Morning spilled through the guild's high windows, warm beams catching dust motes as laughter, scuffles, and clinking mugs rolled across the room. Floorboards thrummed with familiar chaos.
The infirmary door creaked. Ryuji stepped out slowly, bandages peeking beneath his shirt. Wendy kept close, her hand hovering near his arm. For a heartbeat, the hall dimmed to a hush as heads turned.
Don't freeze. Just breathe.
Levy—bright, already on her feet. "Ryuji—you're up and walking! That's great to see."
From nearby, a quick whisper chain tumbled over itself:
Jet (grinning): "Sturdier than when Natsu and Gray hauled him in."
Droy (smirking): "Guess the rest worked."
Cana (raising her mug): "Careful, kid—show your face and you're fair game for teasing."
Wakaba (softer puff of smoke): "You gave us a scare for a good reason. Don't make a habit of it."
Macao (chuckling): "Bounces back quick—that's a good sign for a Fairy Tail wizard."
Elfman (fist to palm): "Coming back strong—that's what it means to be a man!"
Mirajane slid a small tray past the bar with an easy smile. "Tea—on the house. Take it slow, everyone."
The circle tightened with questions and grins. Ryuji's shoulders went rigid; his gaze dipped to the floor, hands curling at his sides. Wendy noticed. She caught his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Wendy (soft, reassuring): "It's okay. They're just happy you're better. You're not alone."
He swallowed, the tension easing by a thread. "...Right."
...Not alone.
Across the room, Gajeel lounged against a pillar, arms crossed, stare sharp.
Gajeel (gruff, clipped): "Don't think you're special. But you made it this far—that counts."
Ryuji opened his mouth—then a familiar shout crashed over the hall.
Natsu barreled in with Happy on his shoulder, a paper pinned in his fist. "Oi, Ryuji! Perfect timing—we just got a job!"
Gray drifted up beside her, then blinked down at himself and tugged his half-open shirt closed with a grunt. "Don't sweat it. Stick with us and you'll get used to the chaos."
Erza (firm, certain): "As one of us, you'll never fight alone."
Happy (hovering, grinning): "Aye, sir! Team Natsu just got bigger!"
Carla folded her arms, tail flicking. "We will be prepared. Wendy, make sure the first-aid is restocked."
Wendy nodded, eyes bright. "Already packed."
Mira's tray slid by again as they turned to go—two cups of tea, steam curling through sunlight. "For the road—well, for the hallway," she teased.
Happy (stage whisper to Wendy): "Remind Ryuji—most Dragon Slayers get motion sick."
Ryuji (flat): "I'll walk."
Natsu (offended): "Hey!"
The hall's energy lifted around them—Reedus sketched the scene in sweeping lines, Levy pinned a flier to the job board, Bisca and Alzack quietly argued rates in the corner. As Ryuji exhaled, a faint frost curled on the breath and vanished—winter meeting morning.
Wendy's fingers threaded through his for a second, warm and sure. He let the air out slowly and nodded.
Sunlight pooled across the floor as they stepped forward together, the guild's noise swelling back to its usual roar. Ryuji still felt the distance he carried—but in the light and laughter of Fairy Tail, it no longer felt like a wall.
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.