to himself and looked across the sculptured garden to where Freed stood surrounded by society's elite, laughing easily at their jokes. The inner aristocrat was in full regalia today. Although this was his mother's annual garden party, word had spread that it would be her last, since she planned to remain in France. That meant this was a handing over of the torch in a sense. Next year, it would be Freed and Evergreen to host this party, and so today Freed played a greater role as the host, not just the Justine boy, greeting top corporate executives and politicians alike. To Laxus, watching Freed in this sort of role was both divine and intimidating.

"Totally worth it," he said, honored to have the love of such an important man.

Elfman stared down at the sandwich plate, almost like he had no idea what to do with such tiny portions. "Y'know, I met Evergreen in a library on campus. She helped me study. I didn't even offer to walk her back to the dorm, figured I didn't need to on campus. Dangerous times, though. She was attacked, almost kidnapped. I heard her shouting, thought it was men wanting to rape her. Turned out to be enemies of the Justine family, probably planned to hold her for ransom. I rushed over, ready to defend her. She kicked their asses all by herself. Now that's a woman!" he said with pride. "I didn't know who she was back then, besides a super-smart, kick-ass girl who could handle herself. Now, I can't help but wonder what she sees in me."

"I know the feeling," Laxus said, sipping his china teacup.

"Times when it's just us, she's just a kick-ass girl who's the smartest person I know. Drop-dead gorgeous to boot! But like this, when she wears clothes like that and gets surrounded by these rich girls ... shit, I dunno what I'm doing here." Then he wondered aloud, "Am I arm candy?"

Laxus held back a laugh. "You're definitely not that," he assured.

"Why does Freed keep you around? Is there a reason?"

"The dumbest reason of all." He smiled over to the hulking man. "Love."

Elfman had to chuckle. "I hope that's the reason for Ever."

"You're not sure?"

"I can't ask her, and I don't know if I'll like her answer."

Laxus rolled his eyes in disappointment. "That's a coward's reply."

Elfman just shrugged. "I'm not the strong one. She is."

"Then why are you with her? You've been dating at least half a year."

"Why? Because she's the perfect woman. Because she's gorgeous and brilliant and so strong. Because she's everything I wish I could be, and I hope to be everything she needs me to be. Because she makes me cry manly tears and tames me when I get out of control. Because my life was shit before her, and now it's..." He looked around at the posh, expansive, parklike garden and the tiny plate in his callused hands. "...summer flowers and tiny sandwiches." He sighed as his eyes focused on the brunette in her green sun dress. "Because I love her so much, I can't even wrap my head around it."