The guild hall buzzed with the usual cacophony of smiles and cheers. The air was filled with laughter, the clinking of mugs, and the lively tunes of the guild's makeshift band. Mira couldn't help but appreciate the warmth of camaraderie surrounding them.

When Mira and Laxus entered, their victorious return from the demon-hunting mission was met with a mix of cheers and curious glances. The news of Laxus joining her and their success had already spread amongst their members. Everyone in the guild was eager to hear the details, but that would have to wait.

Mira caught glimpses of familiar faces, some nodding in acknowledgment, others raising their glasses in a salute. She scanned the room, her eyes eventually meeting those of Laxus, who gave her a subtle nod.

There was a silent understanding between them now, forged in the crucible of the night, that went beyond the need for public acknowledgment.

As they approached the bar, the master, Makarov, stood from his seat with a stern expression. He motioned for them to join him in his office for a little more privacy. Mira exchanged a glance with Laxus, a shared acknowledgment that their return wouldn't go unnoticed.

The master had recovered fairly well, all things considered. He still managed to get around well enough, albeit rather slowly and with the use of his cane. So far, Fairy Tail had remained in his care at the members request, but Mirajane predicted there might be a possible change in the near future.

The atmosphere between the three of them was charged with anticipation as Laxus and Mira approached the master's office. Master Makarov turned to them, his eyes narrowing with a mix of concern and displeasure.

"Laxus, Mirajane," he greeted, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "Come in. We need to discuss your recent mission."

They entered, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Makarov gestured for them to take a seat, his gaze fixed on Mira with an intensity that made her shift uncomfortably.

They sat, but Mira felt a twinge of unease. Makarov, though a fatherly figure to many in the guild, had a keen sense of responsibility and a penchant for thorough debriefings.

"Mirajane, you went on an SS-class mission to eliminate demons, yet you failed to check in with the guild for months. Do you realize the worry and chaos your silence caused?" Makarov's voice held a rare edge of anger.

Mira bowed her head, acknowledging the gravity of her actions. "I apologize, Master. The mission was more challenging than anticipated, and I got caught up in dealing with the demons. I should have informed the guild, and I'm truly sorry for any distress I caused

Makarov's gaze remained stern. "Apologies won't erase the concern you caused. Fairy Tail is a family, and communication is crucial. Now, tell me about the mission. What happened, and why did it take so long?"

Laxus, sensing Mira's unease, spoke up. "Master, the demons we faced were on a different level. It required time and strategy to ensure their complete eradication. Mirajane was dealing with a serious threat to the city, and she made the tough calls to protect its citizens."

Makarov's gaze shifted to Laxus, his suspicion evident. "Laxus, while all that is well and good, why do I sense there's more to this story. Mirajane, is there anything you're not telling me?"

Mira hesitated, her gaze flickering with guilt. She had planned to confess, to lay bare the truth about her feeding habits, but Laxus's intervention saved her from facing her shame in front of the master. At least for now.

Laxus, meeting the master's gaze with a steely resolve, spoke before Mira could respond. "Master, Mirajane was facing demons that pushed her to the edge. She had to tap into her full strength, even resorting to techniques she doesn't normally use. It was a matter of survival, and she made the difficult decisions to protect the city."

Makarov's expression softened, but suspicion lingered in his eyes. He wanted to pry more about these techniques but decided to let it go for now. "I appreciate your dedication to the guild, Mirajane, but secrecy during solo missions can't become a habit. We rely on each other, and trust is paramount. Do you understand?"

Mira nodded, a mixture of gratitude and guilt swirling within her. "I do, Master. I won't let it happen again."

"Is there anything else you would like to tell me?" The Master tried one more time, but this time with the support of Laxus, Mirajane shook her head. She wasn't ready to share.

Makarov sighed, his tone softer. "Very well. You both did well on the mission, but we need to ensure better communication in the future."

"Yes Master." They both responded.

Makarov nodded, seemingly satisfied with them. "Good. Now, go and join the festivities. You've earned the celebration."

As they left the master's office, Mira turned to Laxus, a mixture of relief and gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for covering for me, Laxus. I was going to tell him the truth, but I appreciate your support."

Laxus shrugged, a rare hint of vulnerability in his expression. "I'm sorry for overstepping, it wasn't my place to make that decision. You told me last night you weren't ready to share and I just…I didn't want it to be something you regretted."

Mirajane gave him a grateful smile. "I do appreciate it."

Laxus looked down at her and nodded slightly. "But remember, secrets have a way of surfacing. It's best to find a way to address this with the master eventually."

