She waited quietly. Shuffling the blanket around her, Erza was glad that his bed was queen sized as well. Maybe even double. She did not worry about the size making them sleep apart, she knew they wouldn't. They couldn't. She wondered though, whether it had always been here or if, perhaps, his number one priority had been a huge, comfortable bed.

She decided to think of it that way. After all, he wanted to settle down in Magnolia. Her hometown. Just thinking about how he would be rooted close to where she lived made her giddy with excitement.

The door opened, then closed though not completely. He was leaving the light in the hall on for her to orient herself should she get up at night. She smiled to herself, finding that she could not stop even when he climbed into bed and her heart began its usual marathon. Ultramarathon.

He scooted close to her and Erza immediately used her chance to snuggle up to him, drawn against him like a magnet. He exhaled deeply, which she mirrored. She was still smiling. His arms carefully wrapped around her and she cursed inwardly when she winced at his touch on her lower back.

"Did you get hurt?"

"Hardly…" she lied, though not entirely. She had had worse, she told herself. "It's nothing, really." She tried to soothe. A shiver went down her spine when his fingers trailed up and down her back. Gingerly, avoiding to touch the ridge of the gash beneath the gauze, Jellal's fingertip drew mellow circles above her injury.

"You should ask Wendy to heal you," he said from atop her head, "I'm sure you would feel better."

"Mmh, this works just fine…" an unintended blissful sigh escaped her. He smiled, feeling her do the same into the crook of his neck. His fingers tenderly stroked lines, swirls and circles, distracting her from her pain, giving her stomach a rollercoaster ride alongside it.

"Sleep well," he whispered. She muttered her reply into him, both closing their eyes after a moment. He only stopped caressing after being sure that she had fallen asleep.

Jellal awoke with the sun in his back. He never slept this long. This calmly. Usually, he would toss and turn and wake up several times during the night. He could not sleep by moonlight, not without it, neither with clouds nor with stars.

Only with her.

His stomach felt fuzzy just thinking about it. He could not understand how his actions were this cool when his head was dizzying and his limbs trembling.

He looked at her as she slept. His head felt light, as did his entire body, as if stretching towards the sky, floating away. It was always like this when she was there, the thought of sinking into the mattress seeming unreachable. Surreal. Not even weights tied to his eyelids could get him to close his eyes and sleep – to look away from her.

She was right there. In his arms. Of her own free will. Staying, being happy with him around. Even now, there was a faint smile on her lips. He swallowed.

She had invited him to join the guild. Her guild. The Fairy Tail! He could not imagine a greater honour than fighting for the guild that had saved her and with that him. The guild that had exceeded all expectations of the entire world of magic, that inspired people to live.

And to forgive.

He watched her lovingly. She really had forgiven him, something he had yet to learn. But he accepted her feelings. And he would do his best to convince himself as well.

Erza sighed vocally in her fading sleep. The sunlight was softly shining on her eyes and they twitched, refusing to give in and open. He felt himself smile. Being in one guild with this woman… his everything. Going on quests with Erza. He was not sure whether that would be a good idea; whether he could watch her fight or get hurt. He knew she could handle it – she was the bravest, most skilled and selfless warrior he had ever known – but he feared he would anger her by being protective. Perhaps overprotective.

"Mm, Jellal…" Erza sighed again. Jellal felt his face heat up, blood rushing into his cheeks, up to his ears when she muttered his name to herself. Her hands in front of her face twitched. She spread her fingers, stretching them, arching her back with a content moan. Her hands roamed the pillow beside her head, searching.

A broad smile spread on his lips. He reached out to meet her hand half way, but it was faster. Having found his shirt, it grabbed hold, pulling almost vehemently. He put his hand over hers, but she did not seem to be satisfied by that. Since he would not obey, she shuffled closer herself, curling up into the crook of his body, shoving her face against his chest.

He smiled. A sad smile.

