Ryker awoke with an indisposition right in the middle of the morning, he decided he wouldn't go to the guild that day, and maybe not in the near future after the night before. After talking to Mira, he decided to drown his sorrows with drinks, resulting in a severe hangover.
He used everything he had to get up and out of bed, something he didn't want, but the headache wouldn't go away without the meds in his bathroom. Stumbling along the way he managed to reach the bathroom and open the medicine cabinet, taking and taking a pain reliever and drinking the tap water. He didn't care a bit.
When he looked into the living room, he decided to settle down on his couch while his dog licked him in the face. At this point he didn't know whether he liked it or was annoyed with the poor animal, so he just let it go, lying down and napping for a few more hours.
It was almost two in the afternoon and he hadn't eaten anything, and he wasn't even hungry. He just wanted to stay here and die – too melodramatic. Returning to the bathroom Ryker washed his face and changed clothes, something a little more decent than he'd agreed. Returning to the living room he decided to go out and compare something, when he heard a knock on the door and went to answer it.
"Erza!" he said surprised to see her.
"Ryker", the redhead greeted entering the apartment of her current affaire.
"What are you doing here?" Ryker looked a little confused.
"Can't I visit you?" Erza approached him and kissed him softly on the lips.
He smiled and hugged her, wrapping his arms around her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. They kissed deeply, only pausing for air when they ran out of breath.
"I didn't see you at the guild today and Wendy said you didn't go on any missions, so I decided to come see if you were here," the redhead explained. "Is everything okay?" she worried.
Ryker gave a slight smile as he took her hand and led her to the sofa to sit side by side. Erza picked Wolf up and petted him, smiling at the animal, who was amused by the attention.
"I spoke to Mira last night," he said and Erza looked at him with understanding. "Was difficult. If you saw how she got out of here…" he sighed. "I hurt her...".
Erza put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She's my friend, too. And I feel for her. But don't you think it was better that way? Does she know from you, be honest with her?" Ryker didn't seem to agree very much, it would be better to let Mira know nothing, at least she wouldn't get hurt, right? Erza noticed and soon decided to clarify things.
"Don't think so, Ryker. The truth is always better," he stared at her. "It can hurt, but healing is faster. Lies don't last forever and when they are discovered the pain is much greater. If you really care about someone, you should always tell the truth, whatever the cost".
"You and your truths," he sighed. "Why are you always right?", he laughed out of the corner of his mouth and kissed the redhead on the lips, who blushed slightly and behaved a bit shy. Ryker smirked and kissed her again. "I love it when you look like this," he chuckled, and Erza blushed even more.
"You don't need to wear armor here," he said smiling at her.
The redhead looked down at his armor and smiled knowingly. "Actually, sharply pointed," and she stripped off her attire into her sleeveless shirt and blue bow tie.
As soon as she changed clothes, Ryker put his arm through her pulling her closer so they were glued to each other. He bent his head and whispered in her ear, raising her hair. "I like to see your arms bare", and kissed her right shoulder, eliciting a small sigh from the redhead.
Erza swung her legs up onto the couch and leaned against the mage, leaning her back against his chest. Ryker caught her around the waist and their fingers intertwined.
"Have you eaten yet?" he asked.
"Not yet," Titania replied.
"Now that we're so cozy I have to go out to buy something. In fact, I was leaving when you arrived," he whimpered.
"Sorry I did not know".
"No problem, redhead", he gently kissed her right shoulder.
"Then stop being lazy and go! I'll be right here when you get back", she said turning her face towards him kissing his cheek.
Ryker rolled his eyes, Erza being Erza. "Stay with me today," he asked. "I need you".
"We've already talked about this, Ryker. I ..."
"Hey! I didn't say for us to do anything big. Just what you want...", kiss, "whenever you want...", kiss, "and when you feel comfortable doing it", kiss.
Erza couldn't be more shy and flushed now. She pulled away from him and pushed him off the couch.
"Go soon!", she ordered and he left for shopping smiling at his affaire, embarrassed.
