She's just wondering if she should go search for a familiar face when Natalia herself disengages from the crowd around her and heads straight for the wall Tear is loitering against. Tear straightens, relieved but not relaxed. Statesmen and aristocrats have been vying for Natalia's attention all day; Tear doesn't envy her her position right now. As such, the two of them have only seen each other in passing since Natalia greeted her earlier.

"Hello, Tear," she says over the din of the party as she approaches. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Y-Yes," Tear says. "I've never been to such a large event..."

Natalia's eyes shine in the light from the fixtures above them. "Isn't it spectacular? This may be the biggest celebration I have been to, as well. I can barely keep up."

She chuckles and looks out across the dance floor. Tear sips away the last of her drink.

Suddenly Natalia turns back to her and grins. "Did Guy escape?"

"He disappeared a while ago. Women kept asking him to dance..."

Tear's eyes rove over the room, but it's hard to make out any specific faces among the ever-moving crowd of dancers. She can't blame Guy for making an early exit.

Even as she thinks it, Natalia clicks her tongue in disapproval. "So he simply abandoned his beautiful date? The nerve of some men."

"He's done more than enough for me already," Tear says, smiling faintly at the thought. Despite his phobia, Guy was the one who taught her most of the basics of dancing, when he heard that she didn't know how. It was kind of him to accompany her to an event that he knew would make him uncomfortable, even if he did sort of leave her stranded among strangers here.

Natalia's eyes soften too. "I know. I must remember to thank him, as well." Another song ends, and as the new tune starts Natalia suddenly brightens. "How about a dance?"

"A dance?" Tear's eyes widen, and she pauses. "I-I couldn't... I mean, you should be dancing with the court officials and..."

"I have already danced with more than enough of them. Besides, it's my birthday. I am an adult now, and the heir apparent. I think I am capable of choosing my own partners," Natalia pronounces somewhat teasingly, and holds up one gloved hand. "If you would?"

"I... Okay." Tear slips her own hand into Natalia's and follows her to the dance floor, all too conscious of the bustle of dancers around them. Luckily Natalia stays at the edge of the crowd, turning to place her other hand on Tear's waist.

Tear still hesitates. "I'm... not very good at this..."

Natalia smiles. "Just follow me."

She starts to move, and Tear tries to keep up with her. It's clumsy at best; she manages to step on Natalia's feet at least twice, even though she keeps her eyes fixed on their shoes for most of the song.

When she looks up, Natalia is watching her. The princess tilts her head. "You've gotten taller, haven't you?"

"Oh... I suppose I have," Tear responds, noting that she doesn't have to look up at Natalia at all anymore. Suddenly she feels awfully close to Natalia's face, and she can feel her cheeks beginning to burn as the music continues.

As she gets more familiar with the rhythmic movements of the dance, Tear focuses less of her attention on putting her feet in the right places, and more noticing the warmth of Natalia's hand on her waist and the way her clothes sway when she moves.

"Tear," she says, and Tear looks back to her face. Her voice is just barely audible over the music and general chatter. "I'm glad you came."

There's something almost wistful in her eyes, and Tear squeezes her hand a little tighter. It's been a difficult year, and there's no telling how long they'll be waiting. But Natalia's hands are warm and soft and solid, and somehow Tear knows they'll be okay.

But all the same. I will talk about each one as is the fair and proper thing to do. (人◕ω◕) Because let's be honest. Big 4 ships are getting a ton of love these days, and I've never - with the exception of appreciating Gajevy/GaLe on the rare occasion - cared for any of those mainstream ships. Nalu and Jerza may especially burn in the deepest bowels of hell.... I could go on for hours about what's wrong with Lucy and Jellal. (人◕ω◕) ... But I won't do it here. I won't. Not worth the writing space. (人◕ω◕)***

I'm not going in any particular order this time, though I'm saving my Fairy Tail Founders for last. (人◕ω◕) The other main thing you need to know is I will only confirm if they have one or more kids. I am not numbering them this time. That is how brawls get started, good sir/ma'am. We are keeping things civilized. (人◕ω◕)

Yukino... she's an interesting one. (人◕ω◕) You would think based off her personality that she would be satisfied with but one little bundle of joy. After all, when she's not kicking ass, she's a little goober. Everyone knows this. (人◕ω◕) Goobers aren't little horndogs. Surely.