He could never be part of Fairy Tail. She might say that they were all acceptive – after all, Laxus had been let in again after his shenanigan. Jellal could imagine them welcoming him, everyone being suspicious and eventually relaxing around him. Not that he would be around a lot. He was not the kind of person who searched for company and spent his hours surrounded by others.

Natsu would probably want to challenge him. Laxus and his guard would perhaps keep an eye on him. Most of them, especially the girls who were close to Erza, those who dared to make comments, would definitely tease the couple. And maybe, after all of this preparation and time spent with her – time that told him, rather screamed at him to accept and act upon his feelings – he would be okay with that. He would be able to stand the remarks and winks and whatnots.

Jellal sighed. He could not be a part of that guild. There was more to Fairy Tail than being a wizard – however powerful. Fairy Tail was a family. A guild with bonds, so indestructible and treasured, they withstood anything. Forged over time, through endless battles and hardships, through laughter and tears and smiles.

He was not part of that family. And he strongly believed he never would be. He simply did not belong. Not with a guild as open-hearted as Fairy Tail. Not even with her…?

Jellal's hands acted of their own accord as he unconsciously stroked his hand along her back. How could he even begin to deny an emotion as strong as she made him feel? So pure and rich and warm. Like scooping a spoon into the thickest, most golden honey, which held against the movement, trapping everything in its utter sweetness.

"I'm keeping you, aren't I?" Erza croaked quietly from beneath his chin. He blinked repeatedly, pulled out of his thoughts. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Wherever would I want to go if you're here?" He said in a lowered voice. He dared. He felt his heart pay the price, but the skipping of hers did not go unnoticed either. "Though I suppose rent does not earn itself…" he sighed and she joined him.

"I suppose so," her hand momentarily tightened on his shirt when he stretched, almost making him laugh. "Do you take on requests, too?" Her voice was starting to sound normal, though sleep still clouded her eyes when she opened them. He gave an affirmative hum.

"I can accept them on behalf of Crime Sorcière since we were accepted but I do them alone."

"Do you know where the others are?"

"Some, yes," he nodded. Her hand released the fabric it had been clutching, shyly evening it out with her palm. "I think 'Independent Guild' describes it very well, though; everyone pretty much does their own thing." He turned onto his back, Erza still sticking to his side as if attached by glue.

He was liking this more and more, both of them being open with their affection yet casual enough to have a decent conversation. He had always loved that about her – her professionalism. Her seriousness, ambition and indisputable leadership skills. Then there was this goofy, awkward and hilariously passionate side to her where she would put everything on pause for a picnic or kill for a piece of cake.

"Don't you ever miss your comrades?" She asked, tilting her head into his shoulder. He noticed how she was always more relaxed – or relaxed to begin with – in the morning, rather than in the evening. Both of their nerves were raw when alone together, but he somehow felt less insecure when he was tired. After a good night's rest, the feeling returned to his now clear head, having all the space it wanted to spread and cloud his mind.

Erza on the other hand seemed to sleep her nervousness off and fetch it back over the course of the day.

He was glad that none of that kept them apart now. Finally.

"I often wonder what they are doing but I don't worry." He said, crossing his arms behind his head. "I'm more concerned about one of them sneaking up and spooking me – namely Meredy," he chuckled and she smiled at that. Another reason he could never accept her request. It was not the same kind of bond from one guild to another. Considering how it had taken him years – almost his entire life in fact – to at least begin to come to terms with his feelings for the one he loved – feelings he had carried around with him since they had known each other as children – he doubted to ever be capable of feeling the love that connected the members of Fairy Tail.

He felt her gaze. She frowned with concern, reading the disappointment off his face. He sighed under his breath, then turned his head to her with a smile. A genuine one; he could not keep from smiling when seeing her anyway.

"You know… there's still the-"

"Cake." Erza cut in, eyes sparkling already. Jellal broke out into laughter at that, enjoying her happiness as much as she cherished her breakfast.