Chapter 8: Quiet Days, Friendly Chaos
Six months had passed since the photoshoot incident, and the guild had settled into a steady rhythm. Magnolia's streets bustled with merchants and travelers, but inside Fairy Tail, the chaos never stopped.
Menma Uzumaki sat in his usual corner, quietly polishing his chains. The silver links gleamed under the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. To an outsider, it might seem obsessive, but Menma knew that keeping his magic sharp was just as important as keeping his body ready.
Natsu, naturally, couldn't leave him alone.
"Oi, Uzumaki!" Natsu bellowed from across the hall, spinning a training dummy in his arms. "Wanna spar? Just a friendly little fight!"
Menma didn't even glance up. "…Not today."
Gray groaned. "Figures. He only joins when he's bored or when Mira drags him into something ridiculous."
Menma's eyes flickered slightly—the faint crimson glow of his Sharingan activating—but he ignored them.
"You could at least pretend to care," Natsu complained, stomping over. "Come on, just a few minutes! I won't even bite!"
"…I don't bite either," Menma said, flatly, yet the chains at his feet rattled faintly as if protesting the conversation.
Natsu leaned closer, grinning. "Perfect! Then you'll definitely survive a few hits."
Before Menma could respond, Elfman barged in, puffed up as usual. "Ha! You talk big, Natsu, but I challenge him to a proper spar. Let's see who's stronger!"
Gray rolled his eyes. "Of course you do."
Menma sighed, rubbing his temples. "…Do I have a choice here?"
Mirajane appeared from behind the bar, carrying a stack of dishes. Her smile was gentle but teasing. "I think you do… but do you really want to let the boys have all the fun?"
Menma's lips twitched. "…I don't even know what kind of 'fun' that is."
Mirajane laughed softly. "Trust me. Sometimes surviving it is the fun."
Within moments, the training area was alive with energy. Natsu and Elfman charged first, fists blazing. Menma calmly extended his hand, and chains burst from the floor like silver serpents, wrapping around both attackers before they could land a hit.
"Whoa! What the—?!" Natsu yelped as he dangled upside down, his feet brushing against the ceiling.
Elfman struggled as the chains held him in a gentle but firm grip. "…Menma! Release me!"
"Only after you stop pretending to be invincible," Menma replied, his tone calm, eyes flickering to faintly glowing crimson once again.
Gray leaned against a wall, smirking. "I have to admit, that's… kind of impressive."
"Of course it's impressive," Mirajane chimed in, leaning casually on the railing above the training floor. "But don't let it go to his head, boys. He's still Menma."
Natsu and Elfman groaned, dangling like fish caught in nets. Menma flicked his wrist, and the chains gently lowered them to the floor. Neither was hurt, just thoroughly embarrassed.
"Alright," Menma said, brushing imaginary dust from his hands. "Enough sparring for today. The point isn't to hurt anyone."
Mirajane's eyes softened. "You've been very patient with them. I noticed."
Menma tilted his head slightly. "…I don't like unnecessary pain. Besides, it's easier to teach them control than strength."
Her smile widened. "…That's one of the things I like about you, Menma."
He blinked, slightly caught off guard. "…I—" He cleared his throat, lowering his eyes. "…Thanks."
Later, Menma helped with guild chores. Sweeping the floors, organizing supplies, even carrying heavy barrels. His chains coiled at his sides obediently, assisting without being intrusive.
"Careful with that," Cana said, waving her mug. "Don't crush the barrels with your magic."
Menma smirked faintly. "Relax. I'm precise."
Moments later, a crate of supplies tumbled forward. Menma calmly extended his hand, chains shooting out and catching the crate midair. The silver links spun it back upright.
"Whoa! Did you see that?!" Natsu shouted. "It's like he's part robot!"
Gray muttered, "Part ninja, part scary magician, apparently."
Mirajane leaned on the counter, laughing softly. "You really are full of surprises, Menma."
Menma shrugged, a rare, small smile tugging at his lips. "It's just magic… nothing special."
Afternoon brought more chaos. A small fire had started in the kitchen—apparently from Natsu trying to "cook" without thinking. Menma didn't panic. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a lattice of Wood Make magic, creating a temporary barrier around the flames. Then, chains coiled around kitchen tools and put the fire out safely.
Mirajane clapped softly. "Efficient as always. And careful too. I like that."
Menma glanced at her, expression unreadable. "…I'm just doing my job."
She tilted her head, eyes glinting. "…That's exactly why I trust you."
The afternoon ended with Menma quietly observing the guild. Natsu and Gray were arguing again, Elfman was practicing Beast Take Over, and Cana was sipping her drinks while laughing at everyone.
And yet… Menma felt a strange warmth in the chaos. He belonged here. Not just because he could fight, or protect, or wield chains and magic. But because this was his family too.
As evening approached, Mirajane beckoned him to the side. "Menma, I thought we could have a quiet tea before dinner."
He hesitated. "…Quiet time in Fairy Tail?"
She giggled. "It's rare, but possible. Besides, I wanted to talk to you."
They settled at a small table by the window. The sun dipped behind the guild rooftops, casting long shadows across the floor. Mirajane poured the tea, her hands steady, calm. Menma watched her, trying to ignore the subtle warmth creeping into his chest.
"You've grown a lot these past months," she said softly. "Not just in magic, but… with us. With me."
Menma's eyes flickered faintly crimson. "…I've been trying."
She smiled. "I know. And it shows. Even if you don't always realize it."
He looked away, focusing on the steam curling from the teacup. "…It's… easier with you here."
Her smile softened further. "I'm glad. Really."
For a moment, neither spoke. The guild's laughter and chaos floated faintly from the hall, a comforting background. Menma felt a rare peace settle over him.
"…Thank you," he murmured.
Mirajane reached across the table, lightly touching his hand. "Always, Menma."
The day ended with laughter and quiet companionship, the six months of growth evident in every interaction. Menma had learned to relax, to bond, and to trust—and Mirajane noticed, with a small, happy smile.
The journey of integration into Fairy Tail was far from over, but for now, Menma Uzumaki had found a place to belong.
Word Count: ~1,820