I feel you - who needs chore? It's time to read/write! :D

I have received your fangirling and I'm so so happy about all of your kind words; Author-San will keep trying the best possible!

Hope you enjoy!

His eyes flashed about. Hectically, he tried to scan every street he passed, hurrying to the next, repeating the process. She had to be there somewhere… With his feet flying across the cobblestone, he kept his eyes sharp, while at the same time trying to sense her magic. He knew its feeling too well. She seemed to be impossible to find in the weekday's late morning crowd, even with a hair colour that striking, that-

There!
Jellal zoomed through the chattering and strolling people that clustered his path. And just where he wanted her, too! His heart skipped a beat at the perfect opportunity – almost making his prey an easy catch.

"Meredy!" He called when coming close, fearing to lose her again. She halted, turning around, looking puzzled. And tired. And more. Several pedestrians crossed in between them until he reached her. She showed no sign of advancing him, not making it the least bit easier to be found.

"Glad I ran into you," Jellal gave a smile, breathing slightly heavier from the previous rush.

"Is something wrong?" She uncharacteristically asked. Unenthusiastically. Un-teasingly.

"I was just about to pick up Erza's cake but I'm afraid I can't carry it all," he scratched his nape, smiling apologetically. She watched the gesture, nodding slowly, plainly. She was buying it. She was not even suspecting a thing behind his plan – he had only just come up with it on the spot, not even having had the time to think it through. She accepted without questions.

She did not question him asking for help.

Trailing her after him, Jellal found that everything he had feared had come true. He had spun countless scenarios in his head, one more dire than the other but reality hit him harder than expected. She was an empty shell, a shadow, drifting on through its own sorrow. Its loneliness.

"Here," he handed her the package he received over the counter. He paid, then took the other two wrapped-up boxes in his own hands. She wordlessly walked on, not even noticing how he had to hold the door open with his foot and balance his parcels. Usually, she was alert for anything she could help with and curiously sticking her nose into anyone's business.

Now, she was not even asking why he was buying an overload of cake. He almost missed the anticipated taunts and speculations – whether he had screwed something up again, even just to make him blush at the mention of the possibility.

"Erza's still out of commission," he explained, having to imagine her question. The fact that his plan was working and the aim of doing everything in his power to stay upbeat in order to transfer the feeling onto her were only just enough to keep his tone from dragging. It was merciless to watch her current mood, bogging him down into the same sorrow.

"What happened?" Meredy asked, her voice flat but not unconcerned. He was positively surprised that she had listened at all.

"She got bitten by a giant lizard," he said, handing her a package while searching for his key.

"Oh," was Meredy's only comment, hardly returning from her own thoughts. Jellal suppressed a sigh, waving her in.

"I'm back," he called, smiling when Erza greeted back through the ajar bedroom door. He led the way to the kitchen, Meredy scuffing behind him. "Wait," he said, preventing her from leaving as soon as setting her load down. He pulled out one of the chairs of the kitchen table, looking at her expectantly. She returned it with a mild frown.

He waited, persisting. She sighed under her breath, dropping into the seat. Jellal gave a friendly smile his best shot, turning around to the counter. He clinked with plates, placing one in front of her.

"Don't think that with all of Erza's preferences I forgot yours," he unwrapped the third package, serving a perfectly round vanilla pudding tart with orange jelly – her all-time favourite. Her secret pleasure.

Meredy glanced up at him, none of the expected joy even hinted on her features.

"Eat up; I'll be right back," he nodded, carefully transferring the contents of the other two parcels onto plates, adding a fork and making his way to the bedroom. Relief warmly fuzzed through his stomach when cutlery lightly chinked in the kitchen.

"How is she?" Erza asked quietly, looking up from where she sat against the headboard, blankets draped over her legs. She closed her book, putting it away. She always did when he came but he did not ask.

She had been staying in bed for most hours of the past two days. He carried her everywhere, changed her bandage, cooked her meals and supplied her with entertainment, even if that included him talking about himself. She had had a slightly higher temperature than usual, radiating at him in the mornings, and he paid extra attention for her slowly healing wound to be clean and not infected.

The warmth subsided over the course of the day, though that did not stop him from inspecting every tiny cut in her subtle skin.

"As expected…" he sighed deeply. She let her eyes soften, lids dropping in sympathy. "It really hurts to watch her," he confessed, sitting down on the side of the bed. He smiled at the hand she cupped his cheek with, meeting her eyes with gratefulness.

