Muchas gracias por la crítica agradable; me hizo feliz haberlo leído!

And thanks to all of you guys for your reviews as well! I appreciate it a lot!

Without further ado...

Erza sighed constantly under the shower – of content. She could not help a childishly smug smile while admiring the marks that trailed from her neck down until her ribs. She hopped excitedly, trying not to squeal to herself. She nearly slipped, as there was not only a spring in her step anymore – she was dancing.

She wandered into the kitchen after having changed, peeking into the fridge. There were still pancakes. Gladly, she took them out, frowning when spotting a pot against the back wall. She blinked twice. She had completely forgotten about her soup! What a waste, she thought to herself. Closing the fridge again, she decided to leave the task for later.

After firing up the stovetop and reheating the first pancake, arms crept around her sides. A smile stretched itself across her face. He stroked his fingers over the fabric of her blouse until they stopped at her waist on opposite sides, captivating her as closely as possible.

"Hello," he mumbled into her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. She had to laugh. They had already talked that morning and it was uncharacteristically extroverted of him to repeat anything if not necessary. He kept quiet if he could. That, and his greeting got him nowhere in particular. He just seemed to have wanted to say something.

"Tired?" She asked and he merely exhaled, his deep breath warming her nape. He nodded against her head, simply standing there and leaning on her. She smiled to herself. It became a little more complicated when she wanted to flip the pancake, as he did not show any sign of giving her space to move freely. Or space to begin with.

Erza struggled at some point, hardly able to put their breakfast from the pan onto a plate. She pushed her lips out. She instructed him to get his own plate, giving a nudge with her elbow. Jellal in- and exhaled almost dramatically, eventually letting go of her, setting down plates and cutlery on a countertop.

"We should get a table," she noted, glancing at the two countertops they had contemplated about removing to create some room. Flipping the last pancake over onto a plate, Erza was hindered of continuing when his arms returned. She waited, wondering why he was being so clingy all of a sudden. Had the last night not been proof enough of her love? Was he worried about something?

Did he want to do it again?

"What?" She asked as lightly as possible, hiding her concern. She turned – as far as possible – and he merely tightened his arms, his cheek pressing onto the crown of her head. She found herself to be squished even more closely in a hug, as if it was the only thing he needed to survive. She did not know how much he had missed it; how much the past days had deprived him of it, even if they had slept in a gentle embrace.

"What's wrong?" She tried again. He shook his head above hers. His fingers were stretching as if wanting to hold as much of her as he could. "Are you pregnant?" She could not stop the words before they came, feeling stupid immediately.

"No," his voice was careful and he retreated slowly, the unusual boldness evaporating into a stare of wide, panicked eyes, "you?" She shook her head. Then she laughed. He joined, however uneasily and she ensured him to have taken her pills, visibly calming him down.

There was no slot for mail in the door (who didn't have a slot for mail?), so she permitted herself entrance. The lock clicked, then again when Meredy shut the door behind her. It was strange to enter Jellal's house. Like seeing a deer sit in a tree – not impossible, technically, but highly unlikely and just… unusual.

All doors were ajar, a fresh breeze carrying the morning air into the hall. She took off her shoes, wandering into the direction of familiar voices.

"…should really have it cut,"

"Oh, but I like it this long; it suits you," Erza was smiling through her voice. "Only a trim, like so," she said, probably demonstrating her idea by holding strands of his hair. "I'll help you,"

"That's okay,"

"Don't get your hopes up," Meredy smirked, letting the door open slowly. She leant against the door frame, one foot propped up against it, arms crossed. She tilted her head sideways so give them a smug look, inwardly chuckling at the dumbfounded expression on their faces. She had to hide her own desperately. And the whooping.

The couple was sitting on the bed, surrounded by an abundance of blankets and pillows to all sides – had they build a fort with them? It seemed that way, though everything was falling apart, making it hard to tell. Erza was sitting behind Jellal, her hair braided in a most clumsy way. His own was tied up into two tiny pigtails at the top sides of his head. She had her hand running up his nape through his hair, her legs hooking above his crossed ones.

"He won't let women cut his hair," Meredy caught herself again, giving a smirk. Her mind raced, trying to remember whether she had her portable lacrima with her – and if so, where. Jellal pushed out his lips.

"No, I won't let you cut my hair," he snapped.

"That was one time! It didn't even look that bad!"

"I looked like a porcupine,"

"You always look like a porcupine," she gave him a playful look when he scowled at her.

"What are you doing he- how did you even get in here?" He shook his head, stopping immediately when Erza gasped. He had loosened the hairdo she had worked on. He reached out, patting her knee apologetically.

"I forgot to leave it here after I had to drag you back to Magnolia and saved your life," Meredy held up the key to the house, "you're welcome."

With curiously sparkling eyes, she watched as Erza undid his pigtails, starting to gather everything up for a tiny ponytail instead. Completely undisturbed. She had something divine about her, an aura that emanated serenity – a heart so fulfilled, it was at peace with the world.

