Chapter 2: Fireflies

A/N: My deepest apologies for releasing this chapter so late. I was planning to get this out earlier, but then I got sick. Also, I took a break from writing for a couple of weeks after chapter 1 was published. So, I had to post this at the end of this month. I promise chapter 3 won't take this long. In this chapter, the Lightfoot family spends a night outside in the backyard, and Barley discovers a familiar creature we know. This chapter has some Laurel X Wilden in it. I know we don't see them together in the movie, but I imagine their relationship to be very cute and sweet just like all parent couples are. Thank you everybody for favoriting, following, and reviewing this story! I'm very glad that it is getting some love. Requests/ideas are certainly welcome, and if you have any, please leave them. They're really helpful. Enjoy! :)

The two crescent moons shone brightly amongst the blazing stars in the night New Mushroomton sky. The warm, pleasant summer breeze bristled in the air. Just the typical June weather. On this night, residents were either eating dinner or relaxing with loved ones or just simply going outside to enjoy the weather. Summers in New Mushroomton were always so gorgeous and inviting to people and animals, leading them to the outdoors more often as opposed to wintertime, where the freezing cold and snow lead to hibernation and caused people to stay cooped up in their homes with the fire roasting. Right now, it was early June, and many were itching to do their yearly summer activities: going to the beach, having pool parties, camping, etc. This summer was going to be a hit for sure.

After eating dinner, which was Laurel's fabulous meatloaf, the Lightfoot family relaxed in the living room. Barley was building a tower of blocks, Blazey was dozing, Wilden was reading a book, and Laurel was knitting little light blue booties for the baby.

Barley had his tongue out while stacking the last block on his tower. He viewed the culmination and smiled proudly. "Mommy! Daddy! Look at my tower!"

The two stopped what they were doing and looked up at their son's tower of blocks. They were impressed.

"That's an excellent tower, Barley," Wilden complimented.

"Great job, sweetie," Laurel said. "You are such a fantastic builder."

"Thanks!" Barley went to his toy car and started playing with it.

Laurel resumed knitting. "Wilden?"

"Yeah, honey?" he said, not taking his eyes off the book.

"Have you come up with names for the baby? I already gave you my suggestions, but you didn't agree with them."

Her husband turned his head slightly to face her. "Well, I do have one name in mind."

"What is it?"

"Iandore."

Laurel paused and quickly looked at him. "Iandore?"

He nodded. "Ian for short. It's a name I've been liking for a while now, and it just sounds suitable for our child."

His wife let that name sink in for a second, then glanced down at her large belly. Ian did sound like a nice name, sweet too. She felt like the name had charm like her husband, and it would accurately fit and represent their little boy. Plus, Wilden was the one picking the name this time, not her. She had chosen Barley's name after he was born. It was perfect. Once she had made up her mind, she grinned and stroked her stomach.

"Ian sounds like a lovely name, dear," she replied.

"Just like you." Wilden leaned in for a kiss.

The couple shared their kiss for a minute until Laurel felt a strong kick. She pulled away and placed her hand on her abdomen.

Wilden had his hand on her shoulder. "You okay, honey?"

"Oh, yeah. The baby just kicked. I guess he likes the name."

He giggled and began rubbing his wife's tummy. "Hey, little one. You like the name Daddy picked out for you?"

The baby responded with more kicks. Laurel laughed.

"He loves it," she said delightfully.

Wilden smiled profoundly and kissed her stomach. "Daddy loves you."

"And I love you." Laurel's brown, caring eyes locked with Wilden's.

"Wanna kiss again?" Wilden asked.

"I'd kiss you a million times," Laurel answered before puckering her lips.

Wilden cupped Laurel's face, and they went in for a longer kiss this time. Barley saw the romantic scene and had his tongue out in disgust.

"Eww! Gross!" he exclaimed.

His parents finished kissing and laughed at their toddler. They found his reaction to be cute.

"Hey, Barley. I figured out a name for your baby brother," Wilden told him.

"Ooh! What is it, what is it?" he asked excitedly.

"Iandore. Ian for short."

"Cool! I like it!"

His mother felt a kick yet again. "He seems to agree with it."

