Welcome Home, Yukari

After reluctantly saying goodbye to Mirajane and the others at the guild, Yukari trudged back home through the familiar streets of Magnolia, her fists shoved deep into her pockets, shoulders tight with lingering frustration. The image of the guild hall, violated and impaled by Phantom Lord's iron rods, replayed over and over in her mind, each repetition fueling the simmering anger that had yet to subside.

As she approached her house, a gentle glow from the windows indicated someone was home, a sight that usually promised comfort but did little to soothe her current mood. Yukari pushed the door open, stepping inside with a weary sigh, only to immediately pause at the familiar sight before her.

Hinote stood at the stove, a spatula in hand, her crimson hair tied loosely back, looking completely at ease as she cooked something that smelled suspiciously spicy. Meanwhile, Cana lounged casually on the couch, legs crossed, sipping from a large barrel mug and lazily flipping through the pages of yet another issue of Sorcerer Magazine.

Yukari narrowed her eyes, immediately wary. Cana's presence here was never a good sign for her mental health.

"Oh, look who's back!" Cana teased, raising her mug in mock salute. "Missed you, Yukari. But not as much as the booze in your fridge."

Yukari glared at her, kicking off her shoes by the door. "You know, Cana, I'm starting to think you're confusing our house for the guild's bar."

Cana shrugged, unbothered, flipping another page. "Free booze is free booze."

Hinote chuckled softly from the kitchen, never turning from her cooking. "Don't pretend you're surprised, Yukari. Cana's practically part of the furniture by now."

Cana smirked, waving her hand dramatically. "Exactly! I'm your best piece of décor."

Yukari rolled her eyes and crossed the room, slumping onto the couch beside her friend. Despite her annoyance, the familiarity of their company loosened the tension in her shoulders slightly. She leaned back, tilting her head towards the ceiling as she sighed deeply, feeling the day's events weighing heavily on her chest.

"You heard what happened, right?" she finally asked, voice tight.

Cana's playful demeanor faltered momentarily, and she exchanged a quick glance with Hinote, whose movements had slowed noticeably.

"Yeah," Cana replied quietly, seriousness briefly overtaking her carefree façade. "Everyone's pissed, believe me. But Master was crystal clear no one moves yet."

Yukari grumbled, frustration evident. "That's easier said than done. You didn't see what they did. Phantom Lord crossed the line this time."

Hinote placed the pan down gently, turning to face Yukari, leaning against the countertop with a calm expression that belied her own irritation. "Makarov's decision might seem passive, but he's thinking about the guild's future. If we strike recklessly, it could escalate beyond control."

"I know," Yukari groaned, running a hand through her hair in frustration. "But doing nothing...it just feels wrong."

Cana snorted, taking another generous gulp of her drink. "Trust me, nobody's gonna forget this. Phantom Lord is begging for an ass-kicking, and they'll get it soon enough. Just gotta wait for the right moment."

Hinote nodded, a faint smirk appearing. "Exactly. Revenge is a dish best served cold."

Yukari raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident. "Ironic coming from the literal walking volcano."

Hinote shrugged gracefully. "I can appreciate poetic justice too."

The tension slowly eased from Yukari's muscles, replaced by the usual banter she was accustomed to in their home. Hinote turned back to the stove, resuming her cooking, the rich aroma of spices filling the air once again, reminding Yukari she hadn't eaten since morning.

"So," Cana began, leaning forward with renewed curiosity, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Now that we've covered guild drama how was your little 'romantic getaway' with Mira?"

Yukari instantly stiffened, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "It wasn't a romantic getaway it was a mission."

Cana laughed heartily, throwing her head back with exaggerated disbelief. "Oh, please! Who do you think you're kidding? You, Mira, alone together, fancy hotel? Sounds romantic enough to me."

Hinote paused again, glancing over her shoulder with obvious amusement. "I have to admit, Yukari, it did sound more like a honeymoon than a job."

Yukari felt heat rushing to her face, her cheeks reddening despite herself. "For the last time it was a legitimate mission! Bandits, fighting, destruction—"

"Sounds like your standard date," Cana interrupted casually, smirking. "Especially for someone from Fairy Tail."

Yukari shot her a glare, pointing accusingly. "You're just jealous because the only date you ever have is with a barrel of beer."

Cana gasped dramatically, clutching her chest in feigned offense. "I resent that! I occasionally date whiskey, too."

Hinote chuckled softly, finally plating the food she'd prepared a rich, spicy stew that instantly made Yukari's stomach growl loudly, betraying her attempts at seriousness. Hinote carried the bowls over, placing them on the table before sitting across from Yukari, leaning forward on her elbows, eyes sparkling mischievously.

"So," she said, tone deliberately casual, yet hinting at deeper curiosity, "are you really going to pretend nothing special happened between you and Mira?"

Yukari paused mid-bite, eyeing Hinote warily. "What are you talking about?"

Hinote leaned forward, a teasing grin spreading across her lips. "Oh, Yukari...did you honestly think I wouldn't notice?"

Yukari froze, dread pooling in her stomach. Hinote's eyes traveled deliberately toward Yukari's neck, lingering pointedly.

Cana instantly caught on, leaning forward with sudden, eager interest, magazine abandoned on the table. "Wait—what's going on? What'd I miss?"

Hinote smirked knowingly. "Seems like Mira decided to leave a little mark on Yukari during their...mission."

Cana's eyes widened dramatically, and she let out a delighted cackle. "No way! Mira gave you a hickey?"

Yukari groaned, burying her face in her hands, feeling embarrassment flood her cheeks. "I swear, you two are worse than teenagers."

Cana leaned closer, ignoring Yukari's humiliation entirely. "Come on, let's see it! Is it a cute one? Or did she go full vampire on you?"

Hinote reached out with practiced ease, gently pushing Yukari's hair aside, revealing the faint but still distinctly visible marks Mirajane had left behind. Yukari squirmed, trying halfheartedly to shove Hinote's hand away, but the damage was already done.

Cana gasped dramatically. "Holy crap! Mira didn't hold back at all, did she?"

Yukari groaned loudly, cheeks now fully burning crimson. "Can we not discuss this?"

Hinote chuckled softly, patting Yukari sympathetically on the shoulder. "Relax. It's good to see Mira finally staking her claim—quite literally."

Cana grinned wickedly, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I always knew Mira had a wild side hidden behind that angelic smile. I'm proud of her."

Yukari shot both of them a murderous glare, though it lacked any real heat. Deep down, despite her embarrassment, she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest at the memory of Mirajane's touch, the possessive marks she'd left behind, and the closeness they'd shared.

Hinote noticed Yukari's subtle change in expression, smiling gently as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms knowingly. "Despite your grumbling, Yukari, you seem awfully pleased by all this."

Yukari muttered something unintelligible under her breath, poking irritably at her stew, refusing to meet either of their amused gazes.

Cana laughed softly, nudging her friend lightly. "Hey, you deserve to be happy. Mira's great for you. We're just teasing 'cause it's fun."

Yukari sighed in resignation, finally allowing herself to smile faintly. "Yeah, I know."

Hinote smirked lightly, leaning forward and patting Yukari's head affectionately, her tone softer and warmer than usual. "Just try to enjoy yourself a little more. You've earned it."

Yukari looked up, catching Hinote's genuine expression, and finally relaxed, nodding slightly. "Thanks."

Cana raised her mug cheerfully, breaking the gentle atmosphere instantly. "Alright, enough sap! Let's toast to Yukari finally getting some action!"

Yukari's eye twitched dangerously. "You just had to ruin it, didn't you?"

Cana laughed brightly, completely unrepentant. "It's what I'm here for!"