"There's such a thing as knocking," Jellal was still frowning at his guildmate, though she could tell he was not genuinely upset. He was embarrassed, yes, but he shared the same tranquil bliss as his beloved, her presence having him under its spell.

It was more than lovely to look at. That after all of those years of travelling, fighting, hating and running from the truth, he had found a way to settle down. He was finally stepping into the sun, allowing her light to perfuse him.

Meredy felt for her lacrima, snatching as many photos as she could until Jellal kicked her out, shoving her out the front door, throwing nagging at her head that made her laugh all the more. She sighed to herself as she stood there on the street for a moment longer, then turned to leave, a smile on her face.

She heard her name being called a second later, smile widening upon seeing him submissively asking her back in, Erza looming from behind. He was in good hands. Strict, but good hands.

"At least so I've heard," Meredy shrugged, "but from what they say, he really enjoys it – doing a job that does not require magic." She sipped her tea and he copied her. He stared down at the ripples in his cup, mind wandering. He felt her eyes on him, glancing up to see her tilt her head. Jellal gave a short exhale through his nose, almost amused.

"I just can't imagine Richard in a café, serving customers tarts and cappuccinos,"

"Wearing an apron," Meredy supplied. An apron. Erza in her apron popped into his head immediately and he had to blink himself back into the present. Meredy was smiling now, making him wonder how precisely she could guess his thoughts. She had always been good at it, though it was not that hard – most of the times when he had spaced off, the name 'Erza' was as if written right across his face.

He took a long drink as a replacement action.

"And the rest? Sawyer and Macbeth?"

"I don't know if that's their thing, really,"

"I didn't mean it like that," he pushed his lips together. "What about you, Meredy?" He intensified his gaze but she was the one not looking now. "You could also-"

"Settle down and apply for a job?" She raised a brow at him, her expression so plain it was almost on the morose side. She took another gulp, not breaking eye contact as she swallowed. Then she sighed, finding herself, features relaxing. "Not really for me, either," she shrugged again and he knew she was lying now.

"Why not?"

"For starters, I don't even have a last name to register with; apart from you and Richard, no one does, Blue,"

"Don't call me that."

"Oh," she smirked, regaining some feistiness through her irritation, "would you prefer 'Jelly?"

"Meredy," he glowered, trying to be serious.

"I've been wondering what Erza calls you; we need to meet more often and exchange some embarrassing stories about you – oh, how about Feri? Like Fairy Tail but also Fernan-"

"Meredy." He snapped and she stopped. She rolled her eyes when he was not backing away. Her cup clinked as she firmly set it down on the counter behind her.

"I mean it though. It's not exactly easy to go around, explaining to people that you don't have a last name and some tragic past, yada yada," Meredy circled her palm, eyes travelling upwards. He let his own soften. He had not realised how that could pose a problem – he had never even thought about it, neither where his own last name came from. The only time he had been occupied with that topic had been with Erza's last name, naturally.

He supressed a sigh. She did not even have to be in the room to garrison his mind.

"Why don't you just take Ultear's?" He asked, and her eyes widened shortly. Jellal had to smile. He liked that.

"I can't just take any name I want," Meredy mumbled. She drew lines with her finger on the counter, debating with herself. She puffed her cheeks, pouting a little.

"Of course, you can."

"I'm back," Erza's voice interrupted, calling from down the hall. She was requipping, probably out of her boots. Then material thudded as she propped it up against a wall – wood, he reckoned.

Meredy straightened.

"I'll get going then-"

"Hold on," he stretched his arm out, blocking her in the doorway. She frowned. "Erza," he turned when she reached them, glancing from one to the other, "tell Meredy she can pick any last name she wants," he said, his guildmate nagging at him as soon as the words left his mouth.

Erza watched the flustered reaction, then his determined expression. He knew this would work, at least he hoped so. Erza was still the most commanding presence there was and as much as it delectated Meredy to see him bow to his love's strictness, he was well aware that it worked on anyone just as well. He could use it, too.

"You can pick any last name you want." Erza plainly retorted.

"With more enthusiasm," he hissed and she cracked a playful smile. She seemed to use her every chance to tease him. It made him slightly uneasy in regard to Fairy Tail – if she went as far as giving mocking comments in front of his own guildmate, how awkward would it get should he show his face in her guild…?

"Why would you want to do that?" Erza asked, her attention shifting.

"I didn't- it doesn't matter, anyway…" Meredy rambled, her voice fading out and she somewhat hid behind Jellal, unable to escape with Titania in the doorway.

"Apparently it's more complicated to sign a non-magical contract without a last name," Jellal supplied, ignoring the foot that rammed into his calf. "We were thinking about Ultear's,"

"You were…" Meredy grumbled into his back.

"Of course, you can! I think that's a great idea; she was like a mother to you, wasn't she?" Erza flared up with zeal. That was new. Jellal's mind started to rewind. He had never known their past – they had busted him out, he had formed a guild, end of story. In any scenario, he had been able to tell that they had been close and that their relationship spoke of a special bond. It was all falling into place now.

