A/N: So, I'm not sure how you would definite "sister complex", but if it's an indication of attraction between a brother and sister, that's not what I meant to be developing. What I was going for was OverprotectiveFather!Gray. If that's the definition, then, yeah, you could say he has a sister complex. (I admit, there are some concepts that are still foreign to me.)

A thank you to all of my reviewers. In case anyone was wondering, we've (Girl With Life Full of Anime & I) settled on "LoWen" as the ship name, so, yeah. Use it. Write it. Cause it's cute! I can't help myself. I have a soft spot for May-December romances sometimes.

As always, thank you to everyone who favorites/reads/reviews/follows. I write for my own enjoyment (and more so to pass the time), and knowing someone else was entertained just makes it all worthwhile. 8-)

Please enjoy some sisterly Erza and Wendy time!
-Rachel Noelle

If "those who can't do, teach", then "those who can't own it, write fanfiction about it". ;)

oOoOo—RN—oOoOo

"I just don't get it, Erza," Gray said, sighing. It had been three weeks since their group of friends went out together for dinner and a play. Three weeks Gray had (sort-of, but not entirely) been giving Loke the cold shoulder. And three weeks Loke had been completely ignoring the usual female flock around him.

"Gray," Erza began cautiously, "Are you sure you don't have feelings for her yourself?"

Gray paled. "Ugh, of course not! The only person I am attracted to is," he paused, swallowing nervously, "uh, is not her. It's just that, I know how Loke is with women. Sure, he's always been respectful, but he has a different girlfriend every two weeks, sometimes several at once, and I hate to see Wendy get hurt. I just want what's best for her."

Erza nodded sagely. "I see. But you don't find her attractive?"

Gray gave her an incredulous look. "No. I don't find her attractive. Sure, she's cute; if I wanted to adopt a daughter she'd be the perfect choice, but she isn't old enough to date. Especially not someone like Loke."

Erza laughed outright. "You sound like her father, Gray."

Gray blushed. "Well, she isn't," Gray defended, "She could at least fall in love with someone her own age, like that boy who was looking at her in the lunchroom yesterday."

"The nerdy one with big glasses and buck teeth?" Erza asked, skeptically. Gray nodded. "Gray, that's horrible. You're picking on him because he's not as attractive as Loke."

"Oh, so you find Loke attractive, too?" Gray growled, feeling hurt. Erza just ignored him and rolled her eyes.

"Gray, we are her Vade Mecums, yes, but that does not make us her parents," Erza reasoned.

"Well, maybe we should be. She's an orphan, right? We could adopt her. Then I could keep her away from Loke until she's at least seventeen," Gray nodded firmly, satisfied with his obviously flawless plan.

Erza giggled. It was just too much. "As much as I love the idea of adopting Wendy to be my own daughter, we still couldn't make all of her decisions for her. Besides, she is just twelve. It's probably a crush that she'll get over soon."

"Except that Loke hasn't been out with another girl since, and he sits with us instead of his fanclub every day at lunch. I mean, didn't you see the way he was acting with her?" Gray argued. "He even quit flirting with Lucy!"

Erza rolled her eyes. "That could just be because Lucy and Natsu are official now. And Loke is probably taking it a little roughly. Wouldn't you want to occupy yourself elsewhere for a while if someone you thought you'd been in love with started dating someone else?"

"Yeah, but," Gray began, resorting to whining to make Erza see reason. Loke had always known Lucy did not return his affections, and he never seemed to honestly take it seriously when he flirted with her, anyway. He noticed Erza giving him a stern look. Gray huffed, realizing he was out of options. "Would you at least talk to her, and let her know I'm concerned?" he asked. Erza smiled.

"I promise I'll talk to her. But I do not promise I'll change her mind."

oOoOo

"Yoo-hoo! Loke!" Mira called as Loke strolled into the student lounge on Saturday morning.

"Hi, Mira," Loke flashed her a charming smile, "What can I help you with?"

"I have a plan, and I need your help," Mira asked sweetly, fluttering her lashes and pouting cutely.

Loke frowned playfully. "You know I can't resist when you say it like that."

"Good," Mira chirped. "See, Wendy told me that Erza and Gray are still avoiding the obvious, so I was thinking…"

"Thinking what?" Loke asked, cautiously. Mira's plans could either work so well it hurt, or end in absolute disaster.

"Well, since you've been spending a lot of time with Wendy lately, maybe you guys could all plan to do something together, like visit an amusement park. Fantasy Island is open, and I just happen to have four tickets here, free for the taking," Mira waggled her brows, "While you're there, you and Wendy could suggest going on the Ferris Wheel, and wait until Erza and Gray are in a car and 'accidentally forget' Wendy is afraid of heights or something at the last minute, which would leave Erza and Gray stuck on the ride together. When their car gets to the top, it would be just tragic if something happened, like, say, the motor breaks and needs immediate repair, and they were stuck for a while, wouldn't it?" Mira explained, finally pausing for breath.

