Girls night in! [ Arcadia ]

~Note pinned up in the guildhall~

Hey Arcadia,

I was wondering if you wanted to have some one on one time, just us girls. If so, why not come over to mine for a sleepover, I promise to make it super fun! My address is written on the other side of this note, hope to see you later!

Nessa.

~At Nessa's home~

Nessa sat in her living room, twiddling her thumbs. She had felt like she wanted to spend some time, with a girl, like a real girl. Not one of her crazy Valkyries, who only ever wanted to chat about inappropriate and wild subjects. Also lately she had noticed herself drawn to Arcadia, there was just something about her. Albeit a few years younger than her, Nessa couldn't help herself. The girl was so nice, Nessa felt like they were quickly becoming good friends. So the nineteen year old mage had done something she hadn't done in years. She had invited her over for a sleepover.  It had been at least three years since her last slumber party, all her friends were no longer in touch. Nessa felt like she really missed those memories, the girly fun she used to have. Also there was the fact she really wanted to get to know Arcadia more and to make her feel comfortable in the guild.

So had left her a note at the guildhall, and was now waiting at home. Sitting there as she remembered what she wrote, she wondered if she was being to forward with the girl. It wasn't that she was desperate for friends, when she joined Fairy Tail she accepted the possibility that she wouldn't fit in. It just so happened to be the opposite, all her guildmates were awesome. Besides although Aven was a riot to be with, there was just some things she couldn't quite share with him. Him being... a guy and all.

Her father peeked his head around the living room door, he looked her over and smiled. "You really need to relax Nessa, I'm sure your friend will come." He told her softly, she looked up at him, reflecting back his kind smile.

"I know Dad-" Suddenly she heard a noise, jumping up she sprinted past her father to the front door, her father chuckled at her enthusiasm. Reaching for the handle she yanked it open, a beaming smile on her face.

WC : 402

Her eyes landed on the young girl in front of her, she couldn't help feeling excitement come over, she resisted the urge to throw her arms around the girl. She had shown up and Nessa couldn't be happier. "Hey Arcadia, I'm so glad you came, it sure is! Come in, come in!" She said pushing the door open wider, she looked down at the treats the girl had brought. Her eyes widening, "Oh wow you're so sweet, these look awesome. We'll have to enjoy them with some nice tea. Which reminds me, are you hungry, we have pizzas on in the oven." She told the girl, she figured a snack-type dish like that would go down a treat. Who didn't like pizza right?

She led the girl into her humble abode, the Lux household wasn't the most luxurious of homes, originally a small house that had lots of extensions built onto it. All mixed and matched to fit it where they could, after all they had to squeeze in four people. "Just so you know I live with my Dad, my Aunt and cousin. Although my aunts away working at the moment, so it's just my Dad and Edward. Oh and you know Sebastian and Arielle the fairy, they're up in my room at the moment." She told the young girl, and she closed the door behind her. As if on cue, her father peeked his head around the hallway door. The dark haired man came over, a warm welcoming smile on his face, as he looked at Arcadia. His eyes glanced over at Nessa, her father exuded a kind and soft energy. Fully aware from Nessa that Arcadia was somewhat shy around strangers He offered her a slight tilt of his head.

"Hello there Miss Arcadia, welcome to our humble home. My name is Richard Lux, and as your host for this evening. Should you need anything please don't be afraid to let me know." He told her politely, Nessa smiled, pleased he wasn't making this weird for her. Unlike how he had with Aven, whom he had thrown a bunch of riddles at for some reason.

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Total WC: 761 /8000

Richard Lux let out a deep hearty laugh at Arcadia’s comment, “I’m sure it would be awesome, but Antoinette may kill me if we ruin any of her hard-earned decor.” Nessa laughed,imagining what it might be like if her aunt came back to such a sight. Her Aunt was one of the nicest people she knew and yet when she was mad. Boy was it a scary sight.

