★ The Dragon And The Fairy [G/T] ★

XXII - The Move

Jaxx balanced a huge pile of Anna's clothes in his arms, the last of her belongings before their move. "Want me to carry the stuff to the bag now?" he asked, glancing back at her, his voice light despite the weight he carried.

"Yeah..." she replied softly, rubbing her arm and surveying the empty house. The walls that once echoed laughter felt desolate now, and he could see tears shimmering in her eyes. It pained him to see her so vulnerable, so he sought a way to lift her spirits. An idea sparked in his mind.

"I see I left one piece of luggage in here." He approached her with a playful grin, watching her confusion turn to surprise as he lifted her into the air. Spinning her around, he reveled in the sound of her delighted squeals, the way she buried her face against his chest.

"I don't wanna go," she mumbled, her voice muffled. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her mixed emotions.

"I mean, I do, I just don't wanna leave this place yet," she clarified, her tone earnest. Jaxx held her at arm's length, searching her eyes.

"How about this? We can come back as a hangout spot or maybe a future nursery or something," he suggested, gauging her reaction. Her eyes widened, reflecting a flicker of hope.

"Nursery?" she echoed, her voice brightening.

"Yeah! Future Melody or Austin can hang out here, or we can make it our secret spot. We'll come back, I promise." His grin widened, and he felt a sense of relief as she sighed in acceptance.

"Okay," she mumbled, a small smile creeping onto her lips as she nestled back into him, comforted by his presence.

"Seriously, you're my luggage, so just let me deliver you to the location," he teased, his playful demeanor returning.

"Nonsense! I want to fly next to you today, Jaxx," she insisted, halting him mid-stride.

"Next to me... in giant form?" he asked, taken aback by her confidence.

"Yeah! I'll keep up, I promise." Her determination shone brightly, and he couldn't help but admire her spirit.

Twenty Minutes Later

"JAXX, SLOW DOWN!" Anna shouted, breathless as he realized he had been flying at his average speed while she struggled to keep pace.

"Here, just let me carry you. I can handle the bags with my tail or—"

"NO, JAXX! I DON'T HAVE TO RELY ON YOU FOR EVERYTHING!" she protested, gripping her smallest bag tightly. Jaxx stopped, exhaling softly as he gently placed her on his back, trying to find a balance between their strengths.

"J—"

"Princess, calm down and hang on," he murmured, launching into the air with a powerful beat of his wings. She shrieked, and he reveled in the sound, spinning through the sky in delight. The wind whipped around them, and her laughter filled the air like music.

Moments later, he set her down on his bed, the bags dropping beside them with a soft thud. "Hey, where are you going?" he asked as she started to leave the room.

"To my room! Where is it again?" Her expression was earnest, and he couldn't help but smile at her innocence.

"Uh, you're sleeping in my room, Anna." He scooped her up again, his heart racing at the thought of sharing such a close space.

"I thought you meant I'd sleep next door, Jaxx!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

As he began sorting her tiny furniture, he pondered the future they were building together. Would their future child use these tiny pieces or consider them toys? How big would their little one be? The thought made his heart swell with anticipation. He momentarily lost himself in imagining family moments, the chaos and joy that would come with it.

"What's wrong?" he asked, crouching to her level as she gazed at him dreamily, her eyes shining like stars.

"I love you, Jaxx," she whispered, the sincerity in her voice making his chest tighten with affection.

"Love you too," he replied softly, his heart racing as he picked her up, feeling her warmth against him.

"Where do you want your bed?" he asked, holding her small bed in one hand. The size difference was staggering, and he marveled at how delicate everything seemed.

"I thought we could maybe... share?" she suggested, her cheeks turning a rosy shade.

"Oh, you're ready for that?" he asked, surprised and delighted.

"Yeah, I mean, it's just... we share everything else, right? You don't want to?" Her eyes searched his, full of uncertainty.

"Of course I do! I just— I didn't think you wanted that yet... It's fine, we can sleep together in the same bed." He stated it like a promise, and she nodded, her smile returning.

Just then, Ollie appeared in the doorway, his large wings dragging behind him as he ran over to hug Jaxx. "Can I sleep with you guys?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

"Of course we can have sleepovers, Ollie," Anna grinned at him, her joy infectious.

"You've got a really nice smile, Ollie. I think it may even beat Jaxx's," she teased, and Jaxx raised an eyebrow in playful indignation.

"Aren't my teeth scary?" Ollie asked, looking bashful.

"Course not! They're cute, just like you," Anna stated, and Ollie flushed pink, his cheeks matching his wings' color. He ran into Jaxx's arms, whispering something that made Jaxx give a soft smile.

"I think she likes me now, Jackson," Ollie whispered, and Jaxx hugged him tightly.

"Course she does; she's perfect," he murmured, feeling a swell of pride and love.

As Anna stood up and began moving furniture from the bed, she struggled with the small sofa. Jaxx placed Ollie down on the bed and swiftly took the sofa in his hands, positioning it on the windowsill for a nice view of the forest.

"ANNA!" a familiar feminine voice called out, and he turned to see his mother at the doorway, his father beside her. His father scooped Anna up, affectionately rubbing her head.

"Look who's living here now!" his mother exclaimed, holding a tray full of cupcakes. She rushed over to hug Anna, showering her with affection.

"I can't believe you're living here!" she said, kissing Anna's forehead. Anna hugged her back tightly, and Jaxx smiled at the scene.

"Here's a cupcake!" His mother playfully shoved one into Anna's mouth, and she chewed enthusiastically.

"WOAH, IT'S SUPER GOOD!" Anna exclaimed, her eyes widening in delight. She squeezed Jaxx's mother tightly, clearly thrilled.

"Anna, you've got crumbs on your face," Jaxx mumbled, and as she attempted to wipe them off, he gently held her tiny hands in his and licked the crumbs away. She squirmed at first but settled down, warmth flooding her cheeks.

"You're so sweet," he whispered, glancing at his family. His mother looked like she'd just spotted a puppy, while his father grinned, clearly enjoying the moment, though he covered Ollie's eyes as if to shield him from their display of affection.

"Can you guys, uhh—" Jaxx tried to speak, wanting to ease Anna's discomfort, but she buried her face into his lips instead, seeking comfort.

His family discreetly exited the room, leaving them in their own world. Jaxx laid her on his pillow, feeling the weight of his affection for her. He loved her so much, and the future felt bright and full of possibilities.