The guild hall was quieter than usual, the lingering remnants of celebration finally fading into normalcy. A few weeks had passed since the war, and life was slowly returning to its usual rhythm.
But for me and Alma? Today marked the start of something else entirely.
I leaned against the bar, watching as Alma double-checked the contents of a small travel bag. Her brows furrowed, lips pursed in concentration as she made sure everything was in place.
"You know, it's just a trip," I said, smirking. "Not an expedition to find lost treasure."
Alma shot me a look. "Excuse me for wanting to be prepared." She zipped the bag shut with finality. "Unlike some people who think throwing a sword over their shoulder counts as packing."
I scoffed. "Hey, I'm efficient. Less baggage, less hassle."
"Less prepared," she countered, adjusting the strap on her shoulder. "If you get stranded somewhere without extra clothes, I will say 'I told you so.'"
I grinned. "If we get stranded, I'll just blast our way out of wherever we are. Problem solved."
She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Of course, that's your solution to everything."
"Not everything," I said, tilting my head. "Just most things."
Before she could retort, a voice cut in.
"So, we're going or what?"
I turned to see Laxus standing near the entrance, arms crossed, his usual scowl in place. He was nine, but he acted like he was already an S-Class mage.
"You sure about this?" I asked. "You did get permission, right?"
Laxus scoffed. "Tch. Of course I did. Gramps already said yes." He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. "He said, and I quote, 'Just don't let Aiden get you into trouble.'"
I gasped in mock offense. "Why does everyone assume I'm the problem?"
Alma raised an eyebrow. "Do you really want us to answer that?"
Laxus smirked. "Because you are the problem, 'King of the Fairies.'"
I groaned. "You too?"
Laxus shrugged. "What can I say? It's a good nickname."
NIMO, floating beside me in its usual sleek form, hummed. "The title 'Oberon, King of the Fairies' has a 92% approval rating among the general populace. It is advised that you embrace it."
I deadpanned. "NIMO, whose side are you on?"
"My programming dictates neutrality, but statistically, I align with the majority."
Alma giggled. "I like NIMO."
"Of course, you do," I muttered.
Macao walked past, smirking. "Taking the kid with you? Brave."
I scoffed. "Please, I'm the one who has to keep him from picking fights with random people."
Laxus puffed up. "I don't pick fights."
I raised a brow. "Really? You almost fought a waiter last time because he looked at you funny."
"He was looking at me funny," Laxus muttered.
Alma sighed. "I give it two days before something like that happens again."
"Two?" Macao snorted. "You're being generous."
I rolled my eyes. "Alright, alright. Enough stalling."
With a flick of my wrist, the Regalia shimmered into view outside the guild hall, the sleek black convertible looking as pristine as ever.
Macao whistled. "Still not used to seeing that thing just appear outta nowhere."
Laxus grinned and ran up to the car. "Shotgun!"
"Not a chance, squirt," I said, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him into the back seat.
"Hey!" he protested, kicking his feet.
Alma shook her head, sliding into the passenger seat. "I'll take the front. Aiden's driving this time."
Laxus flopped into his seat with a pout. "Fine. But if we crash, I'm blaming you."
I smirked, starting the engine. "Then hold on tight, because we're flying there."
Laxus's eyes lit up despite himself. "Now that I can get behind."
With a smooth roar of the engine, the Regalia lifted off the ground, and we shot off into the horizon—off to a much-needed adventure.
The Regalia soared effortlessly through the sky, slicing through fluffy clouds like a dream. Below, the land stretched out in endless shades of green, giving way to shimmering rivers and, in the distance, the deep blue ocean.
Laxus sat in the back, arms crossed, one leg bouncing impatiently. "How much longer?"
I glanced at him through the rearview mirror, smirking. "What, getting tired of our company already?"
Laxus scoffed. "More like tired of sitting here doing nothing."
Alma turned in her seat, resting her chin on her hand. "You could try enjoying the view."
Laxus made a face. "The view's just a bunch of trees and water."
"It's about appreciating nature," Alma said, rolling her eyes. "The peace, the serenity—"
Laxus pulled out a chocolate bar from his spatial ring and took a loud bite. "Yeah, I think I'll pass."
