Back at the guild

Arriving back in Magnolia, Katakuri stepped out of the train station,

Towering over the passers-by, he started the short walk back to the guild hall

Unlike the previous town, Magnolia remained bright with bright lights hung orderly in set fixtures illuminating the otherwise dark street.

In comparison to the dark and dingy boarded-up buildings of his commission area, several stores remained cheerfully open casting their inviting warmth onto civilians walking around.

Due to the security afforded by Fairy Tail in collaboration with the local garrison, regular civilians were not afraid to step out into the dark and could enjoy a festive-like peace of nightlife.

Strolling at his familiar pace, Katakuri continued, earning respectful looks from the store owners who identified him due to his obvious characteristics.

With a slight smile under his scarf, Katakuri began to look around for his favorite store in all of Magnolia, the bakery which he saw the very first time he visited.

He spotted it, the familiar warmth of the gentle yellow lights and familiar fragrance that wafted infecting the exterior of the bakery.

In the years he had stayed in Magnolia, it had not changed in the slightest, still with its slightly tinted clear glass windows giving eye candy for anyone fortunate to not look over this quaint little store.

His mouth upturning slightly in a rare peaceful moment, Katakuri gently pushed open the neat spruce double door his nostrils being invaded by a nostalgic scent of dough.

Shelves of various confectionaries lined the walls of the store lining like soldiers highlighting the gentle craftsmanship of the front desk.

The Baker slightly caked in flour gave a warm smile at Katakuri nodding slightly which Katakuri responded in turn.

"The usual." Katakuri's indifferent voice came out however joy slightly accented the tone causing the Baker to give a wry smile as he handed over a pristine white box wrapped with a neatly tied bow.

"Hahaha! Enjoy yourself, young man!" The baker's hearty voice rang out causing Katakuri to nod respectfully as he left the store, silently as he had arrived.

Fragrance dissipating behind him, Katakuri plodded on toward the guild now armed with his signature doughnuts with a slight imperceptible spring in his step and a relaxed face breaking apart his usually solemn disposition.

"Katakuri's back!" An excited voice rang out from inside the warm guild interior as Katakuri approached from the cold outside.

"Welcome back." Lisanna stared at the figure much taller than herself with a gentle smile beckoning him in.

From behind the long wooden bar, Lisanna grabbed a bottle absently passing it down toward Cana who had sat with a ruddy complexion engaging in alcoholism.

"Hmph one of these days I'll beat you" Mira's pouting voice came from the side causing Lisanna to laugh slightly as she walked toward her younger sister.

Nodding indifferently causing Mira to exhale slightly, Katakuri looked out fondly at the guild.

A blue-haired woman, Levy was being flanked by two dog-plaster-like men who held content smiles on their faces as they competed for affection much to Levy's dismay.

Macao and Wakkaba sat a ways away from Cana as they drank and smoked, laughing happily.

Laxus' figure could vaguely be seen from the second floor alongside the ever-elegant Freed and the knight-like Bickslow.

Makarov sat in the center of the guild with a happy smile on his face which soon vanished as Natsu and Gray began to argue again.

"Welcome back now, Katakuri! Fight me!" A young cherry-haired boy with a cyan cat trotted up waving a fist in the air.

"Natsu you need to respect your eldest brother" Gray walked up dissatisfied looking up at Katakuri respectfully.

"Quiet pervert!" Natsu retorted earning a snort from Gray who began to cross his hands.

"Who are you calling pervert!"

*Bang* *Bang*

"Quiet down for me you bastards!"

Makarov shouted whilst bashing the two youngsters on the noggin with enlarged fists.

"Hm" Coughing, Makarov faced Katakuri with a satisfied smile thinking of the time when he first took them in.

"How was the commission" The guild went silent as they began to eavesdrop.

"Complete" An apathetic voice responded.

"That's my Katakuri!" Macao's drunken voice came out causing a slight cheer.

"Hmph how could that bad guy fail such a small mission" Mira's tsundere voice sounded out causing Lisanna to pat her head softly like soothing a kitten.

"Is Erza back?" Katakuri asked with a hint of expectation that didn't escape the rest of the guild who slightly jeered in response.

"Erza was here earlier, she told me to tell you she'd be waiting at home for you." Macao's gossipy response came out as he gave a wry smile and gave a thumbs up which was quickly put down by Katakuri's fierce glare.

Wakkaba let out a loud laugh patting Macao on the shoulder causing the rest of the guild to join in looking at the dejected Macao.

The warm lights, warm atmosphere, and warm treats in his hand led Katakuri to give off a wide smile almost threatening to pull down his scarf before he quickly put it away returning to his usual appearance.

"Family, it's nice huh," He thought silently in his head looking at the scene in front of him.