Chapter 20 — New Beginnings
The Fairy Tail guild hall was unusually lively that morning. Sunlight spilled through the windows, casting golden streaks across the worn wooden floor. Mira leaned casually against the bar, a playful smirk on her face as she watched Menma Uzumaki quietly catalog mission requests.
"You know, you always look so serious, Menma," she teased, twirling a strand of her hair. "It's unfair. Some of us have to have fun too, you know."
Menma's blue eyes flicked toward her, calm as always. "Someone has to keep an eye on things. Chaos tends to follow this guild."
Mira laughed softly. "And yet, here I am, trying to distract you. Mission accomplished, maybe?"
He allowed himself the faintest smile. "Perhaps."
☀ Preparing for the Move
Later, the conversation shifted to Lucy. The blonde mage had just rented an apartment in Magnolia, and her excitement was practically glowing.
"Finally! A place of my own," Lucy said, hopping from foot to foot. "And it's right next to Menma's! Isn't that… perfect?"
Menma gave her a polite nod. "It's convenient."
Lucy's eyes widened slightly. "Can I… call you big brother?" she asked softly, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Menma blinked, then nodded with a faint smile. "Of course. If that makes you comfortable."
Lucy's grin brightened, and Happy floated happily beside her, clapping his tiny paws. "Big brother Menma! Sounds cool!"
🚶♂️ The Walk to the Apartment
Menma offered to accompany Lucy to her new apartment, both for safety and to help her settle in. They walked through the streets of Magnolia, the chatter of townsfolk and the occasional merchant shouting their wares providing a cheerful backdrop.
"So, this will be my home," Lucy said, twirling her keys in her fingers. "It's small, but… it feels right."
"You'll make it feel like home," Menma replied quietly.
Lucy glanced at him, her eyes reflecting the morning light. "Big brother… I mean, thank you for coming with me. It's… comforting."
Menma gave a small nod, keeping his gaze forward. "It's nothing. Consider it my duty."
🌸 Mira's Playful Interruption
As they approached Lucy's new building, Mira appeared around the corner, leaning casually against a lamp post. "Well, well… Menma walking someone home. How domestic of you," she teased, a sly grin playing on her lips.
Menma's expression remained calm, though a faint heat rose to his cheeks beneath his stoic demeanor. "I'm not sure what you mean."
Mira laughed lightly. "Oh, I know exactly what I mean. You've got that serious, protective aura… and yet, here you are, helping the guild's little sister move in."
Lucy tilted her head, puzzled. "Wait… you know each other?"
Mira winked at Menma. "Some things are better left as secrets, little one."
Menma's lips twitched, almost a smile. "Let's focus on settling Lucy first."
🏠 Settling In
Lucy unlocked her apartment and stepped inside, the space small but cozy. "I can't believe this is mine," she said softly, looking around.
Menma set down her boxes and began helping organize them. "It's yours now. Make it feel like home."
Lucy glanced at him again. "Big brother… can I really call you that?"
He looked at her calmly, the faintest warmth in his eyes. "Yes, you can."
Lucy beamed, her excitement infectious. "Thank you! I'll make this place perfect. And… maybe you can come by and visit sometimes?"
"I'll check in," Menma replied simply, though he already planned to monitor from nearby, ensuring her safety in subtle ways only he could.
🌅 Walking Back
After helping Lucy unpack a few boxes and giving her advice on basic apartment security, Menma started walking back toward his own building. The two apartments were adjacent, a small comfort to both.
Mira appeared again, crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "So, Big Brother Menma… not bad. Though, I'd like to see you loosen up a little."
Menma's calm gaze met hers. "Perhaps… in time."
Mira smirked. "I'll hold you to that."
As the sun set over Magnolia, Menma walked quietly back to his apartment, the streets slowly emptying. He adjusted his eyepatch slightly, feeling the Six-Tomoe Rinnegan beneath it, pulsing faintly in the dusk.
Life moves forward. And even in the small moments, there are threads to protect, bonds to watch over.
Tonight, he allowed himself a rare moment of ease, knowing Lucy was safe in her new home… and that Mira's teasing would continue, as it always did.