Erza

What have I done?

I lean against the bathroom wall and sink to the floor. Dammit. My chest starts to ache and a lump forms in my throat. There's a knock at the door, but I can't move. Everything that's happened in the last few months start to race through my mind, disorienting me. As I try to sort it out, there's another knock at the door. When I don't respond someone calls out, but thousands of conversations are already playing in my head so I can't make out what they say. I cover my ears with my hands in a futile attempt to stop the voices.

There's a loud crash and a snap as something breaks. I try to focus on that, but my other thoughts take over. Someone's calling for me, but I can't recognize the voice; not when there are so many in my head already. I lean over and curl into a ball on the floor. Maybe if make myself smaller all of this will go away. I wish I still had my armor on. If I did none of this would be happening. I wouldn't feel so hurt… or scared.

"Erza!"

Someone puts a hand on my shoulder, but I still can't move. I can't even tell if they're actually in the room or if this is just another bad memory. This must be real though because I can feel someone pick me up and carry me back to my bed. They crawl in to the bed next to me and pull the covers up. A pair of strong, comforting arms wraps around me and my mind clears. As the smell of strawberries and cinnamon wash over me, I can't help but smile.

"Does she really make you a cake every time you come home?"

"Yes she does. Although that's actually some left this time."

"Oh really?"

"Mmhmm. She told me that you haven't been acting right."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I was worried about you Erza, so I came right over. Something's obviously wrong, Erza. You don't need to tell me if you don't want to, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. No matter what."

"Thank you, Taikedo. Shouldn't you be home with Mira though?"

"I get to spend all day with her tomorrow. I have a feeling that you need me more right now."

"…"

"Erza. I'm…"

"I'm pregnant, Taikedo."

"… Oh?"

"…"

"So… who's the…?"

"I… I'm not… I'm not sure."

"Oh. Well, I'm here for you. You know that, right?"

"Yes. I do."

"Good. Now get some sleep. Mira said something about dragging both of us shopping tomorrow."

"Oh dear."

"Haha. Get some rest Erza."

"Mmhmm."

I let Taikedo pull me closer and sigh. He's been gone for almost a little over a month now. I guess I never realized how mush I've been missing him. His breathing evens out and I look up to see if he's sleeping. He must feel me move because he half opens one eye and grunts before closing his eye and hugging me tighter. I sigh and snuggle into his chest. I've missed this. I've missed my best friend. At the same time though, I can't help but wonder…