The Morning After Chaos

Yukari groaned as the first light of morning peeked through the curtains, far too bright for her liking.

Her muscles ached, her body felt warmer than usual, and more importantly her neck stung.

With a tired grumble, she forced herself to wake up, only to realize exactly why she felt like this.

Mirajane was curled against her, still fast asleep, her silver hair cascading over Yukari's bare shoulder. One arm was draped over her waist, the other resting dangerously low under the sheets. Her breathing was slow, peaceful, and her expression was soft, content, with the faintest hint of a smirk still tugging at her lips.

Yukari sighed.

Of course she was still smirking.

She shifted slightly, wincing as a dull ache flared up at the base of her throat. The memory of exactly how that happened flashed through her mind, and she groaned.

Mirajane had really gone for it.

Yukari didn't even have to check a mirror to know the damage was visible.

It wasn't just one mark.

It was several.

Mirajane had made damn sure that the entire guild was going to see them.

Yukari exhaled deeply, running a hand down her face.

"…She's evil," she muttered.

A sleepy giggle followed.

Yukari froze.

Then, ever so slowly, she turned her head to see Mirajane awake, her blue eyes peeking open, filled with pure amusement.

"You're awake," Yukari grumbled.

Mirajane stretched like a lazy cat, sighing dramatically. "Mmm… I've been awake~ You're just too cute when you're sulking."

Yukari narrowed her eyes. "I am not sulking."

Mirajane hummed, reaching out and tracing one of the fresh marks on Yukari's neck with her fingers. "You look so good with these, though~"

Yukari grabbed her wrist instantly, giving her a flat stare. "Mira."

Mirajane smiled innocently. "Yes, my love~?"

Yukari groaned. "Don't you 'my love' me. Look what you did!"

Mirajane giggled. "I know~ Aren't they lovely?"

Yukari wanted to die.

She buried her face in her pillow, groaning. "The entire guild is going to see."

Mirajane ran her fingers lazily through Yukari's dark hair. "Oh, I know. That's the best part~"

Yukari seethed, voice muffled against the pillow. "I'm never going to hear the end of this."

Mirajane patted her head. "Nope~ But don't worry, I'll protect you from all their teasing."

Yukari lifted her head, deadpan. "You're the one who caused this."

Mirajane kissed her cheek sweetly, then sat up, stretching once again, making absolutely sure Yukari noticed exactly how effortlessly gorgeous she was.

Yukari groaned louder. "You're evil."

Mirajane giggled, sliding out of bed and reaching for her robe. "Come on, we should eat breakfast before we go get our reward."

Yukari sighed, running a hand through her hair before finally sitting up. "Yeah, yeah…"

She paused, eyeing herself in the mirror across the room.

The sight made her grimace.

The marks on her neck were very, very visible.

Yukari sighed deeply, shaking her head. "Mira."

Mirajane looked over, smile still teasing. "Hmm?"

Yukari pointed at the marks. "You did this on purpose."

Mirajane winked. "Of course I did~"

Yukari dropped her head onto the bed with a loud groan.

This was going to be a long day.

The Silver Moon Inn had a breakfast lounge on the first floor, offering a buffet of fresh pastries, meats, eggs, and fruit.

Yukari wanted to focus on the food.

She really, really did.

But the moment they stepped inside, she could feel the eyes on them.

It started with a few casual glances from travelers, some whispering among themselves.

Then, from across the room, one of the hotel staff did a double take, her eyes widening before she quickly looked away, blushing.

Yukari pinched the bridge of her nose.

Mirajane, meanwhile, walked beside her, looking completely unbothered, humming happily as she picked up a plate.

Yukari sighed. This is going to keep happening, isn't it?

They sat at a table near the window, where the sunlight spilled through, making Mirajane's silver hair glow like something out of a dream.

Yukari took one bite of her food only to pause mid-chew when she caught two younger women at a nearby table staring at her.

Not just staring.

Giggling.

Pointing at her neck.

Yukari wanted to vanish from existence.

Mirajane sipped her tea elegantly, looking utterly at peace.

Yukari leaned closer, voice low and exasperated. "Mira."

Mirajane set down her teacup, tilting her head. "Yes, dear?"

Yukari scowled. "You knew this would happen."

Mirajane's eyes twinkled with pure mischief. "Oh, absolutely~"

Yukari groaned, stabbing at her food. "I hate you."

Mirajane giggled, leaning in slightly, her voice just soft enough that only Yukari could hear. "No, you don't~"

Yukari clenched her fork tightly, biting back a very inappropriate response.

Mirajane leaned back, stretching. "We should finish up soon. The authorities should have our reward ready."

Yukari sighed. "Yeah, yeah."

She was never going to live this down.

They arrived at the town's guard station, where the officer from the previous night was already waiting.

"Ah, Fairy Tail," he greeted, shaking his head. "I have to say… you two certainly live up to your reputation."

Yukari smirked. "All in a day's work."

The officer sighed, handing them a heavy pouch of jewels. "Here's your reward. But, as I mentioned last night, we had to deduct a portion for the damages."

Mirajane smiled sweetly. "Of course~ We understand."

Yukari scowled. "Tch. Still worth it."

The officer exhaled, shaking his head. "Just try not to level any more villages next time."

Mirajane giggled. "No promises~"

Yukari pocketed the jewels, then rolled her shoulders. "Alright, time to head back to Magnolia."

Mirajane hummed. "Mmm, yes… I think everyone will be very interested in our little trip~"

Yukari froze.

Slowly, dread crept into her stomach.

Because she knew exactly what Mirajane meant.

The guild.

Yukari exhaled deeply. "Oh, for the love of—"

Mirajane smirked. "Come on~ We have a train to catch."

As she walked past, she grazed her fingers lightly over one of the marks on Yukari's neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

Yukari groaned, dragging a hand down her face.

This was going to be a nightmare.

And Mirajane?

She was absolutely loving it.