A/N: Jeez, this chapter gets sappy. I had to add some violence to keep these guys in character. Enjoy!
Chapter Fourteen:
"I don't get it. Why couldn't Lucy and Gray join us? They've been in the hotel all afternoon!" Natsu complained. "What could they be doing that takes so long?"
The Fairy Tail mages were on their way back to their suite after having finished an enjoyable meal at an all you can eat buffet. The staff soon learned to regret the all you can eat disclaimer. Between Erza hitting the desert table and Natsu devouring most of everything else — the cooks were hard pressed in the kitchens.
"I'm sure they were sleeping. They had a very difficult battle after all," Jellal said. "I'm feeling pretty exhausted myself."
"We should go to sleep immediately," Erza agreed.
"What?" Natsu whined throwing his hands into the air in frustration. "You guys are being so boring! Happy, Lisanna and I finally get here and all you want to do is eat and sleep!" He punched his fist into his palm. "I need something to fight!"
"Maybe Gray will be awake by now," Erza said with a smirk. She nudged Jellal with her elbow to his ribs. She had him move her things into his room earlier that day, before Natsu and Lisanna had arrived. He earned major brownie points by not complaining once about the bulk of her luggage. He earned even more points by suggesting the all you can eat buffet that was famous for their cheesecakes. How could she not give him a chance?
When they entered their suite, they found Lucy and Gray sitting on the living room couch. Lucy was stretched out lengthwise with her feet resting on Gray's lap while he was reading a book and running his hand up and down her bare calf. Plue sat on Lucy's belly snuggled up sleeping while she petted his furry white head absently.
"You two missed out on an amazing meal," Natsu said sitting on the couch right next to Lucy's head. She sat up barely in time to avoid being squashed.
"That's okay, we had room service," Gray said sliding his arm around Lucy's shoulders and drawing her to his side. He looked across the room and met Jellal's dark eyes. "So, Natsu, have you and Lisanna had a chance to explore the casinos?"
"We haven't explored anything but the buffet," Happy said landing on the arm of the couch. He rubbed at his belly with a satisfied smile. "The fish is amazing!"
"There are some pretty interesting card games," Gray said. "Why don't we go check it out? We can see who can win the most jewels."
"Obviously, me," Natsu said hopping up to his feet. "I'm fired up! Let's go and bring the house down!"
"Let's leave the house intact," Lucy said. "We could try that Bingo game. That shouldn't be too hard for an introduction to the casinos."
"No way," Gray protested. "You have no idea how vicious those games can be."
"We'll figure it out as we go," Lisanna said optimistically.
Erza and Jellal watched as their guild mates left the suites for the casino games. They took Lucy and Gray's former spot on the couch.
"Okay, talk," Erza said. "You have my attention."
"Erza," Jellal said reaching for her hands and holding them in his. "I've loved you since we were children. I was lost, possessed by an evil spirit for years. Afterwards, I was an amnesiac. All I could remember was that someone named Erza made me happy. Seven years ago, before you disappeared, I'd been ready to confess my feelings for you. I didn't care that I didn't deserve you. I loved you. But then, you were gone. During that time I lived by your words that I needed to redeem myself. Then, when you returned, I knew I didn't deserve you. I still had so much to make up for. So, I lied. I said I had a fiancé. There has never been anyone, but you, Erza Scarlet," Jellal said. He held his breath and waited for a response.
Erza was quiet for several moments. What he said was nothing that she hadn't imagined. "Jellal, why did you join Fairy Tail?"
Her question caught him off guard. "To be near you and to continue to redeem myself," he answered without hesitation.
Erza squeezed the hands holding hers. "All right."
"All right?"
"All right. I love you too," Erza admitted looking away from him.
Jellal released one of her hands and hooked his finger under her chin forcing her to look at him. "I love you now and forever, Erza," he said. He leaned close to her and captured her lips.
OoO
The Joy of Joya hosted the most amazing spa. Now that Mr. Percy wasn't worried about losing his customers he decided to invite the Fairy Tail mages to be the first to enjoy the lavish spa. The hotel was slated to open its doors to the public within the next fortnight. The damage to the top floor and roof were already being fixed and Mr. Percy hadn't batted an eye at the cost. Apparently, owning a casino hotel in Joya City was a very profitable business.
Lucy relaxed in the warm waters of the bath. She and Erza were resting their sore muscles while Lisanna was stretched out on the masseuse table a few feet away being worked on by the magical hands of Giselle. "This is the life," Lucy said with a sigh closing her eyes in relaxation. She cracked open one chocolate colored eye to look at Erza. "You know who would appreciate this? Virgo."
"She did fight hard alongside you," Erza confirmed. "Don't invite Loke though. Who knows what the pervert would do."
"He would be a perfect gentleman," Lucy said defensively. "But this is a girls only event, so it doesn't matter."
Lisanna laughed quietly from the table. "Natsu wasn't happy about being excluded."
"We can hardly sit around talking about boys if the boys are present," Lucy argued.
"Maybe I should invite Virgo and Aquarius," Lucy said towing with the idea. She stood from the warm waters with her white cotton towel snug over her breasts. She pulled out two of her keys from nearby. "Here goes," she muttered. She called forth both of her celestial spirits.
