Mira walked into the guild hall the next day, her mind swirling with thoughts of the previous night. She kissed him. Well, not exactly, but she might have taken that step if he hadn't pulled away from her. What the hell was she thinking?
The quiet morning allowed her the solitude to reflect on her feelings for Laxus. She found him attractive for sure but then again she always had.
In the days before the Thunder Legion became synonymous with Laxus Dreyar, there existed a time when the Lightning Dragon Slayer was a bit more of an enigma within Fairy Tail. Mira, much younger and more innocent, found herself utterly enchanted by the magnetic aura that surrounded him. It was a time when the guild echoed with laughter and youthful energy, and the camaraderie of its members was a cornerstone of their shared history.
Mira's crush on Laxus was no secret among those who frequented the guild. She would often find herself trailing behind him, eyes wide with admiration, as he effortlessly commanded attention with his formidable presence.
It became a running joke among the guild's older members. The younger Mira earnestly followed Laxus like a shadow, while he, in turn, indulged her with bemused smiles.
Laxus, though aware of Mira's crush, never treated her with disdain or mockery. Instead, there was a subtle warmth in his demeanor when she was around—a soft spot for the young girl who saw something in him beyond the tough exterior.
One day, Mira gathered the courage to approach Laxus, blushing and fumbling her words. It was an endearing sight, and though he knew she was too young for anything beyond innocent admiration, he couldn't help but be amused by her earnest attempts at conversation.
"You know what Little Demon" he'd said, his deep voice carrying a hint of amusement, "you've got a lot of spirit. Keep that fire in you."
Those words, though casual, became a source of inspiration for the young Mira. She grew from an enamored child to a formidable mage, all the while keeping a special place for Laxus in her heart.
The Thunder Legion eventually joined Fairy Tail, adding a new dynamic to the guild. Laxus, with his responsibilities as a prominent member of the Dreyar family and the head of the Raijinshuu, remained a figure of respect and admiration in her eyes. Even at his worst, she had faith in him.
As the years passed, the crush Mira had harbored evolved into a deep and abiding respect. Laxus, though still guarded with his emotions, recognized the strength and maturity that had blossomed within Mira. Their shared history became a tapestry woven with threads of camaraderie, understanding, and a lingering affection that had weathered the test of time and manifested itself more prominently during their mission together.
So, Last night when Mira found herself contemplating the status of their relationship, it was not just a reflection on recent events but a journey through the years that had shaped their connection. The echoes of a younger Mira following Laxus around were still remembered by those who had witnessed the tender beginnings of a bond that transcended the boundaries of age and time.
She contemplated this as she set herself up behind the bar. The scent of wood and ale lingered in the air, a reminder of the raucous celebrations from the night before.
As she settled into her usual spot, memories of the walk home with Laxus flooded her mind again. Last night had been calm when Laxus had walked her home, and Mira couldn't help but remember the warmth in her chest at his protective presence.
Then came the moment she had replayed in her mind countless times since. When Mira had mustered the courage to thank Laxus for his help, she hadn't planned to kiss him on the cheek. As her lips lingered she didn't want to pull away. But she felt a sudden tension in Laxus, as if an invisible barrier had risen between them.
The near-kiss haunted her thoughts. She wondered if she had misread the situation or if Laxus simply wasn't interested. Did she push too far, cross a line that had never been drawn? His abrupt departure had left her feeling as if she had intruded on something private, something he wasn't ready to share.
Mira absentmindedly twirled a strand of her hair, contemplating whether Laxus shared the same feelings. The guild was still empty, allowing her the space to unravel her thoughts in the quietude of the morning.
"Maybe I misinterpreted everything," she mused to herself, her reflection in the polished bar counter staring back at her. "He left so suddenly... as if he was escaping from something."
She wondered if her feelings were reciprocated or if she was still dancing on the edge of a one-sided attraction. Mira had always been adept at reading people, but Laxus was a complex puzzle, his emotions hidden behind a stoic facade.
"I can't deny the feelings he brings out in me." Mira whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the guild. "But does he even see me the way I see him?"