I chuckled. "Hey, at least he's not whining about being hungry anymore."
Laxus held up the ring I'd given him earlier. "This thing is awesome. I got snacks whenever I want."
Alma shot me a look. "Again, you gave a nine-year-old unlimited access to food."
"Hey, it's not unlimited," I defended. "I just stocked it with a lot."
Laxus pulled out a second chocolate bar and grinned. "Like, a lot."
Alma sighed. "Great. He's going to eat nothing but sugar the entire trip."
Laxus stuffed another bite in his mouth. "Not my fault you didn't ask for a ring too."
Alma crossed her arms. "I don't need a magic snack bag."
I smirked, reaching into my pocket. "Oh, really? Because I also made one for you."
Alma blinked. "Wait, what?"
With a flick of my fingers, I tossed a sleek, silver ring in her direction. She caught it effortlessly, turning it over in her fingers.
"It's got more than just food," I explained. "Clothes, travel essentials, a few books, and… a couple of surprises."
Alma arched an eyebrow. "Surprises?"
I winked. "You'll see."
Laxus made a gagging noise. "Ugh. Can you two flirt after we land?"
Alma smirked, slipping the ring onto her finger. "Why? Is someone getting jealous?"
Laxus scoffed. "Of what? You two being gross?"
I grinned. "Sounds like jealousy to me."
Laxus scowled. "I will jump out of this car."
I laughed. "Go ahead. I'll just swing back and pick you up."
Alma shook her head, amused. "You're both insufferable."
"I prefer charming," I corrected.
Alma rolled her eyes but smiled. "Keep telling yourself that."
I shot her a sideways glance. "Oh, I will. And by the end of this trip, I bet you'll be the one calling me charming."
Alma snorted. "Doubtful."
Laxus groaned, stuffing his ears with some cloth from his bag. "I swear, if I have to listen to this the whole trip…"
Alma giggled, and I grinned.
Laxus sighed loudly for what had to be the hundredth time. "Are we there yet?"
I adjusted my grip on the wheel. "You've asked that five times already."
"Well, are we?"
"No."
Laxus groaned and slumped back in his seat. "This sucks."
Alma turned around in her seat to face him, a teasing glint in her eye. "Aw, what's wrong? Getting bored?"
"I'm always bored when I'm not fighting," he grumbled. "Or blowing something up."
I smirked. "Great, so you are turning into me."
Laxus shot up. "Take that back."
I shrugged. "I mean, you complain when there's nothing exciting happening, just like me. You get restless on long trips, just like me."
Alma gasped dramatically. "Oh no. Laxus is becoming Aiden 2.0."
Laxus looked horrified. "That's not funny."
I grinned. "I think it is."
Alma nodded. "Same."
Laxus scowled. "You two are the worst."
I reached over and ruffled his hair. "You love us."
Laxus swatted my hand away. "No, I tolerate you."
Alma giggled and leaned back in her seat, stretching her arms. "Well, since we've got time, maybe we should play a game."
Laxus blinked. "A game?"
I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of game?"
Alma smirked. "Something simple. Like… 'Would You Rather.'"
Laxus looked so done. "That sounds dumb."
Alma turned to me. "What do you think?"
I grinned. "I think it sounds fun. And, more importantly, it's an opportunity."
Alma narrowed her eyes. "For what?"
"For me to win," I said smugly.
She scoffed. "It's not a competition."
I smirked. "Everything's a competition, Alma."
Laxus groaned. "Ugh. Just start already."
Alma tapped her chin, thinking. "Alright. First question—Laxus, would you rather eat nothing but vegetables for the rest of your life, or… listen to Aiden flirt non-stop every day?"
Laxus didn't even hesitate. "Vegetables."
I placed a hand over my heart. "Wow. That was fast."
Alma laughed. "I know, right?"
Laxus crossed his arms. "At least vegetables don't make me want to throw up."
I smirked. "Sounds like someone's afraid of romance."
Laxus glared. "I just don't wanna hear you being gross."
Alma grinned. "Okay, Aiden, your turn."
I leaned back, thinking. "Would you rather… be stranded on an island with me for a month—"
Alma groaned. "Oh no."
