Second entry for ftlgbtales w|w week! Day 2: Comfort
It was their last night in the endless halls of the ever silent mansion. Minerva was on her shift for the night -one more night, she thought. Never getting the chance to have a meaningful conversation with Yukino, she wished their stay would never end.
They truly lived like queens for the week. Luxurious beds, humongous bath tubs that were coupled with the most amazing showers, and a high end kitchen with the latest technologies. All the work she put into her dishes wasn't taken for granted; Yukino fawning over Minerva for her culinary expertise. It made her heart ache every time the celestial mage smiled while waiting for the dish to be served.
How she wished she could see that white beam shine toward her everyday. Minerva sighed at the thought, checking the time. It was almost Yukino's turn to take over. The territory mage started toward where she saw the younger mage last, the library. The silver-blue haired girl could always curl up anywhere and read for hours on end, it truly fascinated her. She never had the attention span to sit down for more than a hour to do something so… boring. But if Yukino enjoyed it, she would try to as well.
Her cape brushed against the floor as she walked, stroking the floor in the softest manner. Occasionally she forgot about the soft swishing noise it made, somewhat elevating her senses -making her think someone else was in her presence.
Once to the library, curtly she entered and glanced around the fire lit room. Stepping farther in, she could see the soft head of white hair on the floor. Minerva smiled but her happiness faded when she heard the faint whimpers from the girl. Yukino's body was sprawled out on the floor, a trembling mess.
Cringing, her first thought was to walk away -like she could help the celestial maiden. Minerva was silent as she inched toward the girl; her heart and mind playing a game of tug-of-war. Couldn't she get over herself for just one second?
Yukino's whimpering slowly turning into a wave of crying, body now curled in on itself. Quaking and shivering as leaves do in the winter, the young girl falling from her grace. Minerva bit her lip, her nails digging into her palms as she neared closer to her love. Looking down upon her body, she had not an inkling of an idea; not one sliver of information of what to do.
Hazel eyes looking around frantically for something to help her, she was sure that there wasn't a book written on these types of things. If there was, it would probably be titled, "Dear lord help me out, my soon-to-be girlfriend is having a night terror." Something spastic such as that would get a million sales. The thought brought a small smirk to her face and she soon frowned, what was she doing smiling at a time like this?
Another quick glance and she saw the small throw-away blanket on a plush and lavish armchair. Frenzied, Minerva grabbed the scratchy wool fabric and sat next to Yukino, laying the blanket over her trembling frame. As soon as the small comforter was nestled into her, the girl's shivering ceased.
The fire still danced, snickering at Minerva's attempt of comfort. She was not going to ruin her chance, never again would she put shame on Yukino.
Not sure of what to do next, she timidly smoothed her hand down the celestial mage's back. The fabric soft under her fingers, gently circling her fingertips up and down the Sabertooth mage's body. Previously, she would have thought Yukino to be weak for a situation such as this but things were different. They had both changed, growing to become better women in the end.
Internally, the territory mage was proud to see the valiance the celestial maiden displayed on a daily basis. From her standing in the bar, to her small mess-ups on missions, Yukino was truly glorious. Minerva never knew what the girl saw in her to begin with. He three most powerful words from the most heart-wrenching memory slipped into her mind.
I love you…
Three simple words that in return gave a lifetime of fathomless self-hatred. A wave of new and seemingly endless thoughts berating her hand paused for a moment as it danced soothingly around Yukino's back. What if this just meant she was never capable of being loved? Minerva's previous formed frown deepened at the question -it was true.
The young maiden cried out again, startling Minerva. Her slim fingers traveled the expanse of her back, Yukino settling right back down. She continued her soft ministrations for a while, travelling higher and higher until her hands were feathering her hair. These movements kept the girl stable; all she needed was some comfort. The silver-haired girl sighed in content, her lips moving as if she was going to say something; she had already screamed some of the Tartaros' demons names, coupled with Rogue…
Why would Rogue's name come out of her mouth? When she pondered on it, it was perplexing but she wouldn't think too much about it now. Even if it was Yukino's turn to keep watch, she couldn't bear to wake the girl up.
Minerva slowly opened her mouth, putting her hand up to her mouth, a cry of fatigue coming out. The sandman had finally cast his spell over her, blinking slowly to blot out her bleariness. Sleep was singing a siren's call, heeding the Sabertooth mage.
Pulling her arms from her lucious coat, she tossed the flimsy fabric onto the couch; laying next to her one and only. The flames of the fire dimming, softly outlining Yukino's features. Her face was soft and round; refined as she grew older. The celestial mage was absolutely breathtaking after missing her appearance for those long months.