Mira's gaze wandered to the far end of the guild hall, where Laxus often sat in quiet contemplation. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest at the mere thought of him. The electric aura that surrounded him both intimidated and intrigued her.
"He's not the type to wear his heart on his sleeve," Mira thought, her brows furrowed with uncertainty. "But maybe, just maybe, there's something there."
Lost in her thoughts, Mira failed to notice Cana entering the guild. The card mage, with her ever-present deck, sauntered over to Mira, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
"Lost in thought, Strauss?" Cana teased, taking a sip of her drink. "Did something interesting happen last night?"
"I... um, n-no nothing happened." Mira stuttered in surprise.
Cana raised a brow at Mira's nervous reply and smirked. "Oh no, I know that look, Mirajane, something did happen. Spill."
Mira blushed, caught off guard by Cana's keen observation. "I just walked home with Laxus last night. That's all."
Cana raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Just walked home, huh? Looks like there's more to the story."
Mira sighed, realizing that her feelings were more transparent than she had thought. "It's complicated. I can't figure out what he's thinking."
Cana chuckled knowingly. "Well maybe this is finally your chance at something with him."
Cana, always astute when it came to matters of the heart, was quick to pick up on the telltale signs of Mira's renewed infatuation.
Cana, in the past, would tease Mira mercilessly about her crush on Laxus, with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You've got it bad for Laxus, don't you?" she'd say, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
Mira, her cheeks flushed, would stammer in denial, but her actions spoke louder than words. She and Cana were good friends of the same age, so if there was anyone she could trust back then, it was her. "Maybe" she would admit. It seemed that hadn't changed yet.
Cana studied Mira, a knowing expression in her eyes. "You're still not telling me everything, Mira. I can see it in your eyes."
Mira sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Okay, fine. There was a moment last night. I-I kissed him…on the cheek…but then I did it again. I thought he was going to kiss me back but he left abruptly. I don't know what it meant, Cana."
Cana leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Sounds to me like he got scared and ran off."
Mira shrugged, twirling the rim of her mug nervously. "I just don't know what to do, Cana. I thought maybe there was something there, but now I'm not so sure."
Cana took a sip of her drink before leaning in, her voice low. "Listen, Mira, you've got to confront this head-on. Don't let the uncertainty linger. Talk to him. Tell him how you feel."
Mira sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and hesitation. "But what if it ruins our friendship? What if he doesn't feel the same way?"
Cana grinned, a playful glint in her eye. "Mira, you've got to take risks in love. You've been dancing around this crush for too long. It's time to lay it all out on the table. If he's a true friend, your bond can withstand it."
The advice resonated with Mira, and a newfound determination sparkled in her eyes. "He's not the type to show vulnerability," Mira murmured to herself. "But maybe, I need to take a chance and find out."
Cana clinked her mug against Mira's with a supportive smile. "That's the spirit, Mira. You've got this. And hey, if things don't go the way you hope, I'll be here for you. We're family, after all."
As the guild slowly started to come alive, Mira found herself stealing glances at Laxus who had just walked in. He was engrossed in conversation with Freed near the back of the guild. The magnetic pull she felt toward him was undeniable, but uncertainty still gripped her heart.
As Laxus glanced her way, Mira met his gaze with a determined look. The unspoken tension between them lingered, but she was ready to lay her cards on the table.
Summoning her courage, Mira approached Laxus. The raucous chatter of the guild members filled the air, creating a backdrop to the silent battle within Mira's mind.
"Goodmorning Freed, Laxus," she greeted, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Laxus turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Morning, Mirajane." He said and turned back to Freed ignoring her presence. Freed greeted her politely but looked curiously between the two of them.
Mira can't deny that the small gesture hurt her feelings. "Um…can I talk to you." She asked Laxus.
"Freed and I are actually goi-" He began to say, but Freed cut him off. "It's okay please proceed, I need to speak to the master before we depart anyway."
Laxus sighed in defeat and turned to face her fully. "What's on your mind?"
Mira hesitated, her gaze flickering between his eyes. "Are you leaving already?"
