Night had come, and both, Ryker and Mirajane, hadn't returned to the guild. For Erza and Lisanna that meant a good sign, or maybe the eldest Strauss just couldn't find him. In either case, they hoped that Mira would be okay.

A while later the guild door was opened by a light and dreamy Mira. She walked in and went straight to the bar without even noticing the other people there. She had a dreamy look in her eyes and she holds a small pink flower in her hand which she was always looking at and admiring. The other mages looked at themselves and at her wondering what happened to make her that way, they smiled at the possibility.

"Mira, did you find Ryker?" Erza asks with a knowing smile. Mirajane hummed an affirmative response.

"Did you guys talk?" Lisanna asked, getting the same answer as the redhead. "And this flower? Did he give it to you?".

"Yes," Mira replied.

"And what did you guys talk about?" Erza questioned her maliciously.

"We talk about a lot of things," Mirajane replied vaguely. The other mages looked at each other. "I think I'll go home", she said and walked out of the guild the same way she entered.

Erza and Lisanna looked at each other without understanding what had happened. It was obvious that she spoke to him and apparently they understood each other, but what exactly had happened between them to make her that way, they don't know.

"What happened between them?" Lisanna asked.

"We'll have to wait to find out," Erza replied.

The next day Ryker invited Mira on a date at a seafood restaurant. The place had a chic but simple atmosphere, with a Mediterranean feel. The couple talked and got to know each other better, discovering some of each other's peculiarities while enjoying their meals.

"Tell me something about yourself," Mira asked. "Like, how was your childhood? I imagine it was a happy period for you".

Ryker looked at her and smiled slightly. "Well, I lived with my parents and my old brother on a farm, it was fun running through the countryside and across the plateaus. I really enjoyed planting, feeling the earth in my hands and watching things grow." He had a spark and a nostalgic air.

"Sounds fun," she commented with her sweet, angelic gaze.

"It was, I think it was the best moment of my life," he remembered nostalgically. "You know, I'm not their legitimate child", she looked at him confused and a little scared.

"What do you mean?"

"One night I was left at their doorstep, abandoned by what I assume is my birth mother", her eyes were wide and he saw her apprehension. "Don't mind that, I don't care. Parents are the ones who raise us, right?", her face returned to normal and she smiled, nodding in confirmation.

"I never imagined you were adopted," Mira commented.

"For you to see how things are. But that doesn't bother me, my adoptive parents were great, for the time I was with them"

"I get it. Fairy Tail is like my foster family too, I have my brothers but many in the guild I consider as brothers too."

"I perceived. You guys act like a big family," he smiled at her, reaching out and touching her hand gently. They looked at each other passionately. "I already told you about me, Mira. And about you? I had no idea you liked music. I mean, you sing like an angel and you play really well."

Mira got carried away by the subject, it was something she loved. "I always liked it, I think it was born with me. My dream is to become a singer, get on stage and make people happy", she was beaming as she told and imagined her life as a musician. Ryker admired her and was increasingly enchanted by her and her excitement. He didn't know how, but he wanted to help her on her way.

"I couldn't imagine. I thought you were happy where you were."

"I am. That guild is everything to me, but we all have dreams that go beyond there. Lucy always wanted to write novels and she did. Cana would like to own a bar, I don't know how that would work", she noted thoughtfully. "Anyway, there are dreams besides being a mage."

Ryker was in awe of that woman. "You're awesome," he said, completely falling for her.

Mira blushed and smiled shyly. "Thanks".

"I'm serious Mira! You're awesome," she looked at him with surprise. "You took me in, not even knowing me, helped me in more ways than you can imagine. You're a great friend and are always willing to help your friends."

Mirajane looked embarrassed and admired his words. They continued happily chatting for the rest of dinner. When they finished, Mira made a point of taking Ryker to a special location outside the city that he didn't know. Despite finding it weird, he didn't make the effort to resist, he just followed her with curiosity.

"Mira, what are we doing here?", he asked, not understanding why they were in that desolate place and without any lighting. It was difficult to see anything from inches away, because of the darkness.

"Look up," she said. Ryker looked at her skeptically but did as she asked, and what he saw left him speechless. A sky covered with stars more beautiful than any sky he had ever seen before.