... Except this goober is Sorano-chan's younger sister, and she indulged her neechan a little too much with the unprotected sex. (人◕ω◕) She doesn't have too many, just a few. But she certainly has more than one. And Yukino-chan is a good mother, she is. After the tragedy she and Sorano went through as kids, Yukino-chan is there for her children and is very supportive of them. She is even among the list of wives to call on for babysitting their kids; admittedly she's not at the top of the list because she has a history of being incapable of saying "no" when she really should, not feeling right about strongly disciplining kids. But this has only happened a few times, and so she is one of the responsible wives. Yukino just needs a bit more steel in her spine. Not much, just a sprinkle of it. (人◕ω◕)

Lisanna-chan is another of those, "Aw, she's a more subdued girl for Natsu!" ... When in reality, you should really pay more attention to who she's related to. (人◕ω◕) Unlike Yukino, however, there's a bit more of give-and-take between Lisanna and Mira. Neither side is a doormat, and there's been some tense "understandings" that have happened with this grudging acceptance that they're really doing this, really sharing Natsu. (人◕ω◕) Lisanna-chan is just... put out that she's missed her opportunity of keeping Natsu to herself. She never really lets the other wives forget that she was the childhood waifu who first envisioned marrying the pyro. Most of her fellow wives are chill with these reminders, but there are a... few... who do find it grating and will start brawling if Lisanna rubs it in too much. (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;;

... That said, Lisanna has a healthy amount of kids birthed out of her love for Natsu. (人◕ω◕) Unfortunately not as many as Mira, but frankly, her neechan is more adept at bedtime bonding time with their shared Dragon Slayer. Mira is more durable, can keep up with Natsu, and frankly just has the drive to keep going past the average limits of families. (人◕ω◕) I won't put a number on Lisanna's kids, but she's got somewhere under 15. As I said, it's a respectable amount. More than a few, but not an ungodly amount. Lisanna-chan's libido is healthy~ (人◕ω◕)

And also, much like Yukino she's on the list of good eggs for wives to go to for babysitting their kids. (人◕ω◕) A little higher than Yukino on the list because she can say "no" more consistently, but let's be real. Lisanna is still a Fun Auntie, and isn't above encouraging mischief from time to time. (人◕ω◕) But never anything nefarious. Lisanna-chan has standards. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)

Now, Cana-chan... She is a fascinating one. (人◕ω◕) You would think with her ability to drink any of the other wives under the table that she would have more "accidents" of unprotected sex, and thus have a whole brood of children under her belt. (人◕ω◕) ... But no. There are factors that have led Cana-chan to having just the one kid with Natsu and being done with that. And it's not that she can't be bothered with all the rambunctiousness, or that it's not healthy for pregnant women to be drinking.

... Though frankly, those came in rather clutch for hindsight. (人◕ω◕)

No. Cana's main reason for limiting herself to just the one kid is... She wants to be better than Gildarts. (人◕ω◕) She loves her daddy, but she sees the kind of guy he is. Always drinking, going wherever he pleases, it would be so easy to do the same and have a ton of children with Natsu. But she wants to be a better mama than that. She doesn't want to end up forgetting a few children and leaving them unloved or unattended. Cana-chan doesn't have the drive or energy that some of the other wives do; for her, one is plenty and keeps it simple.

Cana-chan is... not necessarily on that list of wives to go to for babysitting kids. (人◕ω◕);; She is on the reserve list, if there are no other options available. Cana-chan is known for her bouts of maturity. ... But those are just bouts. Cana loves drinking and having a good time. And she's so often lounging in the Guild so kids would be exposed to the constant brawls. ... Not that they wouldn't already as they're all Natsu's kids, but you understand, yes? It's not the most conducive environment. (人◕ω◕);;;;;; And Cana more than likely would encourage bad habits and allow far too much barring the stuff that would really hurt. Physically, emotionally, or otherwise. (人◕ω◕) They've been trying for years to "rehabilitate" Cana, but she's stuck in this cocktail of drunk x maturity. She's a weird one. But she's Cana-chan. (人◕ω◕)

Wendy-chan... (人◕ω◕) This is another one that comes as a surprise. See, in most cases Wendy is a cheerful, exuberant, peppy, supportive goober of a young lady. You would think Wendy-chan would limit herself to just the one kid and be happy. (人◕ω◕)

....... (人◕ω◕)

..................... (人◕ω◕)

........................................ (人◕ω◕)

