6: A Fresh Start
The clatter of plates and the hum of conversation filled the space as members gathered to unwind after a long day. At one table, Natsu and Happy were engrossed in sharing a plate of fish, the two exchanging playful banter between bites. Lucy, already having eaten, sat nearby, resting her chin in her palm as she stifled a yawn.
"Ugh, where's Levy?" Lucy muttered. The day's journey had taken its toll, and boredom was beginning to creep in. "I was hoping to ask her something but… can't see her."
Meanwhile, Gray leaned in with a faint smirk as he glanced over at Natsu.
"So, are you still planning on fighting Erza like you said yesterday? Or did you chicken out?"
Natsu paused mid-bite, his cheeks puffed out with food. He swallowed hard, pounding his chest to clear his throat before grinning fiercely.
"Of course I am! I'm gonna fight her and win, just you watch!" His eyes scanned the hall. "Where is she, anyway?"
Gray shrugged. "Dunno. Last I saw, she was busy talking with the Master. Maybe she's avoiding you."
"Like she'd ever avoid a fight!" Natsu huffed impatiently, drumming his fingers on the table. "I'm tired of waiting around! I wanna fight her now!" He pounded the table for emphasis, causing the plates and cutlery to rattle.
Happy looked up from his fish. "You think he's helping Jin get settled in with the guild?"
Natsu paused mid-chew, his eyes lighting up. "Oh yeah! But now I wanna fight Jin too! Did you see how strong he is? It's gonna be awesome!"
"There she is," Lucy chimed in, pointing at Erza at the far end of the guild hall.
Natsu tilted his head curiously, seeing where she had emerged. "But… Why did she come from the men's locker room?"
"I remember Jin went in there to change his clothes," Happy added. "Maybe she was helping him with his guild mark."
Gray raised an eyebrow, smirking mischievously. "Or maybe she was helping him with something... other than his guild mark?"
Lucy's face flushed, and she quickly waved her hand. "It's probably best not to question why Erza does the things she does… for all our sakes."
As Erza approached, Natsu sprang to his feet. "Erza! You promised we'd fight, remember? Let's do it now!"
Erza folded her arms across her chest, giving him a measured look. "I remember, but I'm afraid we'll have to do it another time. I'll be busy."
"Come on!" Natsu protested, his fists clenching in excitement. "Can't we fight now while you're not busy?!"
"Natsu!" Happy chimed in. "If you fight later, that gives you time to train! You'll be even stronger!"
Natsu blinked, the logic slowly dawning on him. "That's true… Yeah! Good idea, Happy!" He pointed a finger at Erza. "Three days from now, outside the guild hall! Just you and me!"
Erza nodded with a faint smile. "Very well. Three days it is."
Meanwhile, Jin emerged from the men's locker room, adjusting the bracers on his arms as he gazed out at the bustling guild hall. A sense of relief washed over him after his conversation with Erza. The weight he had carried for so long seemed a little lighter now, and for the first time in years, he felt the flicker of hope that maybe—just maybe—things could be different here.
Even from where he stood, the guild hall was a hive of activity, with members chatting, laughing, and sharing stories from their latest jobs. It was a sight so foreign to him, yet oddly comforting. His eyes scanned the hall, searching for familiar faces among the sea of vibrant personalities. He spotted Natsu, whose voice seemed to carry above the rest, engaged in a heated debate with Erza about some future battle. Jin couldn't help but smile at the sight of them. They were so… alive. So full of energy, even after a long day of travel.
Gathering his courage, Jin began to make his way towards them, feeling a mix of anticipation and shyness. His new outfit, a navy-blue suit with his father's Saiyan armor, felt strange yet oddly right. It was a reminder of where he came from, but also a symbol of where he was now—a member of Fairy Tail. As he approached the table, Gray was the first to notice him.
"Hey, Jin! Over here!" Gray called out, waving him over.
Jin jogged the remaining distance, his heart lightening at the warm reception. The entire team's attention turned to him as he arrived, greeting him with smiles and a chorus of hellos.
"Whoa, check out the new look!" Natsu exclaimed, eyeing Jin's outfit. "You don't look so sad anymore! Guess those ugly brown clothes were the problem, huh?"
Jin chuckled, appreciating the unintentional compliment. "You might be right, Natsu. This feels… better, in more ways than one."
Lucy leaned forward, admiring his attire. "It looks really comfy. Definitely suits you."
Gray nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it does. You look like you're really settling in."
Jin felt a warmth spread through his chest at their words.
"Thanks, that means a lot coming from you guys."
Happy fluttered up to Jin, eyes gleaming. "Hey, you got your guild mark!"
Natsu pumped his fist in the air. "I knew it! Erza must have gone in there to help you become an official member!"
He glanced at his chest, where the red guild mark stood out proudly against the white of his armor. "You could say that. It feels good to finally be part of something."
Gray smirked, offering Jin a high five. "Welcome aboard, officially this time."
Jin blinked, staring at Gray's hand for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then, hesitantly, he raised his own hand and returned the high five. It was a simple gesture, but the impact was profound—a connection, a shared moment that made Jin feel, for the first time, like he truly belonged.
Lucy held up her hand next. "Up top!"
Jin mirrored her movement, their hands meeting with a satisfying slap. A small laugh escaped him, the simple joy of the moment catching him off guard.
Natsu jumped in next, raising his own hand. "Me too!"
"Aye!" Happy chimed in, eagerly doing the same beside him.
With a chuckle, Jin high-fived both of them, the warmth in his chest growing. This simple gesture, this act of camaraderie, was something he had never experienced before. And yet, it felt… right. Comfortable, even.
Finally, Jin turned to Erza, their eyes meeting for a moment. There was an understanding there, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they had begun to forge. Feeling a bit bashful, Jin slowly raised his hand, sheepishly offering her a high five. Erza's expression softened into a warm smile as she returned the gesture.
Natsu grinned, "Now that you're all official and stuff, that means I get to fight you too, right? Just like I'm gonna fight Erza!"
Jin raised an eyebrow, glancing at Erza, who simply shrugged in response. "Wait, you're really gonna fight her?"
"Of course!" Natsu declared with enthusiasm. "I'm gonna train hard and then take her down. Three days from now, right outside the guild hall!"
Jin couldn't help but laugh at the sheer energy Natsu radiated. "Well, if you're training to fight Erza, I guess I'll have to keep up with you somehow."
"Awesome! We'll train together, and then maybe we can have our own match!" Natsu's eyes gleamed with excitement, and even Happy seemed to be getting in on the action.
Jin chuckled at Natsu's infectious positivity. "I look forward to it. Let's see what that fire of yours is really capable of."
Before Jin could fully process the overwhelming sense of acceptance, Gray's eyes caught on something unusual.
"Hey, Jin... is that a tail?"
At that, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy's heads all swiveled in Jin's direction, eyes wide with surprise. Jin glanced over his shoulder at his tail, noticing a few other guild members had been curiously eyeing him from behind as well.
"Oh, this?" Jin began, turning back to his new friends with a hint of a smile. "I've had it tucked inside my clothes the whole time. But I feel pretty safe around you guys, so I figured I'd let it out."
Happy's eyes lit up at the mention of the tail, and he quickly flew over to Jin, eagerly comparing their tails.
"Look! We both have tails!" he exclaimed, waving his blue tail in front of Jin's face.
Jin chuckled, playfully waving his tail back. "Yeah, but yours is definitely cooler."
Happy beamed. "Yours looks like a monkey's tail! Is it?"
Jin chuckled, knowing exactly what his tail was for. "You're not wrong, Happy. You're not wrong."
