Four

It is late in the night when he wakes.

Jellal realises that for the first time since he was a child, he has woken in the arms of someone who loves him.

He remembers falling asleep with his arms tight around Erza, but somewhere between then and now she has shifted so that she is lying atop him, with her arms encircling him protectively. The scent of her hair and skin overwhelms his senses and he resists drawing her closer for fear of waking her.

The bluenette mage exhales softly and carefully extracts himself from her embrace.

It's not fair, he knows, to leave her like this without explanation. But he is a wanted criminal and despite having Mystogan's disguise, he fears the Council knows too much. So he lets her snuggle further into her sheets whilst he carefully picks up the remains of his disguise and begins to dress quietly.

It hardly surprises him however when she shifts and wakes upon hearing the slight scuffling of his feet on her floor. She is a warrior, used to dancing with danger and death and has trained herself to always be wary of assassins and enemies.

Jellal glances at her briefly as he fixes his torso bandages and regrets it immediately.

She is still waking, not quite alert although she determines that he is no threat to her. Her eyes are blinking away sleep and her mouth is slightly open with a question forming on her lips. Her beautiful red hair spills around her face and shoulders as she lifts herself up on her elbows to comprehend what she is seeing. In those brief seconds he is acutely aware of the bed sheets that glide off her naked form and it takes all his willpower not to succumb to his lust for her and return to her embrace.

"You're leaving," she states in a solemn, sad tone, once she has taken in all she sees before her.

Jellal, against his natural reaction, forces himself to meet her gaze. He realises that what they had shared last night has changed them both. He won't slink away from his past deeds anymore and will acknowledge the right he has to this Queen of Fairies that lies before him. But he knows he must leave to continue his goal of ridding the world of evil for now, because although he has tasted Heaven, he has made a promise to himself.

Erza can see the resolve in his expression and feels an immense surge of pride for the man who stands in her room. She can see within his eyes emotions that he has always kept hidden, such as the desire for her and affection, such feelings she has never seen.

"I'll see you again," he tells her, clenching a fist as he does. "I want to see you again," he admits, longing lacing his words. "No words can describe the joy I felt when you told me that you had forgiven me, but I still have a duty. If not to myself, then to the lost souls in my Guild. I promised them too, we will all redeem ourselves." He turns to her then and smiles, so genuinely that it almost moves her to tears.

"Come here," she breathes out softly, quietly, but her words reach him all the same.

Almost hesitantly, he makes his way towards her. She grasps the linen from around her and covers herself as he reaches the bedside.

Erza reaches up and takes his face in her hands.

"I don't care how long it takes you, or whether you accomplish your goal. I just want you to be happy Jellal," she tells him with entire sincerity.

His eyes widen in surprise at her words and he nods mutely.

"And," she hesitates for a moment and bites her lip, drawing his attention there. "This might be selfish of me, but I want you to come back to me someday. Promise me."

Jellal can't help but let out a shy smile at the worry and concern within her expression. He feels strange knowing he has caused these emotions within such a strong woman. He reaches forward and grasps one of her hands that rests on his cheek and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"I promise."

Erza smiles then and gives him a quick chaste kiss, before enveloping him in a tight hug.

"Thank you," she whispers, and somehow he understands the weight those words carry.

Jellal doesn't notice her presence at first because he is having an argument with Angel. It is Meredy who approaches them and places a gentle hand on their arms to draw their attention.

As he turns a disapproving glance in the young woman's direction, it is then that he sees her step into the gloom of the cave. It's been months but she is all lithe with warrior's grace and just as breathtakingly beautiful as the last time he saw her.

He is surprised, after the oath she asked of him, to find her stepping into their cave. So much so that he is temporarily unable to form words as she walks forward. Her dark eyes roam around the cave, taking it all in. He wonders how she discovered the current location of their Guild and hopes it was as hard for her to find as it was for them to hide. As Jellal stands rooted to the spot, having difficulty asking his legs to move, Meredy and Angel step forward to welcome her.

Erza grins when she sees the pink-haired mage rush forward to hug her. Despite the fact that Meredy is probably the same age as her, if not older due to the magical time-skip Fairy Tail experienced, she nuzzles into Erza's side like a lost kitten returning to her mother. Jellal recalls the bond that had been forged between these two women and is glad to see its strength has not faded. Meredy still clings to Erza's side and with a smile so wide Jellal is positive he has never seen her this happy for months. Erza extends a hand in greeting to Angel, who has hung back with uncertainty across her features. But with Titania's unwavering expression of warmth she shifts forward to grasp her hand.

