I do not own Fairy Tail.

Scents of peppermint filled the kitchen of the Fairy Tail guild as Mira opened the oven to check the cake inside. It was nearing Christmas time, so Mira was doing her best to pump out as many holiday-themed treats as she could manage. She had made little gingerbread houses that included figures made out of candy. There was a wide array of cookies in endless flavors and all shaped to fit the holiday theme. There were Christmas trees built out of candy and covered in green icing with sprinkles. She had been busy all day, attempting to keep herself distanced from the fear that had started to camp in her mind.

Two days ago, a fellow guild member had returned from a mission that had taken place near the same area where Gray's team was currently working. This person had claimed that a member of that team had been injured while seeking out the ruffians that had been causing so much trouble. The source was unable to say which member had been injured, or provide any useful information about the incident. As a whole, the guild completely had faith in the skills of Erza's team, and there was little doubt that injuries were minimal. As an individual, Mira was attempting to stay afloat in the sea of panic and despair that was whirling inside of her. She felt mildly silly since she had previously cared about all of the team members equally, and now Gray was her main concern. If something happened to him, she would haul around so much regret. . . she shook her head roughly to erase the thoughts that she had been working so hard to ignore.

Tongue poking between her lips, Mira carefully added some icing decoration to a batch of cookies. Suddenly a loud cheering began in the guild hall, startling Mira and causing her to squeeze the tube of green icing far too tightly. The icing squirted up into the air and landed in her hair. She reached for a towel to wipe the goop away, but abandoned the thought as she heard someone yelling "Welcome back, Erza!" They're back, she thought intensely. They're back, and everyone seems happy. They're back! She dashed out of the kitchen, pausing to take attendance: everyone was accounted for. She scrambled towards them, but stopped again as she noticed Lucy standing with the help of a crutch. Slowly she walked to them, gently making her way to the front of the crowd and said, "Oh, Lucy, what happened?"

Lucy flapped a hand in the air and laughed as she said, "Oh, I'm just a clutz! I was walking down some stairs and twisted my ankle!"

Mira frowned, glancing at Wendy. "No one could help?"

At this, Carla jumped on top of the table and wave d a paw at MiraJane. "Obviously Wendy would have liked to help her. However, it would have been unwise to squander her power for such a minor injury." Carla glared at Lucy for a moment then continued. "Plus, if she can't watch where she is walking then maybe she deserves a little pain." The white cat then hopped down to the floor and scuffled away.

Mira stared after the Exceed, but decided not to ask why she was being so sensitive. Instead she offered to bring them some drinks and as she turned to retrieve them, Gray piped up, "I'll help you, Mira." The two walked to the kitchen in silence, and Mira retrieved several mugs for them to fill. As she turned to face him she noticed he was holding a towel and she instantly remembered the icing in her hair. "I see you've decorated your hair in honor of our homecoming," he said smoothly and stepped toward her to rub the icing that was smeared in her hair.

Mira inhaled sharply and acted without thinking. She met him halfway, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her face into his chest. "Gray, I'm so glad you're okay! I heard that someone had gotten hurt, but no one had any information, and I was so worried!"

For a moment, she was afraid that the embrace was not welcomed, because Gray stood completely still and did not return the gesture. Just as she was beginning to pull away, his muscular arms wrapped around her and pulled her closer. "I didn't know I meant that much to you," he muttered into her hair. Before Mira could answer, he pulled away abruptly and wiped a hand across his face. He smeared green across his cheek as well as the back of his hand.

Mira burst into giggles at the sight and quickly regretted it when Gray swiftly wiped the hand across her face, leaving behind a sticky streak. Her eyes widened and she reached for the forgotten tube of icing, taking aim at the ice wizard and squeezing as tightly as she could. The green frosting shot out of the tube and splattered all over his bare chest. When had he removed his shirt? As she looked at him half-dressed in her kitchen, she felt a little weak in the knees and reached for the side of the counter to steady herself.

Gray noticed Mira wobble slightly and he lurched forward to help her remain upright, wrapping an arm around her hip and the other resting on her shoulder. His deep blue eyes looked into her matching ones and he quietly said, "MiraJane, are you alright?" Her cheeks gained a rosy tint and he worried that she may be ill. She does work awfully hard to take care of this place, he thought grimly. It would be no surprise if she was wiped out from all the effort. He glanced around the kitchen, noting all of the treats she had been slaving to create. As he looked at her face again, his eyes traced the green smudge he had put on her cheek, and he felt like a terrible person for marring that beautiful face.

Her heart began to beat more enthusiastically, and her breathing came in quick spurts. He was so close; he was holding her so gently and dearly. The ice mage's midnight eyes searched her own, captivating her even as the eyes roamed her face. If ever there was a time, this is it, she told herself and took a deep breath. Quietly, she said, "I wasn't, but I am now."

Involuntarily Gray began to hold his breath as he quickly contemplated the meaning of her words. It would be impressive if he could successfully interpret what she said, but it would be disastrous if he failed. He chose to play it safe and said, "What do you mean?"

The corners of her delicate mouth twitched and tears welled in her eyes. "It is just so great to have you back safe at the guild." She paused, clearly preparing herself, and then continued. "You really do mean that much to me." Her voice was soft, and he probably wouldn't have heard what she said if she wasn't so close to him.

He exhaled the breath he'd been holding, and he couldn't help but smile. "On that note, Mira, would you come to dinner with me tonight?"