"But… how exactly does he have a tail?" Lucy muttered in confusion, sharing a glance with Gray who simply shrugged. She then turned to Erza for a possible answer.
"I only know as much as you do," Erza said in reply, knowing the truth behind it but not wanting to reveal too much.
As Happy playfully wagged his tail in front of Jin's face, Natsu crouched down, eyeing Jin's tail with curiosity.
"I wonder if it's like Happy's?" Natsu muttered, keenly observing the furry appendage at eye level. Curiosity got the better of him, and he reached his hand out to firmly grasp the tail.
The effect was instantaneous—Jin felt his strength drain away as if a switch had been flipped in his body. His legs buckled and he collapsed to his knees, dazed and unable to even call out.
"Natsu, let go of his tail!" Erza ordered sharply.
With a startled yelp, Natsu jerked his hand back, stumbling backward in shock.
Erza, Lucy, and Gray rushed to Jin's side as he took a sharp breath, his strength slowly returning as he steadied himself.
"Are you okay?" Erza asked, helping him stand.
"Yeah..." Jin reassured them, his voice a little shaky. "I'm okay now."
"So that's why you kept it hidden," Lucy said, pointing to his tail with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I guess it's really sensitive, huh?"
"You have no idea," Jin muttered, still feeling the lingering effects of the sudden weakness. He then turned to Happy, managing a weak smile. "See? Your tail's better. No instant collapse if someone grabs it."
"Aye…" Happy responded, tinged with concern.
Just then, Mirajane ran over with a look of concern on her features.
"Is everything alright? I saw Jin fall."
"Yeah, everything's fine now," Jin quickly reassured her. "Just a little mishap, that's all."
"You sure?" Gray asked. "Can't really just call that just a mishap, to be honest."
Jin nodded, his confidence returning. "Yeah, I'm good now. Just, uh… maybe don't touch the tail."
"How was I supposed to know your tail was that sensitive?" Natsu asked, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish expression.
Jin managed a scoff. "You could've just asked before grabbing it. But honestly, it's okay. Now you and everyone else know that it's not just for show."
"You say 'it's okay' a little too much, don't you think?" Gray added with a smirk. "It's like your go-to phrase for everything, along with 'I'm sorry.'"
Jin shot back with a grin, "Come on, I can't help it sometimes."
Mirajane smiled, satisfied that the situation was under control. "It's good to see you settling in with us. That reminds me, do you have a place to stay for the night?"
Jin's eyes widened slightly, realization dawning on him at a detail he'd neglected. He had been so focused on fitting in and moving forward that he hadn't considered where he would be staying.
"Uh… no, I don't really have a place to stay yet. And, well… I don't think I have much on me either."
"That's okay!" Mirajane replied, her eyes sweeping over the group. "You could stay with someone from the guild for now. Tomorrow, you can start working and earn enough to find a place for yourself."
Jin hesitated, his gaze darting between his new friends. The idea of staying at someone's home, of being under the same roof with them, made him feel... awkward. Nervous. This was uncharted territory for him.
"But… I don't want to be a burden," Jin said nervously. "It's just... staying at someone's house is... new for me."
"Hey, don't sweat it!" Natsu exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "You can crash with me and Happy! We can train together to beat Erza!"
Gray chuckled, shaking his head. "You might want to reconsider that. Natsu doesn't exactly make for the most restful company."
Natsu's enthusiasm faltered a bit. "Hey! I'm right here, you know!"
"And I wouldn't recommend staying with me, either," Gray continued. "My place is a bit of a mess."
Natsu's face brightened with another idea. "Why don't you stay with Erza? You two seem to get along pretty well."
Jin's mind short-circuited at the thought, his face heating up as he immediately shook his head and waved his hands defensively.
"Th-that's a really bad idea," he stammered.
Erza, thankfully, backed him up. "Natsu, he can't. Men aren't allowed in Fairy Hills, remember?"
Jin's brow furrowed, turning to Erza. "Come again?"
"The guild has its own dormitory called Fairy Hills," Mirajane explained. "But only women are allowed to stay there."
Jin took a moment to absorb this new information, finding the concept of a women-only residence a bit puzzling. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a little relieved. The idea of staying with Erza, despite how safe he felt around her, was… daunting.
"So, where's Jin gonna stay?" Natsu asked, slightly growing impatient.
Happy's eyes then lit up with another idea. "You can stay with Lucy!"
Lucy suddenly erupted in a flustered panic. "What?! No way! Jin's a guy! That would be… weird!" She waved her hands around frantically, trying to explain herself. "Not that you're weird, Jin! It's just, you're a guy and I'm a girl, and…"
Jin chuckled softly, his earlier nervousness melting away at Lucy's reaction. "It's okay, Lucy. I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."
Lucy's anxious demeanor shifted to contemplation as she looked at him, trying to assess the situation. Despite their short acquaintance, she couldn't help but feel bad.
"Well, I mean, if we're considering options…" she started hesitantly, "you could stay at my apartment for now."
Jin's eyes widened in shock. "Are you sure? I mean, I get that you don't want me to be around, or anything…"
Lucy offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Don't say that. It's really just process of elimination at this point, and… well, I think you're a decent guy. Besides, my apartment isn't far from the guild hall, so it's not a big deal."
He hesitated, carefully weighing his options. Erza was clearly off-limits, and while Natsu and Happy seemed fun, Gray's warning lingered in his mind. Still, he couldn't ignore Lucy's generosity.
Seeing his uncertainty, Erza chimed in with a supportive nod. "Staying with Lucy isn't a bad idea. I trust that you'll behave around her."
Mirajane stifled a giggle behind her hand, while Lucy slumped her shoulders, a hint of exasperation at Erza's playful remark.
"Huh? Behave?" Jin tilted his head in confusion. "I mean, of course I will. I… don't really see why I wouldn't."
Lucy's eyes slightly widened in surprise, sharing a curious glance with Mirajane. They both noticed the innocence in his tone, realizing he genuinely didn't understand what Erza meant. Lucy then looked to Erza, who gave her a subtle nod, confirming what they both suspected—Jin wasn't playing dumb; he truly didn't understand the implication.
Seeing the silence stretch on, Jin began to fidget slightly, his anxiety creeping back.
"What? Was it something I said?"
Lucy quickly shook her head, offering him a reassuring smile. "No, nothing at all. But I insist—you can stay with me tonight."
Jin finally nodded, still a bit unsure but willing to trust her judgment. "If you're okay with it, then... alright. Thank you, Lucy."
Lucy smiled warmly. "No problem. Want to head over now so you can settle in?"
"Yeah, sure. I'll grab my backpack from the locker room first," Jin replied, gaining a bit more confidence. "I'll follow you after that."
"Take your time! I'll wait for you outside," she said, standing up and giving him an encouraging smile before walking away. "See you guys tomorrow!"
Erza smiled at Jin. "We'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yeah," Jin replied, returning the smile before turning to Mirajane. "I'm sorry we didn't get to introduce ourselves properly earlier. Can we start over?"
"Of course. Considering the urgency when you arrived, I understand completely. But Gray's right—you really do apologize too much."
Jin shook his head, laughing softly. "Not you too." He extended his hand. "I'm Jin."
Mirajane shook his hand, her grip firm yet gentle. "I'm Mirajane. It's nice to officially meet you, Jin."
Placing a hand on his armor, Jin nodded. "Thanks for taking care of this for me, by the way. It really means a lot, more than you know."
Mirajane's smile deepened, silently admiring the Saiyan armor she had taken the time to clean.