And finally that powerful gaze rests on him and he too is mesmerized by the emotion he can see in her eyes.

Both Angel and Meredy shuffle obediently out of the way and exit the cave to allow them space together when they see the expression on their leader's face. Jellal looks love-struck and hopelessly captured by the woman before him.

The bluenette mage reaches forward to draw Erza into his embrace. Their hands automatically entwine with one another and he can't help the feeling of utter contentment that surges through him just from having her back in his arms.

"You found me," he notes quietly, although his voice carries easily from the cave.

She smiles up at him, so close that it would take little effort for them to be kissing, but she resists for the moment. "Master is very good with this kind of thing, he knows so much. It wasn't hard to convince him to tell me where you were."

"And why are you here?" He finds himself asking automatically, and hopes that his tone reflects the joy he feels at the sight of her.

Erza steps away from his arms, although she keeps their hands linked. Her eyes drop to the floor and she hums in response. "I was on a job nearby. It's not that I asked where your Guild was, it's more that I have the information given to me discretely. And for the last few months I didn't act on it. But since I was close I thought I would try and find you."

Jellal knows automatically that she is telling the truth, because Erza has always been an awful liar, much like himself. However he also knows that she is not letting him know all of her reasoning. But the days of suspicion and hiding are behind him, and he can feel deep in his heart that she would not do anything to harm him or his Guild mates and lets her secrecy slide.

"Come outside, you should meet everyone," he says to her instead. Neither of them mentions that she has met his Guild mates a few times, and all with dangerous encounters.

Erza nods and lets him guide her back outside. They both squint at the setting sun before them, illuminating the surrounding area with dusk-light.

Angel and Meredy have sat around some fallen logs just outside the cave entrance and Jellal and Erza move to join them. It is not long before the rest of the men return, with Midnight and Hoteye carrying firewood and Racer and Cobra bringing the carcass of a wild boar they found in the surrounding forest.

Jellal can feel a pregnant silence fill their small glade as his returning Guild mates lay eyes upon one of the strongest mages in Fiore who happens to be sitting in their secluded camp.

It is soon broken though as Midnight carefully places his burden of wood beside Meredy and steps forward to grasp Erza's hands. He calls her 'sister' and smiles with sincerity, the likes Jellal has never seen on the normally emotionless man.

Hoteye surges forward soon after, his voice booming with joy as he greets the woman who is closest to the brother he once thought was lost. It takes a few moments for Racer and Cobra to come to terms with Erza's presence, but soon they too step forward and greet her.

Jellal takes note that for the first time, they are all addressing each other with the familiarity of family. No longer does he see a myriad of negative emotions etched upon their faces. He realises within the few seconds of watching the former Oración Seis that they are all treating each other as brothers and sisters, orphans and lost souls of the Tower of Heaven, who drew to each other to create new bonds.

It burns a hole deep within his heart, knowing that he, to some degree, was the reason for the way many of these adults grew up. His self-loathing and sadism is gone and he knows now that he was truly manipulated to do the things he did as a mere child. But still, it is hard to watch the group of them interact with affection and warmth instead of the cold hatred they grew up with, and knowing that that they all could have had a family like this if not for him.

"Are you staying long Erza?" Meredy asks eagerly, interrupting his thoughts and shuffling over so that she is sitting by Erza's side.

The scarlet-haired woman reaches out a hand to push away stray strands of pink from Meredy's face. "I wouldn't make it back to the Guild tonight, or even tomorrow, so I can afford to stay for one night," she tells them all. Many of them murmur a response accompanied by smiles.

It is not long before Racer and Cobra have the boar roasting gently over a large fire and the atmosphere settles to one of deep calm and companionship. They all talk about the past, of memories they had and shared and the things that shaped them. All are careful to avoid the bad memories, such as Jellal's possession or the death of Angel's parents. Instead they speak of the future and what they wish for. None of their requests are selfish or fuelled by darkness and revenge. Angel and Hoteye wish for happiness for their siblings and the rest desire some semblance of acceptance into a Guild or family later in life. Erza is smiling slightly, the corner of her eyes creased with joy as she listens to their stories and how far they have all come. There is laughter and teasing and sounds Jellal thought he had forgotten, buried deep in his past that seem to illuminate the growing darkness.

Soon the boar is roasted enough on the outside to carve and together they eat the meat with foraged root vegetables and berries. Meredy explains to Erza that since they have just retreated to a new area they have yet to sneak into a local town to gather groceries. Occasionally this happens and they fend for themselves with what they can find in the forest. Angel shyly admits that she enjoys this kind of gathering because it brings them closer and nothing scares her like the disapproving justice of society.

