A/N: To anyone following this, the latest update (10/4/17) is just some formatting - I noticed none of my ***** separations carried over and wanted to put them back. Hopefully a new chapter is coming soon - I AM working on it!
Mira stumbled into her room after everyone else had disappeared for the night. Since she was the one who made room assignments, she already knew who her new roommates would be for the night: Elfman, Lisanna, and Evergreen. Seeing Evergreen sound asleep in the bed next to Elfman's had at first been a surprise (she knew they were trying to be discrete), but then she simply smiled and shrugged, heading to the bathroom to ready herself for bed. Maybe I should have gotten them their own room, she thought to herself as she readied for bed. Nah, the guild can only handle so many new couples at once. Sorry, Brother. When she came out a few moments later, her usual pajamas exchanged for a black short and tank top combo, she gasped in surprise when she saw Lisanna sitting up in the bed.
"Lisanna?" she asked, moving to sit cross-legged on her own bed next to her sister's. "Something wrong?"
Her brow furrowed, Lisanna looked at her with open curiosity. "Is everything going to be different now, Mira?"
Mira's brow furrowed to match hers. She had a good idea of what her little sister was referring to. "It's possible," she admitted, "but none of us would have given them the push if we didn't think they were ready."
Lisanna nodded, her eyes distant. She completely agreed with Mira, but a part of her was still upset. "Natsu and I used to talk about getting married when we were kids," she suddenly blurted. Mira's eyes widened slightly but she said nothing. She knew about their closer relationship when they were younger, but she had been too much of a wild brat to really care. "We took care of Happy's egg like he was our baby. We were a family." Her face fell. "But then I was gone for so long, I didn't think I was ever going to make it back here." Her eyes moved to her sleeping brother. "And everyone here thought I was dead."
"Lisanna," Mira began, moving to sit on the young mage's bed and place a reassuring arm around her shoulders. She did not need to be reminded of those heart-wrenching years that she and Elfman thought their youngest sibling was dead. Elfman blamed himself for so long, and Mira had doubted she would ever be truly happy again…
Bright blue eyes met those of her sister, nearly identical. Lisanna's eyes were shining, but not with sadness. "I'm so happy for them, Mira," she admitted with a wide smile.
"You are?" she couldn't help but ask in her shock.
"Of course! Edolas Natsu was in love with Lucy too. I saw what appeared to be a one-sided love and only wanted to do everything in my power to make him happy, even if it meant he was with someone else. We became close, but not like Lucy and Natsu are here. When they came to Edolas and I saw the relationship they have, I couldn't have been happier for him."
"That's very mature of you, Lisanna."
With a visible shake, Lisanna looked to her sleeping brother once more. "I don't want anyone to have to feel alone anymore."
Surprised by her dark words, Mira hugged her. "No one's alone. We're a part of Fairy Tail."
Hugging the Satan Soul wizard that could so easily strike fear into the hearts of others, Lisanna released her, then scooted back, laying back down on the bed. "And who knows what the morning will bring," she wisely stated.
Swallowing, Mira could only nod and return to her own bed, turning down the lights as she went. The room felt different. Even with her siblings present, Lisanna's words struck a nerve. She had said no one was alone, but sometimes she felt more alone than anyone, despite the face she showed. Is Lisanna aware of how I feel sometimes? As she slipped beneath the covers and pulled them up over her shoulder, her eyes fell to the window and the starry sky beyond. What was the morning going to bring? How would the night's events affect not just the teams, but the guild? Snuggling deeper into the bed, Mira forced herself to close her eyes and purge such concerns from thought. Like she said, Erza, Master, and herself had given careful thought to the day's and night's events. It would not have even been discussed if they thought it would endanger anyone or change anything for the worse. The entire country had just faced extinction. Acnologia and Zeref were still out there, still risks. If now wasn't the time to start cultivating relationships, then there really was no good time.
Mira stayed in her bed for as long as she dared, staring at the sky, then the wall, trying to will herself to sleep. She had been practically falling asleep at the beach, so now why wouldn't sleep come? With a huff, she finally threw back the covers and got out of bed, walking on her bare feet to the balcony. She opened the doors as quietly as she could, quickly shutting them behind her just as gently, checking through the window to make sure none of her roommates had been disturbed. The night air was warm, the breeze cooling and gentle as it kissed her skin. Sighing, she leaned against the doors, her hands still on the handles, and closed her eyes. Breathing in the sea air was soothing beyond measure.