"Don't mention it. It looks good on you."
Turning to Natsu, Jin grinned. "I might not be staying with you tonight, but I do look forward to training and sparring with you."
Natsu brought his fist forward with a grin. "You're on!"
Jin then turned to Gray, a playful glint in his eye. "I'd love to spar with you too, but I wouldn't mind just hanging out either. You're a nice guy."
Gray chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "You're making me blush, man. But yeah, I'm looking forward to it too."
With everything settled, Jin nodded at them before turning back to Erza. He looked her in the eye, his gaze filled with gratitude.
"Thanks again… for everything."
Erza felt her chest tighten with emotion. She couldn't help but feel proud of how far he had come, how much more open he was becoming. She watched him walk off to the locker room, her thoughts lingering on their earlier conversation and the way he had slowly but surely begun to let his walls down.
Natsu's curious voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "So… what else did you do in the locker room with Jin?"
Erza's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "I simply gave him his guild mark, Natsu. And watch your wording."
Natsu's eyes widened in fear, clinging to Gray for dear life. "S-Sorry, Erza! I didn't mean anything by it!"
Jin walked beside Lucy along the river, the cool night breeze brushing against his skin. Magnolia was peaceful at this hour, the town lit by soft, warm lights reflecting off the water. The sight was simple yet beautiful compared to the places Jin had known, and he let his eyes wander, taking in the serene beauty of the town.
It wasn't a magical spectacle, but there was a quiet charm here that he found comforting. He hadn't allowed himself to notice beauty like this in years, too consumed by his relentless pursuit of strength. But now, walking here with Lucy, it all just felt good to be walking around town.
Jin's gaze drifted upward, taking in the starry sky. His thoughts wandered to his parents, and he felt a pang of sadness. So much had changed in just a few days, and it was overwhelming to think about how far he'd come.
"Mom... Dad... can you believe it? I'm actually here..."
His words trailed off as he smiled faintly, but it quickly faded as the weight of his parents' absence hit him again. They weren't here to see him grow, to see him find a new home, a new path, and that realization stung.
Lucy, who had been walking a few steps ahead, stopped when she realized Jin had fallen behind. She turned to see him standing still, staring up at the sky with a faraway look in his eyes. Concern tugged at her, and she walked back to him.
"Hey, Jin, what's wrong?" Her voice was soft, almost gentle, as if she didn't want to disturb whatever thoughts were swirling in his mind.
Jin blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. He gave her a small, apologetic smile.
"Oh, sorry... I was just..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "...Taking it all in."
Lucy glanced around, thinking he must have been admiring the town.
"Yeah, Magnolia's got that charm, huh?" she said with a warm smile. "It's pretty alive even at this hour, don't you think?"
"Right..." Jin's said softly, almost wistful. "It's just… it's been a while since I've lived somewhere that feels so... alive."
His voice trailed off as his mind wandered back to the emptiness he had lived with for so long, where the only thing he could call alive was himself, save for the occasional wildlife.
Lucy studied him for a moment, noticing the subtle shift in his demeanor. "Jin… are you okay?"
Jin offered a small smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes but was genuine nonetheless.
"Honestly, Lucy? I am. More than you know."
They continued walking, the rest of the way in comfortable silence. Soon, they arrived at Lucy's apartment building. She led him inside and up to the second floor, where she gestured to a door.
"Here we are," she said, unlocking it and stepping aside to let Jin enter. "Come on in."
Jin hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath before stepping inside. The door clicked shut behind him, and he found himself rooted to the spot, his eyes wide as he took in the room.
Compared to the stark, utilitarian space he called a room back on Vegeta, Lucy's apartment was a world apart. The warm colors, the cozy furniture, the personal touches—everything about it spoke of a life filled with comfort and warmth, things he had long since forgotten.
"Make yourself at home," she said cheerfully, setting her luggage bag aside. She turned to Jin with a smile, but it faltered when she saw him standing there, staring blankly at the room. "Jin? You're spacing out again."
Jin blinked, snapping out of his thoughts again. He chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah, sorry... It's just..." He glanced around the room again, searching for the right words. "...This reminds me of my own room back home. Or... what I wish it had been."
Lucy blinked, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice."Oh..." she said, glancing around the room. "Well, it's... just a room, you know?"
Jin nodded, his smile faint. "Yeah... Natsu said the same thing earlier. About making myself at home at the guild."
Lucy chuckled softly. "He did, huh? Well, it's just a saying. It means we want you to feel comfortable, you know? Like you belong."
He nodded as his smile returned, though still tinged with that underlying sadness. "Yeah, I know what it means. It's just... no one's ever really said that to me before. So... Thank you. And I'll have to thank Natsu too."
Lucy's heart ached a little at his words. She could see how much this meant to him, how much he'd been through, and she wanted to help, even if it was just by offering him a place to stay.
"Anytime," she said with a warm smile. "You want anything? A snack, drink?"
Jin shook his head. "Just some water. I'm not really hungry."
"Do you need to freshen up or anything? The bathroom's right over there."
Jin waved her off. "I already did, so I'm good."
"Alright. Water coming up!" Lucy said, heading to the kitchen.
As she filled two glasses, she couldn't help but think about Jin's reaction. It was clear that this was all new to him, the idea of staying with someone, of being welcomed so openly. She wanted to make sure he felt at ease, but she could also see that he was still unsure, still adjusting.
Lucy returned with two glasses of water, handing one to Jin as she sat down at the table. Jin took the glass, gulping down the water in one go before setting the empty glass down on the table.
But as he looked around the room again, Jin realized something important—there wasn't really anywhere else for him to sleep. Lucy's bed was large enough for two, but the idea of sleeping next to her made him uncomfortable. The armchair seemed like an option, but it didn't look particularly cozy. And sleeping on the floor... well, that didn't seem like the best idea either.
"Uh... Lucy? I just realized something," Jin began, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Where... where should I sleep?"
Lucy's eyes widened slightly as she looked around the room, suddenly realizing the same thing.
"Oh... crap," she said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I… didn't really think this through, did I? To be honest, I just got this place not too long ago, so… my bad."
"It's okay," Jin quickly reassured her. "I can sleep on the chair. It's no big deal."
Lucy looked at the armchair, then back at Jin, worry creasing her brow. "Are you sure? That can't be comfy..."
Jin chuckled softly, trying to ease her concerns. "I've had to deal with much worse. A chair isn't gonna kill me overnight."
Lucy's lips curled into a grin. "Might not kill you, but it could do a number on your back."
"I'll take my chances, and don't bother offering your bed either."
Lucy smiled at his attempt at humor but still looked conflicted. She wanted him to be comfortable, but she could see he was sincere in his insistence. This was all new to him—having someone care about where he slept, about his comfort.
"Alright, fine... but if your back's sore in the morning, I'm saying 'I told you so.'"
Jin smiled, appreciating her concern. "I'll keep that in mind." He then walked over to the couch and glanced at Lucy. "Mind if I take off my armor?"
Lucy shook her head. "Go ahead, make yourself comfortable."
Jin began removing his bracers, setting them on the small table in front of the couch. Then he reached for his father's armor, stretching it out before carefully slipping it off. The armor shrank down to half its size as he removed it, making Lucy's eyes widen in disbelief.
"Whoa…" she muttered in astonishment. "Your armor can stretch like that?
Jin chuckled softly, placing the armor on the table. "Yeah, it's pretty handy. It could fit anyone and still be as durable as it needs to be. It could probably fit you perfectly too."
Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "Thanks, but I think I'll stick with what I've got." She paused, glancing at him with a mischievous grin. "Although, it'd be fun to try on, I guess."