Nessa looked over at Arcadia as she asked about dropping the things in the kitchen. ”Sure, it’s through here.” Leading her along the Hall, she opened the second door along into the kitchen. Taking a whiff of the pizza crisping up in the oven, it would be ready in abouy five minutes. It was pretty good timing. Richard followed them in, before speaking up.

“Why don’t you girls head upstairs, I’ll bring the pizza up when it’s ready.” Nessa looked over,

”Dad are you sure?” She asked, earning a smile and a nod. She beamed back, he knew full well how long it had been for her. He was doing his bit to make sure it went well, she would have to thank him properly later. ”In that case, come on Arcadia. I’ll sure you my room!” Turning, She took Arcadia by the hand and led up out the kitchen, back into the hallway and up the stairs. Before coming to a white door. In purple calligraphy the words ”Nessa’s room” written on it. She pushed it open, inside was a relatively average sized room. With white wallpaper patterned with silver and pink flowers. The floor covered with a light grey rug, all her furniture was made of painted white wood. From her wardrobe to her little vanity table, which also doubled as her writing desk. By the window was a single bed, with a purple duvet over it and pushed up next to it was a pre-prepared blow up mattress with a pink blanket and pillow set up. Say in the middle of Nessa bed were Sebastian and Arielle, who were casually chatting about magic.

”Hey guys, Arcadia’s here!” She told them both.

WC: 354
Total : 1115 / 8000

The guys looked up from their conversation, Arielle offered Arcadia a bright smile, Sebastian gave her more of a polite nod. Clearly still unsure of what to expect from the boisterous little dragon slayer. "Hey there, Arcadia, bows huh?... sounds...awesome." Sebastian replied unenthusiastically, Nessa grinned. It was nothing less than he deserved in her eyes, plus despite his usual teasing nature. He couldn't quite bring himself to tease Arcadia, even the exceed thought she was too much of a sweetheart to antagonise.

Nessa approached her bed and sat down next to Arcadia, the exceed and the fairy sat in the space between them. She smiled, "Well firstly, I wanted to ask how you're doing? Are you settling in at Fairy Tail ok?" She asked, deciding it would be a good chance for her to check in on how the girl was doing. Joining a guild could be both daunting and overwhelming, "How are you finding the jobs?"  Plus there was the great deal of work that suddenly came with it, it was great but also a little exhausting. She wanted to make sure the girl wasn't over-doing it, a bit like she had in the beginning. Nessa know realised, she couldn't taken her time with things a little more. Instead of going full-throttle when she first got her guild mark. Everything was becoming a blur and it was nice to take a pause to just live in the moment. Hence why she wasn't out on a job tonight but spending time with a fellow guild member.

WC: 257
Total : 1372 / 8000

Arielle took the miniature brush happily and joined in the grooming of the exceed, At first Sebastian looked displeased but he sound melted into it. Relaxing into the sensation, it had to be quite soothing having your hair brushed. She used to love it when he mum brushed hers, he two of them nattering away about this and that.

Nessa listened as Arcadia began to talk about her experiences in the guild so far, smiling along. It seemed the girl had settled into her role well, she was pleased. It seemed that Nessa needn't worry so much, the girl was more than capable of looking after herself. "I'm glad you've settled in." She told the younger girl, "When I first joined, I kinda rushed into things a bit too fast and really overworked myself. I even took a job facing a bunch of bandits on my own, it was pretty tough. I find working together with my guildmates much easier, just make sure you don't take up too much on your own. We're always happy to help." She advised, watching with an amused look as Sebastian was adorned with a pretty pink bow.