Loke faced Mira with a look of utmost disbelief. "Where do you come up with plans like this?" he asked, astonished at her ability to fabricate such schemes.

"Um, well, Erza borrows books from Levy, and I borrow them from Erza," she explained, looking a little embarrassed.

Loke held up a hand and waved it around. "Say no more. I've heard enough." He held his chin in thought, tracing an invisible beard, "I just don't think that's the best idea. I tell you what, I'll trade you the tickets for a better plan."

Mira considered it. "I guess it is kind of silly," she consented, bouncing on her toes and twirling a strand of hair. "But if you don't come up with something else by then, you have to go through with my original plan," she declared, laughing.

Loke laughed with her. "Well, I'll come up with something. Either that, or, I hope the people riding together really like each other," he shrugged, bemused. "I wonder what Wendy would enjoy…"

Mira thought she heard an undertone in Loke's voice that she only heard when he truly was interested in a girl, but dismissed it as a silly notion. Loke didn't like Wendy. Did he?

oOoOo

Wendy was brushing her hair, humming to herself while waiting for Carla to return. Carla was out with Happy, enjoying a tasty fish or two (or so she said), and was due home within the hour. Wendy ran the brush through a tangle in her hair, trying unsuccessfully to get the tangle out. A loud knock sounded at her door and she nearly jumped, then began laughing at herself as she stood then tripped over a rug. (1)

She was still giggling when she opened the door to find Erza on the other side. "Hello, Erza!" Wendy chirruped, excited to see the older girl.

"Hi, Wendy," Erza greeted, "I was wondering if you had some time free? Maybe we could spend some time together?"

Wendy bounced a couple of times happily. "Of course! Would you like to come in?"

Erza smiled widely and stepped past the girl. She made herself comfortable on Wendy's bed, and after a brief moment offered to help Wendy brush through her hair.

"It's very lovely and soft," Erza complimented, detangling the blue strands expertly.

Wendy smiled in delight. "Thank you! It's not nearly as pretty as yours, though."

Erza chuckled. The two girls sat chatting about hair, school, and clothes, until the conversation turned to boys. Wendy talked about many of the boys in her classes and at the school, spending time gushing about a certain orange haired lion in particular.

"Why don't you tell Gray how you feel?" Wendy asked during a lull in the conversation, suddenly curious. Even she was wise enough to know the two cared deeply for one another.

"Um- uh," Erza stuttered out, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that you love him," Wendy told her.

Erza blushed to match her hair. "Well, would you tell Loke that you love him?" Erza teased in return.

Wendy looked downcast. "Maybe," she said, toeing the ground, her tiptoes just barely able to reach the floor, "but, Carla says he'd just use me, and then I'd end up hurt."

Erza sighed. "That sounds like Gray. I swear, he's being so ridiculous about this whole thing. He's acting like he's your father," Erza couldn't resist a giggle. Erza deepened her voice mockingly to imitate Gray, "Tell Wendy she's too young to be dating!" Erza wagged a finger at no one, "If he dates her, it wouldn't last two weeks before he'd find someone else he was in love with. No one's going to hurt my daughter like that!"

The girls collapsed into a heap of giggles on the bed.

"Would you be the mother, coming to my defense?" Wendy asked, still all smiles. Erza gave a firm nod.

"Now, Gray dear," she said, her voice a slightly higher pitch than normal, "You know that Wendy is old enough to make some of her own decisions. I mean, she is my daughter, and you trust my judgment, don't you? I married you, after all."

"But, Wendy's too young!" Wendy chimed in, assuming the role of Gray. "He's much too old for her!"

"That's what all of our friends said about you, too. But we didn't listen to them, now did we?" Erza continued.

Wendy giggled harder than before. "But, Erza!"

"But, Gray! She'll never be old enough to date if you have it your way." The girls continued laughing until their stomachs hurt and they lay on the bed, panting.

After all had been quiet for a few minutes, Wendy sighed, "It would be nice, though."

"What would?" Erza turned her head to face the younger girl.

"Having parents. Since I lost Grandeeney, I've always wanted a new family." Wendy smiled sadly.

Erza was lost for words. Instead she hugged the girl tightly, wiping away a few stray tears. "It would be nice. Maybe one day we could legally be a family. But for now, we're still here for you, no matter what. You're our friend." Erza grinned and added, "And my minion."

"Erza," Wendy asked softly, "what do you think about Loke?"