Jin laughed, feeling more at ease as he settled into the chair. "Maybe someday," he teased back.
Lucy smiled at his response, then stretched. "Well, I'm gonna go take that shower. Just get comfy over there."
Jin nodded as he settled onto the couch, watching her disappear into the bathroom. Left alone, he simply stared at his father's armor, replaying the events of the day in his mind. The journey back to Magnolia, the peculiar situation he was in upon their arrival at the guild hall, his heart-to-heart with Erza, and finally, becoming an official member of Fairy Tail. It had been a lot to take in in just a few days, but for the first time in a long while, Jin felt a sense of peace.
A bit later, Lucy emerged from the bathroom, pink pajamas soft against her skin as she dried her face with a towel.
"Hey, Jin," she called softly, walking toward Jin. "Do you want a pillow or something?"
Her words trailed off when she saw that Jin had already fallen asleep. His breathing was slow and steady, the faintest hint of a smile touched his lips, and Lucy couldn't help but smile too.
"Well, that was fast," she muttered to herself with a soft chuckle. "I wish I could doze off that quickly."
Walking over to her drawer, she pulled out a spare blanket, carefully draping it over Jin's body and tucking it around him gently. His head was tilted at an awkward angle, so she leaned in and carefully adjusted it, letting him rest more comfortably against the back of the couch.
"Goodnight, Jin," she whispered with a soft smile, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
She was about to step away when something caught her eye—the shrunken armor Jin had set on the small table. It looked so unassuming in its current state, almost like a piece of costume jewelry rather than battle gear. She hesitated for a moment, but curiosity started sparking within her. Biting her lip, Lucy quietly reached out and picked up the armor, turning it over in her hands.
"If this really stretches," she muttered to herself, examining the armor from every angle, "then I can only imagine how convenient it must be. No wonder he's so protective of it... But seriously, where can I get something like this? I could really use it for all the crazy quests we go on."
The material felt surprisingly sturdy, despite its small size. She gave it a few gentle knocks, and was amazed by the solid sound it produced. If it could stretch to fit anyone and still maintain its durability, the possibilities were endless. Maybe she could—
"You planning on trying it on?"
Lucy flinched, nearly dropping the armor in surprise. She turned to see Jin, eyes still closed, but with a small smile on his face.
"Jin! I— I thought you were asleep!" she stammered, her heart racing from the scare.
"I was until I heard you knocking on my armor. You could've been a bit more discreet, you know." His tone was light, but there was a subtle note of teasing that made Lucy relax. "By the way, the armor's off-limits, but I appreciate the interest."
Lucy huffed, more amused than annoyed. "Well, it's not every day I see armor that shrinks! And what do you mean, 'off-limits'? You said it could fit me!"
Jin chuckled softly, snuggling deeper into the couch. "Just because it can fit doesn't mean you should wear it. Besides, it's... special."
"Special, huh?" Lucy echoed, setting the armor back on the table with a sigh. She walked over to Jin and patted his head lightly. "Alright, Mr. Special. Just get some sleep already."
"I will," Jin murmured. "Goodnight, Lucy."
"Goodnight," she whispered back, watching as Jin settled further into the couch.
With a soft sigh, Lucy turned toward her desk. She pulled out a stack of papers, already filled with notes and drafts, and sat down. For a moment, she stared at the pages, her hand resting on her chin as she pondered where to start.
Ever since she'd joined Fairy Tail, she'd been working on a novel inspired by her adventures. Levy had helped fuel her growing interest in literature, and now, Lucy couldn't imagine not writing. She had already documented meeting Natsu, joining Fairy Tail, and the rescue of Macao. The Daybreak quest and Duke Everlue's arrest were in there too. But now, there was the whole Eisenwald ordeal.
Fighting the dark guild at Oshibana Station, escaping with Virgo's help, the final showdown with the Lullaby, the journey back to Magnolia—it was all still fresh in her mind. The sheer amount of material she had to cover was daunting, but the thought of leaving it unwritten felt wrong. She loved being in Fairy Tail, and writing about these adventures felt like a way to capture that love forever.
But then, there was Jin. He was an enigma, a mystery wrapped in layers of pain and loneliness that he tried to hide behind a stoic and humble front. His arrival had been unexpected, but he had quickly become someone they all cared about. And underneath that unassuming exterior was someone who just wanted to belong, to find a place where he was accepted.
There was something about him that resonated with her own experiences. She knew what it was like to leave behind a life that had once felt like a cage, and her thoughts briefly drifted to her father, the reason she had fled. She didn't know the specifics of Jin's past, but the echoes of her own pain gave her an idea of what he might be feeling.
"Jin," she whispered, her eyes drifting back to the sleeping Saiyan. Her gaze darted between him and the papers in front of her, and an idea began to form. She could include him in her story, give him a place among the characters she had created based on her guildmates.
As if in response to her thoughts, Jin murmured something in his sleep, making Lucy smile. He was definitely asleep this time, and for that, she was grateful. She didn't need him catching her in the act.
"Don't mind if I do," she whispered, turning her attention back to her papers. With renewed inspiration, Lucy grabbed her quill and dipped it into the ink. She flipped to a half-filled page and began to write, her words flowing effortlessly onto the paper as she captured the events of the past two days.
The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, gently waking Jin from his slumber. He stirred slowly, his body resisting the call to rise. A dull ache throbbed in his back and neck as he shifted in the armchair he had fallen asleep in. Stretching out, he winced slightly, rubbing the stiffness from his muscles. His tail, coiled loosely around his waist, flicked in mild irritation.
"Dammit," he muttered under his breath, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "I can already hear her say 'I told you so.'"
The apartment was still silent, the soft rhythm of Lucy's breathing the only sound besides the early morning birds outside. Jin glanced toward her, still bundled up in her bed, peaceful and unaware of his musings. He chuckled softly, feeling an odd sense of warmth. He wouldn't hear the end of it if she woke up now and saw him rubbing his back like an old man. But this wasn't anything a little exercise couldn't get rid of.
"You saw nothing," Jin said quietly, pointing a finger at her with a smirk. "Absolutely nothing."
He began to explore the apartment, looking for a place to shake off the lingering soreness. The main room was out of the question—he didn't want to disturb Lucy. The kitchen wasn't an option either, considering he didn't want to leave sweat all over the floor where she'd be preparing breakfast. Finally, he settled on the bathroom, pushing the curtains away and peering inside. It was spacious enough, with a bathtub that caught his eye. He'd never used a bathtub before, not once in his life. The Saiyans didn't exactly prioritize luxury.
Satisfied with the space, he slipped inside and removed the upper half of his jumpsuit, leaving it folded on the sink. He wrapped his tail securely around his waist as he stood bare-chested in front of the mirror, taking a moment to assess the slight bruises on his body. Nothing serious, just the usual wear and tear from training and the strain from sleeping awkwardly in the chair.
Jin started with some basic stretches, easing the tension in his muscles. The stiffness in his back and neck began to loosen, and he quickly dropped to the floor, beginning a set of rapid pushups. His body moved with fluid precision, muscles tensing and releasing in perfect rhythm. After a few hundred pushups, he transitioned to one-handed pushups, switching hands after another set.
The ache in his muscles gradually faded, replaced by the familiar burn of a good workout. Jin's tail flicked behind him, a small sign of his satisfaction as he pushed himself harder, moving to handstand pushups, and then to rapid crunches. His movements were a blur, each exercise executed with the same relentless drive that had fueled him for years.
