Hey guy, so here's the next chapter. I'm probably going to be speeding up here with a few time skips to progress the story some and get to a good part I have planned and really hope you all will enjoy. Also sorry if the brandish part and reactions feel off, if you have recommendations to help enhance or make them feel better i am more then happy to implant them.
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The morning sun filtered through the expanded mansion's windows, casting warm golden rays across the wooden floors as the house began to stir. Wendy was the first to wake, her blue ponytails a mess as she rubbed her eyes and padded down the stairs in her pajamas, drawn by the faint clink of dishes from the kitchen. The other kids followed soon after—Natsu bounding down with his usual energy, Sting and Rogue yawning in unison, Gajeel grumbling about "too early," Lisanna skipping lightly, and Elfman sniffling as he trailed behind, still a bit timid but smiling at the new day.
The girls weren't far behind—Erza emerging from her room in a simple blouse and skirt, her red hair neatly brushed; Mira stretching with a yawn, her white hair tousled but her expression alert; Lucy peeking out last, her ponytail already tied, a book tucked under her arm.
They all converged in the living room, but Brandish was already there, lounging at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, her green hair loose and her eyes half-lidded in her usual lazy way. She looked up as they filed in, setting her mug down with a soft clink.
"Morning," she said, her voice drawl slow and relaxed. "Varion's home."
The kids' eyes lit up instantly. "He's back?!" Natsu yelled, already turning toward the stairs.
Wendy beamed. "Really? Where is he?"
Brandish held up a hand, stopping them. "Whoa, hold it. Don't disturb him—he's extremely tired. Came in late last night looking like he'd been through hell. Let him sleep."
The group deflated a bit, but nodded. Erza crossed her arms. "What happened? Is he okay?"
Mira leaned against the counter. "Yeah, spill."
Lucy fidgeted, worried. "He didn't say anything?"
Brandish shrugged lazily. "Didn't get much out of him. He was half-dead on his feet. But… he brought a little girl with him. Pink hair, about Wendy's age. Name's Meredy. Put her in a guest room—she's still asleep too. From the mission, I guess."
Brandish smiled faintly. " Anyway, we need to keep it down—let them rest."
The group agreed, settling into a quiet breakfast as the morning unfolded, the house feeling a little more full with the promise of a new addition.
-Later-
Erza, Mira, and Lucy lingered at the table as the kids finished their pancakes and bolted outside, their laughter echoing through the backyard as they started a game of tag. The house fell quieter, the clatter of plates fading, leaving the four girls alone with Brandish, who was sipping her coffee lazily.
Erza leaned forward first, her usual sternness softened by concern. "Brandish, what happened last night? You said Varion looked… rough. I want more details, please."
Brandish set her mug down with a soft clink, her green hair falling over one eye as she shrugged. "He showed up super late, carrying this pink-haired kid—Meredy, I think he called her. Looked like he'd been through a war—blood, ash, the works. Didn't say much, just 'long story.' I helped him get her settled and told him to get a quick shower, then got him to bed. He's exhausted, so don't wake him."
The girls exchanged glances, nodding. Erza's brows furrowed. "And the mission? Any idea what went down?"
Brandish shook her head. "Not much. If you want more, go ask Master Makarov. Varion probably went by the guild before coming home last night—he's the type."
Mira leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "Makes sense. We'll head there later."
Lucy bit her lip. "He really looked that bad?"
Brandish paused, then added nonchalantly, "Oh, and I kissed him on the cheek before leaving him to sleep. Just a goodnight thing."
The three girls froze. Erza's hand tightened on her mug, Mira's eyes narrowed slightly, and Lucy's cheeks flushed. They weren't happy about it but they weren't real upset either. Brandish had told them before she might fall for him too, after all. It was part of the deal they'd reluctantly agreed to.
Lucy looked up from her plate, her eyes widening slightly at Brandish's casual admission. A small smile tugged at her lips, the jealousy she'd felt before now tempered by the months of growing used to sharing Varion's attention—and Brandish was her best friend, after all. It made her happy, in a way, to see someone she cared about drawn to him too. "You… kissed him?" she asked, her voice soft but not upset, a light blush on her cheeks.
Brandish shrugged lazily. "On the cheek. He looked like he needed it. Don't worry—I'm not trying to steal him or anything."
Erza and Mira exchanged glances, their earlier instincts flaring but subdued after months of working through their feelings. Erza cleared her throat. "As long as you're honest about it. We're… getting better at this sharing thing."
Mira huffed softly but nodded. "Yeah. It's fine. He's a good guy. I can't blame you."
Brandish raised an eyebrow, her lazy smile returning. "Thanks. I didn't expect that, but cool."
They decided to quietly check on Varion—hopefully without waking him up. Sneaking upstairs like a group of conspirators, they crept to his door and cracked it open just a sliver. Varion was still asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily under the covers, his face relaxed but shadowed with exhaustion. They watched for a moment, a shared sense of care warming the air, then closed the door softly and tiptoed back down, successful in not disturbing him.
-Later-
Varion woke up groggily, his head heavy and his body aching as if he'd been through a week of nonstop training. The afternoon light slanted through the curtains, telling him he'd slept longer than intended. He sat up slowly, rubbing his face, the events of the past days crashing back—the village, the fight, Ultear and Meredy. With a sigh, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, his bare feet padding softly on the wooden floor as he made his way downstairs.
The house was quiet, the kids probably out playing or at the guild, but a faint clatter from the kitchen drew him in, along with the sweet scent of fresh bread and brewing tea. He rounded the corner to see Lucy at the counter, humming softly as she sliced some bread, her ponytail swaying with her movements. The sight of her—domestic, carefree, her blue dress hugging her figure in the soft light—made his heart skip, a warmth spreading through him despite the hangover.
She noticed him instantly, her eyes lighting up with a tender glow. "Varion!" She dropped the knife and hurried over, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug, her head resting against his chest, the familiar scent of her hair—like fresh flowers—filling his senses.
He hugged her back, his arms encircling her waist as the warmth of her embrace chased away the last fog of sleep. She pulled back just enough to stand on her tiptoes and kiss him softly, her lips lingering against his in a gentle, affectionate press that sent a spark through him. "I'm so glad you're awake," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin, her hands resting on his chest as she looked up at him with eyes full of quiet adoration.
They stayed in the hug for a second longer, just relaxing in each other's presence—the world fading to the steady rhythm of their breathing, her warmth grounding him after the long night, his steady heartbeat a reassuring drum under her ear.
Then Lucy pulled away, taking his hand with a gentle tug, her fingers intertwining with his. "Come sit. You look like you're starving."
She led him to the table, sitting him down in a chair with a caring smile, her touch lingering on his shoulder. "Wait right there—I'll make you a sandwich really quick."
She hurried back to the counter, her movements quick and efficient as she layered ham, cheese, and fresh veggies between the slices of bread. Varion watched her with a warm gaze filled with affection, his heart swelling at the simple act of care—the way she hummed while working, the focus in her eyes just for him, the subtle sway of her hips as she moved. In that moment, the hangover felt distant, replaced by a quiet joy at having someone who cared this much.
She came back moments later, setting the plate in front of him with a proud grin. "Here—eat up."
He thanked her with a quick kiss, his hand cupping her cheek for a second, pulling her close so their foreheads touched briefly, the intimacy making her blush deepen. Then he pulled away and started eating, the sandwich disappeared within seconds and he looked at Lucy sheepishly. She fondly rolled her eyes and went to make him a few more knowing he would probably do the same to the others.