"So, we're having a dance tonight," Ryker commented as he took his breakfast with Mirajane. "How's that?".
"You've never been to one, have you?" she asked and her boyfriend confirmed it. "It's quite simple actually. The men go elegantly dressed and the women wear beautiful long dresses, there is music, dancing, fraternization", she said excitedly and with sparkles in her eyes. "The men invite the girls to dance in a very cordial and elegant atmosphere. It's so romantic..." Mira explained as he looked at her and tried to imagine everything she said.
"That sounds…interesting. But there might be a little problem," he said slightly worried.
"What problem?".
"Well... I don't know how to dance!", he replied embarrassed.
Mira looked at him a little surprised for a short while, then smiled. "That's okay, Love. When we go dancing, I will guide you".
Ryker smiled out of the corner of his mouth. "But wouldn't I be the one to guide you? Isn't that the custom?"
"Yes, but if you don't know how to dance, I'll be the man in our relationship," she smiled gently.
"Smart girl!" Ryker chuckled at his girlfriend. "It looks like I'm going to let you be the man," he grinned. "But during the dance I let you take me".
Mira looked at him seriously and deeply. "Do you think a woman can't be at the forefront of the relationship?".
Ryker looked at her and smiled out of the corner of his mouth. "I didn't say you can't. I said I won't," he chuckled lightly and sarcastically.
"Idiot!", she rolled her eyes smiling.
"Come on Mira, what do you want to do today?" he asked. "The prom will be at night only and the dresses will be on that guy. We have nothing to do around here, so let me know if you have anything in mind."
She stopped and thought for a moment. "Why don't we ask the rest of the staff, we can do something with everyone together. Besides, I didn't see you much with Wendy, did I?"
"Yeah, maybe," he shrugged. "I don't dislike being around that short one at all," Ryker smiled genuinely.
"Very well then! Let's ask them and see what they want to do," Mira said excitedly.
"AHHHH!" Lucy stretched out in a beach chair. "What a beautiful day today," she commented. She wore a small white bikini with pink accents.
The sun was shining and there were no clouds in the sky, making for a pleasant day and a good temperature to be outside. They decided to spend the day relaxing and enjoying the infrastructure that the mansion provided.
"It's too bad summer is already gone," Wendy lamented.
"Fortunately! I couldn't take all that heat anymore," Gray said.
"Gray, put your clothes on!" Lucy yelled at the completely naked ice mage, walking around the pool.
He looked at himself completely stunned. "Which!? When what...?", he ran around looking for where he had thrown his clothes.
"GRAY-SAMA! Don't let love rivals look at your perfect body!", Juvia rushed to help him look for clothes and dress him.
Lucy and Wendy laughed at the embarrassing situation.
"He should go see a doctor to solve this problem", Ryker commented looking with disgust at the whole scene.
"Gray-san has always been like that. I don't think a doctor can change it," Wendy replied.
"You're probably right," Ryker said in defeat.
Ryker was lounging next to Lucy and Wendy, taking in the whole landscape of the pool around them. Mira chatted with her brothers and a few other mages, while Natsu and Gajeel played some stupid competition. He wore beige shorts and a simple white tank top.
"Looking forward to tonight's dance, Ryker?" Lucy asked, turning to face his direction.
"Not really," he replied coldly. "Mira talked a little about it and it didn't seem very interesting to me."
"It's a special event. Everyone goes very elegant," Wendy said.
"I still remember my first dance," Lucy said nostalgically. "I was just a kid and Mom was still alive, it was beautiful."
"I remember when we went to the princess's castle, right after the Magic Games. It was so much fun," Wendy remembered the party that had been her first dance.
Ryker looked at the two girls, not understanding all that feeling they were showing. He didn't understand what was so special about wearing uncomfortable clothes and dancing two steps back and forth.
"What are you guys talking about?" Cana asked, approaching them and sitting in the chair where Ryker was lying. She didn't look much different from what she usually wears, she just changed her pants for an orange bikini.
