M I R Z A L U
for @aqua-tranquility
I just had an idea and kinda ran with it... More miralu but I love this.
~
“Mira,” Lucy called. Holding her tote bag close as she sprinted after her girlfriend, Erza close behind.
The woman was always off on her own, even though they had agreed to go out and eat after their day at Lake Scilloria. And in their following, Lucy soon realized they were getting farther and farther from the town center.
She panted and wiped the sweat from her brow, looking to Erza for some guidance. But she merely grabbed her hand and relieved her of the bags she was carrying. The sun beginning to hide from the night’s engorgement of the sky.
A question beginning to form on her lips as Erza left. Only leaving the words, “She’s in need of comfort.”
“Grab a good table at least!” Still hoping they would eat out tonight. But she looked forward, Kardia Cathedral looming over her. Wisps of white disappearing behind the leering front doors.
Lucy staggered forward her insides churning at the stead of the threshold. She hadn’t been inside this hall and hadn’t stepped inside a church since she left the Heartfilia estate. Politely declining as her girlfriends asked her to come to Sunday services. No freedom under the eyes of the angels that hung high, sculpted into the building's foundation. Judgement cast on those who were pure and mercy for the damned.
The doors boomed aloud as they shut behind her. No glances spared as the only head kneeled in front of the altar. Mirajane’s sundress neatly circling her form as she slowly edged near. Her hand patting the steps closest to her in grace.
Candles of all colors stacked and lit behind the altar. Circling about the entirety of the stand. Casting their golden glow on the two of them, inviting her to the steps.
“It’s been two years,” Mira’s chin lifting toward the sky, “don’t you miss them?”
She pretended all day that it wasn’t the anniversary of Alvarez’s invasion. Taking her place beside Mira, already fearing she would breakdown. The prayers she learned of peace and strength lining her tongue -Lucy never forgot.
“I wish there were days I could forget. Days like today.” As she swam with Erza and played volleyball on the beach, she peaked in bliss. But now the reality was thrown back at her. Lucy would never be able to sit with Juvia or get taunted by Laxus. Never again would Makarov silence his children.
And most certainly she would never come home to Natsu raiding her kitchen. Natsu teasing her. Their mission rewards getting cut in half or taken all together. Never get to see the way his cheeks would light up as he smiled; teeth big and wide. But he saved them all.
No, those who fought and died did. Even Lisanna. Lost once more.
Delicately Mirajane wrapped her hand around her own, grip tight. Tears lining her cerulean orbs. “Do you think she’s happier?”
Lucy only smiled, not wanting any tears spilt. “She’s with Natsu, isn’t she?”
“Not if he’s dancing in fiery pits of hell,” the atmosphere lightening. Mira’s eyes still wavering as she clutched a silver, beaded chord in one hand.
Lucy tracing over the creases in her clenched palm. A cross hanging at the bottom of the silver and she knew exactly what to do. Gradually Mira’s palm loosened allowing her to fold her hands over hers. The rosary intertwined and laced between their fingers, sending shivers through her own body.
It was ages since she prayed but she was to be a smidge unorthodox. No prayers for the Virgin or Him but for themselves. With her head bowed, Lucy began. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...”
Mira’s hands shaking as Lucy kept them pressed together. The verse soothing in itself and she reverently recited the words. And now it was their time to mourn and soon they would all dance together.
Verse referenced - Ecclesiastes 3:1-18