Sebastian looked back at it, his expression turned from satisfied and relaxed to slightly displeasure. He seemed to want to protest but as Arcadia pulled him in and kissed his forehead, the exceed melted. Sighing with resignation, "Do you have anything in blue perhaps?" He asked, Nessa snickered, yeah, cause that'll make it more masculine. She thought. There was a light knock on the door, Nessa hopped of the bed, and opened the door. Revealing her father standing there, with a tray with two plates, on top of each a pizza. One just cheese and One pepperoni. Nessa hadn't been sure what Arcadia would like so she had done one of each, personally she preferred a Hawaiian. But it was rare that someone liked pineapple on pizza. Richard came forward and laid the pizza down, putting down some napkins next to the tray, Nessa give him a little side hug. "Thanks Dad" She said, he squeezed her back before turning and leaving them to it.  Nessa looked up at Arcadia, "Dig in!" She said happily, grabbing a napkin and a slice of cheese pizza.

WC: 379
Total : 1752 / 8000

Dragnof, there was that word. Nessa wondered what it meant to the girl, where it was. She didn't know much about the world and where it's people stemmed from. But from what she could gage from Arcadia's world was that her home had been lost. Nessa felt a pang of sympathy for the girl, she had already deduced the girl had lost her family to, her mother was it? Like Nessa. It had to be hard, Nessa felt lucky, she still had so many family to come home to.

Sebastian swished his newly dressed tail back and forth, admiringly the ribbon. He offered a shrug, then settled back down in Arcadia's lap, "It's fine, I suppose." He said, Nessa smiled at the sight. It seemed even the Exceed had warmed to the girl. Arielle flew up and sat himself on Nessa's shoulder. Nessa bit into her slice of cheese pizza, making a little 'mmm' sound and she enjoyed it's cheesy goodness. Breaking off a piece she offered it to the fairy on her shoulder. He took it in his tiny hands and began chewing on it. Arielle rarely ate human food, but occasionally he would sample the stuff. Nessa knew from experience that Pizza was on his 'willing to eat' list.

She swallowed her bite, "I'm glad you like it," She said, pleased she had made a good choice in dinner options. She wasn't especially fussy herself, there wasn't much she didn't like. Except Brussel sprouts, she hated those. But they only ever appeared during the Christmas period, so she didn't have to face them very often. She proceeded to make her way through the pizza, being sure to leave plenty extra for Arcadia. From the looks of it, the girl had a good appetite. 

WC: 297
Total : 2048 / 8000

Nessa finished off her last piece of pizza, that had definitely been a good call on dinner. She would need a little break before trying the cheesecake, but they would go down really nice with a pot of tea. Nessa stood up and walked over to her vanity table, opening the drawer she collected a few things. Some make-up wipes, her own hair brush and comb, and a trinket box. Heading back to the bed, she started by opening up the wipes and using them to clean her hands of any flour and oil from the pizza. Then she moved behind Arcadia, "I wouldn't trust Sebastian with my hair or yours, I'll do it." She told the younger girl, earning herself an eye roll from the Exceed. Sebastian accepted the pizza from Arcadia, rolling onto his back, her began to dangling it above his mouth, taking small bites.


Nessa began to comb her brush through Arcadia's hair, smiling as she watched it smooth out under her brush. She hooked her thumb underneath, collecting it all in her palm, "You've really got lovely hair you know," She told the girl, admiring the golden silkiness in her hands. She lifted up to the top of the girls head, being careful not to pull too hard. She began to tie and loop the hair in a technique she had learned a few years ago, back when her friends still came over.

Her face paled slightly at the second mention of ghost stories, she really didn't want that. She hated ghost stories of course, a certain individual knew that. A mischievous glint in his eye, Sebastian smirked, sitting up. "Ghost stories huh? Do you know any interesting ones Arcadia? We love a good ghost story." From behind Arcadia Nessa shot him a look. "O-or we could talk about something else? like our favourite books? or boys?" She suggested, desperately trying to change the subject as she continued to work on Arcadia's hair.