Barley wrapped his arms around Laurel's belly and placed his head on it to feel his baby brother move inside. He gave a wide smile. He loved it when the baby kicked and moved; it was spectacular. Blazey even joined in, lying her head against her owner's belly. She smiled and nuzzled it.

"I can't wait to meet him, Mommy. We're gonna have lots of fun together," Barley said before patting Laurel's stomach.

She placed her hand over Barley's little one. "You two are going to be the best of friends."

"Laurel, is it almost Barley's bedtime?" Wilden questioned, feeling Blazey gnawing her teeth on his shoes. He rubbed her head, knowing that she was just teething. He couldn't really get mad at her.

"It should be, sweetie."

Barley groaned in annoyance. "I'm not tired!"

"Sleep is very important, Barley. Now, why don't you be a dear and change into your pajamas?"

"But I wanna go outside!" Barley said.

Wilden looked out the window. "It is quite nice out there..."

Laurel nodded in agreement. "Oh, yes. It's beautiful on this type of night."

"So, can we go? Please?" Barley pleaded.

His parents exchanged glances and then looked back at him.

"I don't see why not," Wilden answered.

Barley rejoiced and ran into the kitchen to open the backyard door, Blazey happily trotting behind and barking. Wilden got up, stretched his back, and proceeded outside. His wife struggled albeit to get up and slowly followed.

"Wilden, wait up," she said, trying to catch up.

Her husband stopped. "Sorry, dear. I got a little carried away there."

Laurel chuckled. "That's okay. Boy, it is getting harder to walk with this baby inside of me."

Wilden wrapped his arm around her and stroked her belly. "It won't be long now until our little Ian arrives."

She peered down at her stomach and smiled warmly. "Yeah. Oh, I'm so excited! Only three more months!"

"Mommy, Daddy, come on!" Barley called, signaling them to come over.

"We're coming, sweetie!" his mother called back, holding Wilden's hand while walking to the area.

Barley squealed happily and chased Blazey around in the backyard. His parents stood by and enjoyed the weather and fresh air, also watching their son play.

Wilden took a long, deep breath, taking in the clear, summer air and slowly exhaled. "Ahh. Doesn't it feel so refreshing tonight, Laurel?"

"Yes, indeed. It's so gorgeous out here," his wife replied. "I can see why Barley wanted to come outside."

The little boy shrieked as he ran away from Blazey; it was Blazey's turn to be it, and she was just hot on his tail. Barley turned around to see the dragon speeding up to him, not realizing that he was heading straight for the pool.

Laurel gasped in fright. "Barley, look out!" she warned him.

Barley diverted his attention from Blazey and skidded along the ground, coming to a quick halt at the edge of the pool and leaned forward before catching himself. He frantically gazed down at the blue waters of the pool, his heart racing in his chest. If it wasn't for his mother, he would've fallen in. He was glad she gave him that warning.

Blazey curiously sniffed the pool and looked up at Barley with a worried expression.

The young elf patted her head. "I'm okay, Blazey. Let's go play away from here."

Laurel breathed out a sigh of relief, putting a hand on her chest. "Oh, thank goodness he didn't fall."

Wilden gave a peck on Laurel's cheek in comfort. "I'm glad he's safe."

Laurel noticed Wilden had his arm behind his back. "Wil, what do you have behind your back?"

"Oh, it's just.. something I want to give you," he said, twiddling the item in his hand.

"Can you show me?" she asked with pure interest.

Wilden grinned and opened his hand to reveal a beautiful yellow flower that was from the batch of flowers they and Barley had planted. Laurel was taken aback, speechless. Her husband did many generous things to his family, and he had such a big heart. It was no wonder why she married him; he was truly a thoughtful and considerate man.

"Oh, Wil.." she spoke after staring at the precious beauty for a minute. "It's beautiful. It's absolutely gorgeous."

The man put the flower in her hair and stepped back a bit to admire his woman's admiring looks. "You are equally as beautiful as that flower."

"You are such a charmer. You have been since high school," Laurel said sincerely.

"I'll do anything for my lady," Wilden said as he took his wife's hand and kissed the top of it.

Laurel giggled and flushed a bit. "So sweet."

Her husband reached out to tuck a bit of hair behind her ear and then continued watching Barley, who was now spinning around and around.

