The infirmary was quiet, lantern light pooling softly across wood and linen. Ryuji stirred; bandages hugged his ribs, each breath tugging at sore muscle. He had slept for days, and still the unease didn't loosen.
I don't belong here. They shouldn't waste time on me. I'll only drag them down.
He swung his legs over the cot and braced a palm to the mattress, grimacing as pain flickered through his side. He steadied himself, ready to stand—
Wendy—startled, crossing the room in a hurry. "Ryuji! What are you doing? You're still hurt—you can't get up yet!"
Carla fluttered in behind her, tail lashing.
Carla (sharp): "I knew it. The moment he woke, he'd try something reckless."
Wendy's hand found his shoulder, gentle but firm, guiding him back against the pillow. Ryuji avoided their eyes, fingers tightening on the sheet.
Ryuji (low): "I don't want to be a burden. Why would any of you care? You don't even know me."
Wendy froze for a beat—then her cheeks puffed, eyes bright with a heat that wasn't anger so much as stubborn kindness.
Wendy (firm, almost scolding): "That doesn't matter! We care because that's who we are. You don't have to give us anything back—we just want you safe. So please... don't push yourself."
Ryuji blinked, caught off guard by the shape of her words. Not a lecture—an anchor.
He looked aside quickly. "You're... strange."
Color rushed to Wendy's face.
Wendy (flustered): "Strange or not, you're not leaving this bed. You saved me, Ryuji... now let us take care of you."
Carla (cooling, softer): "Hmph. Listen to her, boy. If you collapse again, you'll only prove her right."
Ryuji let out a slow breath and eased back, wincing as he settled. The room smelled faintly of herbs; somewhere beyond the door, the guild's nighttime hush pressed close.
His gaze lingered on Wendy. She folded her arms in mock annoyance and sat, but her eyes never left him—steady, warm.
Why... does it feel warm when she looks at me like that?
His eyelids lowered. Restlessness ebbed—not gone, but dulled by the weight of a hand on his blanket and the quiet promise behind it.
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.