I woke up to six reviews! Six! First day! You guys are amazing! And since I'm so excited, I'm already writing this now and not when I actually reread and upload the chapter, which'll be in a day (so now, if you're reading it after the upload :D).

CheesyDelphox, always so fast! Thank you so much for your review! I often write very slowly, too, but I like to have a chapter or two done and then wait to upload in case I want to change something or won't have the time and inspiration to write the new one after. Then I don't stress myself too much if I can't write one day ;) I feel you - I always go to bed early just to lie there and think of new ideas, planning things in my head, all word by word and making paragraphs and changing words I've used before, mentally scrolling up ':D But you're so adorable, thinking of how I do it. Maybe think of how you'd like it to be - make your own style and own writing but when you know you like a certain way (e.g. of another writer), why not adapt a little? I find I always write better when having just read out of a good book. (But I really feel you, I get distracted so much all the time xD)
(This is getting long...) Haha, that's something that didn't even occur to my also often gay mind - I didn't think of Laxus being gay for Jellal but the idea is pretty funny xD Showdown between him and Erza ''':D

Guest, thank you so much for such incredible praises! How do you even come up with that; it's so kind and flattering, I feel to honoured at so many complements on my writing, thank you so so much!

Wendy Marvel, thank you so much for your review and for saying such nice things to me, I'm so happy for my writing to be reaching you! As for not yet good enough for public writing, don't worry, there's never pressure to do so and to be honest, all of my early writing is really crappy... but I keep it online because whenever I might get over cringing and read it again to perhaps continue, I can see how much I've grown better and that's really encouraging. Still embarrassing, but still encouraging. If you'd like advice, don't hesitate to ask! Always trying to be there for ya (imagine a heart emoji here, the nice one with the two smaller pink ones)!

Mitzy123, thaank you so much for your review! Hehe, yeah they're both dorks. And she's always so random :D Love how you pointed so many things out; can't wait to read what you'll mention next!

Mikasa-Chan, thank you so much for reviewing! I enjoy(ed) myself greatly while reading! Proposal is in the works but will take some time to happen still; hope I'll be able to keep you hooked until then, it's always so nice to read your opinion! You stay healthy, too!

Somnolent Sushi Roll, always making me debate whether to read immediately or force myself to wait for a treat when I need it... never works for longer than an hour; loove your reviews! Thanks! Well, they can relax around one another like with no one else and Erza is kinda random xD Yeah, I was thinking of the pigeon from Crime Sorcière back then, too, but I didn't think he'd somehow still have it with him the entire time xD If he gets the pigeon (or any animal) to do household chores with him, he's a confirmed Disney Princess. Only he can't sing, hm... aw and so many little notes on various things, thank you so much!

foxydame, you're so cute, being glad about my well-being. Thank you for your concern and so much for your review! And such a looong one at that, thaanks! Haha, you're right, stopping the discussion was a good choice and it almost hurt to have her choose cats. I mean I love cats to bits but dogs, guys. DOGS. Thanks also for the Asuka reminder! I'd really like to include more of that again. Love how you highlight so many aspects of the chapter; I can't say it enough: Thank you!

Hope you guys enjoy!

Jellal entered the mansion with a long sigh. He had worked a little overtime, not least because he was trying to avoid a certain topic. It pulled on his heartstrings since he wanted everything but stay away from her, but it was all just… too much for him.

"I'm back," he called, if more quietly than usual. He took his time with hanging his coat, unwinding his scarf. Then he sauntered towards the kitchen, passing at least two parlours and a bathroom. There was never a hint of her being there, just like at home, Requip hiding away any evidence.

"Jellal!" Erza practically shot around the corner, an excited grin on her face. He blinked at her, then downwards where a small tabby cat hung from her arms. "Look who I found!" She almost exclaimed. One hand gathered the dangling behind of her newest discovery, holding it to her chest.

"Who?" He asked, never having seen the animal before.

"Our new cat,"

"New cat…? What- Erza, no, we can't adopt a cat," he shook his head. She gave a pout, though not ready to give up.

"Why not?"

"We're hardly home ourselves,"

"It's a cat; it can take care of itself," she argued, not being all that wrong. Not that that was the idea of having a pet in the first place.

"But," he hesitated, "it can watch us," he stressed. She tilted her head, one hand running over the nicely groomed fur.

"It's a cat," she said with confusion. He suppressed a sigh, his following breath still pressed.