"Woah!" the child exclaimed as he spun around in circles. The whole backyard was one big blur to him, and he felt dizzy.

Once he had enough, he stopped and stumbled to the ground, lying flat on his back. His vision was unstable and disoriented as he could see the hazy, dark sky spinning. Blazey barked and licked him all over his face. Barley laughed and sat up before shaking his head to clear his vision.

"That was fun!" he claimed. He then heard a frog croaking and looked around.

"I hear a froggy," Barley said.

Blazey stooped low to the ground and tracked the creature. She soon halted when she spotted the slimy, green creature crossing her path and barked to Barley. He ran over and kneeled down to it.

"Hey, little froggy," Barley said gently, picking the frog up. He touched its smooth, slimy surface and giggled. "You're really slimy."

The amphibian croaked at him. Blazey took a good sniff, getting to know the creature, and gave it a big smile. She nuzzled it, taking a liking to the frog.

"Aww, she likes you, froggy! I'm going to see if Mommy and Daddy can keep you." Barley ran off with the frog in his hands, Blazey following.

"Mommy! Daddy! Look what I've got!" the boy exclaimed, happily showing them what he had found.

"What a nice little frog you got there," his mother said.

"He must've hopped into our backyard," Wilden assumed. He wiggled his fingers at the frog. "Hey, buddy."

"He's really friendly! Can we keep him?" Barley inquired, holding the small creature close.

"Sweetheart, frogs out here are wild," Laurel started to explain. "They are meant to stay outside so they can be free. They live best outdoors with their families."

"Your mother is right," Wilden inserted. "Frogs are creatures that belong in their natural habitat, not indoors with people. Outside, they get flies, fresh air, and lots of space to roam around."

Barley considered his parents' words and nodded firmly. "Okay. I understand."

He lowered the frog onto the ground and patted his head. "Bye bye, froggy. Go back to your family."

Blazey barked a farewell to him, and it croaked a goodbye to the hatchling and family before hopping away. Barley smiled, feeling good that the frog was going to return to his family. He was perfectly happy outside where he belonged.

Barley saw Blazey rolling over on her back, wagging her tail. He chuckled and rubbed her belly. The scaly dragon rapidly thumped her foot. After she was good, she got up and ran away. She chased her tail playfully.

A particular bug made its way to the dragon and landed on her nose. Its bottom illuminated bright bioluminescence. Blazey quickly noticed this and stared at the little bug. She growled defensively and barked loudly.

"Blazey?" Barley walked over to her. "What are you barking at?"

She pointed to her nose, but she realized that the bug left. Clueless, she scanned around to figure out where it potentially went.

Barley laughed at her behavior. "Silly dragon! There's nothing here!"

Wilden and Laurel covered their mouths with stifled laughter as they saw the same bug hovering behind Barley. They decided to not say a word to see what would happen in this scenario.

Blazey directed her head as if to say, "Hey! Something's behind you!" Barley turned around but saw nothing. He didn't know that the bug moved at the same time as him.

"Where? I don't see it," Barley said, searching around for what his pet could be barking at.

The insect finally revealed itself, flying really close to Barley's face, so close that its light lit up his face. Barley got spooked by the surprise and screamed, running away to his parents. He crashed into his father's arms and shook in fright.

Wilden calmly stroked Barley. "Son, it's okay. There's no need to be scared. It's harmless."

"R-really?" Barley stammered.

"Yes, really," his father said truthfully.

"What's the bug called?"

"It's called a firefly, honey," Laurel spoke. "Fireflies light up at night. It's really pretty."

"Cool! They can glow!" Barley said, amazed.

His father gently grabbed his hands and cupped them. "Here. The firefly is coming over here. Try to catch it."

"Okay!" Barley remained in his position, keeping still and quiet for the delicate creature.

The firefly wandered over to the boy, interested in his welcoming and kind presence, and landed into his hands. It curled up, comfortable in them.

"Woah…" Barley whispered. He looked closely at the firefly, attracted by its beautiful yellow glow.

"You're right, Mommy. Their glow really is pretty." Barley grinned.

Laurel grinned back and nodded. "They are such amazing insects."