Mira nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in his words. The guild hall awaited them, buzzing with activity and the familiar sounds of Fairy Tail camaraderie. As they rejoined their comrades.

The guild hall welcomed them with cheers and applause as they returned to their comrades. Laxas had taken a seat next to her at the table, a rare occurrence indeed. As they mingled with the guild members, she caught herself stealing glances at him, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had deepened during their mission.

Despite the camaraderie and shared victory, Mira's feelings had taken a turn, She saw Laxus in a different light now. She admired Laxus for his strength, loyalty, and the understanding he showed in crucial moments. However, the complexities of her own inner struggles kept her emotions in check.

As the night unfolded with laughter, toasts, and shared stories, Mira and Laxus found themselves at the heart of Fairy Tail's celebration. Little did they know that the echoes of this night would linger, shaping the dynamics of their connection in ways that went beyond the battles fought against demons and the shadows within.

Cana chuckled, pouring herself a drink. "I bet there's more to the story. You two always have a way of stirring up excitement."

Mira shot Laxus a sidelong glance, a playful smile on her lips. "Maybe we'll share some stories later. Right now, I think a toast is in order."

They raised their mugs, joining the chorus of cheers that echoed through the guild hall. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the bonds that tied Fairy Tail together.

As the night progressed, Mira found herself engaged in conversations with various guild members, while Lisanna attached herself to Mira's arm, causing her to scoot closer to the Thunder Dragon Slayer. Elfman, with his usual boisterous enthusiasm, clapped Laxus on the back.

"Nice work, Lightning Man! Taking down demons and saving the day – that's what Fairy Tail is all about! You're a real MAN!"

Laxus grinned, acknowledging the praise. "At least you got that right, but I'm also man enough to admit that it wasn't all me. Your sister was the real star."

Elfman turned to Mira, a proud gleam in his eyes. "You've got the heart of a true Fairy Tail wizard, sis. Taking on demons like it's a walk in the park."

Mira chuckled, appreciating her brother's support. "Thanks, Elfman. We made a great team."

Their conversation was interrupted by the two new entrants. Mira felt a tap on her shoulder, and when she turned, she found Levy and Gajeel grinning at her.

"Mirajane! Laxus! I heard you guys were awesome out there!" Levy exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. "Heard you took down a pretty nasty demon. Must've been intense."

Mira nodded, a sense of pride swelling within her. "It was a challenging mission, but we managed to pull through."

Gajeel, ever the instigator, couldn't resist the opportunity to mess with Laxus.

"Thunder Boy, heard you went on some fancy demon-hunting mission. Did you manage to strike fear into their puny demonic hearts?" Gajeel's grin was all mischief.

Laxus smirked, playing along. "Well, you know how it is. Thunder and lightning tend to make quite an impression. Unlike your rusty iron antics."

Gajeel chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Rusty, huh? Watch yourself, Lightning Brain. I might just surprise you."

Mira interjected with a laugh. "Boys, let's keep it friendly. We all know you're both powerful wizards."

Levy, sitting next to Gajeel, couldn't help but join in. "Hey now, don't let the muscles and lightning bolts fool you, Gajeel. Laxus is a big softie on the inside."

Laxus rolled his eyes, shooting back with a sarcastic tone. "Oh, Levy, you're speaking to the guy who talks to his iron like it's a cherished pet."

Gajeel playfully shoved Laxus, causing the table to shake. "Watch it, Thunder Boy. I might just have to challenge you to a duel."

As the banter continued, Mira turned her attention to Levy. "Levy, where are Natsu and the others? I haven't seen any of them at all."

Levy's expression shifted to a more serious tone. "Well, while you were on your mission, they decided to embark on a 100-year quest. Erza had to go too because they require at least one S-class wizard. They've been gone for a while now."

Mira's eyes widened in surprise. "A 100-year quest? That's quite the undertaking. I had no idea they were planning something like that."

Levy nodded. "It was kind of a sudden decision. Natsu, Lucy, Gray, and Happy felt the call of adventure, and Erza being Erza, she couldn't let them go alone."

Mira sighed, realizing how much had changed in the time she was away. "I guess Fairy Tail is always full of surprises."

Levy's eyes flickered to Mira's, a smile on her face. "And how are you holding up? Anything new on your end?"

Mira bit her lip and cast a glance to Laxus for a moment before returning her attention to Levy. "Oh, well, you know, the usual. Dealing with demons and all."

Levy leaned in conspiratorially. "Come on, spill the details! I'm sure it was quite an adventure."

Mira chuckled. "Really, nothing groundbreaking happened. But enough about me. What about you, Levy? How are you handling everything? I heard about the baby. Congratulations!"