"Can't sleep?" a deep voice suddenly boomed into the darkness, even if it was speaking quietly.
"Laxus?" she cried out in a whisper, her whole body jumping in surprise.
The lightning dragon slayer chuckled, his eyes closing gently. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
Mira came away from the door to lean on the railing closest to his. He was standing on the balcony to his room (his room was right next to hers), his arms folded across his bare chest. "You didn't scare me," she immediately replied in defense, her voice sharper than she intended. Then she sighed, "And no." She looked him up and down with slightly narrowed eyes. He wore nothing but sleeping pants. "I take it you couldn't sleep either?" He shrugged noncommittally. She wouldn't expect anything different from the man. Even in their younger years, when she had been referred to as the She-Devil, he had always been calm and serious. She had tried to bait him into fights more often than not but he never would give in. He was another of Fairy Tail's wizards that had both changed tremendously and not changed at all over the years.
"So," he breathed, shoving his hands into his pockets. It was the first time Mira saw him look somewhat uncomfortable, even if he was never one to talk much. "Did your plans come to fruition?"
Mira blushed and looked at her hands. "You could say that."
"I've heard of guys being dense, but those three are some of the worst."
Smiling, Mira nodded. "Gray wasn't oblivious," she countered. "And I don't think Gajeel and Natsu were as ignorant of the girls' feelings as they appeared."
"Natsu was different after the Eclipse Project," he admitted, his eyes turning dark. "I saw the change."
"I did too. I think it was watching Future-Lucy die," she breathed. Her cheeks immediately burned and she looked away, blinking back tears. As much as she had wanted to get the two together, talking about something so personal didn't feel right; and the idea of any Lucy dying hurt her deeply.
His silence brought her eyes back up, but she still wouldn't look at him. Like everyone else, she had experienced real fear during the Eclipse Project. Even with everyone fighting and giving it all they had, it had looked certain that they were going to lose. The dragon slayers had each taken on a dragon of their own, with varying success. She had never been so thrilled for the seven of them (Eric included), and yet so afraid. She was an optimist, she is a member of Fairy Tail, after all, but her optimism had left her when she saw how easily the dragons took out her friends.
"Mira?" he asked softly, his voice closer. She looked up at him with a start, blood rushing to her cheeks as she blinked back tears. He had moved to the side of his railing closest to hers.
"I'm fine," she answered immediately, closing her eyes and smiling her usual soft smile as she brushed her hair back from her face.
Laxus had kept an eye on Mira throughout their encounter. He noticed her short black shorts and cropped top, something reminiscent of her younger years. Her bangs were loosed from their usual confines, her white hair flowing freely about her. The moment she stepped onto the balcony he could feel her sadness – a sadness she tried so desperately to hide, instead focusing on the happiness of those around her. The happiness of her friends brought her happiness, anyone who knew Mira could see that, but when would she decide that that wasn't enough?
Without allowing himself time to think about it, he planted one hand on the railing and slung his legs over, landing on her balcony silently despite his size. She looked at him with surprise, her eyes wide, until he pulled her into the circle of his arms, one hand at the back of her head, the other around her back. "You worry so much about the happiness of others that you neglect to worry about your own happiness," he chastised, his voice deep and rumbling against her ear.
As soon as Laxus' arms went around her, Mira went rigid with surprise, her eyes wide even though she could only see his chest. At his gentle words she relaxed, cautiously wrapping her arms around his waist and closing her eyes. She had never imagined that Laxus would be so gentle, so nice to her, even if he never was as rude to her as he was to everyone else. In fact, he treated her better than he often treated his own teammates – she'd never realized that before. He was warm and clean, smelling slightly of lemons. By the time she realized her heart was racing, it was too late. "Their happiness is what matters most to me," she admitted into his chest, her voice slightly muffled. "Mine comes second."
"Gramps was such an idiot for not making you fifth master," he quietly admitted.
Giggling, Mira squeezed him gently. "I'm not ready to be Master."
"You'd be perfect," he argued.
"Being Master would take me away from the guild more than I want. Who would be there to cook for everyone and serve their drinks?"
"Kinana and Lisanna," he answered easily.