WC: 329
Total : 2377 / 8000

Nessa reached forward, twiddling the flick of hair that always stuck out that Arcadia mentioned. "I mean, I have some super-hold hairspray that might do the trick but it'd seemed a waste to do that unless we were heading out for a party or ball. I think it's cute to be honest." She told the girl honestly, it was just part of who Arcadia was. A complete package of cuteness. She finished pinning the girls hair into place, having set it into a bow-style bun on top of the girls head. "Take a look! It looks so nice on you." She told the younger mage, pointing at the Vanity table which had a round mirror with lights circling it. If you approached stood in front of it, the lights flicked on for you automatically.

Nessa paused in thought when Arcadia mentioned Aven, tilting her head in thought. She had never really thought of him like that, "I suppose he is handsome huh?" She said wondering if Arcadia liked him, only for her to proceed to tell her that she saw him as a brother. Nessa wondered about that, she couldn't see him as a brother either. They just were a little different, she couldn't really place her finger on it, all she could label it as was best friends.

Nessa listened, her eyes grew slightly sad at Arcadia's story about her family being killed by dragons, that had to be a horrific thing for such a girl to go through. Especially at such a young age, Nessa had lost her mother so she knew how it felt to lose someone you love. But to loose them all, "Your so strong you know that, to go through what you went through and still come out the other side intact." She reached over and squeezed the girls hand, "I bet your family would be so proud of you, I know I am. I'm glad you want to call me big sister, I'll do my best as your big sis not to let you down okay?" She told the girl softly.

The sweet moment, was soon torn apart as Arcadia began to tell a ghost story. Oh god no... Nessa thought, but she couldn't bring herself to stop the girl. Nessa paled nervously, glancing over at her mirror, she felt a chill run down her spine. Bloody Mary, a woman in your mirror. She had heard that story before, Sebastian snickered. "I heard about her, maybe she just didn't want to come out for you cause you were too strong. I heard she likes to take her victims by surprise, isn't that right Nessa. I hear she'll appeared in your mirror when you're least expected it, reach out and drag you inside, straight to the depths of he-" The cat was cut off by a pillow smacking him around the face, knocking him flying off the bed. Nessa sat there, pillow in hand. Whilst Arielle rolled off her shoulder, landing on the bed, laughing hysterically. Now practically paper-white, it was clear to see Nessa was shaken by the tale. Nessa and ghost stories just didn't mix, as for the mirror, she would have to cover that thing up tonight. Probably for the next week or two.

"That's enough about Bloody Mary huh, like Arcadia says, she doesn't exist." She said, settling back onto the bed. Sebastian sat up from the floor, his expression a little sour. Nessa looked back at Arcadia, she placed the pillow in her lap. Thinking about her question, "I mean, I only really spend me time with Aven, and we're best friends so." She told the girl, plus Nessa genuinely didn't think that Aven could see her that way. He was such a gentleman, and it wasn't like he ever flirted with her. If he liked her, she would know it right? She bit her lip, "There is one guy, I mean. I wouldn't say I like him but, my god Arcadia he's so hot," She blushed, "I'm not sure if you've met him yet but he's in our guild, his name is Markus. He's got dark hair and dark eyes, and he's all...mysterious you know. And, well, do you wanna know a secret?" She asked, it felt good to admit it to someone. It wasn't like she could talk to Aven, or her Dad about these things. Plus her Aunt would overreact and drag her off so she could meet him. She felt like she could trust Arcadia. 

WC: 751
Total WC: 3128 / 8000

When Arcadia looked at her hairdo and seemed pleased with it, Nessa felt glad, she giggled as the there jested about being serious with her fake-hand glasses. Sebastian had slowly clambered back onto the bed, clearly sulking he allowed himself to be petted by Arcadia. Not that he wouldn't have resisted anyway.