Unfortunately, I have been exposed to Fairy Tail fanfiction far too long and have accepted that there is this concept called "Dragon Slayer Mating Season". (人◕ω◕) For Natsu, this phenomenon is overlooked because of the sheer amount of wives he's got and how horny he is on even the best of days. (人◕ω◕) However, Wendy-chan is a much needed wakeup call for everyone else. Because this mating season occurs every year, and lasts a good, healthy week. And in that week, Dragon Slayers become these very horny, very territorial creatures. Natsu has managed to subjugate Wendy over the years and make her accept even at her basest state that he has mates and Wendy can't just have Natsu for herself. ... Though as she's grown up, the mating season has certainly intensified and is like a bonus S-Class Trial for the other wives every year without exception. (人◕ω◕);;; It's, uh... It's not as bad as when they first found out about this ominous tradition, but you can be sure that every year a few weeks before the mating season hits, the other wives hold a sort of council meeting amongst themselves to prepare contingencies and just overall steel themselves. (人◕ω◕);;;;;; Wendy-chan is a healer, you understand, and when a healer goes mad with power for a week, you must always be prepared.

... Consequentially, Wendy-chan has a healthy amount of kids. (人◕ω◕) Probably less than 20... Honestly hard to say. The wives do what they can to mitigate the unprotected sex during this mating season period, but it's mighty difficult to prepare for every eventuality... Ehehe. (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;;

But outside that one hellish week, Wendy is a wonderful mama. About the same level as Yukino... or between Yukino and Lisanna. She just needs to learn to say "no" and not let the kids walk all over her. (人◕ω◕);; At least she's definitely on the list for babysitting because of her skills as a nurse. Wendy-chan is a good waifu. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)

Let's just get this out of the way now. Chelia and Wendy are two peas in a pod. (人◕ω◕) Doesn't matter that they're two different varieties of Slayers, Chelia has her own... mating period, too. Hers lasts a month. (人◕ω◕);;; But mercifully, she's not as, er... Not "feral", that's too mean. (人◕ω◕);;; She's more open to orgies than Wendy is during her mating season. Chelia just needs to mate. With Natsu. She doesn't mind sharing the L O V E~ \(人◕ω◕)/

... But yeah. Lasts a whole month. The other wives hafta brace for impact with this one, too. (人◕ω◕)

Like Wendy-chan, Chelia has a healthy amount of kids. Probably less than 25. Probably. (人◕ω◕) See, while Chelia is a goober like Wendy, she has more... confidence. She's definitely around the same level of Lisanna in mamahood, if not a little "above" Lisanna because she doesn't need constant negotiations with an older sister like Lisanna does. (人◕ω◕) Chelia can muster a little bit of sternness, and isn't afraid of disciplining kids... Because in the end, love is more than unconditional support; if you well and truly love someone, you have to steer them along the right paths. And this includes children, who are especially susceptible to naughty habits. (人◕ω◕) Chelia-chan is by no means perfect. But she's definitely high on that list of wives to go to for babysitting your kids. (人◕ω◕)

Brandish is more predictable... (人◕ω◕) She's mellow like Cana, just has more of a sweet tooth as opposed to nonstop drinking. There are few people that inspire her more cutesy side - Aquarius, Natsu (when they're alone), ... that's about it, actually. (人◕ω◕) Otherwise she's pretty stoic and deadpan most of the time. Let her relax, or have time with Natsu, and she won't bother you much at all~... And by "bother", I mean that she won't shrink or mess with your body for annoying her. (人◕ω◕)

Brandish has... a few kids. Only a few. See, whereas Cana has a more iron control, Brandi-chan does have a bit of a libido. It's rarer to see her pester Natsu about her "needs", but it does happen. (人◕ω◕) He gives very good massages~ Which often leads to bonking like monkeys. (人◕ω◕) ... But yeah, because it's rarer, and Brandi-chan doesn't have a drive for "moar", she's good with the few kids she has. (人◕ω◕)

As a mama, Brandi-chan is pretty chill. But she's not on "the list" for watching your kids because she allows way too much. (人◕ω◕) She's like last-last-last resort for babysitting. Brandish ensures the kids are loved, but she's all about letting kids experience life for themselves and learning what not to do on their own. (人◕ω◕) Very laissez-faire, this one~

Juvia-chan is... same tier as Chelia and Meredy-chan. (人◕ω◕) Healthy amount of kids, makes sure Natsu-sama is loved every day (not talking about sex here, not exclusively)... She's got a bit of a jealous streak and is very, very vocal about being everyone's rival for Natsu-sama's affection. (人◕ω◕) Juvia-chan is also the one-woman army for creating Natsu-sama merch... which she tries so hard to keep to herself, but in this economy? (人◕ω◕) ... Well, truthfully, the other wives pay her handsomely for her merch, which is why she allowed the poachers to take any of her Collection. But the other wives know that Juvia is holding out on them. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)