Virgo smiled softly and offered a respectful bow. "How may I serve you, princess?"
Aquarius scowled. "What now? Haven't I done enough for you? My Scorpion is all bruised and battered because of you."
Lucy took a deep, steeling breath. She would not be intimidated by her ornery water spirit. Besides, if worse came to worse, she trusted Virgo would protect her from the blue-haired mermaid. "Ladies, I wanted to thank you for all your hard work. The owner of the casino hotel offered the women of our group a free morning at the spa and since your participation was crucial in the defeat of the dark guild I wanted to see if you wanted to participate."
Virgo bowed deeply at the waist. "Princess! I am honored!" She stood up straight and her maid uniform transformed into a fluffy towel akin to the one that Lucy wore.
Aquarius' scowl lessened. "You wanted to invite me to a spa? You didn't summon me to battle?"
Lucy shook her head. "And you are both free to return to the celestial world if you aren't interested."
Aquarius slid into the warm bath waters next to Erza and let out a sigh of relief. "I suppose I can stay for a little while."
Virgo slipped into the bath next to Lucy and smiled at her in gratitude. "Thank you, princess."
There was a pop in the air and Loke materialized wearing a pair of swimming trunks and a tank-top shirt. "I specifically remember that Mr. Percy offered this deal to all the Fairy Tail mages, not just the women," he said folding his arms across his chest.
Aquarius stood up, the water rising with her. "If you dare to persist in interrupting this female bonding I will drown you, you many lion," she warned.
Loke held his hands up, palms outward and backed away. "I'll just go see how Gray and the others are doing."
After Loke left, Virgo snuggled next to Lucy. "Princess. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Lucy said with a faint blush at her spirit's proximity.
"Are you sure?" Virgo's eyes were narrowed in concern. "You seem rather sore. Leo said that you might be in pain for a few days after a sparring match you had with the Ice Mage."
Erza snickered. Lucy glared at her friend. Aquarius was relaxed with her eyes closed and seemed to be enjoying herself.
"I'm fine," Lucy assured her.
"Jellal's staff certainly seemed effective," Erza said with a smirk.
Lucy's eyes narrowed speculatively at the redhead. "I bet it was," she said waggling her eyebrows.
"Okay, this one is off to the pedicure," Giselle announced. "Which of you ladies is next?" She held a fresh robe to replace the wet towels.
Erza stood, the water streaming down from her and stepped out of the baths. "I'll go next."
"Are you all right?" Lucy asked. "I wanted to make sure everyone was recovered from the battle."
Aquarius grunted, but didn't answer. "Yes, princess. Everyone is recovering well. Chaos has been imprisoned by the Celestial King," Virgo said.
"Keep wary, those dark mages will have a grudge," Aquarius said in a bored tone. Her cerulean eyes snapped open and flashed with anger. "But if you ever face that horned bitch you call me right away. I'll sweep her away into oblivious for making a move on my man!"
"I'll keep that in mind," Lucy said nervously. Aquarius calmed at her words and relaxed in the bath once more. She wondered how her mother dealt with the temperamental mermaid when she was a celestial spirit mage.
OoO
Gray, Jellal, Natsu, and Happy went to explore the casinos while their female guildmates were enjoying the hotel spa. Mr. Percy had invited them all to enjoy the facilities, but when the girls claimed it for themselves the guys knew better than to argue.
"You two are in really good moods," Happy said, hovering between Gray and Jellal.
"Why couldn't we go to the spa?" Natsu asked. "I'm not a fan of these casino games. All I wanted to do last night was participate in the wrestling match and you wouldn't let me!"
"Natsu, it would have been unfair for the Salamander of Fairy Tail to take on a pair of non-magical humans," Gray pointed out. "And there was a good chance that you might have taken out the support columns of the stadium. We're trying to leave this place without causing more in damage than what we might earn for succeeding in the job."
"Joya is renowned for jewelry and jems far superior to any other land in the realm," Jellal said. "I wanted help in picking out something for Erza."
Natsu glared at Jellal. "And why is your hair maroon and why are you wearing makeup?"
"It's so he won't be recognized," Gray said with a frustrated sigh. "What sort of jewelry are you looking for?" he asked Jellal.
"I was thinking about a promise ring of some sort," Jellal confessed.
The air around them was disturbed by a shift in dimensions and Loke appeared before them. He was dressed in his Leo black suit and tie. "I'm good at picking out things the ladies will like," Loke said with a smirk. "Just ask Gray."
Gray fought the urge to remove his shirt in a fit of nervous anxiety. He just received confirmation that Loke was the one to leave behind the little presents in Lucy's luggage. "Loke is rather thoughtful and considerate," he murmured.
"What do you intend to promise her?" Natsu asked rubbing his belly. "I'm so hungry! Is there another buffet we can check out?"
"Will you be serious?" Gray asked, his temperature dropped several degrees.
"I am serious!" Natsu argued. His hands burst into flames. "You have a problem with that? I came here to hang out with Lucy and you've been monopolizing her! You have no idea how much trouble Happy, Lisanna, and I faced to get here."
