The guild was already awake: clatter of mugs, Mirajane humming behind the bar, sunlight striping the old floorboards. But in a quiet room at the inn across the canal, the morning was meant for rest.
Erza, Lucy, Natsu, Gray, and Happy had slipped out at first light to brief Makarov.
Lucy (warm smile): "Rest up. We'll be back later."
Erza (calm... and somehow terrifying): "Do not even think about training."
Happy (saluting, wings flicking): "Aye, sir!"
Gray (hands in pockets): "Listen to the medic."
Natsu (grinning): "Get better. Then we'll spar."
The door clicked shut.
Wendy exhaled and turned—just in time to catch Ryuji easing one foot off the bed.
Wendy (cheeks puffed): "Ryuji! Back. To. Bed."
Carla (paws folded, prim): "Do you intend to worry Wendy and the rest of us? Lie down."
Ryuji (guilty, freezing halfway): "I—I'm sorry. I just thought—"
Wendy (stepping in, surprisingly firm): "Nope. Rest. Or I'll tell Erza, and she'll make sure you sleep—and it won't be gentle."
Ryuji's eyes widened. "...Understood." He surrendered, easing back into the pillows.
Wendy sat in the chair at his side. She stared at his hand, glanced away, then back again—hovering, unsure.
Carla watched... then rose with a soft sigh. "I will... check the hallway." She slipped out, very deliberately leaving the door ajar.
Ryuji's lashes lowered. He watched her fingers inch, pause, inch again. His heart thumped. Before she could retreat, he reached out and took her hand.
They both went scarlet.
Ryuji (low): "S-sorry." (He doesn't let go.)
Wendy (quick little head-shake, smiling): "It's okay."
A soft knock. "Excuse us~"
Mirajane and Levy stepped in with a tray; warm spice and tea-steam followed them.
Mira (sunny): "We heard you were awake. Cinnamon rolls, house tea—you did wonderfully yesterday. But today? You rest."
Levy set a book and a tiny bouquet on the side table. "We were worried. I'm really glad you're okay!" She blinked at their joined hands... then beamed. "Aww."
Ryuji scratched his cheek with his free hand, flustered. "Th-thank you. For... everything."
Mira (tilting her head): "You're family now. Let us fuss a little." She poured tea. "Master sends his love and a warning: 'No solo heroics.'"
Levy (pushing up her glasses): "And he said, 'Tell the boy he did well.'" She flashed Wendy a quick grin. "You too."
Wendy's smile blossomed. "Thank you, Mira. Thank you, Levy."
They chatted softly a few minutes more, then slipped out with a gentle, "Rest well!"
By late afternoon the others returned, the inn room bright with slanting light. Natsu carried a battered deck of cards and a little shogi set; Gray had a basket from the market; Lucy brought extra blankets; Erza had... a list. Happy and Carla immediately claimed the windowsill.
Erza (reading): "Master says, 'Good work. Rest today. We plan tomorrow.' Orders stand: no training, no wandering."
Gray (half-teasing): "Aye, ma'am."
(Erza lifts one eyebrow.)
Gray (straightens): "Aye."
They spread dinner across the low table. Stories tumbled out; jokes piled higher.
Natsu (pointing at Gray): "You were totally impressed when I decked that last guy."
Gray (snorts): "In your dreams, flame-brain."
(Erza's single stare. Silence. Two angels.)
Ryuji tried not to laugh. He failed.
The sound surprised even him—clear, unguarded—until he had to cover his mouth. The room went quiet for half a heartbeat, then warmed all at once.
Lucy (eyes soft): "There it is."
Natsu (grinning): "Told ya he could laugh."
Gray (coughs into his fist, smirking): "Not bad."
Carla (tiny approving nod): "Acceptable."
Erza set her list aside; a hint of a smile tugged at her mouth. "That smile suits you, Ryuji."
Color rose in his cheeks. "Th... thanks. It's easier to breathe here. Like I don't have to hold everything in."
Wendy squeezed his hand once, gentle. Around them, the clatter and chatter picked up again, safe and ordinary. For the first time, Ryuji let himself simply sit in it—belonging.
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.