"Cana-san! We're talking about the memories we have of our first dances," Wendy said happily.
"Oh, sure. We'll have one today, won't we?".
"And you, Cana? What was your first dance?" Lucy asked.
"I bet she doesn't remember." Ryker looked at her with a sarcastic smile.
Cana punched him in the chest, looking slightly annoyed. "Of course, I remember idiot!" she looked at him disapprovingly. "It was on a job to capture some bad guy who wanted to steal something, I don't know... It was fun, I ate and drank for free. What more could I want?" she smiled satisfyingly.
"Typical of you, Cana," Ryker commented.
"Do you have anything against it?", she replied crossing her arms and looking at him.
"No, that just shows you're smart," he looked at her with satisfaction.
"Aww! Thank you, I'm flattered!", Cana placed a hand on her chest, at the level of her heart, playfully showing her emotion. Then she stood up and struck a sexy model pose. "So, did you like my new bikini?" she asked and gave Ryker a wink, who ignored her.
"It's beautiful, Cana," Lucy said.
"Yes, it's very beautiful Cana-san", Wendy praised her.
"I didn't even notice you were wearing one," Ryker commented mockingly.
The card mage glared at him. "What do you mean by that!?".
"Cana, you walk like that all the time. What's the difference?" he looked at her slyly.
"I'll show you the difference!", she jumped on him strangling him and screaming.
The day continued in the same way, everyone talking and having fun with each other, until the moment came when they had to go up to their rooms and get ready for the dance that would happen in a few moments.
Ryker was in a room with the rest of the guild, a nice tuxedo had been left for him. He picked it up and went to get dressed along with the others. Even without taking the measurements before, it was amazing that the outfit fit her perfectly, just like everyone else.
Mira was getting ready with the girls in another room. As with the boys, their dresses fit perfectly.
"You will look beautiful in this Lu-chan dress", Levy said looking at the blonde.
"Do you really think so, Levy-chan?"
"It is clear. It looks great on you Lucy", Lisanna agreed with the little bluenett.
"Juvia hopes Gray-sama likes her dress. She doesn't want him to look at any other love rivals."
"I wouldn't worry about it, Juvia. Gray only has eyes for you," Mira said with the angelic air that belonged to her.
Juvia looked at her with intense gleam in her eyes. She took Mira's hands in hers, looking at her passionately, "Thank you, Mira-san. She knows Ryker feels the same way about you."
Mira blushed slightly, but smiled sweetly and warmly. "I know, but thanks anyway Juvia. You are very cute".
"If I could use my magic to dress myself, I would be ready already," Erza complained, having to dress normally.
"Welcome to the world of mortals, Erza", Bisca teased her and they all laughed.
Requip's mage looked at them darkly and annoyed, making them all chuckle. "That's not funny! I'm not used to this kind of situation," she raged.
"Well, anyway, I heard there are going to be a lot of guests and that at some point they'll ask us for a dance," Levy said as he overheard some employees talking about the matter.
"That's normal at a dance. There are always exchanges of couples. It must happen to boys too," Lucy explained.
"Juvia won't allow it!" she yelled. "No other woman will dance with my Gray," she said with a look of hate and shark teeth.
The other girls laughed at her and her exaggerated jealousy and protective instinct she had over the ice mage.
"Don't be like that, Juvia. No one is going to steal it from you." Lucy tried to soothe her.
Juvia looked at her darkly. "Love rival!" Lucy recoiled and got a bead of sweat on her forehead.
"Let's go girls! Let's finish getting ready, the boys should be waiting for us", Lisanna said. They all went back to getting ready, putting on makeup, fixing their hair and so many other things.
In the ballroom many guests had already arrived and were enjoying the drinks and delicacies that were served. The Fairy Tail guys were waiting for the girls from the guild, while enjoying the atmosphere and the harassment that some of them received from the prom guests.
"Hey Ryker", Gajeel called to him. "Looking forward to seeing Mira?" he asked teasingly.
