It was early, and Gajeel groaned as something began nudging his side. "Dad," the soft voice whispered. Gajeel grunted, cracking open one crimson eye to see a set of blue in front of him. "How do you make pancakes?" Gajeel frowned. "What?" He grumbled. Avery pouted slightly, a blush crossing her face. "I wanted to make you and Lily pancakes... But I don't know how." Gajeel snorted a laugh before stretching. "Come on then," He grumbled as he stood. He yawned while he shuffled into the kitchen, Avery skipping ahead of him. The only thing he had that fit her was an old t-shirt and it swung about her knees. They would be going shopping today, as it was too late last night after explaining everything.

Gajeel got all the fixings for pancakes, showing Avery the do's and don'ts of cooking. Pantherlily quietly padded into the kitchen while Gajeel was helping his daughter flip the last pancake. The exceed smiled, he could get used to this. "Morning Lil' " Gajeel grumbled sleepily and Lily chuckled. "Good morning Gajeel, Avery." "Morning Lily!" Avery said brightly. She and Lily set the table for breakfast while Gajeel made the plates. They ate breakfast in relative quiet, and once they were finished they cleaned up. "Alright kid, go get changed and we can get started." Avery nodded and ran off to throw on her borrowed dress. "You coming with us Lily?" Gajeel asked as he headed to get dressed as well. "No, I think I will let you have today with her." Lily said with a smile.

Gajeel got dressed, simple cargo shorts and a t-shirt as opposed to his normal attire. He was tying his hair back with a headband as he walked into the living room. Avery was on the couch as Lily pulled her hair into a tiny ponytail for her. "Ready?" He asked and she nodded, thanking Lily before following her dad outside. "We need to make a stop by the girls dorm." Gajeel told her as they headed across town. "Ok!" Avery said with a smile. It didn't take them long to reach the gates, as he did, Erza was making her way outside. "Good morning Gajeel. Good morning Avery. Getting an early start today?" Gajeel nodded. "Yeah. I was hoping i could use your luggage cart." Erza nodded, "i said you could last night. Give me a moment and I'll get it."

Erza headed back into the dorms, nearly running into Levy. "Excuse me Erza. Oh! Gajeel, Avery good morning!" Levy said with a smile as she approached. Gajeel smiled slightly, "Mornin Shrimp," Levy puffed out her cheeks and chose to ignore him. "So what are you doing today?" She turned to the twelve year old. Avery grinned. "Dads taking me shopping! We're just here to borrow Erzas luggage cart!" Levy frowned slightly. "Why?" Gajeel snorted slightly. "Kids got no bed or any furniture really, I doubt she wants to keep sharing my bed. I'd rather do it all in one trip than have to keep taking stuff back to the house." Levy nodded. "Makes sense. Did you need any help?"

Gajeel was about to decline, but he found himself speaking before he could stop himself. "Yeah actually. Clothes are not my strong suit. And maybe afterwards, we can all grab lunch." Levy smiled and nodded as Erza came around the side of the building with her luggage cart. "Here you go Gajeel." "Thanks Erza." Gajeel said as he took the handle to the cart. The trio made their way to Magnolia, easily getting furniture for Averys room. "Now the hard part." Gajeel grumbled quietly as they stopped outside a clothing story. They left the cart beside the building before heading inside. "Get whatever you want Avery." Gajeel said, patting her black locks. "Yeah, gotta fill that new dresser!" Levy said with a laugh.

Gajeel rolled his eyes as the two disappeared into the racks before taking a seat. Nearly half an hour of his twelve year old going in and out of the dressing room, and several bags of clothes later, the three were on there way to lunch. Avery was wearing her brand new black skirt, red scoop neck shirt and combat boots, and Levy couldn't help but laugh. She was almost the spitting image of her father. "So Avery." Levy said as they sat at the outdoor cafe. The girl looked up, mouth full of burger. "Have you decided if you want to join the guild yet?" Gajeel paused in his own eating to glance at the bluenette.

Avery set her food down and smiled slightly. "Iv been thinking about it all day, and I know the master said there's no rush. But I would love to join!" Avery said with a toothy grin. "Are you sure? There's no pressure you know," Gajeel said as he looked at his daughter. Avery frowned, "You don't want me to join, do you?" She asked. Gajeel sighed and ruffled her hair,

"Your my hatchling, and I worry about you." Avery smiles and blushed slightly. "Being a mage is dangerous buisness, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. If your absolutely sure," Avery grinned. "I am! You'll teach me everything about our magic, and I can be on a team with you and Lily!" Gajeel smiled softly at his daughter as he affectionately pat her head. "If that's what you want kid, then we will go to the guild after we take all this home." Levy smiled as she watched the exchange, she felt very privileged to see this side of Gajeel.

{Sorry for the long wait kiddies, iv been sick. Still not 100% but I'm getting there. I know Gajeel seems a bit ooc, but that's the point. It's a side that no one is supposed to see}