"I know. But… you know…" Jellal fidgeted with the seam of his suit, "watch, when…" he refrained from gesturing to help his lack of words.

"There are such things as doors, Jellal," Erza put one hand on her hip and the feline used its chance to jump down from her arm.

"We can't adopt a cat," he merely repeated. "It could have worms or fleas,"

"But it's so cute – look, it likes you," she said, watching intently how the young-looking animal inspected him, sniffing around his feet and legs. Erza crouched down, stretching out her arms again, but the cat was too busy with rubbing against his trousers. "More than me, anyway…" she pouted again. He smiled, fondly at first at her adorable swing of mood, then with a spark in his eyes, seeing his opportunity to get the idea out of her head.

"It's too unafraid of us – it must belong to humans,"

"People,"

"Yeah, that," he nodded, crouching down as well. The cat did not even wince, gladly snuffing the fingers he offered. It nuzzled its face into them, scrubbing its slim body around him.

"I found it all alone in the front yard." She explained, watching, a little crestfallen after being replaced to easily. "It came right up to the window when I offered it food,"

"Owners don't usually follow their cats to stranger's front yards," he commented and she puffed her cheeks in annoyance at his logic. Because it made sense and was against her own wants. Jellal let his gaze soften. Scooting over, he neared her on his knees, sinking down onto his heels like she already had. He put a hand over one of her tense ones on her lap.

Meeting his eyes from below, Erza still pouted but ceased to use her doe eyes on him for persuasion. She accepted the gesture, then her expression brightened when the feline started climbing not only him, but her, too, firing up her passion and their argument once more.

It did not take more than half an hour until the police rang their doorbell, claiming to be called by the neighbours who had seen their cat being stolen by the 'crazy tree lady'.

Jellal lit a flame in his palm to caramelise the brown cane sugar. Unlike in Magnolia, Erza sat with her back to him, still sulking, even though it had already been over twenty minutes since the parting with her feline friend.

"Sorry about the cat…" she finally broke the silence, her voice betraying the pouty lip she shoved out. "And the pigeon…"

"Don't worry." He had to smile. She was simply too adorable and having talked about it or not, there was no way he was able to stay mad at her. Not that he had been in the first place. "What happened with the tree they mentioned?" He asked, trying to sound casual.

"Nothing." She courtly answered. Not falling for it. Chuckling, he turned to see her cross her arms, sinking down further into her chair. Suppressing any more laughter, Jellal came to place a freshly made and deliciously smelling crème brûlée in front of her. Her mood lit up immediately and he carried a broad smile as she took the spoon from him to dig in without restraint. The caramel layer cracked in response to a skilfully accurate strike.

Crouching down, Jellal watched with amused fondness in his eyes as hers closed with the first bite's sweet taste spreading on her tongue. He crossed his arms on the table, resting his head atop them.

"I was thinking we could maybe tell each other things again tonight…" he said, and he said it so vaguely, he caught himself at eluding to make it sound like a request. Or decision. Erza's eyes narrowed, wandering slowly to glance at him from the side.

"You really want to know the tree story, don't you?"

"If you insist!" He grinned brightly, seeing with triumph how the corners of her mouth reluctantly twitched upwards. She shoved him off the table with a clandestine smile, making him laugh as he nearly toppled over backwards.

She did not bring up his dreaded topic again and he was more than grateful for it.

A groan escaped his lips, another short behind. His muscles contracted and Jellal felt a twitch going up his spine, making him wince slightly. Relaxation came immediately after and he slackened back into the sheets, a long sigh venting out his nose.

"Erza," he almost panted.

"Too rough?" She asked but his eyes remained closed. Not that he was able to see her anyway.

"No, it's- urgh," Jellal groaned again, clenching his jaw when her thumb drove back into the ball of his foot. It sent bolts of pain through his entire body, followed by pleasure right after. Not that his feet had felt particularly strained but she knew better, it seemed, finding all the right spots and grinding his muscles and tendons against bones until they loosened.

There was hardly a better thing to return to from work than her alone but she found ways to exceed his hopes.

"It's fine," he managed, unintentionally tensing again. "Where was I?" He asked between pressed breaths. Her fingers worked pure magic and she made sure to give his apparently rather aching spots short breaks by alternating between feet and calves where she sat on the backs of his thighs.

"Nadal,"

"Right," he nodded into the sheets.