When he came back they both had lunch and Erza devoured the strawberry cake he bought and couldn't even smell it. They decided to watch movies on TV eating popcorn that Ryker made. He invited her for a picnic the next day, making the redhead glow with excitement. Wendy gave him this tip. Titania decided that they should call the young Dragon Slayer as well, as Ryker liked her so much and so did she. It would be a family event after all. He liked the idea.
The day passed happily for the couple, who dated, ate popcorn and watched movies. They slept in each other's arms waiting for the next day.
The next day, Erza went to Fairy Hills to invite Wendy to the picnic. She initially refused wanting to leave the two alone, but was persuaded to go by the redhead's insistence and insight. After all, who rejects an invite from Titania?
Ryker used the morning to buy things for the event, which they agreed would be at Park Magnolia at lunchtime, in a more secluded and private area of the park.
Erza and Wendy left Fairy Hills and it was stipulated to meet in the park with Ryker, who would be waiting for them, in the agreed area. When the two arrived, they took the time to look for him, but as soon as they found him lying on the grass, taking in the strong summer sun, they soon went to him and sat down beside him.
Noticing the movement, he opened his eyes and saw Wendy and Erza beside him, who smiled in satisfaction. He got up and kissed Erza on the mouth and gave Wendy a light hug, but not before teasing her lightly pinching her cheeks, who complained in a sly way.
The three of them took things out of the basket and placed them on the picnic tablecloth lying on the floor.
"AH! It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?" said Wendy, smiling.
"Yes. It's a wonderful day, perfect for a picnic," said Erza. Ryker nodded in agreement.
"And how's the food?" he asked.
"It's very tasty", said the little girl.
"Exactly, there is nothing to complain about. Where did you buy? Another day I can go there", asked Erza, enjoying a piece of chicken pie.
"I made it," Ryker said with some pride. Erza and Wendy looked at him in surprise and amazement.
"That's impossible!", Erza stated, looking at him seriously.
"WHAT!? What do you mean it's impossible!?" he turned to her, challenging her gaze.
"Ryker... you can't cook," Wendy said smiling.
He turned to the little one and crossed his arms, indignant. "What is that? Are you two colluding? Who says I can't cook?"
"You?" little bluenett reminded him. He didn't know how to continue. "And also forgot to take the labels off the packages", she laughed with the idiot face he got.
"Be quiet Wendy!" Ryker yelled after regaining his composure.
"Your liar", she returned smiling amused.
Ryker didn't let it go and went after the little one, tickling her. "Now you'll get what you deserve, shorty!", he said making her suffer with laughter. Erza smiled and looked lovingly at the interaction between the two. She was happy with the connection they have, it was special.
"Hey! Stop this. Leave her alone!" Carla, who had been discreet until that moment, decided to speak up, defending her longtime friend.
The wizard stopped tickling the little one, who was lying on her back in the grass, and turned to the white Exceed with a mischievous look. "Ah! I didn't even see you there, pussy", he teased her.
Carla looked at him wearily. "I already told you I'm no pussy!" she snapped.
"Ryker," called Wendy, getting up from the floor. "Didn't you bring Wolf?"
"I hope not. I don't want to find that flea," Carla complained.
"Carla! Wolf isn't flea," Wendy defended Ryker's poor puppy.
"He's lying under those bushes," he pointed to some small trees in the distance.
Ryker hissed and the leaves on the bushes stirred and a small beige dog came out from under them and ran toward the group. Reaching them, he walked past everyone sniffing and having fun with everyone, licking each one of them, jumping and running around.
Erza caught him and hugged him, looking excited and loving, while the pet squirmed trying to lick the redhead's face. She let him go, not before being licked in the face by an agitated Wolf. He ran to Ryker, who petted him and went to Carla, but she had climbed a tree to protect herself from the animal. Wolf ran to Wendy who hugged him and played with the animal, smiling and laughing.
"He's so cute!" Erza commented.