... Anyway. Healthy amount of kids. And she's a pretty good mama. She's like Chelia in that she knows love is about boundaries and sometimes requires discipline. Like Chelia, she's high on the list of mama's to go to for babysitting. (人◕ω◕)

Meredy-chan is just like Juvia and Chelia. (人◕ω◕) ... In her chipper and loving personality, that is. Unfortunately, this is where we start hitting the wives that have... a lot of children with Natsu. (人◕ω◕);;; I can't put a number on this without getting into trouble. So I won't. (人◕ω◕) Just know that Meredy-chan has a libido that rivals even the mighty Sayla and Mirajane... My, my. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕) And her Maguilty Sense helps remind her rival wives that pregnancy is.... a wonderful phenomenon. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕) Only hurts a little bit. And Meredy-chan keeps. Getting. Preggo. (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;;;;;

But I digress. Meredy-chan is a good mama. Same level as Juvia and Chelia. (人◕ω◕) She's a little bit less stern than them, though. Because she leaves that discipline stuff to Auntie Ultear. (人◕ω◕) It doesn't help that all of her and Natsu's kids have the patented pink hair. The other wives are very jealous. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)

Kagura-chan has what a lot of the other wives seem to lack. (人◕ω◕) Discipline. Self-control. (人◕ω◕) Kagura-chan has only a few kids, and she has come to accept this. She approves Cana-chan limiting herself to just the one, and wishes her own conviction was just as strong. ... But alas, Kagura-chan can't help how cute her and Natsu-kun's children are. So a few it is. (人◕ω◕)

As far as mamahood goes, Kagura is... on the stricter end of the spectrum. (人◕ω◕);;;;;; She has gentle moments, and she's not abusive. But she's definitely near the top of wives to leave your kids with, because she doesn't bend easily to puppy dog eyes or cheap tricks. (人◕ω◕) Kagura-chan teaches kids the value of Order and Diligence (training). (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕) Kagura-chan's a good mum. She's just a little bit tough on the parenting thing. (人◕ω◕)

Virgo, erm......... (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;;;;; We're scraping the barrel of "reasonable expectations" by now.... Virgo isn't even a human, so she's built differently. Let her pop off to the Spirit World for an hour, and she'll pop back with fully charged batteries. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)

... Virgo-chan has a lot of babies with Natsu-sama. A loooooot~.... (人◕ω◕);;; And that is all I will say on the matter.

In terms of mamahood, Virgo is a good one. But she's on that last-last-last resort list because of all her horny BDSM antics and her insistence on serving the needs of her Masters, Natsu and his gaggle of wives and all their children. (人◕ω◕);;;;; She allows far too much. Even if she's a wonderful mama. (人◕ω◕);;;;;;

............... (人◕_◕)

(❋•‿•❋);;;;;;;;; Sayla-chan is same tier as Virgo in libido. I mean, she's a literal demon, what more do you want me to say? Sure, she'll exhaust herself to the point of reverting to a book, but give her an hour and she'll be right back up. (❋•‿•❋);;;;;;;;;;;

... So yes. Sayla-chan has a ton of kids, too. And only half of them have horns like she does. (❋•‿•❋) We can call that progress. Probably. (❋•‿•❋)

Despite how troublesome she is as a woman, Sayla-chan is a surprisingly decent mum. (人◕ω◕) She's mature. A bit aloof, a bit of a mean streak, a bit mischievous on her worst days... But she's dutiful because Natsu-sama is her Master. (人◕ω◕) And that means watching over their kids~... She's high on the list if you want someone to watch over your children. ... There's just a note of caution because Sayla is a demon, so leave it up to your discretion if you trust her or not. (人◕ω◕)

Sorano-chan...... Now that we're hitting the Founders, I must stress we're entering the realm of the goddesses. (人◕ω◕) Every one of these ladies from hereon has..... copious amounts of kids. It's not just all the raw sex that they believe is the true, ideal way to savor Natsu, These four well and truly love Natsu Dragneel, flaws and all. (人◕ω◕)

Sorano-chan is....a fascinating mum. (人◕ω◕) You would think that she would be all fun, no control. But Sorano's style of parenting is to work and train hard so they can all have fun later. (人◕ω◕) She IS known to allow too much, which puts her on the naughty list of wives. Yet she has a curious amount of respect from the other wives because of her admittedly structured and mature way of parenting. (人◕ω◕) ... She just has a problem of partying too hard. That's her main critique, aside from the very obvious lack of clothes she doesn't wear on a regular basis. (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;; Thankfully her children haven't picked up on Mama's "a bikini counts as everyday clothes" routine. (人◕ω◕);;;