"You still haven't seen him anywhere,"

"Well, if he works in the dungeons or in general a completely different department than mine, as I'd assume, it would make sense,"

"But isn't it strange how no one ever mentions him? Not even Jura?" She dug her knuckles into his calf, shoving it down and his muscles alongside it. Jellal gave another forced breath, relieved when she grabbed his feet to bend them backwards against herself for a stretch.

"I suppose they either don't know or don't want to say anything – could be that his disobedience is embarrassing for them to admit; not to have noticed in time,"
"They should be embarrassed…" she growled, her feelings well mirrored in her actions. She softened them upon realising, mainly due to his groan.

"In any case, I'm glad not to have encountered him." Jellal said while she shuffled upwards, tending to his thighs next. "I don't think anything would happen anyway."

"Just wait until I encounter him; I'll give him a piece of my mind!" Erza fumed on, forcing the heels of her hands into the backs of his legs.

"Better not," he advised, teeth clenched.

"Fine." She pressed down with her palms. "Then I'll just slice him to pieces with a sword," she raged on and he had to laugh. It took another moment and another set of angry massaging until she calmed down, a prominent frown settling on her face.

Scooting up until his lower back, her hands wandered along steadily. He rolled his lips inwards, a light blush tinting his cheeks.

"You don't have to do that," he said, if quietly.

"Is it unpleasant?" She asked, as if completely oblivious. Jellal hesitated, a frown of his own wrinkling his forehead.

"It's… a little awkward," he admitted and she giggled. Her expression softened and she gave a lovingly teasing cuff before continuing with her usual force.

"I can stop if you want to, but there's really nothing to be abashed about," she assured. "You sit for so many hours a day," she reasoned but he had already given up on arguing about it. Not only was she right but it hurt more than anything else so far, surprising him, allowing the hope of feeling much better afterwards. Unknowing that it would hurt for days before the desired outcome finally set in.

The blush on his face only subsided when she gave a finishing stroke all the way down his legs, lifting herself off him. It returned shortly when her lips came to peck his cheek and she giggled into his ear when seeing the colour return slightly.

"Mira said she would send me a job request sometime this week," Erza retold while ensconcing herself on his back once more, this time facing the other way around. She started at his shoulders and neck, her hands nimble and strong at the same time, sensing every little knot and momentary tension. She stayed at those places then, kneading the tangled muscles beneath his shirt. "Hold on," she skipped into the bathroom, rummaging through her toiletries and returning with a bottle of what he soon found out to be massage oil.

However the hell she had known to bring exactly that, he wondered. Then again, she had a strawberry 'armour' – a giant strawberry where one could barely see the face, hands and feet sticking out. There was no end to surprises with this woman, though he asked himself whether he was still honestly surprised. Anything was possible.

Without asking for consent – not that he would have denied it – Erza stripped his shirt off. It was cold without one but her hands were already warmed up, gladly sharing. Finding back her preferred spot, she made herself comfortable on the small of his back again, continuing to lure out sighs and moans from deep within his throat.

"A job request? For you especially?" Jellal asked, not needing to give her any directions. She could feel where to remain and where to pass.

"Just a regular one but it's in town so she thought it to be convenient." Erza explained. "And since I have the time, I asked her to look for more in the area," she said. He suppressed a sigh, though this time not due to her elbow next to his shoulder blade.

He was more than happy to know her not to be sitting around all day. He felt distracted enough with her constantly on his mind, most of it being concern for her to bore herself to death, to ignore her own wants and needs or to wither, alone for so long each day. He had thought about sending her away again, back to Magnolia but so far, she had kept herself busy.

It was nice to know her to be taking on jobs, and yet, it was not the idea. He did not want her to compromise every aspect of her life for him to keep his employment at the Council – leaving her guild and family, their home, friends and town behind. She should not have to adapt to him to such an extent but he had no solution for the issue.

And that bugged him almost more.

Jellal had thought long and hard, his mind seemingly incapable of forming any way to return to their old life while not giving up his occupation. Throughout work, his thoughts had travelled almost relentlessly, hardly allowing him to focus but he had not been able to stand staying at the Council even longer than the overtime that had already crept its way into his office routine.

Feeling guilty for the lack of process, however, he had taken a stack of files with him. He had found the house empty, assuming his beloved to either be out shopping or on the announced job from the guild. For the first time, it occurred to him that the quest might be dangerous and that she could return with injuries. That she could not return.

