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Lakeside House — Morning
The house was already awake.
Not because of discipline.
Because of noise.
Natsu and Gray were arguing over absolutely nothing near the kitchen, the argument already halfway into a physical fight. Mira calmly poured tea while stepping between flying fists like it was muscle memory. Lucy sat at the table, rubbing her temples and pretending this was normal.
Erza was inspecting the house like a fortress.
Ren leaned against the window frame, watching the lake glimmer under the early sun.
The door opened quietly.
Wendy stepped in, Carla floating beside her.
They stopped.
Stared.
This wasn't Cait Shelter's quiet illusion.
This was real.
---
Settling In
Mira noticed first.
She smiled instantly.
> Wendy and Carla were guided inside before they could second-guess themselves, Mira already explaining which rooms were empty, which windows stuck, which floorboard creaked if you stepped on it wrong at night.
Lucy waved from the table, offering a seat and a spare blanket in the same breath. Erza nodded once—approval, protection, promise.
Ren spoke last.
> "You're safe here," he said simply. "Stay as long as you want."
Wendy's shoulders loosened.
Carla crossed her arms, scanning the house.
> "It's noisy," she said flatly.
Happy popped up beside her.
> "That means it's fun!"
Carla ignored him completely.
Happy gasped like he'd been stabbed.
---
Happy's Campaign (And Failure)
Happy tried everything.
Compliments.
Fish offerings.
Mid-air poses that he clearly thought were impressive.
> "Carlaaa, you look extra fluffy today!"
No response.
> "Did you know Exceeds who ignore their admirers are extra mysterious?"
Nothing.
Carla floated higher, eyes forward.
> "Are you even listening to me?" Happy asked.
> "Unfortunately," Carla replied.
Lucy choked on her drink.
Wendy covered her mouth, giggling softly.
Happy clutched his chest.
> "She's cruel," he declared. "Cruel but beautiful."
Carla turned away.
> "Pathetic," she muttered.
Happy beamed.
---
Wendy's First Mission
The request board was crowded.
Easy jobs.
Medium jobs.
Nothing dangerous.
Makarov watched Wendy carefully as she stood with Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza—and Ren.
> "Pick something you can finish smiling," he said gently.
Wendy nodded.
The mission was simple.
A trade route plagued by rogue monsters near the forest edge. Escort duty. Protection.
Nothing glamorous.
Perfect.
---
On the Road
Wendy walked near the center of the group.
Natsu was loud.
Gray complained about walking.
Lucy read the job details aloud.
Happy flew overhead, narrating his own heroics.
Ren stayed just behind Wendy.
Not hovering.
Just present.
> "If you feel overwhelmed," he said quietly, "say it."
She nodded.
> "I won't," she replied after a moment. "But… thank you."
---
The Encounter
The monsters appeared just before noon.
Fast.
Ugly.
Poorly coordinated.
Natsu rushed forward instantly.
Erza didn't stop him.
She watched Wendy.
Wendy inhaled.
Felt the wind.
> "Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!"
The spell landed cleanly, pushing the creatures back without excess force. Lucy followed with summons. Gray locked movement paths with ice. Natsu finished the rest loudly.
The fight ended quickly.
Wendy stood there, breathing hard.
No fear.
No doubt.
Just… satisfaction.
---
After
The clients thanked them profusely.
Too much, honestly.
Wendy smiled shyly through it.
On the way back, Lucy nudged her gently.
> "You did great."
Wendy's smile widened.
Ren watched from behind, saying nothing.
He didn't need to.
She was already part of it.
---
Evening — Back at the Lake
The house settled into warmth.
Dinner.
Noise.
Laughter echoing across the water.
Wendy sat on the dock later, feet brushing the lake.
Carla rested beside her.
> "This place won't disappear," Carla said quietly.
Wendy nodded.
> "I know."
Inside, Fairy Tail laughed.
Outside, the lake reflected the lights.
And for the first time—
Wendy wasn't passing through.
She had arrived.
---