Mira grew quiet and still in his arms, enjoying the feel of someone touching her, someone holding her gently. She didn't want to talk about who would be Master after Makarov. It was hard to imagine Fairy Tail without him. If he chose her, she would do her best to fulfill the duties of Master, but she wasn't sure that she wanted that. She liked her quiet life. Taking a deep breath, she snuggled into Laxus' chest, his coiling black tattoo at her eye level as her arms tightened around him. "This is nice," she breathed, not realizing she had said so out loud until Laxus agreed.
"It is."
Mortified, Mira stiffened, contemplating jumping out of his grasp. His grip on her tightened as though he sensed this. He took a deep breath, not sure how to say what he wanted to say to the Satan Soul wizard in his arms that preferred to only show her soft and gentle side. "Tell me what's bothering you."
"I'm fine."
"Come on, Mira. How long have we known each other?" he admonished. "I can tell when you aren't happy."
Mira debated whether or not she should tell him. Have an in depth conversation with Laxus? The idea seemed preposterous – the words Laxus and conversation practically contradicted each other. "It's nothing," she meekly fought.
"No it isn't."
Swallowing, Mira gathered her courage. "Have you ever been surrounded by people and still felt incredibly alone?"
Laxus practically snorted. "All the time," he admitted. "But I prefer it that way."
Mira drew into herself. She knew him just as well as he knew her. He preferred to be alone, preferred the quiet. Yes, he had The Thunder Legion, the three other members practically worshipping him, but that kind of relationship was different. Freed would fawn over him, even at the guild, but it was like once they were back in the guild Laxus became a quiet, withdrawn person who just seemed moody. She assumed part of his attitude stemmed from being banned from the guild by his own grandfather, not being allowed back as an official member until Gildarts was appointed master, short as his appointment was. When she continued to say nothing, Laxus squeezed her gently. "I'm sorry," he started, "that came out wrong."
She shook her head against his chest. "No, it's fine. I know you prefer to be alone."
"But you don't?"
Again she hesitated. "Not all the time," she finally admitted.
"What about Lisanna and Elfman?"
"They're my siblings. That's different. I guess seeing these relationships blossoming before my eyes finally got to me." She laughed without humor. "I guess I'm a little envious."
The hand on the back of her head gently trailed down her hair, before going back to the top, his large and rough hand smoothing her hair down, or at least attempting to. "It's OK to want that kind of connection with someone, Mira." Hell, sometimes I feel that way myself!
She didn't know what to say. Was Laxus actually trying to comfort her?! What's gotten into him, she wondered to herself. Is this just because of the others tonight? Swallowing, she tried to push out of his embrace. "I think I'll go back in now," she tried as he held her there.
"If you feel alone, you can come stay with me," he offered quietly.
Mira's heart stuttered to a surprised stop before restarting as she swallowed nervously. "That wouldn't be appropriate, Laxus," she finally answered.
He laughed, loosing his grip on her gently but still not letting her go. "I have an extra bed in my room. It's just me. You won't have to worry about being surrounded and feeling alone."
Although it didn't make sense, somehow his proposition of sleeping with less people did make it seem less lonely. It was like Laxus suddenly felt like a kindred spirit. He understood. But how would Elfman and Lisanna react to her disappearance though? After only another moment of internal debate, she nodded softly. He immediately set her free and stepped back so she could jump to his balcony before following after her; he knew better than to try and help her over. Once they were both in his room, Laxus actually scratched the back of his neck as though he didn't think this far ahead.
"Take your pick," he offered. His bed as yet appeared untouched.
Choosing the bed by the door, Mira moved closer to it before turning around to face the towering blonde man before her. She rested one hand on his forearm and stood up onto her toes to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Laxus," she murmured, before spinning around and getting into the offered bed. He stood there a moment, shocked still, before he followed suit and climbed into his own bed. There were no 'good night's' uttered, no other words spoken between the two of them, as Mira closed her eyes and finally felt sleep pulling her down into the darkness.
"You're welcome," she faintly heard, just before sleep finally overtook her.
A/N: I know this is a lot shorter than the rest but I had to put something in here for Mira! :)
Disclaimer: The usual... I do not own Fairy Tail or any of the characters (unfortunately). They all belong to the genius that is Hiro Mashima. I just like to write about them. :) Hope you enjoy!
