Ember of the Starry Sky

Mirajane hummed in response, glancing toward the door where Amélie had disappeared. For a moment, her lips pressed into a thin line, but then she shook her head, as if brushing off whatever thought had crossed her mind.

Moments later, Amélie returned, her arms full of elaborate garments. Dresses, tailored suits, and outfits that straddled the line between regal and modern spilled from her grasp like a cascade of opulence. She beamed at Yukari and Mirajane.

"Tonight is a royal ball," she announced, her voice brimming with excitement. "You can't go dressed like that!" She gestured to Yukari's practical adventurer's outfit and Mirajane's more casual attire.

Yukari raised an eyebrow. "I thought we were here to guard you, not outshine your guests."

"Nonsense!" Amélie chirped, plopping the pile of clothing onto a nearby chaise lounge. "You represent Fairy Tail, and you're my bodyguards. You must look the part!"

Yukari opened her mouth to argue but quickly shut it when Amélie's bright green eyes sparkled with determination. "Fine," she relented. "What do you have in mind?"

Amélie grinned and began sifting through the garments, pulling out options and holding them up. "Try these!" She thrust a series of tailored suits into Yukari's arms, ranging from classic black and white to bold combinations of red and gold.

"Why me first?" Yukari muttered, shooting a glance at Mirajane, who smirked.

"Because you're easier to dress!" Amélie quipped, pushing Yukari toward a screen.

After a few minutes of grumbling and rustling fabric, Yukari stepped out, dressed in a sleek smoking jacket of deep midnight blue, accented with silver embroidery that shimmered like starlight. The matching trousers were tailored to perfection, the entire outfit exuding understated elegance. Yukari adjusted the cuffs of her jacket, her expression one of mild embarrassment.

Amélie clapped her hands together. "You look amazing! It suits you perfectly!"

Mirajane offered a small nod, her face neutral as she muttered, "It's fine."

"Fine?" Yukari asked, feigning offense. "I look incredible. Admit it."

Mirajane rolled her eyes but said nothing, crossing her arms.

"Your turn," Amélie declared, spinning toward Mirajane with a grin.

Mirajane tensed, her usual confidence faltering. "Do I have to?"

"Yes," Amélie said firmly, shoving a bundle of fabric into her arms.

Mirajane sighed and reluctantly disappeared behind the screen. Yukari leaned against the wall, idly adjusting her jacket as she waited.

When Mirajane finally emerged, Yukari froze.

The gown Mirajane wore was a deep, shimmering silver that matched the embroidery on Yukari's suit. It hugged her figure elegantly, the neckline modest but flattering, with off-the-shoulder sleeves that accentuated her delicate collarbones. The fabric seemed to capture the moonlight, glowing softly as it flowed into a floor-length skirt that billowed slightly with every step she took.

Yukari blinked, momentarily stunned. She had never seen Mirajane in anything remotely like this. The usual fierce and confident mage now looked… radiant.

Mirajane noticed Yukari's reaction and smirked, crossing her arms. "What? Cat got your tongue?"

Yukari opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came out. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "You, uh… You look nice."

"Nice?" Mirajane raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

"Okay, fine. You look… amazing," Yukari admitted, scratching the back of her neck and glancing away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

Mirajane's smirk grew, but before she could deliver a teasing remark, Amélie interjected.

"You two look perfect together!" the princess exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "Like a couple!"

Both Yukari and Mirajane froze.

"W-We're not a couple!" Mirajane sputtered, her face turning a bright shade of red.

"Yeah, not a chance," Yukari added quickly, her own cheeks flushing.

Amélie giggled, clearly enjoying their reactions. She stepped forward and took Yukari's hand, smiling up at her. "Well, tonight, you'll be my partner, Yukari."

Yukari blinked, startled by the sudden declaration, but before she could respond, Amélie was already pulling her toward the door.

Mirajane's jaw tightened, but she said nothing as she followed silently.

The ballroom was a breathtaking sight. Massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals refracting light in a dazzling display. The walls were adorned with golden accents, and the floor gleamed like polished marble. Rows of tables lined the edges of the room, laden with exquisite dishes and sparkling drinks. At the center, nobles in fine attire mingled, their laughter and conversation filling the air.

Amélie led Yukari into the room, her hand still firmly clasping Yukari's. She waved at several guests, introducing her "fearless bodyguards" with enthusiasm.

As the evening progressed, Yukari found herself standing near one of the tables, keeping a watchful eye on the crowd. Mirajane joined her, standing close but silent.

"You okay?" Yukari asked, glancing at her.

"Fine," Mirajane replied shortly, her eyes scanning the room.

Before Yukari could press further, Amélie returned, pulling Yukari back onto the floor. "Come dance with me!" she said, grinning.

Yukari sighed but allowed herself to be led, her movements awkward but sincere.

Hours passed, and the crowd began to thin. Yukari finally found herself near Mirajane again, the two standing side by side in comfortable silence.

"You're terrible at dancing," Mirajane remarked, a hint of amusement in her tone.

"Thanks," Yukari replied dryly.

Mirajane smirked, but her expression softened as she looked at Yukari. "Show me."

Yukari blinked. "What?"

"Show me how to dance," Mirajane said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I don't… I've never really danced before."

A rare vulnerability laced her voice, and Yukari couldn't help but smile. "Alright," she said, extending her hand.

Mirajane hesitated for a moment before taking it.

Yukari placed one hand on Mirajane's waist and held her hand with the other. "It's simple. Just follow my lead."

Their movements were slow and tentative at first, but Yukari's guidance was steady. Mirajane stumbled once or twice, but Yukari caught her each time, her laughter light and genuine.

"Relax," Yukari said softly. "You're doing fine."

Mirajane rolled her eyes but allowed herself to relax, her steps becoming smoother.

As they danced, the world around them seemed to fade away. The music, the chatter of the remaining guests, even the presence of Princess Amélie all of it blurred into the background.

For a moment, it was just the two of them, moving in quiet harmony beneath the grand chandeliers.

"You're not bad at this," Mirajane murmured, her voice soft.

"Neither are you," Yukari replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, something unspoken passed between them a quiet understanding, a connection that neither was ready to name.

The song ended, and they stepped apart, the spell breaking.

"Thanks," Mirajane said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Anytime," Yukari replied, her smile lingering.

Nearby, Amélie watched with a knowing grin, but she said nothing, allowing the moment to remain theirs.