Kind of a weird fairy tale/Rapunzel AU. Definitely want to expand on it, though. I had too much fun with it. I want to flesh out more of the backstory for them...

I did expand on the drabble a little bit. Fixed the organization of a few lines, mostly.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.


Title: Tower Demons

Pairing: Mirajane x Freed

Requester: furidojasutin

Prompt: no prompt


Mirajane scrubbed at the wooden countertop, humming a tune she could no longer place a name to. Soon the tower's occupants would awaken, and food would need to be ready for them when they did. It was simple fare, and the work was monotonous, yet Mirajane found the routine soothing and the food tasted better and more filling than at any banquet she'd ever attended.

The bell over the door suddenly chimed, and Mirajane glanced up, startled. It was unusual to have new customers this early in the morning - though not completely unheard of. Especially by foot... she would surely have noticed hooves on the cobblestone courtyard. Straightening her spine, she plastered her friendliest smile across her face. "Hello!" she greeted, as a man entered the building. "Welcome to the Tower Tavern and Inn! How can I help you, traveler?"

Eyes glazed over with weariness, the stranger hesitated a long moment, before replying, "Good morning, ma'am. I assume you're the owner of this establishment?"

His words made Mirajane raise an eyebrow. As uncommon as new patronage was in the morning, it was far more rare to encounter a customer with such cultured speech. "Yes, I am," she responded. "You may call me Mirajane." Her gaze lingered on his dress. Though travel-worn and faded by the sun, his garments were definitely of a much higher caliber than the usual customers. More importantly, there was a generous amount of dried mud and dirt on his boots. It had not rained in several days, but there was a creek not too far from the inn. This confirmed her suspicions regarding his lack of a steed. Curious, that he seemed to have so little travel gear on his person...

He nodded, though it was more of a small bow. "Lady Mirajane. May I ask… how much is it for a room for the night?"

"Three coppers," she responded, holding back giggles at being called "Lady". It had been a long time since she'd been addressed as such! And none would think to call her that now. With the sole exception of this stranger, it would seem. Really, it ought not to tickle her so, but here she was.

The man was not skilled at holding back his surprise at the low price. "Forgive me, my lady, for it's not my place, but… that seems a rather low rate for such well maintained establishment."

"The real estate came at a bargain. Apparently, there was a demon living in here before." Her eyes twinkled, despite the low lighting. "Not to worry though - the only demon you'll see is me, and that's only if you cause trouble or if you fail to pay your tab."

"I will keep that in mind," the man laughed softly. "I would be a fool to underestimate the strength of a working woman."

"Or that of her brother," Mirajane added.

He inclined his head. "Noted. Though I still believe you to be the more dangerous, between you."

Mirajane's mouth curved into a darker smile. Well. His instincts were certainly good. "What is your name, stranger? If you don't mind me asking."

"Freed," he stated, sitting on a barstool. "I'm in the area hunting down a rumor."

"Oh?" Mirajane resumed her earlier humming, now polishing a piece of already spotless glassware.

Freed nodded. "I heard that there was once a beautiful woman locked up in a tower after being cursed with the form of a demon. Would you happen to know anything about that?"

Mirajane let the question rest in the air, suspended between them on invisible strings. "Could be that I do. I heard she manages her curse now, thanks to the love and help of her family."

"Does she, now?" Freed's eyes were piercing as they watched Mirajane.

"That's what I've heard." Setting the glass back onto its shelf, Mirajane turned towards the man. Now that she was closer, she could see handsome features beneath the travel dirt. She would have to tell Elfman to draw Freed a bath later. She was curious about what shade Freed's hair was, under all the grime. "So," she said, propping her arms on the counter and resting her chin on her hands. "Tell me... what is your interest in this demon woman?"

"I was going to ask her advice, actually. Seems I have a bit of a… demon problem myself."

How promising.

"Do tell."


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