"I'm sure you'll be splendid,"

"I hope so," he grinned, unconvinced. Shaking the feeling off, Jellal made space on the nightstand by shoving a few of his books aside, replacing them with two plates. Erza's eyes sparkled at the sight, tracing over the closely arranged pieces of cake.

Jellal smiled at her reaction, genuinely cheered up. He pointed his finger at the first slice.

"Chocolate mousse, as per your wish," he wiggled his brows and she giggled, "chocolate nut – hazelnut and almond –, rhubarb cheese cake, lime pistachio with lavender,"

"Fancy," she smirked and he winked most clumsily, making her laugh again. He moved on to the next plate, finger pointing accordingly.

"Coconut flake with cherry and mascarpone, maple cassis, apple cinnamon vanilla and," he finally took a breath, "banana peach mango," he narrowed his eyes, scanning the abundance of fruit on top of the last piece, "wild berries and," he made a vague gesture, "all that jazz," Jellal shrugged, conjuring a wide smile of amusement onto his beloved's face. He returned a grin.

"You spoil me, Fernandes," she gave him a lovingly teasing smirk.

"You deserve nothing less, Scarlet," he joined her playful tone, leaning in to meet her upwards tilting chin, kissing her lips. "Is there anything else I can spoil you rotten with before I leave?" He asked, tenderly pressing his lips to her palm which he held up, keeping it in his hand for a moment longer. "Another tea?"

"It's still full, thank you," Erza said, never ceasing to smile at him.

"Water?" He glanced at the nightstand, spotting both her glass as well as the 'emergency glass' she made fun of him for to be full.

"Maybe a pillow for my ankle – its throbbing again," she requested and he got up immediately. Walking around the bed, Jellal took an unoccupied pillow, fluffed it and snuck it beneath the duvet, sliding it beneath her ankle which he gently lifted. It was pulsing, he noted, though only a little.

Mellowly, he pressed his thumb into the sole of her foot, running it down, stroking along her tense muscles without causing tickles. Erza gave a hearty groan, sinking back against the headboard.

"Tonight, okay?" He asked while letting go and she nodded. Her smile returned, fondly twinkling eyes following him as he crawled up to her torso, hands trailing with just the right pressure to loosen her stiffness a little. "How's the pain?"

"Fine," she said, grabbing his shirt to kiss him again, pulling away just as quickly, "don't let her wait for too long," she reminded and he nodded. He pecked her cheek, then got up, throwing one last smile over his shoulder before disappearing down the hall.

Meredy was still there, which was a relief. She stared out the window, cheek propped up in one hand, the other tapping the fork onto the plate. More than half of her pastry was still there, untouched. All of the previous worries returned, giving Jellal's stomach a small lurch.

He went over quietly, sinking down in the chair opposite of her. It took a minute of staring for her to take notice of him. It was painful to watch, her face as if overshadowed by a dark cloud. She met his eyes, returning the gaze, stone-faced. He supressed a pitiful sigh.

"If you want to talk, let me know," he announced. She turned back to the window. Then shook her head, hardly noticeable. "Or else, I can also just listen," he added, receiving even less of a reaction. "Whatever you feel like," he tried again, arms twitching to offer a hug. She stayed silent for another moment, discouraging him. He tilted his head, knowing that she could see it from the corner of her eye.

Meredy slumped a little.

"Actually, I'd rather be alone for a while…" her voice was small, scratchy and thin, fading in as much as it faded out. A whisper in a breeze. He furrowed his brows in compassion. This was harder than he had imagined but he would have to stay unyielding. He simply would.

"That might be a problem," he pulled a face, regaining her attention, "because I've booked an Onsen all to ourselves for the afternoon," he grinned. She did not return it. Puzzled, Meredy stared at him. It sounded spontaneous and carefree and so the opposite of his normal self. The self he was missing on her part.

She shook her head.

"I really don't-"

"It wasn't a question," Jellal interrupted, holding up his palm. "At least allow me to try," he said, getting up and offering his hand, "I don't want to be alone today, either," he stressed. She gazed at his hand for a long time, then at his face. There was still nothing but sadness written over hers.

"Stay with Erza," she declined. It was his turn to shake his head.

"But I want to spend the day with you."

Jellal inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the warmth and humidity of the steamy Onsen. He should have tried one before, he thought.

Meredy had a constant frown wrinkling her forehead. She hardly protested but the reluctance was mirrored in her every step. Wrapped in her towel – the fluffiest they had, he had ordered – she let him drag her around. She gave the Onsen a long look, then him, finally resigning, unable to stand the encouraging smile on his face. She avoided it for the rest of their stay.