Gray's shirt landed on the floor and the air around him dropped to subzero temperatures. "I suggest you get used to it. Lucy belongs to me now!"
"Like hell! She belongs to no one!" Natsu came after Gray with flaming fists.
"Ice make Claymore!" Gray intercepted with a broadsword made of ice. He parried and blocked Natsu's attacks. He rolled to the ground on the other side of Loke. "Gentlemen, our friend needed help with a ring. Lucy won't be happy if you destroy this casino fighting over her."
"Lucy's my best friend! She'll forgive me," Natsu said bursting a hole through one of the pillars.
A crowd of observers started to grow around them. Gray hit the ground and caused ice to reinforce the weakened pillar. Money began to exchange hands amongst the crowd of people as they started placing bets.
"You need to calm down! If we tear this place down then we'll lose the reward money we earned," Gray warned.
"It's fine! The casino is insured against destruction by magic users!" A man in a business suit, collecting wagers replied calmly. He waved his hands at them encouragingly. "Go ahead. Though, I have a quick question. Will this be a fight to the death?"
Natsu and Gray looked at each other in bewilderment. "Of course it's not a fight to the death," Gray said, swinging his broadsword in a wide arc and causing a cloud of steam to form when it came into contact with Natsu's flaming hands gripping the blade between his palms.
"We can give them a show though," Natsu said with an eager grin. "I'm all fired up now!"
Happy flapped his wings anxiously above Natsu and Gray's heads. "Guys! I don't think this is the time!"
"So," Loke said saddling up beside Jellal. "I'm thinking a diamond ring with some rubies on either side of the center diamond."
Jellal began to step back from Gray and Natsu's brawl. "I think that sounds about right," he said. "Should we really leave them though? They'll do a lot of damage," Jellal worried.
"Hey, you two idiots! We're heading out if you want to come!" Loke yelled out.
Gray hit his palms to the ground and a cage of ice formed around Natsu. "Wait up!" Gray called back, he picked up his discarded shirt and hurried after them.
Natsu roared and a ball of fire formed around him and incinerated the ice cage that had surrounded him. "I'm coming too!"
The crowd began to groan as the battle ended premature to either of the participants' deaths.
OoO
Lucy leaned close to Gray. "Do you think they realize this is legitimate?" she whispered. They were at the wedding chapel with the Siegrain impersonator performing a ceremony on Erza and Jellal. The whole group was dressed nicely. Lucy wore a silver silk gown that fit snug against her form and a sapphire stone necklace on her throat – on loan from their casino host Mr. Percy. Gray wore a charcoal gray suit with a tie that matched her necklace perfectly. Natsu and Lisanna wore green and gold. Erza was convinced to wear a cute white floor-length dress with feathers in the skirt and a diamond necklace – on loan from Mr. Percy. Jellal wore a black suit and maroon undershirt that matched his dyed hair.
Happy flew down the aisle with a satin pillow with a ring that Jellal had purchased for Erza earlier that day. The promise ring, as Jellal dubbed it, had a diamond center stone with rubies on either side of it.
"They'll figure it out," Gray said quietly. "Let's just not be around when that happens," he suggested wrapping his arm around Lucy's waist. "The impersonator is pretty good. He's just an inch or so too short."
"I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes," the Siegrain impersonator said.
Erza's face contorted into a look of confusion as she turned to Jellal. "Why did you use your real last name?"
"Because it's real," Jellal said. "That's what the promise was about. Didn't you realize I was serious when I asked you?"
Erza shook her head, long red hair swinging back and forth. "I didn't realize it was binding."
"Is it really a problem?" Jellal asked, his face lined in worry.
"Should we run?" Lucy whispered.
"Not yet," Gray said shaking his head.
"Is everything okay, Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes?" the impersonator asked. "You can kiss each other any time now."
"It's fine," Erza said. She reached up and held either side of Jellal's face in her hands and drew him down to her height and kissed him soundly on the lips. A slight smirk lifted the corner of her lips. "It's fine," she repeated.
The manager from before came up to Lucy and Gray and smiled brightly at them as they started to exit the chapel. "Don't forget 15% off on Thursdays!"
"I think the sooner we head back to Fiore, the better," Gray said. "They claimed that any damage done to the casinos from a magic fight was covered under insurance, but I'd rather grab our earnings and head out."
"That's a shame really. I think you would have enjoyed the spa," Lucy said laying her head against Gray's shoulder.
"Lucy, you've got to check out the all you can eat buffet!" Natsu said grabbing hold of one of Lucy's hands and holding Lisanna's hand on his other side. "You and Gray missed out. It's amazing!"
Lucy locked eyes with Lisanna, the white-haired mage shrugged helplessly. Lucy grabbed Gray's hand and she nodded at Natsu.
"You going to come, Erza?" Natsu asked glancing over his shoulder.
Erza shook her head. "Not this time," she said hooking her arm through the crook in Jellal's arm.
"They have the best fish, Lucy!" Happy said settling on Lucy's shoulder.
"How can I say no to good fish?" Lucy said with a laugh.