Ryker looked at her and grinned. "Girls and furry animals…", he resigned himself.
"Wolf! Sit! Stay!" Ryker ordered and the dog immediately obeyed. "We can eat the cake now," he said, taking a box from the basket and placing it in the middle of the towel. He opened it and took out a cake, which looked delicious. Just the mention of the word 'cake' and Erza glowed.
"Wait a second, Erza!", he shouted seeing the attitude of his affaire. She looked at him confused.
"What do you want?", she replied a little irritated, wanting to devour that sugary delight.
"Yesterday I bought a strawberry cake and I didn't even see the smell of it, you sugar addict!", Erza crossed her arms in total indignation at the comment, pouting adorable. "Then I will cut and split equally between us. Before you gobble it up like a maniac", the last part in a barely audible tone, only heard by the Dragon Slayer, who laughed but stopped, putting her hand over her mouth as she saw Titania's disapproving look.
Ryker cut several pieces of cake giving one each.
"What cake is this? It doesn't look like strawberry", commented the redhead, with some disappointment.
"But it is," Ryker said. "See, you have chocolate eyes and red hair. You like strawberries, I like chocolate. I decided to put the two together and bought a strawberry and chocolate cake. Doesn't it taste good? Reminds me of you", he said smiling at the redhead.
She looked at him blushing and was suddenly shy, but she tasted her piece of candy. Erza marveled at the flavor, the texture, the creams. The chocolate flavor mixed with the sweet tartness of the strawberry made a perfect combination of the two elements, which she didn't know was possible.
"It's…it's…it's just amazing!" she yelled. A fire blazed in her eyes with the candy in her mouth. "They should give a prize to whoever invented a delicacy as wonderful as this one. I should go and say hello myself and give all Fairy Tail compliments for giving us a pleasure like this," she was excited, a little too excited.
"I knew you would like it," boasted Ryker.
"Yes it's wonderful. It will be my second favorite cake".
"What's it like!?", he was confused.
"It's actually a delicious dessert, but my strawberry cake is even better."
Ryker and Wendy looked at each other and laughed at her, giving up. "I think you're hopeless", he commented, approaching the redhead and kissing her lightly on the lips, a sweet kiss with a taste of strawberry and chocolate. Wendy blushed seeing the scene of a light romance between the two.
"But you know? I find you just as delicious," he whispered in her ear, followed by a kiss and a light lick on her ear. Erza shivered all over and looked at him in astonishment, seeing a malicious Ryker, she turned redder than ripe strawberries.
Wendy too and listened and practically emitted a red light of its own. Ryker and Erza noticed and both blushed with embarrassment.
"Wendy! Stop listening to the adults talk!" Ryker yelled.
"It wasn't my fault!" she defended herself. "You shouldn't say such inappropriate things!"
"We... Wendy!" Ryker yelled reprimanding her, totally embarrassed and Erza didn't know where to put her face.
The rest of the picnic went off without a hitch, the three ate, talked and had fun before packing up and walking around the park enjoying the rest of the beautiful day. Wendy took Wolf on a leash, laughing with the young animal, Carla flew with them. Ryker and Erza walked behind them hand in hand talking about anything and smiling at each other.
At one point Ryker put Wendy on his back and carried her through the park, carrying his little sister, who despite her protests had fun with her older brother and their dog – a Belgian malinoi shepherd by the way. Erza was happy watching their interaction and seeing them get along so well, that even a smile appeared on her lips.
The sun was setting over the horizon, and night was beginning to come. The park lights were on giving a romantic feel to the place. It had been a fun and relaxing day for everyone.
Ryker was sitting with his back against a tree and his legs bent. Erza was snuggled between his legs and was leaning her back against his chest, who had his arms around her caressing her stomach while she caressed his arms. They were enjoying the end of the day and the beginning of the night.
"It was a really good day, I needed it. Thanks and thanks for bringing Wendy, too," Ryker said.
"I must thank you. I've always wanted to have a picnic, but I've never been able to", Erza said, admiring the landscape. "And speaking of Wendy. Where is she?"
