The Morning After

Yukari woke to the soft glow of sunlight . The warmth against her skin was pleasant, but what really caught her attention was the object sitting on her desk.

The framed photo.

The one Hinote had taken last night.

Yukari blinked the sleep from her eyes and sat up, pushing the blanket off her legs. The image stared back at her, frozen in time. She and Mirajane, caught in their first kiss, surrounded by glowing butterflies forming a delicate heart.

She hadn't put it there.

Hinote.

Obviously.

Yukari huffed, running a hand through her hair. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips before she even realized it.

She reached for the frame, tracing a finger over the glass.

She had spent so much time pushing people away, convincing herself that getting close to someone would only end in pain. Here was proof. Undeniable, irrefutable proof that something had changed.

That she had changed.

Still grinning like an idiot, she set the frame down, grabbed some clothes, and headed for the bathroom. A cold shower would help her clear her head. Or at least keep her from looking too suspicious when she went downstairs.

When Yukari made her way to the kitchen, Hinote was already at the stove. The scent of sizzling food filled the air eggs, crispy bacon, warm bread, something sweet probably jam or honey. A pot of coffee brewed in the corner, steam curling into the air.

Yukari folded her arms, leaning against the doorway. "You're up early."

Hinote didn't turn around. "So are you."

"I live here."

"So do I."

Yukari narrowed her eyes. "You put that photo on my desk, didn't you?"

Hinote finally looked over her shoulder, smirking. "Who else would? Your imaginary butler?"

Yukari sighed, walking over to the table. A plate was already set for her scrambled eggs, toast with butter and honey, a few strips of bacon, and a cup of black coffee.

She sat down, grabbing a fork. "You're insufferable."

Hinote slid into the seat across from her. "And yet, you love me."

Yukari gave her a flat look.

Hinote grinned and took a sip of her coffee.

They ate in comfortable silence. The food was perfect, as always. The eggs were fluffy, the toast had just the right amount of crisp, and the honey soaked into the bread just enough to give it sweetness without making it soggy.

Hinote had been the one cooking for years. Even before they settled in Magnolia, she had always taken it upon herself to make sure Yukari ate properly. Not that she'd ever admit why she did it, but Yukari wasn't an idiot.

She knew.

As Yukari reached for her coffee, Hinote spoke casually, as if she wasn't about to be the biggest pain in the ass all morning.

"So." She leaned on one hand, smirking. "How's your girlfriend?"

Yukari choked on her coffee.

Hinote snickered.

"Go to hell," Yukari muttered, wiping her mouth.

"Too late, I already live with you."

Yukari pointed her fork at her. "If you say one more word—"

Hinote held up her hands, mocking innocence. "I didn't say anything."

Yukari glared. "You were going to."

Hinote simply smiled.

Yukari sighed and shoved another piece of toast in her mouth.

This was going to be a long day.

By the time they arrived at the guild, Fairy Tail was already in full swing.

Laughter, shouting, and the occasional sound of breaking furniture filled the air. A normal day. Almost.

Something was… off.

People were staring.

Not openly, but enough that Yukari felt it. A few nudged each other as she walked past. Some were whispering behind their hands. Even Natsu, who was usually too busy screaming about fights, was giving her a look.

Yukari frowned, crossing her arms. "Okay. What the hell is going on?"

No one answered.

Instead, they just kept watching her, waiting, like she was supposed to , Oh.

Oh, no.

She turned slowly, her eyes landing on Cana.

The woman was leaning against the bar, swirling a drink in her hand, looking far too pleased with herself.

Next to her, Mirajane stood behind the counter, smiling sweetly.

Yukari's stomach dropped.

Cana knew.

Hinote knew.

And if they knew, then Yukari dragged a hand down her face. "You told everyone, didn't you?"

Cana raised a brow. "We didn't have to."

Mirajane giggled. "They figured it out on their own."

Yukari groaned. "Are you serious?"

"Very."

She looked around again.

Everyone was still staring. Waiting.

They knew.

They just wanted to hear it from her.

Yukari exhaled through her nose. She glanced at Mirajane, who smiled at her with quiet encouragement.

This was fine.

She could do this.

Rolling her shoulders, she turned back to the guild and, with zero hesitation.

"I'm dating Mirajane."

Silence.

Then, like an explosion—

"FINALLY."

Yukari winced as the entire guild erupted into cheers, claps, and even a few whistles. Laxus, of all people, actually smirked at her. Elfman was shouting something about love being manly. Lucy had her hands clasped together like this was some kind of romance novel. Natsu looked genuinely confused, like he still hadn't figured out why everyone was celebrating.

Cana drained her drink and smirked. "Took you long enough."

Hinote grinned. "For real. I thought I was gonna have to lock you two in a closet."

Mirajane giggled. "That wouldn't have worked."

Hinote shrugged. "I dunno. You did confess in a garden full of glowing butterflies."

The guild erupted again.

Yukari buried her face in her hands.

Mirajane patted her arm. "They're happy for us."

"Yeah. I got that."

Mirajane's fingers curled around Yukari's wrist, gently pulling her hands away. "Hey."

Yukari met her gaze.

Mirajane's voice was soft. "So am I."

Yukari's breath caught.

For all the teasing, all the shouting, all the chaos this moment, right here, was real.

Mirajane's hand was warm in hers, her blue eyes shining. Yukari squeezed her fingers, smiling despite herself.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.