Ember of the Starry Sky

Yukari crossed her arms, scowling. "Great. Just what I needed a jerk with a superiority complex."

Gray chuckled. "Yeah, that's Laxus for you. Don't take it personally. He's like that with everyone."

Cana snorted. "Except maybe himself. He probably looks in the mirror every morning and says, 'Wow, what a masterpiece.'"

Yukari rolled her eyes. "I'd pay to watch someone knock him down a peg."

Gray leaned closer, smirking. "Careful what you wish for. Laxus may be a jerk, but he's strong. You'd probably end up with your eyebrows singed off."

"Like you're one to talk, Shirtless Wonder," Yukari shot back, pointing at his bare chest. "Do you have a personal vendetta against clothes or what?"

Cana laughed so hard she nearly spilled her drink. "She's got you there, Gray."

Gray huffed but said nothing, though his face turned a little red.

"Speaking of guild weirdos," Cana said, "you haven't met some of the other members yet, have you, Yukari?"

"No," Yukari admitted, looking around. "Who else do I need to watch out for?"

"Depends," Cana said, leaning back in her chair. "How do you feel about loudmouths, flirts, and guys with too much hair gel?"

Before Yukari could respond, a man with a towering pompadour and slim sunglasses sauntered over, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He wore a long beige trench coat over a red shirt, and his confident stride made it seem like he owned the place.

"Cana," he said smoothly, nodding at her before turning his attention to Yukari. "And who's this? A new face in the guild, I see."

"This," Cana said, gesturing to Yukari, "is Yukari. Don't let her cute face fool you she's got a temper."

"Noted," he said with a grin, blowing out a puff of smoke. "Wakaba Mine, at your service. You're lucky you met me. I'm the best-looking guy here."

Yukari raised an eyebrow. "If you're the best-looking, I'm terrified to see the worst."

Cana burst out laughing as Wakaba froze, caught off guard by the comeback. "She's quick, Wakaba. Watch yourself."

Before Wakaba could retort, another man approached. He was slimmer and shorter, with spiky hair and a rugged look. His guild mark was visible on his right bicep, and he exuded an easygoing charm.

"Wakaba, are you harassing the new girl already?" he asked, crossing his arms.

"Harassing?" Wakaba scoffed. "I was being welcoming."

"Sure you were," the man said with a smirk. "Macao Conbolt. Nice to meet you."

"Yukari Hoshizora," she said, giving him a wary nod. "So, what's your deal?"

Macao shrugged. "Not much. I'm married, I enjoy the occasional drink, and I've got to babysit Wakaba most days."

"Babysit?" Wakaba protested. "You're just jealous of my charm."

"Charm?" Macao snorted. "The only thing charming about you is your hair, and even that's questionable."

Yukari couldn't help but smirk. "Do you two ever stop bickering?"

"No," Cana and Gray said in unison, both clearly used to the duo's antics.

The group spent the day chatting, and Yukari slowly started to feel at ease. Wakaba and Macao were loud and a little obnoxious, but their banter was oddly entertaining. She learned that Wakaba considered himself a ladies' man (though Yukari seriously doubted that claim), while Macao had a more laid-back attitude, often playing the straight man to Wakaba's antics.

At one point, Wakaba leaned closer to Yukari, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "So, Yukari, any tips on how to charm the ladies?"

"Yeah," Yukari said dryly. "Step one: Don't ask them stupid questions."

Macao burst out laughing, slapping Wakaba on the back. "She got you good, man!"

"Unbelievable," Wakaba muttered, shaking his head.

Cana grinned. "I like you, Yukari. You've got guts."

"I'm starting to like this place," Yukari admitted. "It's chaotic, but it's… fun."

As evening approached, the group decided to stay at the guild for dinner. Makarov had ordered a feast to celebrate the successful missions completed that day, and the long tables were soon piled high with food.

Yukari stared at the spread in awe. There were massive plates of roasted chicken, steaming bowls of stew, loaves of freshly baked bread, and trays of grilled fish. For dessert, there were pastries, pies, and even a towering cake.

"This is… a lot," Yukari said, unsure where to start.

"Welcome to Fairy Tail," Gray said, already piling food onto his plate.

Yukari grabbed a plate and hesitated for a moment before following suit. The food was delicious, and she found herself laughing and joking with her new guildmates as they ate.

Macao and Wakaba continued their bickering, much to everyone's amusement.

"Don't eat all the chicken, Wakaba!" Macao snapped.

"I got here first!" Wakaba shot back, holding the platter protectively.

"You don't need more chicken," Cana said, rolling her eyes. "You need a mirror to fix that hair."

Wakaba groaned. "Why is everyone against me today?"

"Because you're an easy target," Yukari said, smirking.

Even Makarov joined in on the fun, laughing heartily as he watched his guild enjoy themselves.

As the feast wound down, Makarov approached Yukari.

"Yukari," he said, his tone gentle but firm. "You'll be staying in the Fairy Hills dormitory tonight with Cana. It's a good place for the young women of the guild, and you'll have a chance to rest properly."

"Do I have a choice?" Yukari asked, though there was no real bite in her tone.

"No," Makarov said, smiling. "But I think you'll like it."

Yukari sighed. "Fine. But if Cana snores, I'm coming back here."

Cana grinned. "You're stuck with me, kid. Get used to it."