"He's back here playing with Wolf and Carla," he reassured her. "She is a strong and smart girl, don't worry" she kissed the top of Erza's head affectionately.
Erza smiled and stroked his arms. "Don't think I didn't see you always watching her to make sure nothing happens. I think you're the one who worries too much."
Ryker chuckled lightly at the redhead's accusation and had to agree. "Are you going home today?"
"Ryker…" she started, but was interrupted by him.
"I know you want to take it slow, and I understand you. I also want to take it slow, to see if that's what we want," he said.
The truth was that after he talked to Mira his feelings were mixed, he wanted some time to be sure what he felt and if he was on the right path with Erza.
He continued… "But I want you around too. And spending time together in my apartment isn't going to kill anyone. And it won't rush things. Let's just talk and spend time together…and kiss every now and then," he grinned mischievously.
Erza laughed at his last comment. She shifted from her position to come face to face with the man behind her. She kissed his lips softly. "I will, you convinced me", he had to smile victoriously. "Don't be too convinced, though," she warned.
He smiled and he kissed her deeply, their tongues working, fighting for dominance and space in each other's mouths. An ardent kiss, full of passion and lust. She held him behind the head bringing him closer and holding him tight as he did the same. It was almost as if they were trying to devour the other.
"I didn't see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn't see anything!", they broke apart and saw Wendy with her hands covering her face and glowing red.
Erza was embarrassed by her presence and by what she saw they were doing, even though it was no big deal.
"Wendy!" Ryker yelled.
"Sorry!", the young woman said tearfully. Ryker sighed and smiled at her. How could he be upset or annoyed with her? Never.
"I think you're jealous and want attention too", he said getting up and started running after the little Dragon Slayer, who came out screaming for him to stop, however she was happy and had fun.
The three decided it was time to leave. They gathered their things, Ryker took Wendy back to Fairy Hills and then returned to his house where Erza was waiting for him.
The two spent the night together seeing what there was to see on TV, talking and enjoying the rest that the day had to offer.
A few days passed, none of which Ryker was seen in the guild. He wanted to give Mira a break, stepping back and letting time heal the wounds was a logical choice, but he wasn't ready to go back and see her himself. All these days Erza spent with him without anything happening, as he said, only when they are comfortable with it they would move on to something else. However, they were happy to share each other's company.
After so long he decided it was time to go back, after all he couldn't be away forever. So that day, he was sitting at a table far away from the bar, watching Mira from there. She did not seem to be the beautiful and radiant woman he knew, on the contrary, the girl was more somber and sad, without that light that radiated from her and warmed him. He couldn't help but blame himself for that, it was obvious that she still hadn't recovered, not fully at least.
Ryker was watching her, lost in thought, not even noticing a person sitting at his desk. Only when she nudged him vehemently did he leave his world and come back to reality.
"Lisy!?", he said, taken by surprise by the magician.
"Hi Ryker," she greeted him.
"What are you doing here?".
"Let's go! You know…" Lisanna said looking at him seriously.
He sighed deeply knowing what the conversation would be like. "Look…I didn't want to upset her, but I had to be honest with her."
"I know, Ryker. I just wanted to know how you feel about my sister," she said, determined to know the truth.
Ryker was surprised he never stopped to think about his feelings for Mira. For him, they were good friends, she was always there for him, but deep down...
Ryker sighed heavily, and stood thoughtfully for a few moments. "I do not know. It's all messed up and I'm not the best person for sentimentality," he said, crossing his arms and looking irritated, not with Lisanna but with himself.
"Well, you better know," she said firmly. "If not, you're going to end up hurting three people. Mira, Erza and you, Ryker," what she said caught him off guard, leaving him stunned. But she was right, he should find out and clarify everything. He snorted resignedly.
Lisanna was getting up to leave, but Ryker called her over. "Lisy. How is she?"
