Unexpected Comfort

Feeling the exhaustion from the last few days finally catching up to her, Yukari climbed the stairs slowly, savoring the quiet that settled around the house. Cana's muffled laughter and Hinote's calm voice still drifted up faintly from the kitchen, a comforting hum in the background, reminding her that even amid the chaos, life could still be peaceful.

Pushing open the door to her room, Yukari exhaled softly, shutting out the world behind her as she stepped into her personal haven. The familiar sight was soothing the neatly made bed, the stack of mission scrolls piled haphazardly on her desk, and the open window that allowed the soft moonlight to filter through the curtains.

She shed her clothes quickly, tossing them into a corner, and slipped quietly into the bathroom. The hot water of the shower cascaded over her tense muscles, washing away the lingering stress from both the mission and Phantom Lord's attack. For those few peaceful minutes, Yukari let herself relax, eyes closed, breathing deeply as the warm droplets soothed her body and mind.

Eventually, Yukari shut off the water and stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel to quickly dry herself off. She wrapped another towel around herself securely, tucking in the end before running her fingers through her damp, tangled hair. She sighed contentedly, ready to collapse into bed, already dreaming of a good night's sleep.

Opening the bathroom door, Yukari froze immediately, her breath catching in her throat at the unexpected silhouette sitting casually on her bed, bathed in soft moonlight. Her first thought was irritation, assuming Cana had drunkenly stumbled into the wrong room again.

"Cana, seriously?" Yukari started, prepared to scold her friend for yet another intrusive mishap. "How much did you—"

She stopped abruptly when the figure turned slightly, silver hair shimmering in the moonlight, a gentle smile illuminating familiar features.

It wasn't Cana.

It was Mirajane.

"M-Mira?" Yukari stammered, genuinely startled, her heart racing as she instinctively tightened her grip on the towel wrapped around her body. "What…what are you doing here?"

Mirajane tilted her head slightly, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she rose gracefully from the bed, stepping closer until she stood just a breath away. Her voice was soft, tender, carrying a quiet warmth that made Yukari's chest tighten. "I couldn't stop thinking about everything that happened today. I just...needed to see you. To make sure you were okay."

Yukari exhaled slowly, feeling the tension in her shoulders gradually melt away under Mirajane's concerned gaze. Even after everything they'd been through, Mirajane's unexpected presence still managed to surprise her, leaving Yukari momentarily at a loss for words.

"You didn't have to worry," Yukari finally murmured, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "But...I'm glad you're here."

Mirajane reached out carefully, gently brushing a damp strand of hair from Yukari's face, her touch feather-light yet filled with quiet affection. Her fingertips lingered, slowly tracing down Yukari's cheek before softly cupping her face.

"You're still tense," Mirajane murmured softly, her voice carrying a gentle teasing tone beneath genuine concern. "Let me guess, you were thinking about storming off to Phantom Lord tonight, weren't you?"

Yukari looked away, cheeks flushing faintly in embarrassment at how quickly Mirajane had read her intentions. She grumbled softly, feigning annoyance even as her heart warmed at Mira's perceptiveness.

"I wasn't going to storm anywhere," Yukari mumbled unconvincingly, "maybe just...visit and have a polite chat."

Mirajane giggled softly, the sound musical and soothing in the quiet night air. She gently tilted Yukari's chin back toward her, eyes sparkling with playful determination. "Well, that's exactly why I'm here. To make sure your 'polite chat' doesn't involve burning their guild to ashes."

Yukari rolled her eyes slightly but couldn't suppress a small smile from forming. "I make no promises."

Mirajane's eyes lit up mischievously, and she leaned in slightly, her breath warm against Yukari's ear. "Then I suppose I'll have to distract you."

Yukari's pulse quickened slightly at Mira's closeness, her curiosity piqued. "Distract me? And just how are you planning to do that?"

Mirajane smiled brightly, stepping back and clasping her hands together eagerly. "A game!"