Minerva pulled the celestial maiden into her embrace, wrapping her arms tightly are her waist -she never wanted to let go. Once she saw Yukino again, she realized she had missed too much, especially because of her newfound relationship with Rogue. That was a development she never expected, and yet it happened. The universe works in the most mysterious ways, and she had forgone too much.
The whole guild had grown in power, her dearest friends almost matched her in strength. She had to get stronger not only for Yukino, but for the rest of them. No one would come into harm's way again, unless her demonic side was possessing her spirit. She could do nothing about her, the demon who had taken over her form.
The demon resided deep within in her and although she was good at controlling it, there were the smallest moments it would get in the way. Like what happened before they left the guild, guilt ringing in her ears. Minerva pushed her face into the back of Yukino, failing to notice the steady breathing of the young girl.
The territory mage was consumed by the tempting hours of night, her hold on Yukino never ceasing. A soft smile coming from the celestial maiden, swaddled in the arms of a past love.
The couple lay on love's bed, the fire slowly burning down; time cutting it down with each passing minute.
When Yukino woke, she was cold. A blanket of uncertainty wrapped around her still frame as she laid on the beast of a rug. Her back ached from laying on the floor, but her pain came from the empty space behind her.
Frowning, she tried to rid herself of Minerva's sinful intrusion – she had a loyal boyfriend. The territory mage had long ago passed being unforgivable, yet somehow she still stood on the threshold of Yukino's heart. What was wrong with her? Minerva's homecoming overwhelmed her unconscious mind, she was sure she was over her.
But no, the moment she passed through those guild doors severely injured her heart swooned. A beating heart brought back to life with the sight of Minerva's presence, it made her question everything and still did. She loved Rogue, he was her anchor.
A rock that kept her down to earthland, sure, they weren't perfect but no couple was. Every relationship has its flaws, including the small affair between herself and Minerva had all those years ago. It didn't last long due to the small imperfections. Nothing corrupt of sin would turn out for the best -sex never led to a healthy relationship.
And that was how it ended, with her pleading for love and a sickening silence was given in return. All she could do was run and as far away as possible. It resulted her in losing the battle against Kagura, she was worthless. Jiemma never let her redeem herself and she ran even more, to the authority opposite of guild and then behind the counter of Sabertooth.
At the mercy of her emotions constantly, it was all she could do to hide from them. Run and run and run, colliding with them at every turn; never stopping when there was a red light. An accident resulting from her sensitivity to others, the feelings that were always abound and mischievous always coming after her. They taunted Yukino and egged her on and she was entangled in the webs of heartbreak every single time. All because she couldn't resist the temptation.
Getting up from the floor, a small tray full of breakfast delights sat with a note. It wasn't the most alluring piece of paper but it was left by her -the bold letters of her signature profound: Minerva Orlando. Seeing the name made her heart jump, singing the soft tune of love.
Plucking the letter, her eyes roved over it. Far from a confession, it (with little detail) described where she was and when she would come back. Minerva had gone to pick up their reward from the maid serving the house and would return as soon as possible. The territory mage had also left her breakfast, her heart still beating a mile a minute. Knowing that Minerva had made her a lavish meal made her heart flutter, although she wasn't so stoked about her chicken scratch.
The dark-haired mage's handwriting was always scrawled so quickly that it was almost impossible to read but the letter was left with her well-being in mind. Her stomach rumbled and she put down the letter, that was her cue to eat. Scooting closer to the dark wooden table, the tray of food held: a china teapot with accompanying plateware, delightful little danish pastries, and small sausages.
Yukino felt a little guilty about the situation, she should have gotten up early to help Minerva. It was the least she could do, but she knew the culinary arts brought joy to the territory mage's heart. Seeing how much detail put into the small sweet puff delicacies was astounding. The soft edges were folded in on itself, a jewel of jam placed so proportionally in the middle of the folds was perfect. The jelly substance an explosion of tart sweetness in her mouth; she didn't know whether to love the danish tart for it's overwhelming perfection or Minerva for making them. The verdict was both, she shook her head -platonic love for the dark-haired woman.
The tea, sausage and tea were all coupled together well in terms of flavor. The earthy seasoning of the sausage coupling well with the tartness of the pastry as well as the smooth and rich essence of the tea. Yukino couldn't exactly put her finger on what the true flavor was but it was brewed with excellency.