He had had to slap himself to get rid of that last notion. This was still Erza – the Titania. If anything, the town would be lucky to still be standing. Did it have a cathedral, he pondered, knowing it to be a favoured destruction target of Fairy Tail Wizards.

While trying not to worry, Jellal scribbled away so fiercely that his mind went into hyperdrive, eyes skimming and scanning and flashing between his own notes and those of the sheets on the matter. It did not take too long to catch up with the aim he set himself per day and as time progressed, so did he.

Hours flew by without him noticing. A door closing caught his attention and he had to blink to catch up with reality. The sky was murky and dark, the lamp on his desk hardly enough to illuminate the writing he only now realised to be rather tiny.

Steps came down the hall and a door creaked before she found the room he was in.

"Jellal?" Erza peeked around the corner of the office. It was a nice room with high windows and a broad walnut desk across them. The curtains were still open, as was the jacket of his suit he had not even taken the time to change out of. The tie was loose and the first two buttons of his shirt open but that was about it.

"You've been out late," he sat back, putting his quill aside. She had such a perfect timing, arriving just when the paragraph was done. And with that, nearly another case for the Council to judge.

"And you're working overtime again," she put her hands on her hips, coming to stand next to his chair. With a softening voice, she hummed into his hair when bending down to give a greeting kiss.

She wore that red chequered skirt that would hug tightly around her stomach, fanning out around her upper thighs, paired off with black tights and a capaciously fitting white jumper she loosely tucked into the skirt.

"Just because you weren't there yet,"

"Right," she nodded, not believing a word. He grinned sheepishly, scooting back a little to face her properly.

"Well, at least I'm finished with everything now – everything up until Monday," he proudly disclosed. She blinked at him, frowning in puzzlement.

"But it's Wednesday,"

"Next Monday," he illuminated.

"Yes, I get that but…" she shook her head, hands seemingly settling even deeper within the dip of her waist. "Jellal, don't do that,"

"Don't do what?" He tilted his head. He was rather content with his achievement.

"We all know you're incredible, but this is working yourself to death,"

"It didn't even take me that long, it's fine," he soothed. She looked the least convinced since that time he had denied to be wanting anything after her successful seduction in the bathroom. She gave a sharp sigh, briefly closing her eyes. He prepared for the worst but her frown was showing genuine concern in the place of anger.

"No, I mean you're going to get yourself a reputation." She crossed her arms across her chest. "They already hired you for your talents. You don't need to give them the expectation of finishing everything a week ahead – then you'll always want to keep that up as not to disappoint. Give yourself a break," Erza emphasised. "File it in on time, not ages in advance."

"I guess it won't always be as simple as this," he shoved one sheet over another, more of a replacement action than organising. He was never afraid of her taking peeks and breaking his pledge to secrecy. And he did agree with her, though it made him feel like a child being lectured about having stayed up all night to play.

Self-consciously, without meeting her softening gaze, he closed a few files, stacking his notes.

"And," Erza's shins brushed his, "you won't have and time for rewards otherwise…" she trailed her voice, intriguing him. The hair on his nape stood on end when she gradually straddled his lap, sinking down with her knees to either side of his legs in the broad office chair. He stared up into her face, only centimetres away from his now, her lids lowering to veil those breathtaking chocolate orbs behind long lashes.

"Rewards?" Jellal all but croaked, cursing at his weak voice. He cleared his throat, swallowing when her breath warmly vented against his cheeks in muted laughter.

"Mmhm," she purred, "I'd like to reward you… with things…" she whispered, passing his ear, enticing goose bumps from his neck down. "Things that will make you scream…"

"I don't scream," he defended himself, face flushed a deep red. He turned his head away, slightly embarrassed by how she giggled at his light stutter. And at how he had just given the perfect opportunity to claim his shoulder with her lips.

"Mh, but you chant my name," Erza ran her hands down his chest, plucking at his shirt where the tails were still secured in his trousers, sneaking her fingers beneath it. "And I yearn for that," she drawled, giving him a shiver down his spine. She smirked against his throat, starting to kiss and nibble in an open-mouthed leisure.

"I guess I shouldn't go overboard with work…" he managed in a sigh, his head simply falling back. Another giggle got his skin tingling, his neck already burning from her actions.

"That's a good boy," Erza sensually murmured against his carotid, requiting him with a grind of her hips as she rolled her pelvis forward.