Yukari blinked, momentarily thrown off. "A game?"

"Yes," Mirajane declared cheerfully. "Since you're so worked up and angry, we'll play something that forces you to relax and think about something else. How about... Truth or Dare?"

Yukari groaned softly, immediately wary. "Mira, that's not going to relax me. Knowing you, it'll probably have the opposite effect."

Mirajane tilted her head innocently, eyes wide and pleading. "Come on, Yukari~ Just a few rounds? It'll be fun, I promise!"

Yukari sighed in resignation, already knowing she couldn't resist when Mira gave her that look. "Fine, fine. But only a few."

Mirajane clapped her hands happily, immediately settling comfortably onto Yukari's bed, pulling Yukari to sit beside her. "Perfect! I'll start. Truth or Dare?"

Yukari hesitated, instantly suspicious. "Truth."

Mirajane leaned in slightly, a mischievous smile curving her lips. "When exactly did you realize you had feelings for me?"

Yukari nearly choked, her face heating up rapidly. She sputtered, glaring weakly at Mira's delighted expression. "You're going right for the throat, aren't you?"

Mirajane merely smiled sweetly, clearly enjoying Yukari's embarrassment. "You chose truth~"

Yukari sighed deeply, running a hand through her damp hair before reluctantly admitting, "Fine. It was...probably during that mission in Crocus last year. When you kept teasing me about being reckless but were secretly looking out for me. I think that's when it hit me."

Mirajane's eyes softened warmly, clearly touched by the confession. "You remember that?"

"Yeah," Yukari murmured, averting her eyes shyly. "Your turn. Truth or Dare?"

Mirajane hummed thoughtfully. "Dare."

Yukari smirked faintly, deciding a little payback was fair game. "I dare you to say something genuinely embarrassing you've thought about me."

Mirajane blinked in surprise, a faint blush spreading across her own cheeks for once. She cleared her throat nervously before quietly confessing, "There was one time...at the guild's festival. You were helping set up decorations, and the sunlight caught your hair perfectly, and all I could think about was how badly I wanted to kiss you in front of everyone."

Yukari's eyes widened slightly, her own embarrassment momentarily forgotten as her heartbeat quickened. "You...really thought that?"

Mirajane nodded, smiling shyly. "I did."

They both fell quiet, the soft tension between them growing warmer, gentler. Eventually, Mirajane cleared her throat, determined to keep the game going to maintain Yukari's distraction.

"Alright, your turn again. Truth or Dare?"

Yukari hesitated briefly before choosing, her voice slightly breathless. "Dare."

Mirajane smiled tenderly, eyes glowing warmly as she reached out and gently took Yukari's hands in hers. "I dare you...to promise me you'll stay here tonight with me, and not rush off to confront Phantom Lord."

Yukari's breath hitched softly, caught off guard by the sincere depth of Mirajane's words. Her heart softened immediately, and without hesitation, she squeezed Mira's hands gently, voice sincere. "I promise. I won't go anywhere."

Mirajane smiled beautifully, relief and affection shining clearly in her eyes. She leaned forward gently, resting her forehead against Yukari's, sighing contentedly. "Thank you."

Yukari chuckled softly, brushing her thumb gently across the back of Mirajane's hand. "You're welcome."

Mirajane stayed close, their breaths mingling quietly in the peaceful silence of Yukari's room. Eventually, Yukari murmured softly, "Truth or Dare?"

Mirajane smiled softly, whispering, "Truth."

Yukari met her eyes tenderly, voice gentle and filled with warmth. "Are you planning on staying here all night?"

Mirajane's eyes sparkled playfully, her voice soft and filled with quiet affection. "Of course. Someone has to keep an eye on you, after all."

Yukari smiled, leaning in gently to press a soft kiss to Mirajane's lips, her heart finally calm as the world faded away, leaving just the two of them in that gentle, perfect moment.