She tended to the platter with reverence, appreciating the food until she was full. Yukino was so deep in her musings, she failed to notice the faint rapping on the library's door.
Cool hands covered her eyes, and her vision went dark. Surprised, Yukino dropped the danish delight she was working on, "Minerva?"
A soft chuckle was given in response, the hands fleeting from her vision. A playful voice followed, "I never thought you would guess." The territory mage retreated to the other side of the tabe, kneeling down as she partook of her creation. Minerva was already dressed for the day, showing her usual amount of cleavage.
The celestial mage smiled at Minerva's presence, "You did a really great job -no. Amazing job with breakfast today. It was my favorite of this week."
Her hazel eyes twinkled with triumph, gaining a small smile in return but she was never so modest. "I thought the blueberry and banana pancakes were your favorite, just like every other day was," Minerva began to mimic Yukino, "I loved every meal you have made for me this week, and I'm too afraid to admit it." Minerva laughed some more, not playing the part of Yukino anymore. "It's ok to say you liked all of it."
Yukino joined in her laughter, enjoying the territory mage's rendition of herself. Not trying to show the woman in glory she spoke, "It was all good but I can still have my favorites. It just happened that they changed from day to day. The pastries you made were absolutely perfect."
The woman basked in the complement, still nibbling on the last of the small delicacies. "I made them, of course they are." She could never be humble, but her personality was refreshing to Yukino. It wasn't like Rogue's or Sting's, but then again that's what made everyone so different. She missed being around the territory mage so often.
"Oh stop," she lightly chided, sipping at her tea. It's richness filled her insides, a splendid end to her meal. This gained a grin from Minerva, as she stood and took the tray with her.
"Then don't praise me at all, Yuki." She felt her cheeks heat up at the small nickname, Minerva had always called her that since they were little. "I'll be back."
Her exit was more grand than her entrance, the woman leaving Yukino speechless. Her words an endless torment to her being, how she wished things had turned out differently. But she had moved on now, she couldn't worry about Minerva anymore.
Yukino got up, following the territory mage, she didn't want to be left alone again. "Minerva, wait," she called out, padding her feet against the plush rug. Chasing after her like always, it was like events were on replay from before.
Minerva continued, never waiting for Yukino. Through the stairwell and corridors of the mansion she chased, ending up in the kitchen. "I see you've finally caught up," Minerva remarked, her voice cascading from the far end of the room.
The celestial mage pouted, why couldn't she just wait. "I suggest that you get dressed Yukino, we're supposed to leave soon. I left an outfit on the bed for you, the rest of our stuff is by the door."
Yukino was baffled, Minerva had done so much more than she thought while she was slumbering. Either she Minerva let her sleep in or she was just plain fast. Most likely the latter, they had to leave early so they could get to Sabertooth before dark. Or there was the possibility of the Sabertooth mage to be an early bird - then it dawned on her.
Minerva was always awake before she was; never once was she able to gaze upon her sleeping face. Minerva went to sleep after her and woke up before her -it was the way things worked. Cringing, she clenched her fists -she shouldn't be thinking about the past. They weren't a couple, just friends.
"You could have woken me up earlier, Minerva. I should have gotten our stuff packed while you cooked us breakfast. It would have made it faster for us to get out of here," Yukino claimed, becoming flustered. It was hard for her to accept that Minerva did all of this so selflessly.
Minerva tutted as she washed the dishes, how come she didn't leave them for the maids to do? "Don't worry about it, just go get dressed. I'll be waiting by the front door."
Her tone made the words final and the celestial maiden complied with her wishes. Yukino parted from the kitchen, making the trek back to the room she inhabited for the short span of their mission. It was lush and fit for a queen, she hoped dearly that someday she could live like this. Rogue would love it too, she smiled at the thought.
Walking over to the bed, she was astonished by Minerva's choice of clothing. It was her own clothing but accompanied by the dark haired woman's cherished jacket! Never before was Yukino able to wear it before, what changed? It was just like Rogue's cloak, he never let anyone touch it, not even her. Although she did see Sting messing around with it on a couple occasions.
The rest of the outfit was simple, a purple tube top with ripped white jeans. The clothing was a little revealing but the jacket helped keep the modesty; Minerva's favorite biker jacket. The leather rough and worn from her long years of wearing the thing. It even had a small purple patch on one of the elbows, she really did love the thing.
Quickly looking at herself in a standing mirror, she combed her fingers through her hair -making it look presentable. Now she was good to go.
Once down stairs, she never made a comment about the clothing choice to Minerva. Yukino could feel the situation becoming ever more complicated and it was not what she wanted. It was obvious to her that Minerva still held feelings for her, it was easier to act oblivious to it.