Mira approached him, hugging him from behind. "You once said that you was at night with a starry sky and that it wasn't too bad. I wanted to show you this sky."

"And you were the full moon. The brightest and most beautiful thing," he turned and held her in his arms. "It's really fantastic. I thank you for that," he kissed her.

He pulled her down and they lay on the grass, side by side, looking up at that starry sky.

"You want to know something?" he asked turning his face to the beautiful girl beside him.

"What would it be?" Mira replied.

"I've been watching these stars for a while since I got here," she looked at him curiously. "I recognize some patterns, some stars, some are totally unknown to me, some patterns look distorted, different."

Mira towered over him, bracing herself on her hands. "And what does that mean?".

Ryker lay looking down at her, sitting beside her. "I said I came from another world, but not from a parallel universe like Edolas," she looked at him with amazement and curiosity. "I think I came from another planet, I don't know how far away. But with this sky and these stars that's a fact. So I can say I'm an alien," he said, surprising Mira.

"An alien!?"

"Exactly", he replied getting up and pulling Mira down suddenly, making her let out a 'kya!', cute. He stood above her smiling mischievously. "Maybe the real reason I came to your planet is to eat your brains," he advanced on her, nibbling on her neck and tickling her.

"Ryker, stop!" she laughed at his advance, waving her arms and legs in defense, without much success. "That's not funny!", she said between laughs.

"So why are you laughing!?", he was looking at her mischievously, continuing his attack and she was still agitated and laughing.

Mira managed to turn her body and stand on top of him, looking at him deeply, he looked at her the same way. "You're bad!" Mira asserted.

Ryker smirked. "And you like".

They closed the gap, with each breath they grew closer, sealing the minimal space between them with a kiss. A hot kiss full of lust. She opened her mouth and their tongues danced in each other's mouths. At that moment he never felt so happy and alive. They continued their fiery kiss for as long as they could, pausing only for breath and then kissing again right away.

They broke the kiss and Ryker looked at her fondly and placed his right hand on her left cheek, stroking her cheek tenderly. She loved the feel of his hand on her face, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the contact. They kissed again and again.

"It was fun tonight," Wendy said as Ryker sat beside her on the bed.

Little Dragon Slayer had visited Ryker and Mira at his apartment the day after their meeting. They stayed watching some movies and playing some games. They enjoyed spending time together as a family, and usually Wendy ended up spending the night at his apartment.

"It was. But I suspect you're only coming here because of Wolf."

"He's nicer than you," Wendy smiled teasingly. "But he likes Mira-san a lot. He lay at her feet all night."

"Well, she was the first to see him, and she's always around. They've known each other for a while," Ryker smiled at the memory. "Now sleep. That tomorrow we go to the guild early".

"Early!?"

"Ah yes. You have a lot of clothes here so you don't have to go back to Fairy Hills anymore, and Mira and I will appreciate your help in organizing the guild," he grinned mischievously as he got up and walked out of the room, closing the door, to the desolation of the young magician.

The next morning Ryker made Wendy wake up early and the two left for the guild earlier than she was used to. A bit annoyed, she followed him and helped him, as much as Mira, to tidy up the entire guild hall.

Over the course of the day, everything worked as it should, at least for Fairy Tail. Ryker was at the front of the mission board, looking for some work.

"Looking for a job, Ryker?" Levy asked as he reached his side.

"All right, Levy?" he greeted her with a slight smile. "It's been a while since I've done a mission, so I'm looking for something."

"Didn't find anything?"

"Not exactly," he said vaguely. "Is that you? Going on some mission with the Spinhead?".

"He's not a Spinhead!" Levy says with his hands on his hips and a sullen face.

"As you wish…", he says with disdain.

"All right. And anyway I'm looking for something to go with my team. Gajeel went on a mission with Lily and Juvia".

"Really!?" he said feigning surprise. "And aren't you jealous?"

"Jealousy!? From Juvia? Of course not!" she said confidently. "He's my son's father and they're just good friends, nothing more, nothing less," she folded her arms.

"Not from Juvia, from Lily," he said and left, leaving her perplexed.

He went back to the bar and ordered something to eat and drink, wondering what to do. He wanted to go on a mission, but not the ones that were on the board, he wanted to go on something bigger with Mira. But he thought none of those were worthy of her.

