Combust (Fairy Tail)

Chapter 4 - Secrets

Calium's POV

I stayed silent after that, not wanting to reveal anymore until I grew more comfortable around the guild... Perhaps I should be getting going, Luciel is probably miles away from Magnolia now. I finished off the platter of sweets with indulging into a cinnamon roll. I stood up from my seat abruptly, snapping Laxus out of his trance

"Where you going?"

"I need to speak with Gramps, I will catch with you later." He nodded hesitantly before letting me to go and speak with Gramps. I passed by a table that held many of the new wizards in the guild, them eyeing me curiously as I passed

"Take a picture, it will last longer." I told them with a smile causing the girl's in the group to blush madly excluding Erza who only looked irritated by my comment. I stuffed my hands in my pocket, blowing my bangs out of my face as I neared Gramps who sat on top of the bar cross legged and arms crossed, looking deep in thought with his eyes closed

"Gramps?" I asked him, catching his attention. He glanced up at me before back down towards his lap

"Calium, what is it that you need?"

"Nothing in particular, just some advice."

"Hmm?" He looked back up at me, arching an eyebrow

"If I should stay for a while, or to leave immediately... I still need to capture Luciel before he leaves Fiore which I believe he is planning to do." I asked him nervously and he nodded, thinking for a moment

"May I ask why you are chasing after the man?"

"It's classified, I'm sorry. I'm not even supposed to be conversing with outsiders even the ones I consider family." He nodded in understanding before sighing

"Whatever benefits you, you could just stay until tomorrow morning before anything else. I can see the dark bags under your eyes Calium. When was the last time you slept?" He asked me and I gulped, pulling out my collar. How did he notice the bags under my eyes? I thought I covered them pretty good with powder

"Probably a week ago? I don't really know, but I'm pretty sure I have had a few naps here and there when I could." He stared in disappointment at me, shaking his head

"You're 22 years old Calium, you know that you aren't invincible when it comes to your health."

"I know..." I pouted childishly causing him to chuckle

"Look, stay the night. Get good sleep and you can decide in the morning."

"Fine... Is there a motel around here?" I asked him and he nodded, grabbing a piece of parchment and pen before writing down the address

"Cal, do you need anything?" Mirajane asked me walking behind the bar as she sat down empty plates and glasses

"Oh uh-"

"Here, have some water." She suddenly filled a clean empty glass with water, handing it to me

"Oh thanks, Mirajane."

"Just call me Mira, it's become quite a mouthful over the years." She told me with a grin and I nodded, taking a sip from the glass of water. Gramps slid the parchment containing the address and directions over to me

"They charge 500 jewels a night, 1,000 a week, and for long term 15,000 jewels." I nodded taking the piece of paper and putting it into my pocket

"Thank you Gramps, Mira."

"No need to thank us, you're family Calium. Always have, and always will." I averted my gaze away from them in shame, knowing that may change if I ever told them the full truth of my existence in this world.