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Chapter 30 - Chapter 29 - Morning Tease, Fairy Tail-Style

The morning air over Magnolia had that crisp, clean bite Ryuji liked—the kind that made the river smell bright and the rooftops glitter. Down on the street, bakeries thumped dough; a shop bell chimed twice.

Lucy was already outside her apartment, arms folded, grin loaded.

Lucy (bright): "Morning, Ryuji."

Ryuji (steady, a touch shy): "Morning."

Lucy (teasing, pivoting right away): "Sooo... midnight musicians. Should I bring earplugs or roses next time?"

Ryuji (ears pink): "Roses would be... unnecessary."

She laughed and fell into step beside him.

As they passed Fairy Hills, Wendy stepped out with Carla. Wendy's eyes met Ryuji's; both went pink at once.

Wendy (flustered but warm): "H-Hi, Ryuji."

Ryuji (matching): "Morning, Wendy."

Carla (dry): "If you plan another duet, kindly schedule it before curfew."

Lucy (smiling): "That's Carla being supportive. In her way."

Carla sniffed, but the tiniest smile said Lucy wasn't wrong. They continued together toward the guild, footfalls syncing with the city's easy rhythm.

Guild Hall

The great doors swung open to the usual roar—mugs clinking, chairs scraping, arguments warming up like kettles.

Levy (waving): "Good morning!"

Cana (smirking over her mug): "Our duet stars have arrived."

Wakaba (puffing smoke): "Try not to turn the hall into a concert venue before noon."

Macao (grinning): "Eh, I could get used to morning music."

Natsu popped up out of nowhere, grinning wide.

Natsu: "If you're doing encores, make 'em loud!"

Gray (already bickering): "You wouldn't know subtle if it punched you in the face."

Natsu: "Say that again, ice-brain!"

Gray: "I just did."

Their foreheads collided—instant rumble. A table rattled, a chair tipped—

Erza (appearing between them with a terrifying calm): "Enough."

Two simultaneous thuds. Problem solved.

Mirajane slid a plate across the bar toward the newcomers—cinnamon rolls balanced like treasure.

Mirajane (warm): "Eat first. You can argue about performances after."

Wendy (bright): "Thank you, Mira!"

Ryuji hesitated—then, remembering last night's warmth, took a seat without drifting to the edges. Lucy slid in beside him; Wendy sat on his other side. Carla perched like a tiny guard captain behind them.

The teasing kept coming, but softer now—more fond than probing.

Levy (gently): "You sounded really beautiful last night."

Ryuji (quiet, sincere): "...Thank you."

Wendy's cheeks lifted. Carla's tail flicked—a noncommittal, possibly-approving gesture.

From the balcony, Makarov watched the trio settle. A small, satisfied smile tugged at his beard.

Makarov (to himself): "Mm. The little birds are learning the nest can hold them."

Below, Natsu revived just enough to point a finger across the table.

Natsu: "Ryuji! Spar later?"

Gray: "After he finishes breakfast, flame-for-brains."

Erza (firm): "After missions are assigned."

Lucy (stage-whisper): "After he survives all this attention."

Ryuji let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The noise of Fairy Tail rolled over him—boisterous, relentless, and warm. He didn't retreat. Not this time.

Wendy (softly, just to him): "Welcome back."

Ryuji (a small, real smile): "...Yeah."

The hall's laughter rose; outside, Magnolia's bells chimed the hour. And in the middle of it, a once-guarded boy let the morning carry him forward, step by step.

Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.

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