A/N: Welcome to this one-shot! Jerza is one of my OTPs, even though so far I've only written them as a side pairing in my main fanfic. They'll get their own eventually, though. (As of my writing this, I have a Lolu fanfic wrapping up, a Gruvia fanfic planned next, and then Jerza!) In any case, I couldn't resist writing a one-shot for them. So here it is. :) ~artemisfang

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of its characters.

"J-Jellal?" Erza Scarlet had just returned from the bath to her room, hoping to get an early night's sleep. Instead she had stumbled upon a blue-haired, face-tattooed man sitting on her bed.

"Hello, Erza," the man smiled.

Erza nearly dropped the basket of bath supplies in her hands. Usually the face of calm reason in surprising situations, Erza found her thoughts all jumbled up. "What are you doing here?" She instantly regretted the next words that left her mouth. "Have you come to personally invite to you and your fiancées' wedding?" Certain comments had apparently been on her mind too much lately. She took a deep breath, regaining control of herself. "My apologies. That was uncalled for."

A look of hurt and surprise flashed across Jellal's face. "No. This is just a projection. I wanted to see you, that's all."

"I see." Erza set the bath supplies on her dresser. "Requip!" Seconds later, she appeared in her white blouse and blue skirt. "What really prompted this visit?"

Jellal shook his head. "It's no use, is it?"

"Hiding the whole truth? No." Erza sat down next to him.

Jellal sighed softly. "I've been doing a lot of thinking since Ultear..." He bit his lip and closed his eyes. "She understood why I lied about having a fiancée, but I don't think she approved."

"You always have been a terrible liar."

"I know. The truth is, I still feel I must atone for my sins. I must continue trying to destroy Dark Guilds. And Zeref." His hand clenched. "I will never be at peace with myself if I don't."

Erza nodded. None of this was new.

"Erza...Erza Scarlet, who walks in the path of the light. All the hurt and pain I've caused you...I don't want to cause anymore." Jellal looked up at her. "But I don't know what to do. I convinced myself I was unworthy, and that to reject you was the best choice. Now I worry I was wrong. That it might have caused you more pain. If that assessment is wrong, tell me, I'll leave now, I can—"

"Jellal..." Erza sighed, remembering the words she had spoken to him when they first reunited after the battle with Oracion Seis. "Answers do not come so easily for you and I. Even after all this time." When she met his eyes, the look in hers was fierce. "But you should never think the right answer was to walk away. I don't want to lose you ever again."

The next words looked like they ripped Jellal's heart out with each syllable. "I can't help but think your life would be easier if you had someone else. Not a fugitive. Not constantly on the move."

"No." Erza sliced her hand through the air. "Don't you understand?" Her voice softened. "I've never wanted anyone else." The space between them had grown smaller. "There are so many battles to be fought in this world. Will you keep making this another one?"

No space between them now. She felt his breath on her. "I swear on my life, next time this will be no projection." Then their lips met. There was desperation, strength, understanding, and a promise in that kiss. Jellal pulled Erza to him tightly, and her arms were draped across his neck. Parted lips led to dancing tongues. Their bodies fit together perfectly. Without words, both of them knew there was no place they would rather be.

Answers did not come easily to them, but oh when they finally did, there was no denying their truth.