Levy beamed, a hand gently resting on her stomach. "Thank you, Mira. It's been an exciting time. Gajeel and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives."

Mira grinned, genuinely happy for her guildmate. "That's wonderful news, Levy. Parenthood is an adventure in itself. If you ever need advice or just someone to talk to, I'm here. I may not be a mother yet but I did raise two siblings."

Levy chuckled. "I might take you up on that. It's always good to have someone who's been through it."

"And Gajeel? Is he ready for impending fatherhood?"

Gajeel, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation through his dragon hearing, grinned. "Oh, I'm more than ready. The mini-iron dragon slayer is going to be a force to be reckoned with."

Levy playfully swatted Gajeel's arm. "We're excited, of course. It's a new chapter for us, and Gajeel's already practicing his lullabies."

Gajeel scoffed. "Lullabies? I was thinking more along the lines of metal anthems. The kid's gotta have good taste."

Mira laughed, appreciating the light-hearted banter. "Well, I'm happy for both of you. Parenthood is a unique journey, but knowing you two, I'm sure it'll be an adventure."

Before long they were joined by the Thunder Legion, who raced here when they heard their leader had returned. Freed, usually composed and reserved, cleared his throat before speaking. "Laxus, it's good to have you back. The guild feels more complete with you leading the way."

Evergreen, known for her pragmatic attitude, added with a hint of sentiment, "Yeah, we may not say it often, but we missed you and we were worried about you. The guild isn't the same without the Thunder Legion at full strength."

Laxus, usually stoic, couldn't help but feel a warm sense of appreciation. "Thanks, guys. I'm glad to be back too. Can't resist wreaking havoc with the Thunder Legion."

Freed, ever the meticulous strategist, placed a hand over his heart in a dramatic gesture. "Oh, the emotional reunion. I knew you missed us, Laxus."

Laxus rolled his eyes. "Don't get carried away, Freed. I'm just saving you all from boredom. Someone has to keep things interesting."

Evergreen, with a playful smirk, nudged Freed. "He's got a point. Our fearless leader does know how to spice things up."

Bickslow, ever mischievous, added, "And how was it working with Mirajane? Did the demon queen unleash her full power?"

Mira shot Bickslow a playful glare. "I kept the demon queen in check, thank you very much. We make a good team, right, Laxus?"

Laxus nodded, a genuine smile on his face. "I'll admit the power of the queen of all demons is not something to be reckoned with. They didn't stand a chance."

Evergreen, observing the interaction, couldn't resist raising a brow at him.

Bickslow, the most eccentric member of the Thunder Legion, chimed in again with a grin. "Any weird or creepy demons? You know, the kind that makes your skin crawl?"

Mira raised an eyebrow, sharing a look with Laxus. "Weird, yes. Creepy, definitely. But we handled them like any other job."

Evergreen, always the pragmatic one, leaned back in her chair. "Well, as long as you two made it back in one piece. The guild isn't the same without you."

As the conversation with the Thunder Legion continued, Mira felt a sense of belonging. Fairy Tail, with its diverse and eccentric members, was more than just a guild; it was a family that embraced strength, camaraderie, and the shared journey of magic.

As they continued to chat, the guild hall echoed with the lively spirit of Fairy Tail. Mira, back in the fold of her guild, felt a renewed sense of connection and camaraderie. The shared laughter with everyone became a reminder of the enduring bonds that made Fairy Tail truly extraordinary.

The night unfolded with shared stories, laughter, and the indomitable spirit of Fairy Tail.

The night air was cool as Laxus and Mirajane made their way through the quiet streets of Magnolia. The guild festivities had long ended, and now the city embraced a serene calmness. Elfman and Lisanna had left earlier, leaving Mira with the prospect of returning to her empty home.

She had the house to herself since Elfman had moved in with Evergreen, and Lisanna moved to fairy hills because she wanted a little more independence.

The path to Mirajane's house was familiar, and a comfortable silence settled between them. Laxus, ever the stoic figure, walked alongside her, his thoughts veiled behind a facade of composure. Mirajane, on the other hand, felt a mixture of gratitude and a gentle sense of ease in his company.

"Thanks for walking me home, Laxus," Mira finally spoke, breaking the silence. "It's been a while since I've had the house to myself."

Laxus nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. "No problem. I Just… I didn't want you to walk alone."

Mira's heart skipped a beat at the confession but she pushed those feelings down. She didn't want to read too much into it.

As they reached Mirajane's doorstep, she turned to face him. "I really appreciate everything, Laxus. You had my back during the mission, and you covered for me with the master. I owe you."