"What are you talking about? I see her every day," Ryker replied.
"I think what he meant is seeing you in an elegant ball gown, not everyday wear," Laxus interjected.
Ryker gave him a sideways look and shrugged. "As far as I know, she's always in a dress. I don't know what could be different."
Laxus smiled sarcastically. "Of course there is a difference. Anyone who has seen her dressed for a party knows," he looked at him teasingly.
"Have you ever seen her like this!?" he asked in surprise. On the outside he was calm, but on the inside, he was seething. He didn't like to admit it, but he was jealous of Mirajane and didn't like other men around.
"On certain occasions when the guild had to go to events like this. It's not the first time we've seen our girls dressed up," Laxus replied. "I hope you don't mind," he smirked.
Ryker looked at him and shrugged. "As if I care about these little things", at that moment he wanted to strangle that idiot blonde.
"Then you won't mind if I ask you to dance. It's our thing to dance together at parties like this," Laxus said, what Ryker didn't like was the tone he used to speak. Burning his insides.
Ryker looked at him sideways and darkly. "Feel free. But Freed might not like it...", he replied and walked away. Laxus looked at him and smiled.
No girls had arrived and they were still waiting for them, talking and laughing about some situations. It wasn't long before the girls walked through the door, drawing the attention of the entire room. The men and women turned their attention to them, they drooled at the mages' stunning beauty, while the women looked at them with anger and envy.
As they crossed the hall, they were stopped by all the guests who offered their company, but were politely declined. They went to where the guild boys and their respective pairs were.
Juvia ran to her precious Gray-sama, Levy went with Gajeel, Lucy for Natsu, Cana for a waiter with drinks and Mira for Ryker, who was speechless with the goddess who was in front of him.
"Stop drooling, Ryker," Mira said, smiling shyly at a mesmerized boyfriend. She closed his open mouth with her finger, gently.
Laxus looked at them and smiled, leaving the scene and heading to the middle of the room. Ryker hearing her voice came back to reality and looking up and down the girlfriend smiled and blushed. He had never seen her as beautiful as she was that night.
"You're beautiful! I mean, more than usual," he said awkwardly. "Although you must be used to hearing that." Mira wore a pink, halter-front dress that perfectly lined her body. She wore her hair up in a bun with two strands adorning her face. The makeup was simple and nothing in excess, just highlighting her natural beauty.
"Indeed," she replied. "But coming from you it's special," she smiled angelically. "You look wonderful in that outfit too," she complimented him and he blushed awkwardly and shyly. Mirajane grabbed his arm and smiled. "Shall we?" she said and they walked around the room.
From the upstairs balcony, Valentin appeared at Makarov's side and caught everyone's attention. "Gentlemen! Enjoy the dance we're throwing in honor of Fairy Tail and their service in the war for keeping us safe at the risk of their lives. A round of applause for them!" he asked and everyone greeted the mages of that guild with loud applause.
"Let the party begin!", Valentin ordered after a minute of applause.
The entire hall was filled with calm, pleasant music, and everyone was talking animatedly. The mages interacted amicably with the guests, paying attention to them, only a few were free from the interaction. Gray, as Juvia scared away all the girls who tried to talk to him, Levy, as Gajeel prevented anyone from getting close to his pregnant woman and Mira, who, with Ryker's cold and deadly gaze, kept away any man who dared to approach.
Ryker and Mirajane were at a table eating and laughing at themselves, enjoying the atmosphere. Everything seemed perfect, the food was great, the weather good and company perfect, there was nothing they could improve on.
"Why don't we dance, Ryker?", Mira asked leaning against him.
He looked at her a little warily. "I… I don't know how to dance, Mira. I don't know what to do on that dance floor."
"No problem, I'll guide you," she replied. Mira grabbed his hand and got up dragging him to the dance floor.
"Wait Mira...!", he tried to protest, but it was useless and when he least noticed the two were on the floor with their hands together and he was holding her by the waist and she was holding him by the shoulder.