But this time, there was something different. For the first time in a long while, Jin wasn't training out of anger or guilt. He was training for something more. Something better. The thought of his new life, of finally having a place where he belonged, where he was more than a vengeful boy, filled him with a strange sense of excitement.
After what felt like an hour, Jin finally slowed down, his breath steady despite the intensity of his workout. He stood up and stretched again, feeling the last of the stiffness leave his body. Satisfied, he let his tail unwind from his waist, the furry appendage swishing lazily behind him as he removed the rest of his clothes and stepped into the bathtub. He turned on the shower, letting the hot water cascade over his body, washing away the sweat and fatigue.
His thoughts drifted to the day ahead, the anticipation of starting his first full day as a member of Fairy Tail bubbling within him. There were no suffocating expectations, no looming legends to live up to. Just a fresh start, surrounded by people who genuinely cared about him, even if he was still figuring out how to fit in.
After a while, Jin stepped out of the tub, drying himself with a towel before putting his clothes back on. He draped the towel over his shoulders and walked back into the main room, noticing that the sun had fully risen now. Lucy was still asleep, and Jin decided to wait on the couch until she woke up. But as he sat down, his eyes were drawn to Lucy's desk to his side, next to the head of Lucy's bed.
He wandered over, his tail curling slightly in interest at the sight of some papers whose placement suggested they had been worked on recently. He didn't know much about Lucy beyond what he'd seen in the past few days, and writing certainly wasn't something he'd expected from her. Carefully, he leaned in, reading the first few lines of one of the papers.
The neat handwriting and the title at the top hinted at a story—one that Lucy had written. He flipped through a few more pages, his curiosity growing. He had never read a real story before, nothing that wasn't part of the Saiyan archives or some historical document about the Super Saiyan legend. The idea of reading something purely for pleasure, something that wasn't tied to duty or expectation, was foreign to him.
The story was surprisingly engaging, and as he read, he realized something that made his heart skip a beat. The events in the story… They were familiar. Overthrowing a perverted politician, meeting a fierce lady knight, battling a cult hellbent on revenge, getting trapped in a vortex… These weren't just stories. These were Lucy's accounts of her adventures with Fairy Tail.
Jin's eyes widened as he continued reading, the familiarity of the events catching him off guard. His eyes widened as the details aligned with his memories. This was their adventure, and his first encounter with them. And then he read about a mysterious figure aiding the knight's group—someone from outside the vortex.
"That's... me," he realized, his tail twitching in disbelief.
His tail stiffened in shock, twitching as a mix of emotions washed over him. Part of him wanted to feel indignant, to reject the idea of being written about, of having his actions and decisions turned into words on a page. He'd left behind the idea of being something legendary, something that people would talk about. But on the other hand… there was something undeniably touching about it.
He felt… honored. The fact that Lucy had thought enough of him to include him in her story, to write about him in such a positive light, was something he had never experienced before. The idea that he had influenced someone like this, that he had left a mark on someone's life in such a short time, filled him with a warmth he didn't quite understand. He was used to being feared or pressured, not… appreciated.
"Lucy…" he whispered, briefly looking over at her sleeping form. His heart swelled with a strange mix of pride and gratitude as he sat down at Lucy's desk, fully immersing himself in the story.
He continued reading, eager to see how Lucy had recounted the events he had been a part of. He skimmed through the parts about their time at the station, smiling slightly at how accurately she had captured the group's dynamic. When he reached the part where they met, he couldn't help but feel a wave of concern upon realizing why Erza had looked so exhausted that day—she had been handling the Magic Mobile the whole time.
He then saw himself join the group, noticing the way Lucy had described him with such detail, almost as if she had known him far longer than a few days. He could almost see the scenes playing out before him, but from a perspective he hadn't considered before—Lucy's. It was strange, seeing those moments through someone else's eyes. The details she included, the emotions she captured—things he hadn't even noticed at the time.
He saw the battle with the Lullaby, the dinner feast that followed, and even the long journey back to Magnolia. But what struck him most was the way Lucy had portrayed his interactions with the group. She had captured his hesitations, his distance, but also the concern his new friends had for him. They had wanted to reach out to him, to include him, but they respected his space, understanding that he needed time. They cared. They really cared.
And then he reached the part about him falling asleep on Erza's lap.
Jin's face flushed a deep red, his tail whipping around in embarrassment. He hadn't known how that had happened, but reading about it now, he was mortified. Lucy had described the moment with surprising accuracy, right down to how Erza had allowed it to happen.
"She… she wrote that too…?"
He glanced at Lucy, who was still asleep, and then back at the story. Gray had seen it happen too, which meant there was no escaping the teasing that would undoubtedly come his way. The embarrassment was almost too much to handle, but mixed in with it was a strange sense of relief. At least now he knew how it happened, even if the truth was a little more than he bargained for.
He continued reading, noticing how Lucy had even written the events that happened much earlier—like him emerging in his new outfit that sported the guild mark, and even Natsu grabbing his tail. And that was it so far, prompting Jin to carefully place the papers back where he had found them.
He quietly returned to the armchair and sat down, his mind racing with everything he had just read. Lucy's talent for writing was undeniable, and he felt a newfound appreciation for the concern his new friends had for him. But at the same time, he couldn't stop thinking about that moment with Erza… and how even Gray had seen the whole thing.
"Gray is never going to let me live that down…" Jin muttered, his voice muffled by his hands. If there was anything he picked up from learning the truth about that moment, it's that it was a miracle Natsu and Happy were asleep when it happened. They were never going to shut up about it either.
Jin's eyes fluttered open as he felt a gentle pat on his head. Blinking away the last remnants of sleep, he found Lucy smiling down at him.
"Hey, sleepyhead. Breakfast is ready," she said softly.
Rubbing his eyes and stretching his arms, Jin nodded, slowly coming back to his senses after having fallen asleep while waiting for Lucy. He glanced around the room, momentarily disoriented, before remembering where he was. The smell of something sweet and unfamiliar wafted through the air, drawing his attention.
"You sleep okay on that chair?" Lucy asked with a grin, clearly amused by the situation.
Jin, fully aware that Lucy was poised to tease him further, simply nodded. "Yeah, I slept fine."
Lucy's gaze shifted to his armor. "You're already dressed? You must've been up early."
"Yeah," Jin admitted, rolling his shoulders. "Did some warming up. Hope you don't mind that I used your bathroom after."
"Not at all," Lucy said, waving it off. "Now, come on. Let's eat before it gets cold."
They sat down at the table opposite each other, Jin's eyes instantly locking onto the unfamiliar dish in front of him. The round, golden-brown stacks caught his attention. He tilted his head, studying them with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
Lucy noticed his expression and smiled sheepishly. "Pancakes. I made them myself… though it's my first time doing it alone."
Jin stared at the pancakes, catching the distinct scent of syrup. His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to simpler times—his mother's cooking back on Vegeta, the meals that, while modest, were made with love. The memory felt so distant, like a fading dream, and since then, his meals had become little more than survival, something he had to manage on his own with whatever he could find.
Lucy's voice brought him back. "You've… never had pancakes before, have you?"
He looked at her, processing the question, then shook his head.
Lucy's brow furrowed slightly, but she quickly brightened. "Well, this is a first for both of us, then! I mean, I've never made pancakes before, and you've never eaten them. So, suck it up and try some!"
Jin blinked, surprised by her bluntness, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He picked up the fork and knife, cutting off a small piece of pancake. Hesitantly, he put it in his mouth, and his eyes widened in astonishment. It was… good. Really good.
He quickly sliced off another piece, then another, shoveling them into his mouth with growing enthusiasm. Lucy watched him, her surprise turning into a grin.