Nessa relaxed as Arcadia began brushing her hair, it was a nice feeling having her hair brushed by someone else. As the younger girl promised to keep a secret, Nessa grinned. The secret had a few details she knew weren't appropriate to share with someone as young as Arcadia but if she summarised it that would be okay. She felt excitement grow within her, however before she could tell it. She felt Arcadia magic coating her, it was cool and gentle. It felt protective. She smiled, normally Ice magic was the most harmful for her, but this had no harmful intent. Arcadia was trying to make her feel safe, and that was sweet. "Thank you." She told her softly.

She took a breath as the girl asked if it was about him, playing with her purple pyjamas as she began to speak, "Yeah it is. Well you see, we did this job right and afterwards we got to talking and … we sort of... kissed." She told the girl, biting her lip. It was a little fuzzy in her mind but she was sure it had happened. She couldn't get the moment out her head. It was the first time she had actually told another person about it, she hadn't even mentioned it to her Valkyries, cause she knew exactly how they'd react. But she could trust Arcadia and it was nice to get it off her chest, to tell someone else. "But we're not dating or anything. Turns out he can't date, something about emotions being dangerous with his magic." She explained to the younger girl, was it frustrating? A little. Not that she wanted to date anyone, but the option would have been nice at least.

WC: 341
Total WC: 3469 / 8000

Nessa sat there enjoying the feeling of Arcadia playing with her hair, this was nice, she genuinely felt like they were bonding and becoming closer. It had been along time since her last girl friend had paid a visit, they had all just... stopped. Stopped talking to her, stopped interacting with her. It had just ended, because of Rex. But that was another story, another painful tale she didn't want to think about right now. Right now, she needed to enjoy her time with Arcadia. When Arcadia admitted to Nessa that she too had kissed about, Nessa let out an excited little squeal. Clapping her hands together, "Oh my, tell me more!" She told the girl eagerly. Nessa listened as the girl began to go into detail about the experience, hanging on every word. Smiling as she listened, then Arcadia went on to tell the girl her opinion on Markus's behaviour, considering her words. Was Markus just using that as an excuse? She wasn't sure, she thought he genuinely meant it. His magic was unstable and therefore to control it he needed to stay calm, if he didn't stay calm, he would lose control. That was what he had told her anyone, people could die if he loved so, she just had to accept that right?

"I mean, I don't know, It's fine. I don't need a boyfriend right now? My life is fine just as it is." She told the girl, plus she didn't know if she was emotionally ready for such a commitment. Especially after Rex, there was almost like a wall in front of her, stopping her from thinking that way. She could fancy a guy, she could think their hot but date one. That was... too much. When Arcadia was done styling Nessa's hair, Nessa lifted herself off the bed and took a hesitant look in the mirror. No bloody mary, just her with a very cute hairstyle. She smiled, "I love it!" She told the younger mage, spinning round and running back over to the bed. She beamed at Arcadia suggestion, setting herself up on the bed. She took the little charm from the girl, her face lighting when the girl offered her a little grey kitty charm. She was only proving to be more of a sweetie as the night went on. "Thank you, that's so sweet of you." She told the girl, "I'm gonna have to get one of these!" She said posing in front of the iLac camera with a bright smile. "Fairy Tail!" She said with a giggle.

WC: 427
Total : 3896 / 8000

Nessa looked over Arcadia's shoulder to look at the photo, smiling, "Oh, I love it, you'll have to get me a copy of that." She said happily, deciding it would look nice frame on her wall. She looked over at the wall across the room, where the photos of her and her old friends were. She sighed, maybe I should take them down... She thought, they weren't exactly around anymore.

She heard Arcadia thanking her for inviting her, looking back at the younger mage with a soft smile. Arcadia was completely different from the friends she used to have, much more sweet and kind, less concerned with the trivialities of being what others would consider 'higher class' and 'popular'. This girl just like to live in the moment and have fun, and that made a nice change for Nessa.

