"Erza, please stop." the blue haired man pleaded to the red head. ""Stop what?" Erza asked a small smile on her face "I have no idea what you're talking about."
""Erza please, it hurts to laugh." Jellal stated as a chuckle escaped from his throat and the smile on Erza's face grew. Yes, this was the Jellal she remembered. The one from her childhood. The Jellal who smiled even when all seemed hopeless for her.
"Is it always this lively here?" Jellal asked as he took in his surroundings. The entire Fairy Tail guild cramped into one of the several bars that the city of Crocus had to offer. "No, usually it be more-" Erza stopped trying to think of a word that could best describe her guild ""rambunctious than this. But since this isn't our guild hall the Master ordered us to tone it down."
""This is toning it down?" Jellal asked amazed observing Cana and a man who Jellal had come to know as Bixlow were having a drinking match with the a majority of the guild cheering them on. However after downing his cup Bixlow fell to the ground, defeated.
The guild cheered as Cana asked for a new challenger. Jellal chuckled again "I thought he nearly had it." he stated looking at the woman on his right. Erza shook her head ""No, Cana is the undisputed champion drinker in Fairy Tail. She's never lost a match." she stated. ""In fact her day isn't complete without drinking at least four barrels worth."
""Your joking."
""I wish I was."
Jellal shook his head in exasperation. A smile on his face as he stared at the reflection in his drink. ""Fairy Tail really does know how to ease their worries." Jellal mused.
""What do you mean?" Erza asked looking at him in confusion. "Both Fairy Tail teams were unable to score even a single point in today's competition." Jellal stated a sad look on his face ""Forgive me, your Master was kind enough to let me masquerade as one of your members, and yet I was unable to live up to the hopes he and the rest had in me."
"You shouldn't blame yourself so much." Erza said, a hand on his back "You were up against Jura, if you had continued the match as you did you would have been found out. Now instead of blaming yourself you should worry about recovering from the match." Jellal smiled at her ""Thank you for your kind words."
He looked back at the guild, Lucy was chatting with Levy and Mirajane over a book. Evergreen had apparently challenged Cana to another drinking match to avenge Bixlow. Gajeel, Natsu and Gray seemed to be having a debate on who would earn the first point for the guild.
Every where he turned all he could see where guild members laughing and having a good time. When ever he was with them Jellal always felt- lighter. Only with the Fairy Tail guild, with his friends, did he feel welcomed despite all of his sins. An exact opposite of his time in a cave when Ultear and Meredy had long since fallen asleep.
""I'm glad that you were able to find a guild like this one Erza." he stated standing up slowly. Erza looked at him in concern ""Are you leaving already?" she asked, a hint of sadness in her voice. ""I have to, otherwise Ultear will give me a lesson on being late. Just like she did in today's game." Jellal replied causing Erza to laugh softly.
""I see, I understand." she replied. Jellal smiled, but before he opened the door her voice spoke up ""Jellal,remember that you are always welcomed here. Fairy Tail will always welcome you with open arms."
Jellal opened the door and walked out. ""I know." was all he said before he disappeared into the night.