After their date, Natsu and Mayumi arrived at Fairy Tail guild. The place was alive with activity as usual. They walked together but not too close, reflecting their relationship. Mayumi, who had visited before, acknowledged the guild members with a nod, already accepted as Natsu's girlfriend.
Natsu went straight to Master Makarov. "Master, Mayumi wants to join Fairy Tail," he said.
Makarov smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with delight. "Welcome, Miss Saegusa. We're happy to have you," he replied, his tone heartfelt and welcoming.
He signaled Mirajane, who approached with her stamp, her smile as radiant as ever. "Where would you like your guild mark, Mayumi?" she asked kindly, the stamp in her hand.
"On my left hand's back, in black," Mayumi chose, stretching out her hand.
As Mirajane stamped Mayumi's hand, the guild erupted in cheers, a warm and boisterous welcome for the new member. "Let's have a party for her!" Makarov announced, his voice buoyant with excitement, and the guild immediately sprang into action, their camaraderie shining through as they started preparations.
Seeing an opportunity amid the bustling guild, Mirajane pulled Mayumi aside for a chat, a mischievous sparkle in her eye, while within earshot of the curious guild women. "How did you and Natsu meet? We all want to know," she asked, leaning in, embodying the group's burning curiosity.
Mayumi, with a poised smile, recounted a made-up story they'd agreed on beforehand, involving a daring rescue by Natsu during one of her adventures and a magical mishap that inexplicably linked their magics together. Mirajane listened, entranced by the tale, clearly convinced and admiring their partnership and the whimsical role fate seemed to play in their meeting.
Rejoining the festivities, Mayumi felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and acceptance from the guild, her initial nerves melting away despite the secret of her true origins that lay beneath the surface.
The welcoming party was a vibrant showcase of Fairy Tail's indomitable spirit. Cana led the drinking games with her usual gusto, which ended with many members sprawled out, peacefully sleeping off the effects alcohol. The remaining members shared stories and laughter, loudly welcoming Mayumi into their family without reservation. The simple yet heartfelt celebration affirmed the guild's united, welcoming nature, making it clear that Fairy Tail was more than just a guild; it was a family.
As the lively atmosphere settled down from the party, Makarov, with a look of genuine curiosity, turned to Mayumi and asked, "So, Mayumi, dear, where will you be staying now that you are here with us?"
Mayumi, with a grace that silenced the room, responded, "Makarov-san, Natsu and I have decided to live together, along with Happy. We have a house prepared for us."
This revelation dropped like a stone in a still pond, rippling surprise throughout the Fairy Tail guild members. Happy, floating by with his usual cheerful grin, piped in, "Aye, sir! We're gonna be one big happy family!"
Mirajane clasped her hands together, her eyes shining with romantic delight. "Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed, finding the whole situation utterly romantic.
Elfman, puffing out his chest in a show of masculinity, grunted in approval, a bit unsteady from the alcohol. "That's the spirit, Natsu! Living with a woman, truly the mark of a real man!" His voice was louder than usual, a sign of his intoxicated state.
Loke, leaning a little too casually against the bar, raised his glass in Natsu's direction with a tipsy smirk. "To new beginnings," he slurred, the effects of the party's celebration evident in his voice.
Cana, always the reveler, chuckled at Loke's antics and hoisted her barrel, "Here, here!"
Lucy and Erza, however, exchanged a glance that spoke volumes of their shock. "Don't you think it's moving a bit fast?" Lucy whispered, her voice laced with disbelief.
Erza, still in her armor, crossed her arms and nodded. "Indeed, Lucy. This is quite sudden. But, if it's for the best, we should support them."
Gray, standing a bit off to the side, tried to mask his feelings of envy with a forced smile. "Lucky guy," he muttered under his breath, wondering when such fortune would come his way.
Macao and Wakaba shared a look that was a mixture of surprise and pride, both having smiles on their faces, proud of how Natsu was stepping into this new chapter of his life.
Bisca, observing the scene with a longing gaze, looked over to Alzack, who was beside her, and mumbled to herself, "I hope you're taking notes, Alzack. It takes courage to make bold moves like Natsu."
Lastly, Levy, her nose buried in her book as usual, lifted her gaze to observe the couple. "There must be more to this story," she mused, her curiosity piqued by the unconventional turns Natsu's life was taking.
Natsu and Mayumi made their way back to their shared residence, the evening air wrapping around them like a comfortable blanket. Natsu, ever the straightforward type, broke the silence between them, "Hey, Mayumi, did you enjoy our date and the party at Fairy Tail?"
A spark lit up Mayumi's eyes under the moonlight, her response carrying genuine enthusiasm, "It was truly enjoyable," she admitted with heartfelt sincerity. "The date was delightful, and the welcome party at the guild surpassed all my expectations. I've made countless friends there, and I feel like I've come to understand you much better, Natsu."
As they neared their home, Happy, Natsu's faithful companion, flew back to join them. "Aye! Sounds like you guys had a blast!"
Mayumi's laughter mingled with the night, her glance briefly meeting Happy's. "Yes, Happy, it was wonderful."
Stepping into the warmth of their home, they shared a few more laughs, recount a few memorable moments from their evening. As the excitement of the day began to settle, it was clear that it was time for bed.
Before they parted ways for the night, Mayumi reached out to gently stop Natsu. "Natsu," she said, her voice infused with a warmth that was deeper than before, "I want to thank you for today. It was truly special to me."
Natsu, slightly surprised by her touch, gave an awkward scratch to the back of his head but smiled genuinely. "Hey, no worries, Mayumi. I'm just glad you had fun."
With a chorus of "Good nights" exchanged, including a vibrant "Good night!" from Happy, they headed to their own rooms. Mayumi closed her door gently, leaning against it with a blissful smile. Being so quickly accepted and feeling so at home was more than she had dared to hope for. Between the guild's lively atmosphere, Natsu's unwavering spirit, and even Happy's quirky company, she felt she truly belonged.
On the other side, Natsu found himself lying on his bed, gaze affixed to the ceiling. The day had been filled with unexpected moments and revelations about Mayumi that intrigued him. Her laughter, her infectious happiness, still echoed in his thoughts, evoking some kind of warmth in him.
As the night deepened, both Natsu and Mayumi were lost to the world of dreams, their thoughts fluttering towards the future that awaited them among the vibrant life of Fairy Tail.