"I take it they're good?" she asked, clearly pleased with herself.
Jin swallowed and nodded. "I haven't had anything this decent in a long time. My standards are probably really low, but… I love these. Thanks, Lucy."
Her eyes softened at his gratitude. "I'm glad you like them. Maybe I can teach you how to make them sometime, and you can serve them to us—maybe even Erza."
Jin paused, his fork halfway to his mouth. The thought of making something for his new friends, of doing something normal and simple, caught him off guard. "I… suppose so."
They finished their meal in comfortable silence until Lucy suddenly perked up.
"Oh no, I forgot the coffee!"
She jumped up and dashed to the kitchen, leaving Jin alone with his thoughts.
Jin leaned back in his chair, letting his mind wander. The idea of learning how to make real meals, not just for himself but for his friends, filled him with an unfamiliar sense of warmth. Natsu and Happy seemed like the types to eat anything, and Gray would probably appreciate the effort regardless. And then there was Erza… the thought of her enjoying his cooking made his heart skip a beat.
Before he could dwell on it, Lucy returned with two steaming cups.
"Here," she said, placing one in front of him. "And don't tell me you've never had this either."
Jin peered at the cup, leaning in to catch the scent. "What… is it?"
Lucy's expression shifted from teasing to concern. "It's coffee. It helps you stay awake and active. You seriously don't know what it is?"
Jin shook his head. "No. I usually just… train to stay awake."
Lucy's concern deepened, but she masked it with a smile. "Well, give it a try. It's not supposed to taste great, but it does the job."
Jin blew on the coffee, then took a cautious sip. He set the cup down, frowning slightly.
Lucy tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
"It doesn't… taste like anything," Jin admitted.
Lucy chuckled. "It's not supposed to be delicious unless you add sugar or cream. But if you don't like it, that's okay. Not everyone does."
They drank their coffee in companionable silence, glancing occasionally at the sunlight streaming through the window. Jin's thoughts drifted back to the story he'd found in Lucy's desk. Now that she was here, he felt the need to bring it up.
"Lucy… can I ask you something?" Jin said hesitantly, unsure of how to broach the subject.
She looked up, curious. "Sure, what's up?"
"I... I didn't know you were a writer," Jin said, watching her reaction closely.
Lucy's eyes widened in alarm, her gaze flicking to her desk across the room."W-What? How do you—wait, you went through my stuff?!"
Jin rubbed the back of his neck. "I got a little bored waiting for you to wake up, so I… might have explored a bit."
"Jin!" Lucy groaned. "That stuff's supposed to be private! Off-limits! You can't just go poking around like that!"
"How was I supposed to know it was private?" Jin countered, his expression equally awkward. "Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I pretty much fell asleep as soon as we arrived here last night, so I wouldn't have known right away."
Lucy sighed, cutting him off with a wave of her hand. "Okay, okay. Just… don't tell anyone about it, okay? I wanted Levy to be the first to read it."
Jin studied her, genuinely curious. "But… Why are you so embarrassed about it? If anything, your story just shows how much you love being in Fairy Tail… something I can definitely understand. I recognized a lot of the events in your story, even if they were a bit different. Right?"
Lucy's eyes widened, but she nodded slightly. "Yeah… they were."
"I liked how you included everyone—Natsu, Gray, Erza… even me. If I'm being honest, a part of me didn't want to be written about or widely known for anything… it hasn't really helped me in the past. But the fact that you were kind enough to include me… it means a lot. I didn't realize I had enough of an influence on you to be in your story, despite how little time we've known each other. So… Thank you. I'm honored."
Lucy stared at him, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through her chest. She looked at her desk, recalling her decision to include Jin in her story. How could she not? She had done it because she couldn't imagine leaving him out—he was as much a part of her story now as she was in his. They were all in this together, through thick and thin.
With a soft smile, Lucy stood and walked over to Jin, ruffling his hair affectionately. "I appreciate that, Jin. And yeah, I love being in Fairy Tail. It's… where I belong, just like you. We're not going anywhere, and neither are you, I'm sure. We've got each other's backs."
Jin chuckled softly. "I could say the same to you, considering you're also a relatively new member, if I'm not mistaken."
Lucy puffed out her chest playfully. "Ah, but I've been here longer than you have, so technically, I'm your senior here."
He scoffed. "Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that."
Lucy's gaze flicked to her desk, then back to Jin with a sly grin. "That reminds me… if you read my story, then you know how you ended up on Erza's lap. Isn't that right… mama's boy?"
Jin's eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed. "Wha—no! Shut up! No one needs to know about that! And what's wrong with liking moms?!"
Lucy giggled, poking him playfully. "Of course there's nothing wrong with being a mama's boy, but Gray saw it too, so who knows if word's already spread?"
"You lied to me!" Jin shot back, his embarrassment mounting. "You said I didn't say anything bad when I was asleep!"
Lucy shrugged, her grin widening. "Nope, nothing bad. Besides, none of them seemed to mind, and there was no way I was gonna interrupt your… comfy moment with Mama Erza."
"Mama Er—!" Jin croaked, his eyes widening. "Hey!"
She mimicked Jin hugging Erza's arm and leaning on her shoulder, saying "mama" in a playful tone. Jin's face turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Fine!" Jin suddenly stood, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "I'll just tell everyone at the guild about your story! Let's see how you like that!"
Lucy's smug expression faltered, and she paled. "You wouldn't dare!"
"Oh, I would," Jin said, crossing his arms with a triumphant smirk. "All I need to do is tell Natsu and Happy, and the whole guild will know in no time."
Lucy's eyes narrowed dangerously. "If you even think about doing that, I'll throw you out the window and use you as my personal flying monkey!"
Jin burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the small apartment. He paused abruptly, realizing that this was the first time he had ever joked and bickered with someone like this. It felt… liberating. Refreshing.
Lucy noticed his sudden pause and tilted her head in concern. "Jin? What's wrong?"
Jin looked at her, a small, genuine smile forming on his lips as he scratched the back of his head.
"Nothing… I just… I needed this. Thank you, Lucy."
Lucy's concern melted into a warm smile, and she playfully ruffled his hair again.
"I… guess I also kinda needed this, so… Thank you too. I'm gonna get dressed, then we'll head to the guild. Sound good?
Jin nodded. "Yeah. Sounds good."
Jin entered the guild hall with Lucy by his side and his backpack in tow. It was bustling with activity, much more lively than the somewhat quiet arrival they'd experienced the night before. Members filled the hall, laughing, chatting, and planning their next jobs. The smell of food and the sounds of clinking mugs filled the air, making the place feel even more alive.
For a moment, Jin stood still, taking it all in. A small part of him was still surprised to find himself here, surrounded by such vibrant personalities. Jin took a deep breath, feeling a bit out of place but also eager to be a part of it.
"Wow," Jin muttered, sweeping his gaze across the room. "It's a lot livelier than last night."
Lucy chuckled. "Told ya. This place always gets noisy around this time." She smiled, watching his expression. "So, now that it's your first official day as a member... what do you want to do first?"
Jin thought for a moment, tapping his chin. "I'm… not exactly sure where to start. Any suggestions?"
Lucy pointed toward the far end of the guild hall, where a large request board stood.
"See that? That's the request board. You can check it out and pick a job. They vary in difficulty, so the bigger the reward, the tougher the mission. But you've handled worse before, so you should be fine."
Jin's eyes followed her gesture, and he nodded. "Got it, that seems simple en—"
"Lucy!"