Erza took a moment to consider before answering. "He has been rather taken with Lucy since they first contracted as battle partners, but he says it's just friendship. He is five years older than you, which can be a lot, especially right now," she said. Wendy looked crestfallen at Erza's words, to which Erza continued, "He is completely devoted to whomever he truly loves, friends or lovers alike. He is skilled in combat, and intelligent. And he is very charming and good-looking. Or so I assume, judging by the amount of girls that flock after him. You'll have a lot of competition, a lot of jealous rumors, and possibly a bad reputation," she finished, cautioning Wendy regarding such a relationship.

Wendy's face fell. That was definitely something she had not considered. "But I promise, if he purposely hurts you in any way at all, I'll castrate him myself," Erza said, smiling. "It is your decision, and I will do what I can to support you."

Wendy smiled and hugged the scarlet haired girl tightly. "Thank you, Erza. But don't worry, I'm sure he thinks I'm too young and foolish, anyway."

For the second time that evening a loud knock sounded from the door and Wendy jumped, nearly falling from the bed. Erza stood to answer the door while Wendy recovered.

Erza swung the door open a bit more forcefully than she intended and was immediately surprised to see Loke on the other side. "Um, Loke, hi," she said, cocking a suspicious brow at the orange haired lion.

"Erza," he replied, obviously just as surprised to see her as she was him, "I wondered why you didn't answer. Now I know."

Erza continued to stare at Loke for a moment until Wendy came to the door. "Loke! Hello!" Wendy greeted brightly.

Loke broke into a large grin. "Hi, Wendy! I was looking for you and Erza, and since I've found you, I was wondering if you two would like to go to Fantasy Island with me next weekend?"

"Fantasy Island?" Erza questioned, "That new amusement park they were building just outside Magnolia?"

"That's the one. I would be honored if you two lovely ladies would accompany me. These free tickets aren't going to use themselves," Loke smiled, trying to be suave and flirtatious. He caused Wendy to blush and happily agree, but Erza was still looking suspiciously at him. "Hey, I asked Gray first, and he said he would only come if you did, Erza," he shrugged, hoping he wouldn't get caught in his little white lie (which he seemed to be falling victim to a lot lately).

"Please, Erza?" Wendy begged, tugging Erza's arm. "It could be your chance to tell Gray how you feel!"

Erza struggled to stammer out any kind of answer for several seconds.

Loke turned around to leave, acting slightly downtrodden. "Okay, well, Wendy, I'll see you in school Monday, and we can talk more then. But, Erza," he paused and looked over his shoulder, "if you don't do it soon, he'll give up and accept Juvia's affection."

"Okay, fine!" Erza called, finally making some sense of her shock. "I'll go. But he better be coming!" she threatened.

oOoOo

Loke found Gray in the student lounge, sitting at the bar and commiserating with Gajeel over how Natsu's behavior had changed so dramatically. Now, instead of being annoying and trying to start fights with everyone and everything, Natsu was much more relaxed and less rash.

"Meh, I don't care. He'd just lose to me, anyway," Gajeel stated, getting up from the bar. "I gotta meet the shrimp."

"It's just a phase," Loke said reassuringly, butting in to the conversation as he sat beside his fellow comrades. "I give it another week before he's back to wrecking the guild hall."

"Hey, look who showed up, it's the cradle robber," Gajeel poked fun at Loke, who laughed nervously.

"Cradle robber?" Loke asked, now confused and fighting a blush. If Gajeel meant what Loke thought he might...

"Yep," came Gajeel's short reply. "Gotta go!"

Loke just shrugged, feeling more confused now than before. He took a seat beside Gray and ordered a drink from Mira.

"Here you are, one ticket to accompany myself, Wendy, and Erza to Fantasy Island next Saturday," Loke said, sliding a ticket toward Gray. He cast Gray a pleading look, causing the raven haired boy to laugh heartily, "You have to go; otherwise Erza's going to kill me. Or worse, castrate me."

Ignoring his desire to strangle Loke for playing with Wendy's feelings, Gray agreed. A day at an amusement park might be quite entertaining. "Alright. Sounds like a plan."

"So when are you two going to stop playing house and finally make out or something?" Loke asked, enjoying Gray's embarrassment and frustration.

"When are you going to stop robbing cradles?" Gray huffed, then quickly stormed out.