Yukino sat across from Minerva in their affordable carriage, resting her back against the foam seat. Her face was animated and joyous as they spoke throughout the trip. They were going to stay in a neat little tavern, since they wouldn't be able to get to Sabertooth tonight. A road block had left them sweltering in the cabin for hours, but the coolness of the night was now leaving them in a happier mood. Everything was going according to plan, they would be in Crocus in due time.
The bright lights of the city were shining from where they were, the august jewel of Fiore. A true beauty in every spectacle, from it's garden to architecture; everything has it purpose.
For most of their journey home it was small talk, never crossing one another's boundaries until Minerva asked the question she was dying to inquire. "So how's your relationship with Rogue?"
At the mention of it, Yukino turned her face down. Her white locks were now a mask of her hesitance to the question, the soft neon lights of the city coloring her hair. It hung in the air, "Well? I never said to go into detail." Minerva nudged her with curt words, pushing the girl over the edge.
"Let's not get into my personal life right now, okay?" Yukino's brown eyes bore into her, a wall going right up. She had made the wrong move, stepped over the wrong line. Shit.
The demon in her was ready to go, roaring for the opportunity to push it a little more. She resisted, never again would she be tempted to be that type of person; the truly ugly kind. She couldn't be that person again - venomous to others and apathetic to their problems. The territory mage wanted to be better for the sake of both Yukino and the guild.
But the sinful being got the best of her. "You're making it sound like it's a bad relationship. Come on, Yuki," the girl eased with the nickname."I'm your best friend." Dammit, it should have been a simple okay.
The celestial mage bit a small portion of her lower lip, belaying her response. Minerva's previous statement already failed because Sting was Yukino's best friend, not her. The temptation further intensified as Minerva encountered Yukino's indecision. "Let it all out, you can trust me."
Those words were to key to unlocking the small girl. "Things have just been very stressful lately. We've been in two separate places for the past couple months, so it's hard to see one another," Yukino stated timidly, not so sure of herself. Minerva felt guilty at her statement, she certainly wasn't expecting that type of answer but she was the one who had set things in motion.
"So before we decided to go on this mission I was excited to spend the night with him, but then he just left." A sniffle escaping from her mouth, this was far from what she expected. "It feels like all he wants to be with is Sting." The guild master's name rolled off her tongue spitefully. All the alarms were going off inside her, the territory mage couldn't comfort Yukino about this. Not like she did last night, or at least she couldn't imagine it, but seeing the maiden begin to cry tore her into pieces.
Yukino continued, "All I want is for it to work out in the end…" her voice was doubtful, Yukino's body trembling much like it did last night. "It doesn't seem like that's the end goal. Everything seems to be crumbling into pieces, Min-Min." Her name was dragged out by another sob of emotional pain.
Hesitantly, Minerva grabbed the younger mage's frail hand, "Forgive me, Yukino." The least she could ask from her but she still motioned the idea of their relationship. "I didn't know it was that much of a… bad topic for you. I shouldn't have pushed." The pads of her fingers delicately tilted the girl's head up, giving her a warm smile. The demon wouldn't ruin this for her, "I'm sure everything will work out fine."
Minerva's comment was a comfort to the girl, Yukino relaxing into her hand. "Don't be sorry, I know how much you care for me." Even if the motive was selfish, she would accept any form of care. Minerva was always the one to take advantage of this trait.
Greed had fuelled most of Minerva's interests but it was never in the name of money. More like wants and desires she could never have, or were nearly impossible to attain. Strength and Yukino were the two main things she desired, but she really needed to drop the celestial mage. She would let the fair haired mage deny the pull they had between themselves. If Yukino wanted to work things out with Rogue, Minerva would respect her decision, but she had to know it was her true intention.
The Sabertooth mage brushed a strand of Yukino's hair behind her ear, looking at her with fierce resolve. "I didn't mean to make your predicament any more confusing. It's time that I put my feelings to the side and help you out in the best way possible." Honesty was the best policy, right?
Brown eyes were filled with surprise from her response, their carriage coming to a slow stop. There was no inquiry to Minerva's statement just another prolonged silence as Yukino carefully planned an answer.
"Minerva…" she said, her tone softer than it was before, "I already gave you my confession and you rejected it. Whatever you're planning needs to stop." Yukino saw right through her, the tigress' heart with her words. "I love you, but only as a friend," these words were shaky, but who was she to say anything about it.