"Follow in my footsteps," she said as the song started and he did as she said. Ryker held her around the waist with one arm and took her hand with the other. Mirajane started to lead him, slowly they paraded across the dance floor. She took care to give him the confidence he needed with simple steps to get him to let go. Before long he was dancing and they had eyes on each other. Slowly he let go and dared a little on the steps, twirling her around and pulling her to him.
They smiled at each other as they danced. Dancing with Mira was surprisingly enjoyable, and Ryker was caught enjoying it, especially since she was his partner. He didn't even notice and the music changed to a slow one.
"What is this now?", he asked looking around and seeing the couples dancing next to each other.
"It's slow music, it's meant to be romantic," she said and leaned against him. Ryker, despite his sudden surprise, followed her, holding her in his arms looking her in the eyes as he wrapped his arms around his neck. Ryker and Mira stood with their faces so close they could feel the heat emanating from them.
As the music played and they danced, it felt like only they were on the floor. For Ryker, at that moment, there was only Mira, and for her, there was only Ryker. They were fixed on each other, looking at each other, showing all their feelings, just with their eyes. She wrapped her arms around him and he held her by the waist, they danced softly, paying attention only to their partner, nothing more. It was as if they were floating. They stayed like that until the song ended and they were brought back to reality. Ryker and Mira were still together, staring at each other deeply, when the song ended.
Mira smiled and kissed him softly on the lips. "That was better than you thought, wasn't it?"
Ryker didn't react right away, he looked at her for a while and smiled gently. "Yes it was," he replied.
"Would you grant me the honor of a dance?" a good-looking man bowed and asked Mira for a dance, in front of Ryker.
"How is it?", Ryker glared at him, he was ready to punch him, but Mira stopped him.
"Don't worry, Love," she said placing a hand on his chest. "It's common for couples to switch at balls like this one," she smiled fondly at him and turned to the man who asked for the dance. "It would be an honor", she reached out to him who took it and guided her to the dance.
Ryker sighed, even though he didn't like it he let them have that dance. But he didn't need to stand there and watch them, he walked away to another corner, stepping off the track.
"Hey," a female voice called out to him. "Aren't you one of Fairy Tail's mages?", a woman of medium height and green hair, approached him.
"I am, why?" he said dryly.
"I'd like you to take me on a dance," she said with a smile.
Ryker thought if Mira could, why couldn't he? But probably that girl would regret it. "Of course, I don't see why not," he replied.
The girl jumped for joy and stared at him. "What's your name?" she asked with a doubtful look.
"Ryker".
"Ryker?" he made a thoughtful expression. "Never heard of it," she said suspiciously.
"I am young. I joined this year," he replied.
"So, you didn't fight Alvarez?" she asked.
"No, ma'am."
That girl turned her face away in disgust. "Never mind. I'd better go find a more important mage." She turned and walked away, leaving Ryker behind in a daze.
"Damn! That one hurt..." Deep down, however, he felt relieved. Craving some fresh air, Ryker walked out onto the balcony and leaned against the railing, enjoying the view and the cool breeze outside.
He stayed still for a long time, watching everything he could, feeling the air pass over his face and calming him, until he felt a presence beside him.
"Tired of dancing with your girlfriend?".
Ryker smiled out of the corner of his mouth. "Is that you? Tired of chasing waiters with drinks?".
"No, just out of drinks anyway," Cana replied.
"You came here to piss me off?", he said turning his face and looking at the brunette next to him, in a beautiful golden yellow dress with a wide neckline and a slit in the skirt that showed her entire leg. He had to admit, Cana was just too beautiful!
"Like this," she smiled silly.
Ryker looked at her and laughed lightly, looking at his friend. "It had to be you, Cana."
"What's the matter, buddy?", she looked at him with a frown.
"Nothing, you idiot," he replied.
"So, you're just out here to catch a cold?" she nudged him.