"Thinking about what?" the angel's voice reached his ears.

"On you," he replied with a smile, making Mira blush slightly.

"Your silly…I saw you on the order board. Did you find anything?", he leaned over the bar, looking at him with his beautiful, big blue eyes.

Ryker shrugged. "Not yet. Maybe tomorrow", he replied. "Are you going home tonight, after we close this here?"

"Who knows," she said vaguely.

Ryker snorted and eyed her wearily. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Kidding me," she smiles angelically at him, who sighs. "You're mean", he smirks.

"I like to see you running after me," she laughed.

"Not funny," he turned his face away. "Now that we're together do you snub me? Before, you always went there. That's mean," he whined playfully.

"Maybe you just have to try harder", she smiled and he, admiring the perfection that she was, laced the fingers of his hand in hers. They looked at each other passionately, making them both blush at each other.

They felt prying eyes from the remaining guild mages on them.

"I think we're getting attention," Mira said, slightly embarrassed. "They're already gossiping about us," she laughed shyly.

Ryker turned to face the guild, giving them a death glare, causing everyone who looked at them to turn away and go back to doing what they were doing.

"See, I've figured it out", he said turning his attention to his beloved, who smiled at the way he'd resolved it.

Mirajane looked at him passionately, she loved the way he was, his sarcasm, the teasing and teasing he made to her. Ryker was always there for her, always making time for her. She knew there was a Ryker only she knew, with a smile only she saw, conversations only they had, secrets only she knew. There was a Ryker who was just being shown to her. She loved him above all else.

The next day, Ryker was leaning against the guild bar counter, on the same side as Mira worked. He watched her, arms crossed, as she came and went to tend to customers and finish tasks. As soon as things calmed down she looked at him watching her. He had a discreet smile on his face that only she understood the meaning of.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Nothing. I'm just remembering how excited you were yesterday."

Mirajane laughed shyly and looked up at him with her big bright blue eyes. "I could not help it. I've never heard anything like those songs, they were great!" she jumped up with her arms raised in excitement. The entire guild looked at them in amazement, they becoming the center of attention.

"I didn't realize your world had things like that, after everything you've revealed," she said.

"Beauties from an ancient world, I suppose. They're rare now, but hopefully you'll find a few things." He gave a slight smile.

"I wonder what he was like before," she said contemplatively. "If you were able to come up with something like The Who, Guns'n Roses, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, what else would it have…" Ryker smiled and took her hand in his and they looked at each other, everything what he meant said with his eyes and she understood, responding with a calm smile.

"Whenever you want to hear those songs, and many others, my apartment will be yours," he whispered. Mira hummed softly, flushed.

Ryker smiled and in a quick movement removed the elastic that held her bangs. He laughed at the indignant expression and the pout that formed on her lips. Mira didn't let him get away with it, she attacked his left ribs with her fingers, making him let out a soft cry of pain, to her satisfaction.

"Ouch, Mira!" he complained, holding the location of the blow.

"This is for you to stop your teasing," she looked at him darkly.

Ryker stared at her for a few seconds and his face changed to something rather mischievous. "But I like teasing you and I know you like it when I tease you. That face of yours doesn't deceive me".

He started nudging her and teasing her, irritating the Take Over mage while laughing at her irritation. "Ryker, stop!" she ordered, but his teasing only increased. Mira retaliated by pushing and prodding him in the same way. The couple kept teasing and laughing with each other.

Many guild members looking at the two rolled their eyes, it was no longer news how close they were, that they didn't even bother anymore. Some wondered when they would come out at once. Some girls looked at them with envy, because they wanted a relationship equal to what those two had.

"You two are very close," a husky voice stopped Ryker's attack and freed Mira, who had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard.

"M...master!?", she yelled, composing herself.

Makarov, sitting on top of the bar counter was smiling at the two, who were terribly embarrassed.

"I'm glad you guys are getting along well, my children," he smiled gently.

"What can I do for you?" Mira asked politely.

"Just a beer, if it won't bother you," he asked. Mira grabbed a glass of the drink for him to immediately pour it. Makarov took a sip and looked them over, noticing the embarrassment and the blush in both of them, he smiled.