The other wives can absolutely live without Sorano rubbing it in that she's not ALL bad as a Mama. It tends to step on every last nerve when Sorano-chan gets.....braggy.... (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;

Ultear-chan.... Hoo, boy. What a woman. (人◕ω◕);;;;;; So don't spread it around too much, but Ultear has the distinguished honor of having taken Natsu's virginity. (人◕ω◕);;;;;; Believe me, she had stiff competition. But somehow Ultear snagged this high honor. ... And Erza are Mira have NEVER forgiven Ultear for this slight ever. (人◕ω◕);;;;; It, uh.... It gets a bit tense whenever Ultear reminisces on that little achievement. That's another way brawls get started. (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;

Ultear has copious amounts of children. (人◕ω◕) She and Natsu have it down to an art form. Natsu openly admires her body, and that's something else Ultear tends to hold over the rest of the wives. Natsu's so often surrounded by beauty he doesn't comment much less give out hugs on sight. Ultear, though? Definitely can't stop hugging her. (人◕ω◕);;;; Although Ultear could live without the "still can't believe you're a real woman" comments. The whole Zalty snafu was YEARS ago, Natsu. (人◕ω◕);;;;;

But I digress. Ultear is a good mama. Has plenty of experience, looking after Meredy. She has a mischievous streak, but overall she's very balanced and mature. Doesn't let kids get too crazy or unsupervised. (人◕ω◕) She's high on "the list", but if you do choose to go to her for babysitting, prepare yourself to owe her a favor or pay exorbitant fees. Ultear-chan doesn't work for cheap. (人◕ω◕) Although she makes exceptions for emergencies. She's not heartless. She just wants some side money if you're going to be lazy about parenting. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕) Much like Sorano and Yukino, Ultear's past trauma has inspired her to be a magnificent mother. \(人◕ω◕)/

Mira-chan.... Ehehehe.... (人◕ω◕);;;;; So. She's got a reputation among the wives. Many love to hate her for her spunkier, meaner rival side. However, Mira-chan is absolutely an enormous threat as a wife and mother of Natsu's many kids. So many that are her own. (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;; She can cook, she can clean, she's amazing at entertaining kids.... Mirajane is like the whole package. Barring her sadistic rivalry angle, Mira-chan is PERFECT. Too perfect. And it's just not fair. (人◕ω◕)

Mira-chan has an insane amount of kids with Natsu. Competing with Erza, Ultear, and Sorano. (人◕ω◕) You would think this kills her modeling career, but no.... If anything, the fact she's very much taken and is in very good shape between all the sex and training.... Mira-chan continues to maintain her gorgeous public image over the years, and the other wives just don't know HOW. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕) She ages super gracefully, has oodles of charisma.... Sheesh. Angels must fall from heaven, cuz Mira-chan is so angelic all the time.... But everyone knows she's got a switch. And when it gets flipped.... You're boned. Very much boned. (人◕ω◕)

Mira-chan wormed her way into Natsu's heart over the years with her cooking and how she listened and talked with him so easily. Even when most others wrote him off as a kid at heart. (人◕ω◕) Mira always saw the diamond in the rough that he is, and she heavily invested in him. Even trained with him after getting her powers back. (人◕ω◕) Natsu is her equal in every way that matters, and she's not sorry for being greedy with him. That's HER pyro, dammit. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)

Finally, Erza-chan. (人◕ω◕)

Same deal as Mira, Ultear, and Sorano. Insane level of kids, unapologetically territorial of HER pyro. (人◕ω◕) Missions, training, relaxing.... She does it all with Natsu and their family. (人◕ω◕) And just like Mira, she somehow finds the time to maintain her image and spot as the guild's disciplinarian and one of their aces. (人◕ω◕)

In terms of mamahood... Erza admittedly has to adapt to a learning curve. She didn't have it mastered right off the bat. However, like Mira and Ultear, Erza is diligent, hard-working. (人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕)(人◕ω◕) She might be awkward sometimes, but that's simmered down over the years. Natsu helped her mellow out, to find that happy medium between stern and having a good time. (人◕ω◕) Perhaps just as important, Erza will always have a special place in Natsu's heart, and it's a two way street. Natsu will always look up to and admire Erza. She's strong as hell, and she's fun to play around with.

... Even if she sometimes hurts. (人◕ω◕) But that's usually when he messes up. And that's okay~