The youngest Strauss turned to him with a sweet smile, she wasn't mad at him or anything. "She's getting better, don't worry. And she doesn't hate you, rest assured," she said and left, leaving Ryker at his desk in relief.
He calmed down after what Lisy had said and picked up a newspaper they'd thrown on his desk to read and distract his head. When he looked at him, he broke out in a cold sweat and widened his eyes.
"Hey! Is this newspaper from today?" he asked, showing the paper to a passing magician, who confirmed his fears.
"What the fuck!" he growled. "Today is August 5th! I have to get out of here!", he despaired. Quickly the mage got up and left the guild. As soon as he walked through the door he ran into Wendy, who was just entering. The poor little mage had no chance and fell on her ass on the ground moaning and stroking her head in shock.
"Wendy! I'm sorry!" Ryker bent down to help her up.
"No problem. I just didn't see you leaving," she said embarrassed.
"Don't defend him, Wendy! He should pay more attention," snarled Carla.
"Carla..."
"No, Wendy! She's right. I was not paying attention".
The little Dragon Slayer looked at him, he looked nervous and annoyed about something. "Is everything okay?" she asked worriedly.
"Huh! Yes, yes... it is", the nervousness was blatant.
"I don't think so," Carla interjected and Ryker looked at her with deadly eyes. The cat just turned her face snobbishly.
"It is true! You seem bothered about something," Wendy said, looking at him curiously.
It would be difficult to hide anything from Wendy, she would ask him to exhaustion. She had that freedom with him. Damn intimacy! Resigned, he decided to tell, just for her.
"Okay!", he said grabbing the little mage's arm and dragging her to a quieter and more discreet place.
"Why are we here?" she asked, amazed at his behavior.
"It's because I don't want anyone to know," he says.
"Know what?"
"Well, it's just that today is…my…birthday…" he says totally embarrassed. This was something he didn't want anyone to know.
Wendy's eyes sparkled and a wide, bright smile appeared on her face. She jumped onto Ryker's neck, enveloping him in a brotherly hug. "Congratulations, Ryker! I didn't know it was your birthday. Congratulations!".
He was surprised by the girl's reaction, but something inside him warmed. "O…thanks, I think," he said, lowering the little one to the ground.
The little girl was happy, but something came to her mind. "Ryker! Why don't you want anyone to know about your birthday?"
Ryker stopped and thought about what to say. "I don't see anything amiss on birthdays, plus I don't like being the center of attention. It gives me despair...". Wendy tries but can't hold back the loud laugh that attacked her. She laughs so hard that tears start to form in the corners of her eyes.
Ryker looked at her in utter disgust. "W... what do you think you're doing!?"
"S... sorry!", she tries to justify herself between laughter and intake of breath. "But…but, it's just such a…silly reason," she laughs even harder, irritating Ryker, who crosses his arms and turns to his side, sulking.
"Each with their reasons," he squeaks.
Wendy sees him upset and with a smile and with her arms behind her body she surrounds him and looks him up and down with her eyes and with the sweetest face in the world. How could he resist that! Gradually he leaves his sullen and irritated way, relaxing and letting his arms drop, in a looser posture. He thought that brat was starting to manipulate him and he was going down like a duck.
Little Dragon Slayer bluenett hugs one of his arms and looks at him fondly. "Ryker! Birthdays are times to celebrate with friends and family. That's when we come into the world and have the chance to live and make a difference. I would like to spend this time with you. If you don't want to be the center of attention, we can have a discreet party".
Ryker felt his heart warm, he didn't know if he liked it or not, but seeing Wendy so excited he couldn't refuse. "I do not know how to do this. But if it's just you I don't see any problems", he smiled.
Wendy smiled back, even though there was a bead of sweat on her forehead. It was his way after all. She waves and they leave for his house. There was nothing much, just the two of them spending time as a family, Erza would be arriving later anyway. At one point he fell asleep on his couch and Wendy decided that that moment would be suitable for her to prepare a surprise cake. She left and quickly purchased the ingredients. Returning, he went straight to the kitchen and prepared the sweet, always with a happy smile.