Hesitantly, Meredy stepped into the hot water. Jellal inwardly whooped when he saw the strain of her body gradually melt as she lowered herself down. Her shoulders dropped and for a moment, she closed her eyes, entirely in the moment. His expression softened.

Feeling the same relaxation seep all the way into his bones, Jellal sat a few metres apart from his guildmate. The steam clouded the surface of the water, as well as the air, only allowing silhouettes and occasional glimpses at her and their surroundings. It was too early for people to reward themselves after work, everything being silent and peaceful.

He watched her from the side. Her hands were submerged in the water, probably fiddling with the hem of her towel like she did with her clothes. Aware of his eyes on her, she huffed.

"Why are we here?" She asked, a slight edge to her voice. Jellal assumed a placid tone.

"Because I thought you would need it,"

"You leave Erza for an entire day – injured – to soak me in an oversized tub?" She snapped, glaring into her lap.

"Yep," he said, receiving a snort at the uncommon choice of words. Unfitting. It did feel strange, but not as much as her current change of character – an awkwardly cheery comment or two on his side were by far more bearable than her lack of them.

He scooted a little closer, unsuccessfully trying to catch her eye.

"Meredy, I know what day it is today,"

"Who would've guessed…" she mumbled.

"And I don't want you spending it alone. I don't want to spend it without you," he sighed through his nose. "I miss her, too…" Jellal leaned back again when she showed no sign of turning to him. Or listening. With his shoulders dropping, he closed his eyes, tilting his head back. "So whatever it is you feel like doing – talking, discussing, distraction – please tell me," he asked again. She remained silent.

A minute passed. The sky was murky and the air chilly, tiny nips of cold biting his wet skin above the water. Below, it was heaven. Only his stomach felt contorted, uneasy. Even the water did not help with that.

Another minute ticked by. The water stirred, rippling against him when she moved. Peeking one eye open, Jellal watched Meredy detach the towel from around her chest. He closed his eye again, listening as she sank down lower, the towel floating above her body, fumbled and played with as a replacement action.

"I feel," she croaked, her voice but a whisper, "I feel like crying," Meredy admitted. Jellal sat up straight, glancing at her with concern. Her face was grimacing, lips wobbling in a thin line, the surrounding skin turning white. Her eyes glistened, brimming over with hot, salty tears. The sight felt like a stake rammed straight through his heart.

Exhaling with pity, Jellal created waves when he came closer. Meredy sniffled, then hiccupped with a failed suppressed sob. She dropped into his embrace, letting her tears stream down her cheeks, dripping into the water. He tightened his arms around hers, pressing the side of his head onto hers.

"I'm here," he soothed, wincing with every sob that shook her through.

"And naked, Jellal," Meredy whined, squirming away. Sheepish, he released her, averting his eyes even if there was mostly steam blocking their views. He did not retreat, however, turning around, putting his back to hers. Meredy froze momentarily, then relaxed, fully leaning against him. The back of her head dipped into his nape and she drew her legs to herself, wrapping her arms around them.

"I can't believe it's been a year," her voice wobbled, fresh tears streaking down her face. He reached a hand behind him, glad when she noticed and dug hers beneath. He gave a small squeeze.

"Me neither," he agreed. His thumb caressed her dorsum whenever her back quivered anew against his with sobs and sniffles.

"I'm snotting into the Onsen, Jellal," she muttered with a raw, pouty voice. It triggered a lopsided smile on his lips.

"It will survive," he soothed, feeling even warmer when she strongly exhaled in silent laughter.

"And… I'd like the distracting please," she meekly added. He smiled softly.

"Coming right up," he complied.

The sky was dark and strewn with stars when they walked along the empty streets. The sun had just set, leaving a cloudless horizon in its light and dark blue splendour. The lanterns flickered on.

"You're kidding," Meredy shot him a frown, amusement sparking in her eyes.

"No, she actually said that,"

"But…" she shook her head, unbelievingly, "I mean she is Erza but… doesn't she worry at all that when telling you to look into other women's cleavages, you might check them out regardless of your 'game'?" She asked. Completely changed. He could not be happier.

It had taken hours – and his skin was wrinkled so much that he thought it to take days until it went back to normal – of talking to lure her out of her shell of misery. He had taken his chances and placed his bets, even confessing some of the more embarrassing stories of his new daily life with the almighty Titania. That included her 'game' of stalking busty women to measure their magic energy and prove his theory about powerful women's similar body types.