"—or," I continued, "be stuck with Macao and Wakaba for one week?"
Alma frowned. "That's actually tough…"
I smirked. "Is it, though? You know how Macao and Wakaba are."
She shuddered. "Yeah, I do."
Laxus snorted. "She's totally gonna pick them."
Alma shot him a look. "Excuse me?"
Laxus smirked. "You'd rather suffer through their nonsense than deal with Aiden's weird flirting for a whole month."
Alma looked at me, then sighed dramatically. "You know what? I'll take my chances with Aiden."
I grinned. "Knew it."
Laxus stared at her like she was crazy. "Are you serious?"
Alma smirked. "I know Aiden's annoying, but at least he's not constantly talking about women the way Macao and Wakaba do."
I put a hand over my chest. "Wow. So you do like my company."
She smirked. "I wouldn't go that far."
Laxus groaned. "This game is stupid."
Alma laughed. "Alright, fine. We'll stop tormenting you."
Laxus sighed in relief. "Finally."
I grinned. "We'll just go back to talking about how great I am."
Laxus slumped in his seat. "I hate this trip."
As the Regalia soared over the coastline, the scenery below looked straight out of a fantasy painting—pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters that shimmered under the afternoon sun, and a luxurious beach resort nestled between lush palm trees.
Alma leaned forward from the passenger seat, eyes wide. "This is gorgeous."
I smirked. "Told you I knew how to pick the perfect getaway."
Laxus, arms crossed in the backseat, grumbled, "Took long enough."
I glanced at him through the mirror. "You spent half the trip asleep."
"I was bored," he muttered. "And cramped."
I scoffed. "Cramped? Laxus, this car is practically a mobile palace."
Alma chuckled. "Maybe if someone didn't have their weapons sprawled all over the backseat, he'd have more room."
I gasped dramatically. "How dare you insult my emergency arsenal? What if we were attacked by pirates mid-flight?"
Laxus snorted. "Then I'd punch them."
"Efficient," I admitted.
The Regalia gracefully touched down on a private stone pathway leading straight to the resort. As soon as the doors unlocked, Laxus practically jumped out.
"Finally!" He stretched his arms. "If I had to listen to you two flirting for one more minute, I was gonna throw myself out midair."
I raised an eyebrow. "Flirting? Us?"
Alma turned away, clearing her throat. "I have no idea what he's talking about."
Laxus scoffed. "Sure."
I smirked, stepping out and taking a deep breath of the salty air. "Ahhh, smell that? That's the scent of relaxation."
Laxus muttered, "Smells like overpriced resort food."
Alma giggled. "Finally, something we agree on."
A uniformed resort staff member approached with a welcoming smile. "Mr. Aiden and guests, welcome to Azure Cove Resort. Your private villa is prepared, and all requested accommodations are in place."
I clapped my hands. "Perfect! And just to confirm—stocked fridge, emergency rations, and plenty of drinks?"
The staff member hesitated. "Uh… yes?"
Laxus groaned. "You literally have infinite supplies with your magic. Why do you need a stocked fridge?"
I shrugged. "It's about the experience, Laxus."
Alma smirked. "He just likes feeling fancy."
I gasped. "Alma, please, don't expose me like this."
She laughed. "Too late."
Laxus rolled his eyes. "Can we just go already?"
The staff member, who had definitely not signed up for this much personality, cleared his throat. "Ahem. I'll have your vehicle stored in a secure space. Would you like an escort to your villa?"
I waved him off. "Nah, we got it."
With that, the three of us strolled toward the villa, the sound of the waves growing closer.
The path leading to our villa was lined with swaying palm trees, their leaves rustling in the warm breeze. The distant crash of waves and the salty scent of the ocean filled the air as we made our way forward.
Alma sighed contentedly. "I could get used to this."
I smirked. "Good, because you're stuck here with me for the next few days."
She rolled her eyes. "Wow, lucky me."
Laxus groaned. "If you two are gonna keep doing this, I want my own room."
I gasped. "Laxus, don't be ridiculous. You think I'd let you suffer alone? You get to witness the full experience of my charm."
He gave me a deadpan stare. "I hate it here."
