The guild hall hummed with its usual midday chaos. Yukari leaned against the bar, sipping her lemonade with an uncharacteristically bright grin. Today wasn't just any day Hinote was finally coming back from her latest mission. She could almost feel the heat of the room warming in anticipation, though she wasn't sure if that was the thought of seeing her adoptive mother or just her own fire magic flaring up.
Gray and Cana sat nearby, arguing over something trivial, no doubt. Cana claimed Gray owed her a drink, and Gray vehemently denied it, which seemed like the natural order of things.
"I'm telling you," Yukari interrupted their bickering, "today's going to be great. Hinote's bringing back gifts, like she always does, and I can't wait to see what she found this time!"
The front doors creaked open, and Yukari's smile widened. "Here we go—"
But it wasn't Hinote. It was Makarov and Erza.
The hall quieted for a moment as everyone took in Erza's new look. She stood taller now or at least she gave that impression with her shoulders squared and her stance exuding confidence. The eyepatch she'd worn since her arrival was gone, revealing a perfectly normal eye, as sharp and piercing as the other. Her new outfit completed the transformation: a crisp white shirt with a red tie, a protective armored shoulder piece, a white skirt over dark leggings, and sturdy brown boots. A sword with a golden hilt hung at her side, glinting in the light like a badge of honor.
"Whoa," Gray muttered. "She looks...different."
Cana raised an eyebrow. "You mean less like a grumpy ghost and more like someone who's here to stay?"
Yukari smirked. "Hey, Erza!"
Erza glanced their way as the trio approached. Her expression was softer than usual still reserved, but no longer the fortress of cold detachment it had been.
"You look good," Yukari said. "Glad the old man was able to fix your eye."
"Yeah," Gray added, nodding. "Nice upgrade. You're almost starting to look friendly."
Cana snickered. "Almost."
Erza's lips twitched, her gaze flicking to Makarov, who gave her a knowing smile. "It was his doing," she admitted, her tone less icy than before. "I owe him."
"Don't mention it," Makarov said, waving her off. "Fairy Tail takes care of its own."
Before the conversation could continue, the door swung open again. This time, it was Hinote.
She stepped into the guild with her usual larger-than-life presence, her radiant smile lighting up the room. Her fiery aura seemed to command attention, and her sharp eyes scanned the hall until they landed on Yukari.
"Yukari!" Hinote called, striding toward her.
Yukari practically lit up as she ran to meet her. "You're back!"
"Of course I'm back," Hinote said, ruffling Yukari's hair. "Did you miss me?"
"No," Yukari said, grinning mischievously. "I was actually enjoying the peace and quiet."
"Ha!" Hinote laughed. "You wish, brat."
Her gaze shifted to the others. "Gray, Cana," she greeted, then paused when her eyes landed on Erza.
Erza stared back, her expression unreadable but curious.
"Hinote, this is Erza," Yukari said, gesturing between them. "She's the newest member of Fairy Tail. Erza, this is Hinote my mom."
Erza blinked, clearly caught off guard by the introduction. "Your...mother?"
"That's right," Hinote said, placing a hand on Yukari's shoulder with a grin. "She calls me 'Mom,' but let's be real, I'm more of a miracle worker keeping this one out of trouble."
"Hey!" Yukari protested, but Hinote ignored her.
"Nice to meet you, Erza," Hinote continued, her tone warm. "Welcome to Fairy Tail. I hope you're ready for some chaos."
Erza hesitated, then nodded. "Thank you. I'll do my best."
"Good answer," Hinote said with a wink. "Now, let's get to the important stuff."
She pulled out a bag and began distributing gifts.
"For Yukari," Hinote said, handing her a small, ornately carved dagger. "It's enchanted—should help you in close combat."
Yukari's eyes widened. "This is awesome!"
"For Gray," Hinote said, tossing him a set of gloves. "Made from dragon-hide. Fireproof, of course."
Gray grinned. "Sweet!"
"For Cana," Hinote continued, handing her a bottle of fine-looking liquor. "Don't drink it all at once."
Cana's face lit up. "You know me so well."
Finally, Hinote turned to Erza and handed her a small, silver bracelet adorned with a single red gemstone. "For you. A little something to welcome you to the guild."
Erza took the bracelet, her fingers brushing over the gem. "Thank you."
Hinote smiled. "You're part of the family now. Have fun, but don't forget to watch your back especially around this lot."
Erza's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, and Yukari couldn't help but notice how much softer her expression had become.
Makarov clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Well, this calls for a celebration! Let's party, Fairy Tail style!"
The hall erupted into cheers as barrels of drinks were rolled out and tables were piled high with food. The air buzzed with laughter and music as the guild embraced the festivities with their usual enthusiasm.
Yukari stuck close to Hinote, who kept a watchful eye on her, especially whenever a drink came near.
"Not a single drop," Hinote warned, wagging a finger at her.
"I know, I know," Yukari groaned. "You've told me a million times."
"And I'll tell you a million more if I have to," Hinote said, grinning.
Gray and Cana joined them, each with drinks in hand.
"Come on, Yukari," Gray teased. "One little sip won't hurt."
"Don't even think about it," Hinote said, her tone sharp enough to make Gray back off immediately.
The party lasted well into the night, with guild members laughing, dancing, and occasionally breaking furniture. Hinote was the life of the celebration, regaling everyone with tales from her mission while keeping a close eye on Yukari.
Even Erza, though still reserved, seemed to enjoy herself, sitting at a table with Cana and Gray, listening to their banter.
As the festivities wound down and exhaustion set in, Yukari leaned against Hinote, her eyelids heavy.
"Welcome home," she murmured.
Hinote smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Yukari's face. "It's good to be back."