"Cake sounds fab! Hold on, I'll go fetch it." Picking up the empty plates that had held the pizza, she left the room. Leaving Arcadia with Sebastian and Arielle, as she made her way downstairs. She set about making some tea, her dad coming out to help her. Up in the room, Arielle fluttered in front of Arcadia, landing softly on the space of the bed in front of her. "Thank you for being Miss Nessa's friend Miss Arcadia, it has been a long time since Miss Nessa had a friend like you." Sebastian made a scoffing sound.

"More like first time, you heard what Antoinette said about the friends she used to have, bunch of backstabbing let-downs. Didn't deserve to have Nessa in their lives for the way they treated her."  He said, his voice bitter, his true care for Nessa showing for once. Arielle nodded,

"Indeed, our Miss will not say, but she is very sad deep down. Very lonely." Arielle told the young girl. "Please do not abandon our Miss, she cares for you greatly Miss Arcadia." The fairy continued.

After a very moments, Nessa returned with a tray full of the cheesecake that Arcadia had brought, and a pout of tea. "Who wans caaaake?" She asked in a sing song voice. "I left some downstairs for my Dad and my cousin, I hope that's alright." She added.

WC: 372
Total WC: 4268 / 8000

The two creatures say there the whole time listening to Arcadia’s word attentively, watching in awe at her impressive display of magic. When her magic faded the two creatures exchanged looks, before looking back at Arcadia smiling. They both seemed pleased with her answer, they hugged her back. ”Thank you Arcadia, we’re counting on you.” Sebastian said after pulling away, his expression genuine for once.

Nessa, oblivious to the emotional scene that had occurred only moments ago, walked over to the bed. Setting the tray down on the bed gently, on it held three cheesecakes, a pot of tea, two cups and a thimble for Arielle. Nessa started by preparing the tea, laying the cups out. Taking the teapot covered in a white and pink tea cosy and pouring the tea out. ”How do you take your tea hun, I always have mine with milk and two sugars. Sometimes three if I’m feeling naughty,” She said with a wink. Sebastian on the other hand had the same size as the girls.

Nessa listened as Arcadia told her about the iLac and the photo order she had done for her. She hadn’t meant for her to order it straightaway it she was grateful nonetheless. ”Oh sweetie, you didn’t have to do that, but thank you. Yeah, that sounds fun, swapping faces huh? I can only imagine how weird that would look. We can do that after cake!” She replied, picking up her plate and spoon. She scooped off a bit of the end and took a bite, ”Mmm, so good, excellent choice.” She said after swallowing her mouthful, enjoying the smooth creamy texture , the slight tang of strawberries combined with the biscuit crumbs. It was a delightful treat. Nessa couldn’t wait for her tea to cool down so she could enjoy that with it.

WC: 306
Total WC: 4574 / 8000

Nessa leaned down, taking the lid off a little pot she reveal honey. Taking an unused teaspoon, she dipped it into the golden syrupy liquid, scooping it into Arcadias teacup for her. She used the same spoon to stir it before handing it over to the girl. After enjoying her first bite of cheesecake, she swallowed licking her lips. As Arcadia agreed with her about how tasty the cake and tea was, she smiled nodding with the younger girl. It really was a great treat, she began to wonder how she could continue the fun they were having. She had some games ready in the corner, she could probably bring the, out later, plus there was that face swapping thing Arcadia mentioned. She sat up straight, as she remembered something.

"Ooh you know what we need," She got over the bed and went over to her cupboard. Pulling out a little box contraption, she began to fiddle with it. Sounds began to erupt out of it, a little static and she tuned it. "This is my mums old lacrima player, it has the ability to record songs and stores them in its memory, my mum used to love concerts and would always take it with her. It's nice cause I get to relive the concerts with her, plus we had a really similar taste in music. Oh this is a good one!" A popular tune began to play out of the machine, Nessa rested it down on the shelf before turning back to Arcadia. Popping her head side to side in rhythm with the upbeat melody, before she reached down and grabbed her plate, taking her spoon, she scooped another mouthful in. Enjoy another bite of the delicious cake.

WC: 289
Total WC: 4863 / 8000