Loke sat at the bar alone, feeling incredibly confused.

oOoOo

Erza woke with a start and sat bolt upright, panting and nearly out of breath, her heart racing a thousand miles an hour. It was the same dream she had been having for a few weeks now, where she was trapped inside a tower, fighting against a blue haired boy who looked like her lost childhood love, Jellal. She was fading fast in their fight, and just as the blue haired boy raised his sword to take a final blow against her, Gray rushed in front of her, his back to the boy, grabbing Erza in a tight embrace. The blow meant for her met his back, and with his final words Gray whispered that he loved her, enough to die for her. (2)

Erza wept as she struggled to regain control of her body. She loved Gray deeply, but she would never ask him to die for her. She hugged her knees to her chest, shivering. When she was breathing normally again, she climbed out of bed and requipped into a somewhat less provocative nightgown. She didn't mind Gray seeing her in her revealing clothing, but if she happened across any other boys in the building she didn't want them fantasizing about her. She quickly snatched up her room key and headed out the door.

Gray drowsily came to consciousness, his head fuzzy from sleep. He thought the knocking sound he heard was something he was dreaming, but found himself unable to immediately go back to sleep. Deciding his mouth was dry anyway, he got up in the darkness and plodded to the sink to get a glass of water. The swift rapping drifted to his ears again, accompanied by a feminine voice pleading, "Please, Gray, be here. Open up. Please."

Judging by the tone of voice he did not expect Juvia. He suspected he might have had another admirer recently, a first year girl likely, but who else would be brave enough to risk the torture of the Resident Assistant on their floor, Jason? He was a nut, and if he discovered a girl in the boys' dorms after hours, could possible ruin a girl's (or guy's) reputation.

Needless to say, Gray was in for quite a surprise when he opened his door, only to be met by Erza lunging at him and flinging her arms around him tightly, knocking them to the floor.

"Oh, Gray, thank God you're here! I was so worried. Don't you ever sacrifice yourself for me, do you hear me?" she began rambling, her tear streaked face pleading with him.

"Erza, I can't make that promise," he whispered, sadly, "unless you do the same." He patted her head then ran his fingers through her hair soothingly.

"I can't do that, Gray," she sniffled, burying her face against his chest. He wished for a moment he had worn a shirt to sleep in, as it could have soaked up her tears.

"What's the matter? What happened to get you so upset? I haven't seen you cry like this in years," he questioned, slipping a hand under her chin to make her look at him.

Erza didn't say anything for some time and laid her head back on his chest, ear pressed to listen to his heartbeat, clearly feeling silly and embarrassed. "Erza, you can tell me. I'm not going to laugh or make fun of you," he prompted.

"It was just a bad dream," she replied, now trying to be dismissive. Gray gave her a hard look, which she sensed more than saw in the dark, and she sighed. "One I've been having for a few weeks. We're trapped inside a huge tower, like in the fairy tales, and I'm fighting with someone I think I know from my past, and just as he's about to finish me, you rush in, taking the blow meant for me. And you die, Gray. You're not supposed to die!" she wailed.

Gray wrapped his arms around Erza lovingly. "Did I at least tell you I love you first?" he asked, feeling warmth rise into his cheeks, even in the darkness.

Despite herself, Erza gave a small smile. "You did."

"Then it's all going to be okay. Besides, it was just a dream, right? And I'm still here now," Gray said softly, still stroking her hair.

There was very little light, the moon not being full and the curtains and doors to the outside closed. But in it, Gray could see Erza's face above his; he could feel her warm breath on his skin; he could touch their lips together. The look still lingering on Erza's face made him do just that. He raised his head up ever so slightly and placed a gentle kiss on Erza's lips. He didn't expect a warm response, and didn't need one; he just wanted Erza to know he loved her.

Even in her dreams, he loved her enough to die for her.

The kiss was lingering and sweet, though chaste. Erza didn't fully return the gesture, but at least she didn't recoil. She just hugged Gray back tightly.

Gray let her lay on top of him, his rump still aching from where it met the floor, for a few more minutes. Finally he couldn't take much more of the discomfort. "You know, I definitely enjoy you on top of me and all, but can we at least move to the bed?" he asked, expecting to be backhanded for his forwardness. He involuntarily flinched as Erza raised a hand to help herself up.

They stood and embraced again, Gray unwilling to let Erza go. She came to him in her time of need, and by God, he was going to be there for her. Finally she stepped back, holding his hands in hers. "I should get back, in case something happens," she said, her tone sad.

"Stay with me. Just for tonight," Gray suggested, tugging her towards the bed. Without much coaxing, she let him lead her to the bed where they crawled under the covers, her back to him and his arms around her protectively. They lay in peaceful silence, cuddled up together, until they drifted into unconsciousness.

oOoOo—RN—oOoOo

Notes:

1 – Yeah, that could so be me I'm talking about here. I'm pretty sure I've done this a few dozen times. ;)

2 – It's just a reference to the Tower of Heaven arc, not an indication that Jellal is going to be playing a big part in this. He might make a few appearances, but I promised the story would have more happy endings and less war and chaos.