It is much later, when the fire has died to a few embers and the food has been set aside that Jellal finds himself with one arm around Erza. Midnight is on her other side, but he is starting to drift off to sleep, leaning against Angel who has already succumbed to sleep against Cobra. Meredy is settled in front of them, completely at ease with sitting on the earth, whilst her hair is tended to and played with by Erza. Racer and Hoteye have already retreated to the cave for the night.

"Don't you have sentries?" Erza asks sleepily as she gently threads her fingers through Meredy's hair.

Jellal leans forward to brush his lips against her forehead, allowing himself to stay there as he forms a response. He is tired and sluggish but utterly at peace. He knows there would be no place he would rather be if he had the choice.

"We have magical wards placed around, from tomorrow we probably will but for now it's not needed," he murmurs into her hair. One hand still rests around her waist, whilst the other idly draws circles on her thigh.

Their quiet solace is broken when Midnight falls to his side, startling Angel and Cobra, who had fallen into a light sleep. Erza leans to her right and snuggles her face against Jellal's chest, smiling at the complaints Angel is making. They argue animatedly but soon realise that Meredy is sleeping, evident by the light snoring noise she makes with her head tilted back against Erza's legs. Not long after Angel, Cobra and Midnight get up to find their place to sleep in the cave and leave the trio before the dying fire.

"I still find it hard to believe she's no longer a child," Erza admits quietly as she glances with motherly affection towards the woman before her.

Jellal murmurs an agreement. He can feel her beside him tense for a moment and there is a pause in the air as they both hold their breath. He instinctively knows she wishes to say something but is holding back.

Erza eventually comes to a decision and she sits up straighter to lean in close, so they can speak in private without waking Meredy.

"Master has been thinking, that perhaps Meredy could come join Fairy Tail," she whispers into his ear.

His brown eyes widen in response and in the faint firelight he can see she looks almost guilty with her admission.

"It's just that she's never had a true family and of all your Guild members, she is the only one not wanted. There are almost no reports of her existence and what little information there is regarding her, all point to her death before the disappearance of Tenrou Island." Erza glances down at the woman sleeping against them with a deep fondness in her gaze. "And she would have friends who would look after her, I know Juvia misses her."

Jellal turns to pierce her with an expression she rarely sees. It is one filled with deep anguish… and understanding.

"Sometimes, I worry if I leave her with them here," Jellal admits shyly. "I know Angel is here, it's not that, but I know she doesn't have a connection with them, not like we do."

Erza knows that without saying he really means - 'the past we have with them'.

Meredy is an outsider, whose connection to Jellal was forged through Ultear, who is now gone. Erza can see how hard it would be for her to accept these mages who almost destroyed the only person she truly trusted before her eyes.

"I think, surely she must be fine or else she would have said something," Jellal continues in a soft tone. "But then I wonder what she might be missing out on. She has no reason to be isolated from the world."

"Then set her free Jellal," Erza tells him, squeezing his free hand comfortingly.

"I know I should," he whispers, "but I'm selfish, and when I can't be around you, she is the closest thing to family I have."

The scarlet warrior hums in agreement, acknowledging his words with a nod of her head. She does not feel jealousy at the bond between Meredy and Jellal; instead she feels great euphoria knowing he has learnt to make genuine connections with other people.

"I will look after her and together we can visit," Erza looks up at him with honestly in her eyes.

"I keep thinking to myself that we're not taking Meredy's feelings into account," Jellal confesses. "But then I remember the sheer happiness she felt when she saw you and I feel deep in my heart that if she knew I was okay with it, she wouldn't hesitate to go with you."

Erza sighs and tugs at his free hand, drawing his attention. "You know, that Master and some of the other prominent Guilds have been secretly collecting information on your Guild. They are compiling evidence of the deeds you have done, the accomplishments you have made. Master knows every Dark Guild you have taken down and plans to use it in the future to exonerate you."

His brown eyes turn to hers, shock evident across his face. Erza reaches up to thread her fingers through his blue hair, smiling at the humbled expression on his face.

"One day, we can be together, all of us, in Fairy Tail, if you want. It's just a matter of time." Jellal glances away and thinks for a moment, letting her words sink in. "Soon your long journey will end Jell; the world will be rid of the evil. And you can come home, to people who will love you," Erza continues, her whispered words reaching a place deep inside that kindles the flame of hope he has tried to keep burning for so long. "And some, that already do," she finishes shyly.

He finally turns to face her completely, releasing her waist so he can cup her face with both hands. She leans into his touch and he is once again asking himself how he has made this Queen of Fairies his.