Alma giggled. "And we just got here."
We rounded a bend in the path, and that's when we saw it—our private villa.
It was huge. A sleek, open-air design with white stone walls and wooden accents. A large deck stretched out toward the beach, complete with lounge chairs and a shaded seating area. A private infinity pool overlooked the ocean, the water shimmering under the sunlight.
Alma's jaw dropped. "Okay. This is way fancier than I expected."
Laxus whistled. "Makarov actually let you book this?"
I grinned. "Didn't need to. I paid for it."
Alma turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "Wait, you covered this whole trip?"
I shrugged. "Yeah. I've got the funds, and I figured we deserve a nice getaway after everything."
Laxus blinked. "You had this much money just lying around?"
I smirked. "Let's just say I have resources."
Alma shook her head. "This is ridiculous. Do you know how spoiled you are?"
I threw an arm around her shoulder. "Not spoiled. Just efficient with my wealth."
She rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh. And did you also 'efficiently' spend half of it on expensive wine?"
I coughed. "Uh. That… might have been a strategic purchase."
Laxus grabbed a bottle and held it up. "This one costs more than my entire allowance."
Alma folded her arms. "You chose to spend money like this?"
I winked. "Alma, when will you accept that I am a man of taste?"
She sighed. "You're so lucky you're cute."
I grinned. "Ah-ha! So you do think I'm cute."
Alma smirked. "Shut up."
Laxus groaned. "If you two start kissing, I'm walking into the ocean."
I draped an arm around his shoulder. "Laxus, buddy, if I ever start getting too romantic, just throw something at me."
He considered it. "Tempting."
I clapped my hands. "Alright! First order of business—changing into something beach-appropriate and hitting the sand."
Alma smirked. "Please tell me you at least packed swimwear."
I placed a hand on my chest. "Alma, I am offended by your lack of faith."
Laxus muttered, "I'm not."
Alma giggled. "Fine, fine. Let's get changed and enjoy the beach."
With that, we each headed to our rooms, the excitement of the trip finally settling in.
—
As we made our way down to the beach, I walked beside Alma, hands in my pockets, pretending to act normal.
Pretending being the key word here.
Because the second she stepped out of the villa in her swimsuit, my brain just stopped working.
She wasn't even wearing anything overly flashy—just a simple yet elegant navy-blue two-piece with a flowing, semi-transparent cover-up draped over her shoulders. It wasn't anything ridiculous, but for some reason, it just—
Damn.
The sunlight caught in her hair, her skin had this warm glow, and when she turned to look at me, eyes shining with amusement, I knew I was screwed.
Alma smirked, tilting her head. "You're staring."
I blinked. Oh. Right. Staring. That was a thing I was definitely doing.
I cleared my throat. "Uh—what? No. I was just—admiring—the uh, the—" I gestured vaguely at the ocean. "The scenery."
Her smirk deepened. "Uh-huh. And which part of the scenery, exactly?"
I swallowed. Damn it, Aiden. Get it together.
I shot her my best smirk, recovering quickly. "Oh, you know. The stunning view in front of me."
She arched an eyebrow. "Smooth."
I grinned. "I try."
Laxus, walking a few feet ahead of us, groaned loudly. "Can you two just walk without making it weird?"
I turned to him. "Laxus, buddy, life is weird."
Alma added, "You're just jealous."
Laxus scowled. "Of what? Watching you two be gross?"
I smirked. "I mean, if you ever need advice on charm, I could give you some pointers."
He scoffed. "Pass."
Alma giggled and turned back to me, still amused. "So? Do I pass your scenery inspection?"
I exhaled dramatically. "Alma, if you were any more breathtaking, I'd have to start carrying oxygen potions."
She actually laughed at that. "Okay, that was a good one."
Laxus muttered, "I'm walking into the ocean."
And with that, we made our way to the waves, where I was definitely going to keep stealing glances at Alma the entire time.
I stepped onto the sand, stretching my arms behind my head. "Ahh, this is exactly what we needed."
Alma, already beside me, adjusted her sunhat. "I'll admit, this was a good idea."
Laxus, who was a few feet behind us, crossed his arms. "I still think you guys just wanted an excuse to drag me along."