A bright, cheerful voice cut through the noise, interrupting him. Jin and Lucy turned to see a petite girl with blue hair sprinting toward them, her face lit up with excitement.
"Levy!" Lucy waved back with a grin as the girl approached, her energy infectious. "I was looking for you yesterday! Where were you?"
"Ah, sorry about that!" Levy came to a halt, lightly panting. "Jet and Droy got into a bit of trouble, so I had to leave early to bail 'em out. But everything's under control now!" She gave a cheeky grin, rubbing the back of her head. "But I missed you too! So how did the Eisenwald mission go?"
Lucy rolled her eyes with a playful sigh. "A few bumps here and there, but we stopped them. Everything turned out fine."
"Yeah? Mira told me a little bit about it when you guys came back! Sounds like you had quite the adventure."
Levy's eyes shifted from Lucy to Jin, widening slightly as she took him in. There he was—the Saiyan she heard about, now wearing his armor proudly with the Fairy Tail guild mark stamped over his chest. Her initial uncertainty melted into a warm smile, the familiar sign of Fairy Tail's acceptance.
Jin caught the look in her eyes—surprise, but also a little joy mixed in, as if she recognized him from somewhere. She had to be another one of the guild's eccentric yet welcoming personalities, and the curiosity in her gaze was all too familiar now.
Feeling a little awkward under her gaze, Jin gave a small, nervous wave. "Uh, hey."
Levy blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh! Sorry for staring!" She laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "I just... haven't seen you around before. You must be new, right?"
"Yeah," Jin replied, feeling a little more at ease. "I just joined yesterday." He extended his hand toward her. "I'm Jin, by the way. Didn't catch your name just now."
Levy took his hand with a friendly shake. "I'm Levy! Levy McGarden. I lead Team Shadow Gear! And, I guess you already know Lucy."
Jin raised an eyebrow, her name ringing a bell. "Wait… you're that Levy? Lucy told me about you earlier—about how you've been reading her novel."
Lucy's eyes widened, her smile freezing.
"Jin!" she yelped, smacking him lightly on the arm. "I told you that in confidence!"
Levy, on the other hand, lit up. "Oh! So you're reading it too? That's awesome!"
"Wait, you're okay with—?" Lucy groaned, rubbing her face with both hands. "Jin, someone else is gonna hear you!"
Levy, on the other hand, burst out laughing, waving a hand dismissively. "Don't worry, Lucy! Most people around here know you're writing a novel anyway, remember? So your secret isn't exactly… well, a secret."
Lucy buried her face in her hands. "Oh, for the love of…"
Levy grinned at Jin, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "So, how much do you know about it?"
Before Lucy could stop him, Jin answered with sincerity and a shrug.
"Pretty much everything she's written so far. I know what it's about and why she's writing it."
"JIN!" Lucy yelled, throwing her hands up in frustration. "STOP TALKING!"
"But..." Jin trailed off, genuinely confused. "Levy already knows about your novel. Why keep it a secret from someone who already knows?"
Levy chuckled, barely holding back her amusement. "He's got a point, you know."
Lucy groaned dramatically, slumping over as if all hope was lost. "Please don't encourage him."
Levy laughed, a sound that was light and infectious. "Okay, enough about Lucy's super-secret novel. You said you just joined, right? Why don't you head over to the request board and grab your first job?"
Lucy nodded, seizing the opportunity to change the subject. "Yeah! I can come with you if you want. I may not have been a member for that long, but I can help with other things too." She paused, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "And I, uh, need rent money…"
Levy giggled. "Priorities."
Jin considered her offer, feeling the familiar pull between wanting to rely on others and his ingrained need for self-sufficiency. He had been alone for so long, figuring things out on his own was second nature. But then again, this was Fairy Tail. He wasn't alone anymore.
"I appreciate it, Lucy," Jin said after a moment, offering her a grateful smile. "But you've done so much for me already. I think I'll try to go solo for now."
Levy raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Newer members usually team up with someone for their first few jobs. It's safer."
Jin shrugged, his tone quiet but firm. "I've been on my own for eight years. This is nothing new to me, so I'll be fine."
The brief mention of his solitude made both Lucy and Levy exchange a concerned glance, but they decided not to press him on it. It wasn't their place—at least not yet.
"Well, if you insist," Lucy relented, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Just don't come crying to me when you get lost without your 'mama' around to hold your hand."
"Can you not?" Jin shot back, his face gaining a slight tinge of red.
Lucy giggled, sharing an amused look with Levy, who joined in the laughter. "Just kidding! But seriously, don't get lost. You don't have your 'mama' to give you directions either."
Jin let out a small, exasperated sigh. "I can fly, Lucy. If I get lost, I'll just get my bearings in the air or ask for directions... or bring a map, better yet."
Levy's eyes widened. "Wait—say that again? You can fly?"
Without a word, Jin jumped lightly into the air, hovering a few feet above the ground for a few seconds before touching back down with a shrug.
Levy blinked, momentarily speechless. "Okay, yeah, I think you'll be fine."
With that, Jin nodded and began to walk away. "Alright. I'll go check the request board to see what I can do. Nice meeting you, Levy."
"Likewise!" Levy called after him with a smile. "See you around!"
"Good luck, Jin!" Lucy called out as Jin waved over his shoulder. Once he was out of earshot, Lucy slumped and rubbed her face. "I swear, I'm gonna get him back for this."
Levy's eyes drifted toward Jin's retreating figure, noticing something furry swaying behind him.
"Wait… is that a tail?"
"Yup." Lucy gave her a flat look. "Don't ask. And don't touch it. Natsu learned that the hard way."
Levy quirked an eyebrow. "Uh… right, but... 'mama,' though? What's that about? Some kind of inside joke?"
Lucy's face broke into a mischievous smirk. "Oh, do you really want to know?"
Levy nodded eagerly, anticipation written all over her face. "Tell me."
Lucy leaned in and whispered into Levy's ear. Her eyes widened with each word, stifling laughter at the mental image forming in her mind.
Jin made his way toward the request board, glancing around the guild hall with a quiet curiosity. He had spent the last few days becoming acquainted with Fairy Tail, but even now, the place felt new and alive with each passing second. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter, and though he'd seen it all yesterday, today it felt different. This time, he wasn't just an observer—he was part of it.
His eyes wandered, picking out distinct members of the guild. At a table across the hall, Levy and Lucy were deep in conversation, their voices too distant to make out. Near them sat a pair he recognized — Alzack and Bisca, who seemed to be sharing a quiet moment together. Further back, a young man with short orange hair and glasses was laughing while charming a group of girls. Jin watched in mild surprise, noting how easygoing the guild members seemed around each other. Everyone had their place here, even two older men with one of them sporting a distinct pompadour and a pipe, and a woman with lavender hair carefully crafting a wooden sculpture at a nearby table.
Despite the buzz of the hall, Jin couldn't shake the odd sensation that something was missing. Where were his friends? Gray was nowhere in sight, but he chuckled softly to himself, imagining the ice mage had probably overslept. Natsu and Happy were nowhere to be found either, which wasn't a huge surprise—Natsu had mentioned training for a sparring session with Erza in a few of Erza… she wasn't here either. Jin thought back to how she said she'd see him tomorrow, and he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of disappointment. He had already decided he would do this on his own, but a small part of him missed their presence. It felt like he hadn't seen them in a very long time, even though it had only been a day.
"You lookin' for someone?"
A smooth voice interrupted his thoughts, causing Jin to flinch. He spun around to see a woman leaning lazily against the bar, her long, curly brown hair spilling over her shoulders and framing her face. She wore nothing but a blue bikini top and brown pants, holding a glass of wine in one hand. Jin vaguely remembered seeing her the day before, but hadn't taken much notice then.