"You two are together, aren't you?", both were in shock at what he said.

"Sorry master, but we're friends," Ryker countered, he wasn't ready to take on his relationship with Mira yet.

Makarov gave them a warm smile. "I am very old, young man. I've seen a lot, a lot of couples forming and I've had my romances. I know when my kids are together or not." Mira and Ryker blushed slightly.

"Don't tell anyone, master. Please, we're not ready for this yet," Mira asked.

"Don't worry, my dear. If anyone has to say anything it will be you. But I'm happy for you both." Ryker and Mira looked at each other and held hands, intertwining their fingers. There was no reason to hide in front of him, she knew after all.

"Thank you, master," thanked Mira.

"Yeah, whatever. But something tells me you came here for another reason." Ryker looked at him seriously.

Makarov looked at him the same way. "You're right. I have this mission and I believe Mira should go", he handed the pamphlet to her, who took it warily.

"Me, master!? I haven't been to any for a while," she said uncertainly.

"Yes, I'm sure you can handle it. Also, this request has been bothering me a little. I'm not sure, but I think it's better that you go to that job," he explained.

"What does the mission say?" Ryker asked.

"Apparently mysterious deaths are taking place in a small town near the mountains to the north. Nobody knows how to explain what is happening and they don't know the causes of deaths".

"What's causing all this?" asked Ryker.

"It's a mystery. I've been looking for some information and something supernatural may be related. When you get to the city, you'll see for yourself," explained Makarov.

"Do you think any entity could be related to this, Master? That's why you're sending me?"

"I believe your demonic powers can help in this case."

"I understand. If so I accept, but I will need help. I'll see if my brothers can go," she said.

"Wait!" Ryker interjected. "I've been wanting to go on a mission with you for a while. Yesterday I was looking for something to do together, I think this might be an opportunity", he smiled.

"But Ryker…are you sure!?", she looked at him doubtfully. She had never worked with him and the mission felt dangerous and even though she knew he was capable she didn't want to put him in danger. She'd seen him hurt badly once, and she didn't want anything to happen to him.

"Of course, Mira. No need to worry, I can take care of myself", he said, knowing what she was thinking.

"I don't see problems, Mira. I think Ryker is an excellent idea to go with you. He would be a great help," Makarov said.

"See…" Ryker agreed playfully.

"If you say so, Master," Mira said resignedly.

"Excellent. Get ready and leave as soon as possible," he climbed off the counter and went back to his office.

Ryker looked at Mira with excitement, it would be their first work together and an opportunity to see her in action and be alone with her. However, he noticed an air of concern in her.

"What is it?" he asked worriedly.

"No... it's nothing," she countered.

"Mirajane...!", he crossed his arms and looked at her seriously.

She looked at him and sighed in defeat. She knew he would take it from her, there was no pretending. This somehow scared her, as in such a short time he ended up knowing her so well.

"I'm worried. You've seen the description, it's a dangerous mission and we don't know what we're going to deal with and…I…" She embraced the possibilities that flashed through her mind.

Ryker took her hands in his and looked at her with conviction and tenderness, in a way that filled her with warmth and confidence. "I cover you and you cover me. Nothing will happen, I promise. Let's be careful and you won't lose me that easily."

She looked at him, he was so sure it was impossible to think otherwise. They would handle it and win whatever it was, but she wanted to be sure, to feel that strength and security of his. Mira hugged him tightly and was immediately reciprocated, which surprised her. She wouldn't think he would hug her so tenderly, in the middle of the guild. She smiled and snuggled into him.

"Promise?"

"Promise," he said softly.

"You know, we're in the middle of the guild," she reminded him.

"I do not care. I know you're worried about me, but I'll be fine," he soothed her.

"I know, but it's just that...that time you came back soo..." Mira couldn't finish the sentence with the memory of him walking all bandaged up through the guild door.

"And I said I'd be careful, didn't I?" She nodded at his chest. "You're not getting rid of me so quickly. Not now," they laughed.

"You and me, let's finish whatever comes our way," Mira said determinedly.

Ryker and Mira smiled confidently at each other. "You bet it is," he said.

Makarov sat in his chair in his office and smiled. "I think we're seeing the birth of Fiore's most powerful couple."