I smirked. "Well, yeah. Someone's gotta carry our stuff."
Laxus scowled. "I knew it."
Alma giggled. "Don't worry, Laxus. I'll make sure Aiden doesn't work you too hard."
I raised a hand. "I'd like to protest this accusation."
She patted my arm. "It's okay. Denial is the first step."
I sighed dramatically. "The betrayal in this relationship is staggering."
Laxus rolled his eyes. "Are we gonna stand here talking all day or actually do something?"
Alma glanced at the water. "Swimming sounds good."
I smirked. "Race you to the waves?"
She gave me a look. "Aiden. You literally have magic that could help you teleport there."
I placed a hand on my chest. "I would never cheat."
She arched an eyebrow.
"…On something I know I'll win anyway."
Alma flicked my forehead. "Cheater."
I chuckled and took off running before she could retaliate. She shouted behind me, and in a flash, she was chasing after me.
Laxus, watching all this unfold, sighed and trudged after us. "Why am I here…"
The cool ocean water washed over us as we swam around, enjoying the gentle waves.
Alma floated on her back, arms outstretched. "This is so much better than dealing with guild paperwork."
I swam up beside her. "Told you. Best. Idea. Ever."
She turned her head toward me, a playful smirk on her lips. "Alright, you win this round."
I smirked back. "Only this round?"
She splashed water in my face.
I sputtered. "Alma!"
She giggled. "Oops."
"Oh, you're gonna regret that."
I lunged, but she dodged with surprising agility. She swam away, laughing, while I pursued.
Laxus, watching from the shallows, shook his head. "You two do know you're not kids, right?"
I turned to him. "What's the point of a beach if you don't have fun?"
Alma smirked. "Are you scared we'll splash you, Laxus-chan?"
His face scrunched up in horror. "Do not call me that."
I grinned at Alma. "Oh, we're definitely calling him that from now on."
She grinned back. "Agreed."
Laxus scowled. "You two are the worst."
I floated on my back, hands behind my head. "That's just because you have terrible taste in role models."
Laxus muttered something under his breath.
Alma turned toward him, feigning innocence. "What was that, Laxus-chan?"
Laxus glared. "I hate you both."
Alma and I high-fived.
After a good swim, we stretched out on some lounge chairs beneath a shaded umbrella. The staff had delivered a tray of fresh tropical fruit, which Alma was happily picking at.
I grabbed a piece of mango and popped it into my mouth. "Alright. I officially never want to leave."
Alma rested her chin on her hand. "I dunno. I feel like you'd go crazy if you had to sit still for too long."
I scoffed. "Alma, please. I am the picture of relaxation."
She gave me a look.
Laxus, sipping from a coconut, added, "You literally get antsy if you don't blow something up for too long."
I waved a hand. "That is completely—okay, fine, maybe a little true."
Alma smirked. "A little?"
I sighed. "Okay, a lot. But that's why you're here! To keep me in check."
She smiled. "Oh, don't worry. I plan to."
Laxus grumbled, "I really don't need to hear this."
I nudged him. "Aw, don't be jealous, Laxus-chan."
He threw his coconut at me.
I dodged, laughing. "Rude!"
Alma giggled. "I think that means he loves us."
Laxus grumbled, sinking into his chair.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we sat together on the beach, watching the waves roll in. The sky was painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple, and the air had that perfect, warm evening breeze.
Alma leaned against my shoulder, exhaling softly. "Okay. I'll admit it. This was perfect."
I smirked. "Told you."
She nudged me. "Alright, don't get too smug."
Laxus, sitting nearby, stretched his arms. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow?"
I grinned. "More fun, obviously."
Alma rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."
"And yet," I said, wrapping an arm around her, "you still like me."
She smirked. "Don't push it."
Laxus sighed dramatically. "Can we please go a full day without the flirting?"
Alma and I shared a look.
I turned back to Laxus. "No."
Alma grinned. "Absolutely not."
He groaned. "I hate it here."
We laughed, letting the sound of the waves carry the moment. For now, everything was perfect.
-----------------
Get early access to 20+ chapters of my fanfics by supporting me on Patreon! p@treon.com/ShuuraiFF