"Oh! Let me see," Finn's eyes lit up, and he entered the cake shop.
"Isn't this just a regular strawberry cake?"
"Ara ara, little Finn, don't underestimate my new product! This is the world's best strawberry cake, which I've been working on for a long time," the cake shop owner proudly displayed his creation.
"Can I try it?" Finn stared at the cake, his eyes sparkling. Just hearing the owner's words made him crave it.
The owner was delighted. "Of course! But this is just a test version. Try it, and if it's good, I'll officially launch it tomorrow."
"Oh! Thank you. I'll try it then."
The owner brought a plate and cut a piece of cake, handing it to Finn expectantly.
"It looks and smells delicious," Finn smelled the cake, feeling captivated.
He carefully scooped a bite and put it in his mouth. A sweet flavor filled his mouth.
"Is it good?" the owner asked expectantly.
Finn gave a thumbs-up, chewing happily. The owner's worry vanished.
"More?" Finn quickly finished the cake but wanted more.
"Haha, no more. It's just a test, so I didn't make much. Since you like it, I'll officially launch it tomorrow," the owner laughed, pleased by Finn's reaction. A chef's greatest honor was creating delicious food.
"I'll pre-order one...no, two!" Finn initially held up one finger but changed his mind.
"Haha, good, good, no problem!" The owner's smile widened.
Finn returned the plate. "How much is the cake?"
Seeing Finn reach for his money, the owner shook his head. "No, no, no. I'm happy you tried it! No payment needed."
Finn gave up and asked, "Then, some milk?"
"Okay, just a moment." The owner went to the refrigerator.
Finn left 1000Jewels under the ledger – the usual price of a cake.
The owner returned with the milk. Finn paid for the milk.
"Haha, you little rascal," the owner said goodbye and watched Finn leave.
The owner began closing up shop.
"Huh? What's this?" He saw the 1000Jewels under the ledger and chased after Finn, but he was gone. He shook his head and smiled, "That kid..."
…
The next day, Finn arrived at the guild.
"Good morning, Finn," Cana greeted him.
"Good morning, Cana," Finn greeted her and went to the bar.
"A glass of warm milk, please."
The milk arrived. A commotion caught Finn's attention.
Erza was sitting quietly in a corner, having breakfast, wearing armor.
Finn went to Cana. "What's wrong with Erza? Why is she wearing armor?"
Cana said, "I don't know. She arrived like that and has been alone."
Finn sat beside Cana. "She has deep-seated issues."
"You don't seem much older," Cana said, looking at Finn.
"Don't worry about the details," Finn shrugged. He'd lived two lives and saw Erza as a child.
Cana said, "You seem to understand her?"
Finn thought. "Erza is probably afraid of others. She lacks security. I don't know much more."
"Huh? Why is Gray going over there?" Finn took a sip of milk and saw Gray swaggering towards Erza.
Cana said, "Gray said he'd greet Erza."
Finn pointed. "Is that how you greet someone?"
Gray kicked over Erza's table, hands on his hips. "Why are you wearing armor?"
Erza remained calm. Looking at shirtless Gray, she said, "Why are you asking? Put on some clothes."
"This isn't a pervert guild, is it?" Erza turned away from Gray.
This amused everyone.
Wakaba, smoking a cigarette, laughed. "Well said, Erza."
Gray's face reddened. "You…"
Erza glared at Gray. "Don't bother me!"
Gray froze, remembering Finn's strength. But then, he thought, Finn was a monster.
There couldn't be that many monsters.
He relaxed. "You're Erza, right? I challenge you! Let's see who's the strongest in the guild!"
Erza shook her head. "If you lose, don't bother me again."
She left the guild. Gray followed.
"Is it okay for them to fight like that?" Cana worried.
"Don't worry, Gray can't beat Erza," Finn said. He hadn't fought Erza, but Makarov had mentioned her.
When Erza got her guild mark, Makarov had said they'd gained another monster.
Gray was defeated in one move, becoming the laughingstock. He'd considered himself the most talented mage, but then Finn and Erza arrived. He felt weak and left the guild to train.
He later asked Finn for some martial arts training. Confident, he challenged Erza again and was defeated.
Finn spent the day at the guild, chatting with the older members and Erza, who remained introverted, only speaking to Finn.
…
Sunset. Finn walked home with two cakes he'd ordered.
By the river, he saw a figure sitting with their head in their knees – Erza, in her armor.
"What's she doing?" He decided to greet her.
"Erza? Why are you sitting here alone?"
Erza turned, tears glistening in her eyes.
"It's you. What's wrong?" She wiped her tears.
Finn sighed, sitting beside her. "Why are you crying alone?"
Erza buried her head again. "I like being alone. Being with others makes me uneasy."
"Is that why you wear armor?"
"Yes," she murmured, remembering the Tower of Heaven. Tears flowed again.
She bit her lip, but her trembling body betrayed her. A tissue was offered.
Erza was startled.
"Use this." She took the tissue. "Cry if you need to. Everyone in the guild is family, they can share your pain."
"Someone told me the guild is a home for the homeless. One person's joy is everyone's joy, one person's sorrow is everyone's sorrow. Don't isolate yourself. Try to connect with others."
"Even though you haven't said anything, everyone worries about you. They want you to become part of the guild."
Erza's sobs lessened.
Finn smiled. "Including Gray. He challenged you to help you integrate. Fighting is Fairy Tail's main theme."
Erza remembered Gray saying he'd win next time. She laughed, then quickly stopped.
Finn heard her laugh. Seeing her tears, he continued, "I used to be lonely, but people can't be lonely forever."
"Try connecting with others. You might discover something different."
Erza's tissue was crumpled. Finn touched her crimson hair, handing her more tissues. "Wipe your face. You're a mess."
Erza didn't resist. She wiped her tears and said firmly, "Thank you, Finn. I won't cry anymore…"
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