Laxus, his usual stoicism softening, met her eyes. "We were a team this time, Mira. I had your back because that's what teammates do."

Mira smiled, a warmth in her gaze. "Still, it means a lot to me. Not everyone would understand or… accept what I did."

Laxus shrugged, a rare hint of softness in his expression. "We all have our secrets, and I've already told you how I feel about all this. As long as it doesn't get in the way of the guild, it's not my business."

Mira chuckled, appreciating his straightforward honesty. "You're not as rough around the edges as you want people to believe, Laxus. There's more to you than meets the eye."

He merely grunted in response, a subtle acknowledgment of her observation.

They stood in front of Mira's door, the quiet night enveloping them. The moment lingered, the unspoken understanding between them echoing in the stillness.

"I should get inside," Mira said, breaking the silence. "It's late, and I'm sure you have things to do as well."

Laxus nodded, his gaze lingering for a moment longer. "Yeah, I should get going. Take care of yourself, Mira."

As he turned to leave, Mira impulsively reached out and hugged him. Laxus, caught off guard, stiffened for a moment before tentatively returning the embrace.

"Thank you, Laxus," Mira whispered, her voice sincere. "For being there for me."

Laxus, though not one to express emotions openly, rubbed her back in a gesture of reassurance. "You don't have to thank me. We're guildmates. It's what we do."

Mira pulled away from the hug, her eyes meeting his. In that moment, a subtle connection passed between them, a shared understanding that transcended words. Before Laxus could react, Mira pressed a soft kiss on his cheek, a gesture both tender and surprising. Her lips soft as a feather against his stubbly cheek.

The moment lingered, the air thick with an unspoken tension as Mira and Laxus found themselves caught in the aftermath of that unexpected kiss on the cheek. The soft glow of the streetlamp cast a warm hue, and the quiet night held the promise of something more.

As Mira pulled away from the embrace, she met Laxus's eyes, and in that shared gaze, a flicker of something more profound passed between them. It was a subtle dance of desire, a recognition that went beyond the camaraderie of teammates.

Laxus, usually composed, found himself clenching his hand at the back of Mira's dress, his fingers grazing the fabric in a restrained touch. He whispered her name, the sound a low, almost inaudible murmur that held a hint of longing. A desire restrained, a connection unexplored.

"Mira..."

Her name hung in the air like a silent plea, a whisper of emotions he seldom allowed himself to express. In that moment, Laxus found himself teetering on the edge of something unfamiliar yet undeniably potent.

Mira, her own emotions stirred by the intensity of the moment, felt a surge of warmth coursing through her. The desire mirrored in Laxus's eyes was echoed in her own, a recognition of a connection that transcended the boundaries of guild camaraderie.

She hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing lightly against Laxus's as she lifted her hand to cup his cheek. The touch was gentle, a silent acknowledgment of the emotions shared between them.

"Laxus," she whispered, her voice a soft invitation.

In response, Laxus closed his eyes, a subtle surrender to the currents of emotion. The distance between them seemed to shrink, the world fading away as they stood on the precipice of something uncharted.

And then, with a surge of courage, Mira pressed another kiss, this time on the corner of his mouth. It was a tender exploration, a subtle bridge between camaraderie and the uncharted territories of her desire.

Laxus, caught in the whirlwind of emotions, couldn't help but release a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His grip on the back of her dress tightened for a fleeting moment, a silent acknowledgment of the restraint he exercised. But then he stiffened as though just realizing what they were doing and pulled back.

The moment lingering in the space between them increased as he stepped away from her clenching his fists.

The unspoken desire hung in the air, a promise of possibilities. Her gaze held a hint of embarrassment at what she had done but the intense heat started to seep through. Mira, still unsure of what just happened, broke the silence. A quiet and gentle plea.

"Laxus…?"

"Goodnight, Mira," he responded abruptly, the undertones of desire still resonating in his voice but he hardened his stance. He didn't trust himself to be in control of his actions at the moment.

He turned without another word and left as fast as he could, as though he was caught in flames and he needed an escape.

"Goodnight, Laxus," she whispered.

As they parted ways, the night wrapped around them, cradling the echoes of a moment that hinted at something more profound, a connection that danced on the edges of camaraderie and desire, leaving the door ajar for what the future might unfold.

Mira entered her home, closing the door behind her. She leaned against it, heart racing in her chest as her face flamed.

"What have I done?" she whispered to herself, the face of the stoic Thunder Dragon still playing in her mind. Something had taken root in her heart. The events of the night, the mission, and the unexpected moments with Laxus had left an indelible mark.

A/N: What do you guys think so far? Is their relationship moving too fast? let me know.