Laxus studied her for a moment, his stern facade softening imperceptibly. "Ah yeah, the Thunder Legion and I are taking a Job, we're leaving as soon as Freed is done with Gramps."
Mira nodded, a mixture of disappointment and curiosity washing over her. "Oh…will you be gone long?"
Laxus nodded in acknowledgment. "A few weeks at least, maybe longer."
Mira took a deep breath and tried to approach the topic at hand, while trying to hide the nervousness bubbling within her. She struggled to find the right words. "About last night," she began, choosing her words carefully.
Laxus raised an eyebrow, his gaze meeting hers. "What about it?"
She hesitated, searching for the courage to express herself. "I thought… when you held me, when you looked at me last night, I felt something. And I thought you felt it too but…. What happened?"
Laxus sighed, a hint of discomfort crossing his features. "Look, Mirajane, it was just a moment, a mistake. I got caught up in it, and…I didn't mean to give you the wrong idea."
Her heart sank at his words, but she pressed on, needing clarity. "A mistake?"
He nodded, avoiding direct eye contact. "Yeah, a mistake. It shouldn't have happened."
Mira's eyes glistened with a mix of disappointment and hurt. "But what if it wasn't a mistake for me?"
Laxus sighed again, a complex swirl of emotions clouding his eyes. "Mirajane, we're friends now. Let's not complicate things."
She felt a lump forming in her throat, but she refused to let the tears escape. "Is that really all this is to you? Friendship?"
He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face before he looked away. "I've got a job to do, Mirajane. Let's talk about this later."
As Freed rejoined them, Mira plastered a smile on her face, masking the ache in her heart. "Good luck on your job, guys. Stay safe."
The duo made their way towards the guild doors, leaving Mira standing alone, her emotions swirling like a tempest. The guild hall seemed to dim around her as she grappled with the reality of Laxus's dismissal.
Once they were out of earshot, Freed turned to Laxus. "You know, you could've handled that better."
Laxus shot him a glare. "I don't need your advice, Freed."
"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? I only caught the tail end but, whatever happened with Mira, it's clear that it's weighing on you," Freed said, his voice gentle yet firm.
Laxus grunted in response, still visibly on edge. Freed continued, undeterred by Laxus's reluctance.
"I've known you for a long time, Laxus. You're not one to let personal matters interfere with your duties. Whatever it is, it might help to get it off your chest. Mira's a good person, and I'd hate to see her hurt."
Laxus sighed, his jaw tense. "It's complicated, Freed. I don't even know how to explain it."
Freed nodded, offering a supportive presence. "Sometimes, just talking about it can bring some clarity. Maybe you should consider discussing it with Mira then. Clear the air. You know, Mira would be quite the catch if you gave her a chance."
"I don't need to be tied down, okay? I'll find other women – plenty out there willing to have a good time," he remarked dismissively, a bitter edge to his words.
Freed, taken aback by the abrupt change in Laxus's tone, frowned. "Laxus, using other people to mask your feelings won't solve anything. It's not fair to Mira or to yourself."
Laxus scoffed, his voice dripping with disrespect. "Fair? Who said life was fair, Freed? I don't owe anyone an explanation. I'll do what I want."
Freed couldn't shake the sense of disappointment in Laxus's behavior. The camaraderie that usually defined the Fairy Tail family seemed distant.
Despite Freed's attempts to guide him towards a more understanding path, Laxus remained adamant in his decision to shield himself from the truth of his emotions.
Laxus shot Freed a skeptical look. "You know what. This is my business, Freed. I'll handle it my way."
Freed didn't push further, respecting Laxus's need for space. They continued with their job, focusing on the mission at hand. Yet, the unspoken tension lingered between them, a silent reminder of the complexities that intertwined their lives within the Fairy Tail guild.
Back in the guild, Mira sank into a chair, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The guild noise faded into the background as she tried to process what had just happened.
Mira sat alone at a corner table in the guild hall, nursing her drink as the echoes of Laxus's words still resonate in her mind. Cana, sensing her friend's distress, approached and slid into the seat across from her.