"I just needed some air. Aside from Mira, this prom thing sucks!" Ryker complained.
Cana looked at him silly and disinterested. "And where is your precious girlfriend?" she asked mockingly.
"Dancing with some clown in there," Ryker scowled at the memory.
Cana approached him, pressing her mouth close to his ear. "I can be your girlfriend," she whispered slyly.
Ryker turned to face her and affectionately placed a hand on her face, stroking it gently. He wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her to him, eliciting a cute little cry from her. "Cana… I love you!", he said with a bright gleam in his eyes and a firm voice. The brunette sighed for a second at those words and blushed. "As a friend," he chuckled.
Cana changed her expression to something serious and annoyed. She slapped him a few times while he laughed. "You idiot!" she yelled. "Is that a thing to say!? My poor heart can't take so much rejection!", she put her hands on her chest, in fake pain.
"It's fun to play with you," he laughed at Cana's expression. "But seriously Cana. As a friend, I love you," he chuckled.
The brunette punched him on the shoulder and smiled in a silly, gleeful way. "Same, you boring", they looked at each other happily. "Well, I guess I'll go find something to drink. You know, Mom can't have a dry throat," she kissed him on the cheek and walked away from him, entering the party.
"Typical." Ryker turned and leaned over the rail again. He looked down and noticed someone sitting on a bench in the garden. "Isn't that Lisy? What is she doing there alone?", he thought and decided to go to her to see what was happening.
Lisanna was sitting on a bench in the garden looking downcast and thoughtful. She was alone in the night, taking in the cold air that came with the wind, signaling the arrival of autumn.
"What are you doing here alone, Lisy?" She looked up to see Ryker approaching and sitting down beside her.
She smiled shyly. "Just enjoying the fresh night air. Summer is coming to an end, it's a little sad."
Ryker knew she was off the hook, with all the training he'd had, he could tell truth from lies most of the time. "I haven't seen much of autumn, but I've always been told it's a spectacle when the trees change color. It shouldn't be that bad."
Lisanna smiled at what he said. "I think you're right," she said.
Ryker looked at her and sighed lightly. "It's OK. Now you wanna tell me what's going on? Why don't I think that look on your face is because of the end of summer?" he asked without much politeness.
Lisanna looks at him in amazement for a while and sighs, getting crestfallen again. "You're right. Nobody invited me to dance at this ball. Everyone was after Erza, Lucy, Cana, even Juvia, and Mira of course," she said depressed and feeling rejected and alone. "I know I'm not as pretty as they are," she lamented.
Ryker knew exactly what she was going through, the difference being that he, at least, had Mira and didn't mind the rejections. However, he knew that with Lisanna the feeling was different. He wrapped his arm around her pulling her close to him. Lisanna leaned her head on his shoulder and rested, being comforted by her brother-in-law.
"Hey, you're beautiful and cute! Never lower yourself like that! Appreciate yourself, and know your potential, and you have many. You are an amazing person, Lisanna", he told her seriously, as she looked at him in amazement and blushing.
"I know it sucks, I know how you feel," he said as he caressed her affectionately. "A girl came to ask me to dance with her, but when she found out I was a rookie, she rejected me," he chuckled at the memory, even Lisanna chuckled at the fact. "But, you know what? I think you should be happy." Lisanna stood up and looked at him in disbelief.
"What do you mean I should be happy to be rejected?", she asked without understanding anything.
"If no one has seen your worth in pulling you into a stupid little dance, it's because no one here is worth anything. So be glad you aren't courted by assholes," Lisanna overheard and laughed at his statement. She opened her arms and hugged him tightly, being warmly reciprocated by Ryker.
"Thanks, Ryker."
"Relax, girl. But, let's not talk about it to your sister," he commented.
"Why?".
"Do you know how important you and your brother are to her? If she finds out you were upset that no one asked you to dance, she might as well destroy the entire property," they laughed when he finished speaking. Lisanna knew her sister very well and knew this would really be possible.