The little firefly crawled on his hands, and he laughed. "It's tickling me!"

"It likes you," Wilden said.

"Are there any more of you out here, little firefly?" Barley asked the bug, not expecting a direct answer from it.

"Your answer is right here, Barley." His mother gestured her arm to the wide space in front of them.

Barley looked up, and his pupils grew wide along with his jaw dropping in amazement. The toddler was at a loss of words; he hadn't seen anything so magnificent before. With his mouth drawing into a big, shiny smile, he witnessed dozens of fireflies gathering together, flying in groups; they glistened brightly like the sun on a hot day. It was really unique to him.

"So pretty…" Barley said, glued to the fireflies.

"This is just so wonderful, isn't it Wilden?" Laurel gently grabbed her husband's arm.

"Yes, it is, honey bunches," Wilden responded, rubbing Laurel's long braid.

"It's like they're putting on a show for us." Barley sat down and continued watching, petting Blazey, who also enjoyed the moment.

The glowing bugs moved rhythmically, creating various dance moves and taking turns blinking their lights on and off. Along with that, they swirled around in unison in a smooth motion, not ever breaking apart. They also outlined common shapes with their bodies. The whole backyard was shining.

The elf family watched this for a few minutes, adoring every second of it. They huddled together, their hearts in dense warmth and their smiles consistent.

The finale was a huge one. The fireflies all rapidly flickered their lights, making it look like they were sparkling. When they were finished, they posed fashionably to the audience.

Wilden, Laurel, and Barley all clapped. Blazey howled in approval.

"That was so great!" Barley praised.

"Bravo!" Laurel exclaimed.

"Incredible!" Wilden cheered.

Barley's firefly friend flew to him and perched on his nose. Barley felt a ticklish sensation and wiggled it, getting prepared to sneeze.

"A-a-achoo!" Barley sneezed the firefly off and landed on his back.

"Gesundheit," his father said, helping him up.

Barley sniffled and rubbed his nose. "Thanks, Daddy."

He watched the firefly fly around him and smiled. He jumped up to his father and chanted, "Airplane! Airplane!"

"Ah, you wanna fly like the fireflies?" Wilden asked.

"Yes! Really high!"

"Well, alright then." His father scooped up Barley in his arms and held him carefully with his belly facing the ground. "Are we ready for takeoff?"

"Yeah, we're ready!" Barley claimed.

"Okay. We're gonna count down from three. Three…"

"Two…"

"One!" Wilden ran around and carried Barley into the air, making airplane noises.

The child laughed joyously and spread out his arms. "I'm flying! I'm flying!"

Blazey barked ecstatically and joined in the playful nature, sprinting and jumping in excitement.

Laurel laughed softly as she watched her husband and son having fun together. They were always so sweet and loving towards each other, and that just made her heart melt. Their bond was basically inseparable. She always loved seeing the duo; they had such good chemistry. Rubbing her belly, she thought of little Ian playing with his big brother and father. Pretty soon, the duo was going to turn into a trio… she hoped. She gazed up at the sky and closed her eyes, clasping her hands together.

"Please, oh, please let my husband survive this awful sickness. Don't let it win,"she prayed.

She turned back to Wilden and Barley. Her husband was now spinning Barley around, holding his little hands tightly. The little elf squeaked in laughter.

Wilden giggled and stopped spinning. He held Barley. "You dizzy, buddy?"

"Very…" Barley shook his head.

Wilden kissed his forehead and looked at the fireflies. "It looks like they are leaving now, Barley."

Laurel walked up to them. "Do you wanna say goodbye, love?"

"Bye bye, fireflies! Come back again soon!" Barley waved to the bugs as they left the backyard.

Laurel yawned. "Goodness, am I tired? We best be heading to bed now."

Barley yawned as well. "I'm sleepy, Mommy."

Wilden handed his son over to his wife. "Here. Do you want to carry Barley inside?"

"Of course. Thanks, hon," she said, giving Wilden a quick kiss on the lips.

Blazey nuzzled Laurel's legs. The latter patted her head, and the dragon went up to the door.

Barley leaned his head on his mother's shoulder, exhausted after a night out in the backyard. He could feel her soft, warm hand going up and down along his back. The family went inside the house to get some sleep.