"Even if that was possible,"

"Which it isn't, I know,"

"I'd be dead meat before I knew it," he shrugged, offering a grin. She returned it, then let it soften into a smile.

"Jellal," Meredy glanced up at him, halting, "thank you. For today," she clasped her hands behind her back. "Especially for the company, I really appreciate it," she smiled gratefully and he returned it. It seemed like ages between the late morning and now.

"I'm glad to hear," he put his hand on her shoulder, "because you're about to have even more of that," he raised a brow, the corner of his mouth tugging up slyly. Meredy tilted her head in confusion.

"I'd say it's a tie between the mousse and the nut cake,"

"Did you try them all?"

"Of course," Erza nodded complacently while he rubbed her hair dry. She sat on the chair while he balanced on the rim of the bathtub, taking his time on her scalp, giving his promised massage.

"I can't decide which one sounds nicer; I'll have to taste them,"

"Those two are gone, though," she threw her head back to innocently grin at him. Jellal growled playfully, raising a little to be able to peck her lips from above. "And the coconut cherry one. What is mascarpone?"

"I haven't the foggiest idea," he chuckled when a light knock on the door interrupted them.

"I'm back," Meredy shily piped up from behind the ajar door.

"Come in," Erza responded.

"How was it?" Jellal asked. He was very keen to hear whether his plan had worked. It had been a risk but Erza had been convinced that her team would be just right to lift a sore heart.

Meredy entered on quiet feet, peeking around the door where she remained.

"It was… so nice," she beamed with relief, something he shared upon seeing it.

"They weren't too rowdy?" Erza asked. They all knew how a certain pair of elemental mages could be, especially in impractical situations like in battle or, in this case, a restaurant.

"They were…" Meredy glanced at the ceiling with a smile, "but you won't believe what they told me! Natsu first thought her name was… what was it… milkshake…" she stepped into the bathroom, beginning to pace excitedly. "Something with food, on Tenrou Island, years ago," she went on, counting on her fingers. "And you know what?" She stared at them with big eyes, neither having the chance to ask. "Wendy saw her only this year. She was in her own, sort of, space in time, and only for a short time.

"She helped them defeat that god woman from Zeref and practically fought the war with us!" Meredy almost exploded, panting lightly. Her eyes were bright, shimmering with zest. By then, Jellal was reaching the middle of Erza's now combed hair, a clumsy braid winding between his fingers.

"Oh! And Juvia let me and Gray hug. Voluntarily," she gasped for breath. Erza raised her brows.

"That's quite remarkable," she handed an elastic behind her back which he took, "I know she would have already killed me on numerous occasions if she could have," she gave an acknowledging nod. Jellal looked back and forth between them with concern. It melted away when his guildmate continued.

"When we all left, he told me that he was glad that there is someone else who grieves her and remembers her on this day…" she had her gaze lowered, glued to her fingers that wrapped around the hem of her dress. "I haven't felt this much at home since she… left," she smiled to herself, a light pink tint glowing across her cheeks. "Like I have a family," she muttered.

Erza leaned forward despite her wound, reaching out a hand. Meredy looked up when her hand received a squeeze, giving a grateful smile which was being returned warmly. Being let go, her smile stretched further, and she grinned, stepping backwards.

"I'm sorry, I'm keeping you," Meredy waved as she turned to leave for the already unfolded ladder to the attic, "good night,"

"There are fresh clothes on the bed," Erza called after her.

"Thanks! Night!" Meredy creaked up, her voice so blithe, Jellal felt as if flowers bloomed inside his ribcage. It was nothing short of lovely.

"Sleep well," Erza replied, sighing vocally.

"Bed?" Jellal asked and she hummed positive. He picked her up, carrying her to bed. He carried her everywhere, anytime. She was not allowed to strain herself – not allowed not to be spoiled.

Turning off the lights and drawing the curtains, Jellal went up the ladder one last time. His eyes were not yet used to the utter darkness when arms captured his neck, her body clashing so heftily against his, it almost threw him off balance. And she hung there for a moment until her feet touched the ground again.

"Thank you." Meredy mumbled into his shoulder. He smiled, bringing his arms up to return the hug. It smelled of dust and old wood and the flowers next to the bed he had bought for the occasion. Both exhaled strongly in unison. "Thank you so much," she whispered after a minute. "You couldn't have given me anything better than the memories of today…"

I'm really falling more and more for Jellal and Meredy, both, through writing about them (as for Erza, I'm already long past the point of no return). It's a lot of fun to write this; I'm really glad to share it with you!
Have a good week!