If Only You Knew

Chapter Twenty One - Caring For Titania

Erza woke up in a strange place she had never been. The last thing she remembered was talking to Gray by the river. What had happened, she wondered. She got out of bed and found Gray in the kitchen making strawberry pancakes.

"Gray, where are we? What happened?" she asked.

"Oh, good morning, Erza. When we were talking last night you fell asleep, and I'm not allowed at Fairy Hills past ten pm, so I brought you here. I hope that's OK. You were really tired, and I couldn't bring myself to wake you up," Gray said.

"Oh," Erza blushed. "How sweet of you. Well, thank you Gray. I appreciate it."

"Anytime, Erza. I thought you might like to stay for breakfast, so I made strawberry pancakes."

"I'd love to! And you made my favorite...thank you," Erza said, astounded by Gray's thoughtfulness.

Gray finished cooking and they ate together. Gray was putting the dishes away when...

"Achoo--" sneezed Erza.

"Uh-oh, did you catch a cold, Erza?"

"No, I'm alright, but I appreciate your concern," she said, sneezing again. "I think I should be going now. Thanks again for everything!"

She turned to walk to the door, but she never made it. Just as she collapsed, Gray ran and caught her.

"Erza?" he called. "ERZA!"

She must really be sick, he thought. I mean, she just fainted. Erza's never fainted before...what do I do? Gray checked her temperature, and she didn't have a fever, and there seemed to be nothing else wrong with her, so Gray decided to let her stay until she recovered. He figured she could sleep off the cold, and he made up his mind to take care of her until she was well again.

When she finally woke up, she started coughing, and Gray rushed immediately to her side.

"wh-what happened?" she weakly inquired.

"You passed out on your way to leave. You've got a nasty cold. You can stay here until your better," Gray informed her.

"Oh, no! I couldn't possibly impose on you like that! I really am fine. I can take care of myself, you know. I'll just be on my way--" she protested, trying to stand up, but succeeding only in falling back on the bed.

"What's the matter? Are you embarrassed that the mighty Titania has been bested by the weather? You just proved that you can't be on your own. I insist. In fact, I'm putting you under bed rest. You can't leave until I say your better. You may address me as Dr. Fullbuster from now on," he said, smirking.

Erza realized that nothing she said would change his mind.

"Alright, Dr. Fullbuster, if you insist, I will stay. But you must give me at least one strawberry cake every day for the remainder of my time here."

"As you wish," Gray replied.

They both laughed. Gray brought her some soup and they talked for a while. Gray used a communication lacrima to tell the guild not to expect them for a few days. Night fell once again, and Gray bid Erza goodnight.

"Sweet dreams, Titania. I hope you feel better in the morning," Gray said.

"Thank you, Gray," she replied. "Sweet dreams to you as well."

Erza lay in Gray's bed and thought to herself he's such a gentleman. Any girl would be lucky to have him. Her eyes flew open. Was that why he was doing this? Did he have feelings for her? No, that's impossible. We've been friends since we were children, and we tell each other everything. If he felt that way, I would know. I would see it in his eyes... Erza fell asleep thinking about Gray, and the image that burned in her mind was that of a pair of striking, storm-gray eyes. Her last conscious thought was Gray, what are you hiding from me?

Gray lay on his couch and thought to himself if only it could be like this every day. God, Erza, what I wouldn't give for it to be like this, you and me, together, against the world... Gray fell asleep thinking about Erza, and the image that burned in his mind was that of a head full of scarlet hair, reminding him of sunset, and the moments he had shared with the girl he loved. His last conscious thought was Erza, if only you knew...