We'll Guide You There

Chapter 10: The Lion

Loke resisted the urge to laugh when he appeared next to Lucy. There were globs of batter dripping off her cheeks and flour was sticking to her hair.

"You look fantastic, Princess," he complimented, smiling wide.

"Oh shut up," Lucy responded. She added, "Our birthday girl wanted me to call you. She went to grab decorations for the cupboard."

"Mhm...I'll have to go back and grab her presents before the party starts." He leaned against the counter, loosening his tie. "Where are the others?"

"Laxus is out grabbing some last minute presents," Lucy said as she peered into the stove, checking on the cake Loke could see through the door. "And Levy and Gajeel took Mimi and Summer to the guild to decorate for the party."

"With Mimi's attachment to Gajeel, your going to end up with a dragon slayers on your hands."

"Then it's a good thing I'm adapt at dealing with them."

He gave a hum, "And Summer? Is she still not interested in magic?"

Lucy nodded, "Yes. That's fine, obviously. I jut worry that she won't realize that. That she'll feel isolated or alone while surrounded by all the magic in the family."

"It'll be fine." He reached over and caught her hand. He squeezed it tightly, smiling when he squeezed back. "You're a great mother. Summer will always know you love her."

"I hope so."

He lifted her joined hands and kissed her knuckles, "I know so."

They lapsed into silence. Their easy friendship and love for each other hung between them.

"Uncle Loke!" He looked up in time to see Lucy and Laxus' youngest daughter drop all the sprinkles and frosting tubes in her hands. She ran towards him.

"Hey flower," he greeted as he scooped Layla up in his arms. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you!" She wrapped her arms around her neck and smiled, the gap in her teeth visible in the forefront. "Did you bring me a present?"

He laughed and shook his head, "No but I'll have it for you at your party. What did your mama and papa give you this morning?"

As Layla began listing off her gifts and Lucy picked the cake decorations off the floor, Loke felt a pain in his chest. Layla was growing older and with her, his time with Lucy grew shorter.

They'd already started talking about Layla being given one of the keys to begin with.

He'd have to make the most of the time he had left with his best friend.

E/n: And that's the end.

I'm a little afraid it might be a bit lackluster but I enjoy it quite a bit.