"Mira, you okay?" Cana asked, concern evident in her eyes.
Mira forced a weak smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and disappointment. "Not really, Cana. Laxus said it was all a mistake."
Cana sighed, reaching out to gently squeeze Mira's hand. "I'm sorry, Mira. That's rough. But you know what they say about love – it's not always easy, and sometimes it hurts."
Mira nodded, her gaze distant. "I just never expected him to say it was a mistake. I thought... I thought maybe there was something there."
Cana leaned in, her tone gentle. "Mira, you took a chance, and it didn't work out the way you hoped. That doesn't make you any less brave for putting your feelings out there."
"I know, Cana, but it hurts," Mira admitted, a tear escaping her eye. "I thought we had something, even if it was just a small spark."
Cana nodded, understanding the pain Mira was going through. "You're strong, Mira. Give yourself time to heal. And remember, Fairy Tail's got your back. We're here for you, no matter what."
Mira managed a small smile, appreciating Cana's comforting words. "Thanks, Cana. I just need some time to process everything."
Cana reached for her own drink, raising it in a toast. "To the strength of Fairy Tail, to friendship, and to the unpredictable journey of love."
Mira clinked her glass against Cana's, the sound echoing in the quiet corner of the guild hall. As they sipped their drinks, the camaraderie between them spoke volumes, transcending the pain Mira felt in that moment.
Cana broke the silence, her voice filled with genuine concern. "What's the plan now, Mira? How are you going to handle things with Laxus?"
Mira took a deep breath, wiping away a stray tear. "I don't know, Cana. I need some time to figure things out. Maybe I'll give him some space and focus on myself for a while."
Cana nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan. You've got to prioritize your own well-being, Mira. And if Laxus is meant to be in your life, he'll find a way back."
Mira managed a nod, grateful for Cana's support. The Fairy Tail guild hall buzzed with life around them, but in that quiet corner, Mira and Cana shared a moment of understanding and solidarity.
As they continued their conversation, the bond between Mira and Cana grew stronger, anchored in the unwavering support that defined the Fairy Tail family.
Soon the day got away from them, the weight of Laxus's words still lingering in the air like an unwelcome guest as Mira cleaned up for the night. She couldn't escape the pain that gnawed at her heart, each word he uttered carving a deeper wound. It was a bitter truth she hadn't expected, and she grappled with the intensity of her emotions.
Why does it hurt so much? she wondered, her hand unconsciously clutching the edge of the table. She thought her feelings for Laxus were just a long standing crush. She didn't realize they ran so deep.
The realization hit her like a tidal wave, and tears welled up in her eyes. Mira had always been the strong one, the dependable pillar of support for her friends. But in that moment, she felt a vulnerability she hadn't known before.
Get a hold of yourself, Mira, she scolded herself mentally. You can't let this break you. There's more to life than unrequited feelings.
In an attempt to find solace, Mira gazed into the mirror, meeting her own eyes. The reflection staring back at her held a mix of sadness and determination. It was then that she made a silent vow to herself.
Enough of this, she thought, wiping away a tear. She needed to stop thinking about Laxus. "I need to focus on me." She said to herself. "Focus on becoming stronger, both physically and emotionally."
Mira stood up, the decision firm in her mind. She couldn't let Laxus's rejection define her. Instead, she would use it as fuel to ignite a newfound strength within herself. It was time to cultivate the power of her new demons, the pain, and heartbreak that threatened to consume her would have to take a backseat.
No more distractions, she thought, her gaze focused. She'll become the strongest version of herself. Laxus's rejection won't define her. She is the Demon Mirajane, a mage of Fairy Tail, and she will overcome this.
With that resolve, Mira left the guild for an open field and plunged into her training with the night's stars shining down on her, the echoes of determination drowning out the whispers of heartbreak. The journey to self-discovery was a challenging path, but Mira walked it with newfound purpose, knowing that the only way to conquer her demons was to embrace them and emerge victorious on the other side.
A/N: let me know what you think. Hows the pace of the story?