"I myself feel like killing all those idiots in there. I think it would liven up this boring party," Ryker commented angrily.
"Leave it alone. I'm glad you came to cheer me up a little," she said clinging to him.
He smiled slightly. "I promised Mira to take care of everything that was important to her. And you are one of those things. Plus, you're my sister-in-law/sister Lisy," he stroked her head, ruffling her hairstyle.
Lisanna looked at him in amazement and flushed. "Go… sister!?" she asked in shock.
Ryker smiled and ruffled her hair even more, standing up and giving her hand for her to take.
"If nobody wants you and nobody wants me... we might as well dance together. What do you think?" he asked with a smirk.
Lisanna looked at him with twinkling eyes and smiled, holding his hand. The two returned inside the mansion and ballroom as dance partners.
The two were happily dancing with Lisanna having a beautiful smile on her face. During some songs they danced with each other, enjoying the moment and having fun. He wasn't the best dancer, but he was the best partner.
"I'm so grateful, Ryker. But you're a terrible dancer," she laughed.
"Funny girl," he said annoyed. "After all I've done for you?"
"Teasing you is part of my life now", he smiled happily, even more so with the bored expression he made.
"Let's just dance in silence, yes!" Lisy laughed, not holding back with him.
Ryker and Lisanna continued dancing together before sitting down at a table, tired of all the activity.
"Thanks for the company," Lisanna thanked him.
"You're welcome, Lisy. I just hope no one else comes to ask to dance. I'm sick of it," he complained.
"I think your request will be denied," she commented.
"Which? Why?" he asked, but he didn't have time to hear the answer. He was abducted by a red-haired woman in a beautiful off-the-shoulder purple dress with white sleeves.
"We will! You're the only one left for a dance partner."
"And… Erza! Hang on!"
"Shut up! Just dance", she ordered and started to guide him around the dance floor.
"What happened to your previous partners?" Ryker asked not wanting to know the answer.
"They didn't have the spirit enough," she said simply. Ryker looked around to see a crowd of dizzy and passed out men, he soon understood what she meant and swallowed hard.
"I think you get too carried away sometimes," he commented.
"If you don't get excited about what you do, what's the point of doing it?", Erza replied.
"That's true," he agreed, but let's face it… Erza exaggerates.
Ryker was dancing with Erza when he noticed Mira's prying eyes on them, and could see her nervousness from the way she tapped her finger on the table where she was sitting. Luckily for him the song was ending.
"Nothing to worry about," Erza said. "We're not going to do anything to bother you."
"So, you noticed too!"
"Is not difficult. And I don't want to cause any trouble between the two of you, but we're still friends," she looked at him.
"It's okay Erza. This is just something she and I will deal with in time, it won't be a problem", he finished saying and the music changed to a slow one.
Ryker cursed himself inside, he couldn't let go of her in the middle of a song. Even though he hated himself, he wrapped his arm around her waist, bringing her to him. Erza wrapped her arms around his neck and they danced close together.
"That might be a problem now," he said, though there was an amused tone to his voice.
Erza laughed. "Maybe, but let's just enjoy the music and the dancing."
They danced for a while, silently enjoying each other's surroundings and company, without any malice. They looked each other straight in the eye and smiled at each other, dancing across the dance floor as the music played. For some reason they were both flushed with each other's presence, but they were comfortable at the same time.
"You look beautiful," Ryker commented.
Erza looked at him startled and blushed even more, becoming strangely shy. "Eh… th… thanks," she said shyly. "Mira won't… won't she be jealous?"
"I can still praise you, Erza. We're friends, but I still think you're cute and pretty", he said looking at her deeply and with a slight blush on his face. Erza looked at him and smiled, clinging even closer to him.
"I shouldn't say such things," she scolded him, not really wanting to scold. "Other than that, you look great too," she blushed as she said. They looked at each other and smiled at each other.
