Guild Hall, Morning
(Clatter of mugs; Mira humming behind the bar; sunlight in long bars across the scuffed floor. Paper quests flap on the board in a draft from the open doors; somewhere, Happy hums off-key.)
Levy (bright, popping up from a book): "Ryuji—you're okay!"
Macao (thumbs-up): "Back on your feet, kid. Good."
Wakaba (pipe smoke curling, relieved): "Don't go giving us heart attacks."
Elfman (fist to palm): "Enduring and returning—that's a man's way!"
Juvia (hands clasped): "Juvia is very relieved Ryuji is safe."
Gajeel (arms folded, smirk): "Try not to crack again. Repairs cost."
Ryuji (a small, real laugh; shoulders easing): "It's... good to be back."
Cana (tilting her mug, grin): "Hear that? He laughs. Progress."
Makarov (from the balcony, staff tucked under arm, warm): "Ho-ho! Then today we celebrate—Ryuji's recovery, and a heart opening to his family!"
Natsu (pumps a fist): "Yaaah!"
Happy (looping in the air): "Aye, sir!"
Gray (half-smile, hands in pockets): "Took long enough."
Erza (arms soft at her sides, satisfied): "Welcome back, Ryuji."
Ryuji (low, to Wendy, a quick glance): "Do you... think we should tell them?"
Carla (tail swish, matter-of-fact): "It won't surprise anyone."
Wendy (blushing but steady, fingers lacing with his): "If you want to. We don't hide things from family."
Ryuji (squeezes her hand; clears throat): "We... have something to say."
Wendy (bows her head slightly): "Ryuji and I... are together."
Cana (without missing a sip): "Sweethearts, the guild has eyes. Still—bold to say it out loud. Cheers."
Lucy (hands to heart, beaming): "I'm really happy for you two."
Gray (crooked grin): "No slipping during missions."
Erza (gentle nod): "Support each other, and grow stronger together."
Happy (hovering by Wendy's shoulder): "Ryuji loooves Wen—"
Carla (flat): "Happy."
Happy (salutes): "—respects Wendy appropriately! Aye!"
Makarov (chuckling, eyes soft): "My, my... little birds take wing so quickly."
Mirajane (elbows on bar, fond): "You two are adorable. I could never announce it that bravely."
(Friendly teasing swells; Ryuji rubs the back of his neck, crimson. Wendy ducks her face with a shy smile as mugs clink and the room brightens around them.)
Magnolia Market, Afternoon
(Bell strings tinkle on awnings; vendors call over the warm drift of sugar and spice. A breeze lifts pennants; sunlight glints on glass and fruit skins.)
Wendy (lighting up, pointing): "Look, Ryuji!"
Vendor (lifting a tray): "Necklaces—hand-set lacrima chips. That blue suits you, miss."
(Wendy leans closer, eyes shining. Ryuji watches, a quiet warmth softening his face.)
(A shadow passes. A gloved hand slips an envelope into Ryuji's coat.)
Hooded Voice (low, close): "Do not speak. Do not turn."
(The hood tips toward Wendy; another watcher 'browses' fruit, gaze never leaving her.)
Voice: "If you do anything, we take the girl first."
Ryuji (jaw tight, barely moving his lips): "Don't hurt her."
Voice: "Good boy."
(The shadow dissolves into the crowd; only the smell of dust and spice remains.)
Wendy (turning back, noticing his pallor): "Ryuji? You're pale. Are you okay?"
Carla (eyes narrowing): "Your breathing changed."
Ryuji (forces a small smile; hand to his stomach like a harmless twinge): "I'm fine. Just... heat."
(They wander—ring toss, sweet buns, Happy's unnecessary fish skewer. Laughter returns in ripples; Ryuji keeps one hand in his coat, feeling the crackle of paper.)
Fairy Hills Gate, Evening
(Lanterns bloom along the lane; crickets start up; the trees hold pockets of gold light.)
Wendy (hugging a small box, shy): "Thank you... for today."
Ryuji (soft, meeting her eyes a beat): "Thank you."
Carla (to Ryuji, prim): "Rest. Don't make me fetch Erza."
(Wendy giggles; they part with a little wave.)
Ryuji's Inn, Night
(Quiet room; window half-open; night air cool on the curtains. The city hum is a soft, distant tide.)
(Ryuji closes the door, pulls the envelope free. He reads one line. Color drains from his face.)
Ryuji (hoarse whisper): "...No."
(He crushes the paper; breath shudders... then stills. He stares out at Magnolia's lights, jaw setting.)
Ryuji (low, to himself): "I won't let you. I won't lose anyone anymore."
(He drops the letter on the bed, packs fast: cloak, coin pouch, waterskin, folded staff-paper, an old scarf. One last look at the window glow. He ties his cloak, pulls the door gently closed.)
The latch clicks.
To be continued...
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima/Kodansha. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story. Non-commercial fan work.