"I promised I would come back to you, didn't I?" He murmurs huskily.

She laughs melodically, and Jellal makes a promise to himself to make her laugh more often, because the sound is music to his ears and something he never wishes to forget. "Yes you did, and someday you better make good on that promise," she teases softly.

Erza closes the gap between them, letting her lips gently brush against his. He wastes no time to respond, despite the time between them and their few experiences; they kiss like they know each other better than they know themselves. Jellal is unprepared for the sudden desire he has for her, captured within his arms and tries unsuccessfully to quell the passion building between them. She is, however, better with her self-restraint and breaks away from him, allowing herself to catch her breath. They are both conscious of Meredy's sleeping form and know that this small indulgence is all they can have for this evening. But he keeps her close, letting his forehead rest against hers, while their breath mingles as they both seek to restore air to their bodies.

"Erza…"

She glances up at him, their noses brushing against each other's affectionately. "Mhm?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For everything you have done; for things that you might do, for the help you offer Meredy, for being the steady beacon of light in my existence, for bringing me back from the darkness… for all of it."

Titania bites her lip shyly, unused to such adoring words bestowed upon her.

Jellal can feel his fingers tingling with the urge to touch her, to have her again like he did those months ago. His body is thrumming with adrenaline and lust and it takes all his willpower not to throw caution to the wind. Instead, he kisses her once more, gently and chaste so she doesn't misunderstand his intentions.

And then he says to her the words he has left unspoken for so long, words she may not have heard in the world of dreams that he has uttered only once.

"I love you."

Erza gives a breathy sigh of response, her expression and smile radiating in comparison to the coals of the fire that hardly radiates heat. He can see complete contentment and acceptance within her eyes and knows that even without her saying it, the love she has for him is reflected within her gaze. A small tear drops from her right eye and he wordlessly brushes it away with a gentle finger.

They embrace and comfort each other in the dark of the night and stay like that until dawn.

The trio sleep soundly until the other members of Crime Sorcière awake and even though their backs hurt and they are aching from their upright positions, they are all at complete peace within their hearts and souls.

When it comes to the afternoon and Erza announces that she should leave, it surprises all but Jellal when she extends her hand to Meredy and asks that the young woman accompanies her.

"You have been formally invited to join our Guild Meredy, will you accept?" She asks solemnly, although she sports a soft smile.

The pinkette mage gasps in shock and immediately looks to Jellal, catching his gaze. He nods once in confirmation, letting her know his feelings on the matter. Meredy tears up rushes towards him, towards the man that has become her brother, her father and her entire family for the past year. He draws her close, murmuring words of comfort and encouragement, too quiet for the other Guild members to hear. Eventually, Meredy makes her way around the rough circle of her former Guild mates and says her farewells to all.

And when she finally stands before Titania she accepts the offer to join Fairy Tail in a cracked and shaky voice, but she smiles all the same.

The two females shake hands and Meredy takes her place at Erza's side.

"We'll be back," Erza promises them all.

The members of Crime Sorcière meet her words with nods and words of hope, realising that Erza has become important to them in the same way she is important to Fairy Tail and the other orphans of the Tower.

Her brown eyes shift to lock with Jellal's and for the moment, the rest of Crime Sorcière vanishes and it seems as if they are the only two people left in the world.

He nods in solemn acceptance, mouthing the words of his promise he made to her. She smiles in response and whispers the three words he left her with last night.

They part without touching, with all the words they needed to be said left between them in the silence of mutual understanding.

And as he watches her leave with Meredy by her side, he is reminded of an ache so deep within him that he cannot name.

Erza is leaving with a part of his heart, amplified by the loss of his companion in Meredy.

But Jellal knows that this is not the end and as he places a hand to his chest, he can feel the beat of his heart that had once matched in sync with hers as they lay together as naked as the day they had been born. And he imagines the flame that glows inside him, kindled by her words and hopes that someday comes sooner than expected.

A/N:

It's finished, finally! I know I took a while to continue but I am glad that I had at least the first three chapters out so I wasn't leaving anyone by a thread. I will admit that this is most definitely my head-canon. I've written it so I can do one shots or stories based off this ending, so that's why I've been deliberate in the conversations and ending.

Yes there is more dialogue, because I feel that these two needed to sort things out and that I felt Meredy might never really fit into Jell's new Guild with Oración Seis.

Once again I would like to thank everyone that reviewed, the many people that are following this and those that favourite. Your support is appreciated and fuels my endeavours.

I would appreciate your feedback (as long as the fire doesn't come out), so please drop a review or a favourite!

- Mae.