Mira, sitting at a table, broke some silverware she was holding in her hands. It annoyed her to watch Erza and Ryker dance so close to each other and so comfortable with each other. A black aura around her formed, pushing everyone away in fear of the powerful Take Over.
Erza and Ryker continued dancing comfortably, inexplicably she didn't destroy him in the dance like she did with her other partners. But Erza had some more serious business with him than just praise and innocent courtship.
"I've been talking to Jellal," she said, suddenly changing the subject.
Ryker changed his expression to a more serious tone. "About the guild?"
"Exactly. He's in contact with an informant. Looks like the threats to our guild are real, he's still looking for more information."
"It was what I feared. As soon as we get back, we have to create some contingency plan. We don't know exactly what we're dealing with and we'll need to be prepared for anything," Ryker said seriously.
"I agree. Tomorrow we go home so we can talk to the master and start thinking about something".
"We have to be careful. If they attack us, it will be by surprise," Ryker said seriously.
"How do you know?"
"Why would I do that," he replied.
"That's no surprise," she commented, smiling. "I must assume your training prepared you for everything, didn't it?"
"Look who's talking!", he said with a slight smile from the corner of his mouth to Erza. "You're so perceptive you'd guess their plan just the same."
Erza smiled a little proudly. "Maybe", she commented and they continued dancing and talking until the song ended.
They broke apart and looked at each other. "It was a good dance, Ryker. Thanks for accompanying me," Erza said.
"I should be grateful. It's not every day that a lowly mortal is joined by the all-powerful Titania, the Fairy Queen. Oh, Your Majesty!" Ryker teases her.
Erza looks at him slightly annoyed, but changes her expression to something soft, tender and nostalgic. "It's been a while since you teased me like that," she said.
"Maybe I'll start over, since you like it," he sneered at her.
Erza pulled out a sword and pointed it at his throat looking at him seriously. "Better behave," she ordered. Ryker smiled and threw up his hands in defeat, bidding the redhead goodbye and heading to his girlfriend's table. She saw him leaving and smiled, heading in the other direction.
When Ryker arrived at Mira's table, she was sullen and in a bad mood, not wanting to look at her boyfriend. Ryker smiled and approached her, sitting right next to the white-haired mage, she turned away from him. Ryker hugged her and pulled her against him. Mirajane turned her face towards him looking at him in an irritated and dark and frightening way, but he wasn't intimidated. He caressed her face and kissed her cheek. He looked at her passionately, and he knew better than anyone how to soothe her. Mira struggled, but she knew she couldn't hold back the anger for long, he had this power over her and soon she was smiling and blushing shyly in his arms. Ryker had his way of showing that he was the only one who really mattered and he always let her know that.
"AWH! It was a really good night", Mira said stretching and flopping down on the bed.
"I'd say different," Ryker commented as he lay down beside her.
"Your grumpy manner doesn't fool me. You had a little fun at your first dance," she said, turning over in bed and turning to him.
Ryker smirked. "That's why you were there."
"Not all the time. After we danced you disappeared", she looked at him with a frown and a pout. "And appeared dancing with Lis".
"Well, I had to get some fresh air. And what could I do if Lisy wanted the best company of the night," he bragged playfully.
Mira huffed and pouted angrily. "Erza seemed to want that company too."
Ryker smiled and hugged her kissing her neck, over Mira's protests. "My girlfriend is so jealous. Are you still jealous of the redhead?", he said, having fun with her.
Mira looked at him annoyed and pouted. "Look who's Talking! You didn't like it either when that gentleman asked me for a dance. You were ready to kill him."
Ryker looked away angrily. "That was different. He had suspicious looks all over you," he snorted.
Mira laughed and jumped on top of him, leaning her tit against his, looking at him deeply. "My boyfriend is so jealous", she repeated what he said and kissed him, quickly she was reciprocated. They kissed passionately before falling asleep.
The next morning Mira woke up alone in bed. She looked to the side, but Ryker wasn't beside her. She got up and went to the bathroom, he wasn't there either. Assuming he woke up earlier, she dressed normally and went downstairs for breakfast.