Ryker woke up after a while, smelling a delicious scent he didn't know where it came from. He got up, stretched and went to the kitchen, as he was hearing noises coming from there.
"Wendy? What are you doing?", he said when he saw the little girl washing what she had soiled.
She turned and faced him happily. "I took advantage of your sleeping and decided to bake a cake. Every birthday has to have one".
"Do you know how to cook!?" he said in amazement.
"Some things," she replied.
He sits on the chair in front of the kitchen table and rests his head on one hand looking at her working and feels, again, that warmth in his chest. He never felt what he was feeling, the last few days were showing him things he didn't even know could exist, he had to admit he was scared of it all. He couldn't handle these feelings. If they were soldiers, a fierce battle or something, he would have been fine, but this was different, and it terrified him.
Ryker sighed slightly looking at her. "Shouldn't I be taking care of you?"
Wendy turned to him and smiled, going back to her duties without saying a word. He shrugged and continued to watch her.
"Here it is!" she deposits the ornate and ornate cake in the middle of the kitchen table. It took a while, but she delivered a cake relatively simple, but that showed all the affection she had put in that candy. It even had candles on top of it.
"Now just blow and make a wish," she clapped her hands in excitement.
"What's the point of this!?" he asked, puzzled.
"Just do it, silly," he shrugged and blew out the candles, with Wendy clapping excitedly. "Happy birthday, Ryker!" she squeals happily and hugs him.
Ryker could feel a happiness inside him, everything done for him and for Wendy was special, he smiles. "I've never had anything like this before, not even close…it was all…It's perfect, Wendy. Thanks," he hugs her even tighter.
Wendy kisses him on the cheek. "It's the first of many, brother," she says, hugging him tighter.
He was taken by a feeling of calm and happiness, with her words he felt he was part of something, part of her life, an important part of someone. It was as if the two were linked forever.
"As you wish, little sister", he kisses her on the cheek. Celebrating birthday might not be so bad after all.
The day went by quickly, they ate the cake, which was very good you must say, watched movies and ate popcorn, which he made. The night wore on a bit and Wendy ended up falling asleep, resting her head on Ryker.
She rested her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms around him and her legs bent over the couch. Carla settled into his lap and slept too. Ryker gently stroked the young bluenett's hair, finishing the movie.
Ryker heard a noise at the door and suspected it was Erza entering his apartment. When the door opened and it was revealed to be the redhead, before any louder noise was made he placed his index finger in front of her lips, making the silent sign to Erza and then pointing to the mage lying on her chest.
The redhead approached slowly, avoiding any sound and sat on the arm of the sofa next to her affaire giving her a soft kiss on the lips.
She looked tenderly at the sleeping girl and Ryker with her. "Shouldn't I take her to bed?" he whispered.
"Yes, but leave her like that a little longer," he said in a low voice so as not to wake her up.
Erza looked at them tenderly. They were special to each other, there was no more doubt. She's never seen Wendy so comfortable with anyone before in such a short time. She watched them, Wendy snuggled comfortably against Ryker and him stroking her hair while she slept. She saw him looking at her tenderly and fondly, as a brother would.
When the time came he picked her up and carried her to his room, putting her on the bed and covering her with the sheets. The mage bent down to damage a light kiss on her forehead before leaving and closing the door. Ryker returned to the sofa where Erza was waiting.
"You're really close," she commented.
"Yeah, maybe," he says putting his arm around the redhead, bringing her closer. "She baked a cake today, can you believe it?"
The word cake made Erza go into candy predator mode, where she turned her head to the kitchen to see her prey.
"It's not strawberry," she hears Ryker say and settles down on the couch with a tantrum and an adorable pout.
"So what fun is it?" she crosses her arms in indignation.
Ryker smiled crookedly, looking at the strawberry cake eater. He kisses her passionately and brings her into a hug, staying together for a long time. Thinking about everything that had happened the day and the days before, he realized he would need an answer, and fast.