He blinked as the realization hit him. Was she really drinking? This early in the day?
"Oh—uh, sorry," Jin stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I was just looking for someone, but I guess they're not here."
She took a slow sip of her wine, one eyebrow arching in curiosity. "Oh yeah? Who's the lucky someone?"
"Erza," Jin admitted sheepishly. "I thought she'd be here, but—"
Cana raised an eyebrow, her smile turning sly. "Erza, huh? Got a little crush on her, do you?"
Jin's eyes widened, heat creeping up his neck as he waved his hands frantically. "What? No, no! It's not like that—!"
Cana chuckled, cutting him off. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. But hey, you're gonna have to aim a little lower if you're trying to impress her. Like, a LOT lower."
Jin scratched the back of his neck, unsure how to respond. He laughed nervously, his words trailing off.
"Yeah, about that…"
Before she could poke further, Mirajane appeared with a tray of mugs in her hand. "Oh, hi, Jin! If you're looking for Erza, she was here early to take an S-Class request. Don't worry, though. Knowing her, she'll be back soon."
"S-Class?" Jin's ears perked up at the term, and he repeated it under his breath.
Cana took another sip of her drink. "Yep. If you're new around here, and I'm assuming you are, Erza's an S-Class wizard—one of the strongest in the guild. Only a handful get to take on those exclusive jobs."
"Oh…" Jin nodded, absorbing the information. Before his thoughts could spiral, he quickly bowed his head. "I'm sorry! I haven't even introduced myself properly. I'm Jin."
Mirajane giggled softly. "You're apologizing again. You really don't have to."
Cana waved him off with a grin. "Yeah, don't sweat it. I'm Cana," she said, extending her hand. "And nice armor, by the way. Looks comfy."
Jin shook her hand and smiled. "Thanks. Gray said the same thing."
At the mention of Gray's name, Cana's eyes widened slightly. "Say, you wouldn't happen to be the same Jin who helped Natsu and the others with that whole Eisenwald thing, would you?"
Jin rubbed the back of his neck, nodding modestly. "Yeah, that was me."
"Why didn't you say so?" Cana grinned, giving him a playful punch on the shoulder. "That's pretty impressive, keeping up with those three. You must be strong."
"I just trained a lot," Jin replied, downplaying his abilities. "And I just… happened to be there at the right time."
Cana tilted her head thoughtfully. "Well, if you're that strong, maybe you've got a shot at S-Class yourself one day."
Jin's gaze wandered again at the mention of S-Class. So… Erza is an S-Class wizard, and he knew enough about strength and rankings to understand what that implied.
"So, she's... like an elite," he mused aloud, almost as if he was confirming something dark within himself. "And… I guess that would make me... a low-class warrior."
Cana and Mirajane exchanged a glance, noticing the subtle hint of insecurity in his voice.
"Well… that's one way to put it," Mirajane said gently. "But it's not the kind of elite you're probably thinking of. S-Class is a rank, sure, but it doesn't mean the rest of us are any less valuable."
"Yeah, it's more like a prestige or accolade thing," Cana added, setting her glass down. "Anyone can work hard and make it to S-Class, no matter where they start. You might get your shot at the Promotion Trial at the end of the year if you get picked."
Jin's eyes widened slightly at the idea of a trial that could allow anyone to rise to such a prestigious rank. An equal opportunity to achieve something most Saiyans could only dream of? It sounded... fair. Here, even someone like him could strive for more, and he wasn't trapped by a predetermined class or fate.
"I can… become S-Class too?" Jin muttered in awe, a strange sense of hope bubbling within him. "Well… thanks for the vote of confidence, Cana."
"No problem," Cana replied with a smile. "In the meantime, why don't you check out the request board? You're new, so you should get some jobs under your belt. Maybe start racking up some Jewel."
Mirajane clapped her hands together. "And I can help you pick something to start with!"
"Thanks, I'll take you up on that." He turned back to Cana, giving a small nod. "I… guess I'll see you around?"
"Don't be a stranger, Jin," Cana said, tipping her glass in his direction with a playful wink. "We should grab a drink sometime."
"Oh," Jin blinked, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous laugh. "Well, I don't drink, but I'd love to get to know you and everyone here."
Cana chuckled at his innocence, taking a hearty swig from her glass. "I'm down for that. Happy hunting."
With a grin, Jin nodded and made his way over to the board, Mirajane by his side. However, before he could start browsing, he turned to her with a more serious expression.
"Actually, before I pick a job... I wanted to ask you something."
Mirajane blinked, her expression shifting as she noticed the seriousness in his tone. "Of course, Jin. What's on your mind?"
He glanced around the guild, making sure no one was within earshot.
"You... you know what I am, don't you? I mean, what I really am."
Mirajane's eyes widened slightly, and she understood immediately—he was talking about the fact that she had discovered he was a Saiyan. She had told Erza and Makarov about it yesterday, but it was clear that Jin had picked up on her revelation. She remembered the conversation she had with them, and how Erza had insisted on handling the matter herself.
"I... I do," she admitted quietly. "I'm sorry, Jin. I just—"
Jin looked down for a moment, but then waved his hand. "It's okay. I get it. It must've been overwhelming, and if I were you I'd probably do the same. And... telling Erza... well, it actually helped me more than you can imagine."
Relief washed over Mirajane, and she smiled back. "I'm glad to hear that. I just didn't know what to do after finding out. I figured the Master would have advice, and Erza—"
"Did more than I ever could've expected," Jin finished, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "So thanks, really."
Mirajane nodded, her smile returning in relief. "But just between the two of us… are you going to tell anyone else about it?"
"For now, no," Jin replied firmly. "I'm fine with just... being here."
"Fair enough." Mirajane smiled and gestured to the request board. "Now, go ahead and see what catches your eye."
Jin turned toward the board, scanning the various posters. His eyes flicked over the more mundane jobs—teaching, catering, acting—but they didn't hold much appeal. Hunting, bodyguarding, and escort missions, however, caught his attention. He couldn't imagine himself as a teacher, but a combat instructor? Maybe.
One in particular stood out—a monster hunt with a reward of 200,000 Jewel.
"This one seems good," Jin said, plucking the poster from the board. "I'll take it."
Mirajane glanced at the poster and smiled. "I've no doubt you can handle it. And that's a great start—200,000 Jewel isn't bad for a first job." As she handed him the details, Mirajane hesitated. "The client will be informed about you automatically, but do you need money for transportation? Some of these places are pretty far."
Jin chuckled, shaking his head. "No need. I am the transportation."
Before she could ask, Jin began to hover a few inches off the ground. The soft hum of energy filled the air as Mirajane's jaw slowly dropped.
"Wish me luck!"
With a burst of speed, Jin shot towards the guild hall entrance, leaving a gust of wind in his wake. The entire guild fell silent, stopping everything that they were doing and staring after him in shock. Murmurs rippled through the room, as everyone tried to make sense of what they had just seen.
Mirajane stood frozen for a moment, before closing her mouth and blinking in astonishment.
"I... didn't see that coming."
Cana, however, casually picked up a barrel of beer and started chugging it like it was a regular drink.
"He's a little dense, but he's cute," she said with a smirk, wiping her mouth. "I wouldn't mind being carried like a princess around town."
Mirajane stared at her for a moment, while Cana just laughed and raised her barrel in a mock toast.
"Um… right," Mirajane replied, turning her gaze back to the guild hall entrance. "Good luck, out there, Jin."