As a way to reassure her, Minerva spoke honestly, "I didn't come on this mission to woo you. My only objective was to make up for lost time, I'm sorry that it came off as something different than what I intended it to be. This wasn't some big scheme," which was true for the most part. Minerva had planned everything in a quick ten minutes, no scheming whatsoever.
Grabbing the door handle, she pulled and let herself out. With proper manners, she helped Yukino out. "I trust your words, Minerva." That was the end to their conversation, and Minerva had managed to pull everything together.
Little did they know of the small camera flashes, Yukino caught in Minerva's jacket. The both of them caught together so late in the night.
Outside was the lesser known Honey Bone Inn, made famous when Fairy Tail inhabited it during the x791 Grand Magic Games. This was a sore subject for Minerva, since Sorcery Weekly paparazzi and journalists were constantly around the lively place. Gossip flowed in and out of the Honey Bone's doors, everyone wanted to get their scoop.
Out of place would be fair description her and Yukino's presence there. Over the past couple years, mages went out of their way to stay at the tavern. Now it was the duo's turn to get a glimpse of the small bar's culture.
After they settled into their room, Minerva begged Yukino to go down to the bar with her. She needed a drink, and the celestial mage would watch over her.
Now here they were.
People had been eyeing the two since they came in, some more sneaking pictures taken while they enjoyed the bar's life. The crowd was split between the pool tables and bar area where the two of them resided.
Yukino had made a small comment at the territory mage's drinking habits and she smacked her hand against the bar counter. "You're so funny, Yuki," Minerva cooed, taking a sip from her cup of ale. Sure she could have bought something more expensive, but this was always perfect for her tastes and she ordered one too many.
Minerva never stopped with the pointless comments directed at Yukino, each one making her laughter more and more boisterous. She wasn't even done and the celestial mage was a blushing mess, trying to snag the drink from the tigress.
"I think it's time that we head to bed, you're causing a scene." At her comment, Minerva lazily looked over her shoulder. Not many were staring, but it was enough to make herself wary. The celestial maiden was being overly cautious with her original statement, they were far from causing a scene. "I knew this wasn't a good idea," Yukino sighed.
Clearing her throat she grabbed the girl's pale hand, taking it into her own. "Don't worry about them, it's just us." Some of the words were slurred, but her point surprised Yukino.
Hesitantly Yukino's slim fingers wrapped around her own. Another shot taken. "If you want to stay down here, no more drinking. There's plenty of other things to do that will bring enjoyment." Like you, her inner demon thought, and Minerva cringed. The white haired mage caught this, frowning,"I will leave if you can't agree."
This alarmed her and quickly she replied, "This will be my last drink, I swear. You can have some if you want. Loosen up a little." Taking a long gulp, the warm liquid trickled down her throat and burned her insides. She slid the cold glass mug over to Yukino.
She looked at the glass and took her hand away from Minerva's, wrapping it around the handle. Smiling, Yukino took a fast swig, her face scrunching up. "I don't understand how you can all drink, this stuff is gross." She stuck her tongue out and put the pint down, her face twisting with disgust.
"I only offered, you're the one who took it." Minerva laughed some more, the whole situation amusing her. She stood, taking Yukino's hand back in her own. "Let's go play a game of billiards." Standing, she felt light-headed and took a step toward the tables.
In one second, she went from standing to on the floor a smaller body falling onto her. Minerva hissed, "What the…" A brown eyes of a brightly pink stained face met her own. Click. Click. Click. She had pulled Yukino down with her.
"Minerva…" the celestial mage warned, "I think it's time for us to go back to our room." Now she agreed with Yukino. Without making more contact than needed, Yukino pulled herself off of Minerva and stared down at her figure. "Come on," she looked like an angel under the lights. "I'll help you." Cheerful as always.
Taking Yukino's hand in her own, the world spun and she leaned into her. She was the tether to reality, the two slowly but surely heading up the stairs to their room.
The night wasn't young but they sure were. And the universe held no bounds for their soon-to-be future.
This concludes the first part to the Amour series! I truly love Yukinerva (or any Sabertooth ship), but this fic is near and dear to my heart. Once again, I send my deepest appreciation to spledidlyimperfect for betaing this chapter. I have one more entry for ftlgbtales w|w week, which is n erzajane! Be on the lookout for it, it's a superhero AU o;
Prompts for w|w week:
Day 1 - Soft
Day 2 - Comfort
Day 3 - Hands
Day 4 - Cuddles
Day 5 - Flirt
Day 6 - Protect
Day 7 - Stubborn