Meredy gave a vague hum, still ducking behind him. The only thing missing was her tugging at his shirt or using him as a human shield to get away – which was almost the case, already.

"I will take you to the officials; we can register you here in Magnolia and-" Erza started but Meredy waved her hands, cutting in.

"No, I can- I mean, I'll think about it…" she retreated to a small voice. "I will…" she ensured when brown eyes watched her expectantly. Jellal had to smile. His trick had worked flawlessly.

He saw his guildmate – suddenly not so bold and frisky – out. Having closed the door, Jellal put his hands on his hips, regarding the planks in the hall that would become wall cupboards for the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves. This could take a while.

Erza yelped. Her hand flew up and she shook it out, inspecting her pulsing thumb she had hit with the hammer. She had lost count how often it had already suffered. Angrily, she picked up the nail that had dropped. She snorted, placing it back, lunging her tool and smashing the darn thing into the wall.

It cracked. The nail disappeared, leaving a hole.

She fetched the next one, ready to plunge it in, right after its predecessor.

Jellal huffed as he came through the door, walking like a crab, trying to see over the overhead cupboard he had assembled. They had to work in separate rooms since there was hardly space in the kitchen. She was not all unhappy with that – she was so annoyed by her incapability of construction, it would be better if he never witnessed her in action.

She reached back, diving the hammer into the wall. This time, the nail was still visible.

"No, no just-" he winced at the force she used, grimacing, "not that far. More like a… pin," he gently corrected, "just pin it into the wall,"

"I'll pin you against the wall…" Erza growled to herself.

"What?"

"What," she flinched. Turning slowly, she met his confused eyes, failing miserably at something that had maybe been planned as an innocent grin. Jellal relented, climbing up the counter next to the one she knelt on.

"Let's switch jobs," he proposed. She nodded, glad to be relieved of her task while not being told off. She wanted to help somehow, but she was nothing but a disaster around the house. She furrowed her brow, an idea striking. Perhaps she could use that talent to remove the two counters by the window.

Jellal stepped out of the shower, towelling down. He changed into his sleepwear, yawning as he entered the bedroom. He was about to tell her that the bathroom was free, when his eyes found her.

Erza was lying on the bed, already in nothing but a towel, ready to shower. She was on her back, having fought her tiredness and tried to stay uncomfortable as not to fall asleep. The plan had not been a success. Her toothbrush was on the nightstand, already rinsed in the kitchen sink. Had he taken that long?

Sighing deeply, Jellal decided to give his worn out limbs a rest, crawling beneath the countless sheets. Shuffling towards her, he lifted a hand to gently brush strands of hair out of her face. He loved her hair; he was so glad to finally have access to it – well, be allowed to touch it on occasion, sounded nicer. Holding it in place that other day had already been a blessing but when she had let him braid it… he was still over the moon by that.

And hugs. He could never get enough of hugs. He understood her obsession with blankets now – being wrapped into them did give the illusion of arms, holding one close, keeping one save and unburdening one, even for just a moment.

It reminded him of the early morning. He would still cling to her like a magnet had there not been other, necessary ways to fill the day with. And had there not been her last remark.

"Mh…" Erza gave a tired moan, blinking her eyes open. Turning her head, she smiled at him lovingly.

"You know…" she had her eyes half closed, voice soft and serene, "if I'll ever be pregnant, then only with you." She said as if having read his mind.

Jellal's head exploded with blush, blood hotly streaming into his cheeks, up until his ears. He almost feared it to leak out of every pore – this much could not be healthy. His breath got stuck. Even if he had known what to say, he could not, his mouth dry, tongue knotted.

Erza smiled and he suddenly became suspicious with wild panic of the hand she rested on her stomach. He hardly knew a thing about pregnancy; he had no idea how even if she would have been pregnant, she could not yet know.

Now he really wanted to know what had happened during those nights he had been drunk. But… she would tell him something like that… right?

He swallowed. He was such a mess. It was starting to come back to him why he had avoided to follow her into the light. How could she even think like that while sleeping in a ruin, dating someone who should rather languish in prison?

"I still haven't fixed the bathroom," he said instead of uttering his doubts. She frowned, unable to follow. Jellal gave a pitiful exhale through his nose, sharp with self-contempt. "What kind of a husband would that be?" He avoided her eyes.

Erza sighed, turning to cuddle into him.

"You'll be a wonderful husband," will, not would. Those hints of hers were getting out of hand – and not the least bit subtle! Was he supposed to propose soon? Did she expect him to? Or was it just an actually subtle threat to never leave her. Which he had no intention of, anyway.

His muscles slackened, the thunder in his head receding because hugs.

"I still have to turn off the lights," he said so softly, he wondered whether he had to repeat it. Erza detached one arm from around him, patting the covers. She grabbed a random blanket and threw it over their heads. A smile crept its way onto his lips.

"You're wasting electricity," he whispered.

"And you're wasting precious sleep."