However, there was no sign of him. Mirajane ate her meal normally, but something inside her started to bother, she felt a little anguish growing in her chest. As soon as she finished eating, Mira went into the garden, but found no trace of Ryker and she began to worry. Back inside the mansion the other mages were having their respective breakfasts. She asked them if they had seen Ryker anywhere, but they all denied it.
Mira started to get desperate, she went around the mansion looking for her boyfriend, but didn't find any trace of his presence. She sat at a table alone, restless, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Is everything okay, Mira?", Makarov asked worriedly, seeing the young mage's plight.
Mira looked at him for help. "Master, I can't find Ryker," she said with a tone of worry and anguish that could be heard in her voice.
"What do you mean, daughter?" asked the master.
"I woke up and he was nowhere to be found. I've looked everywhere and in the garden, but nothing," she said in anguish. "I don't know what's going on," she put her hands to her face and started to cry.
Makarov immediately took hold of the aiming arms and gently removed them from her face. He looked at her fondly. "Don't worry my daughter. I will not leave any of my children helpless. We're going to find him and find out what happened."
Mirajane looked at him grateful and hopeful. "Thank you master", she smiled in relief.
Makarov climbed on top of the table where Mira was and caught the attention of all the mages in the room.
"Attention!" he called to them. "Ryker hasn't been seen since this morning. We have to find him for his and Mira's sake. We will not rest until we find him. So, search every corner," he ordered.
Before all the mages had left to look for Ryker, Alan had entered the cafeteria and hurriedly made his way to Makarov. "Forgive me for intruding, my lord," he bowed. "But I believe I know the whereabouts of your guild's mage," he said.
"What!?" Makarov said in surprise, and Mira looked at the butler expectantly.
"Yes, my Sir. I saw him leaving the house very early in the morning. I questioned him and he said he would go ahead and solve some things. But before I could say anything he left," Alan said.
Mira eyed him suspiciously. "That's not his thing. He wouldn't leave without talking to me first," she questioned him.
Alan looked at her and Makarov. His eyes glowed a faint purple, provoking the same reaction in Mira's and Makarov's eyes. "Like I said, he left early and didn't say why."
Both Makarov and Mira looked numb and mesmerized. "I see, he left early to work something out," Mira repeated.
"I think it's all settled then," Makarov said, ending the search for his missing companion.
"Wait!", Natsu yelled. "What are you talking about? Like Mira said, he wouldn't leave without talking to her first", he said suspicious of their attitude.
"He is right Master. That sounds weird," Lucy agreed with the Dragon Slayer.
"Ryker isn't like that. Besides what would he have to do all of a sudden?" Wendy asked.
Erza drew a sword and got ready for battle. "That doesn't feel right to me either, master." She looked at Mira, who had a faraway, lost gaze. "What's the matter with you Mira?" she asked.
"Silence!" Makarov shouted. "Our host said he saw him leaving, there's no reason to disagree with him," he said irritably.
"But master..." Gray intruded on the conversation, but was cut off by Makarov's furious gaze.
Alan raised his hand, stopping Makarov and bowing to him and everyone in the guild. "Forgive me, my friends. My mistake for not letting you know in advance, but it's the absolute truth," he said. "Again, forgive me for the confusion." Alan bowed and looked at the rest of the guild the same way he did Mira and Makarov, mesmerizing everyone, and then leaving.
In another corner of the house, Valentin and Albert were talking privately, and the atmosphere was not very friendly between them.
"I hope this doesn't get me into trouble, Albert," Valentin said ominously.
"I have my specimen. It's all I need. The others' data has already been sent, so your work is done. Go pretend to be cordial with them while I work on something really worthwhile." Albert turned his back on Valentin and went his way, leaving Valentin alone and angry.
"One day this way of yours will kill you", Valentin threatened him, Albert just nodded and continued on his way.