So this is a new story, it's rated Teen for safety. I don't know how many chapters it will be or when I will update, but I hope you like it. It's an idea I have been thinking about for a while.

Chapter 1

Inside the Fairy Tail guild early one morning a beautiful redhead is sitting at the bar a drink in one hand and a news paper in the other. The paper is two weeks old and the girl is staring at an article on the front page that says:

Crime Sorciere Acquitted

The members of the independent guild Crime Sorciere were acquitted by the Magic Council yesterday afternoon. The members include Jellal fernandes, Ultear Milkovich, and Meredy. Jellal Fernandes was a fugitive wanted for escaping jail, impersonating a member of the Magic Council, and attempting to destroy it. Ultear Milkovich was wanted for her membership in the dark guild Grimoire Heart, impersonation of as a member of the Magic Council, and attempting to destroy the Magic Council. Meredy was wanted for her membership in the guild Grimoire Heart. They established their independent guild Crime Sorciere after Jellal's escape from prison and have been destroying dark guilds since. The were acquitted for their help in saving the kingdom after the Grand Magic Games. They had a supreme recommendation from the King of Fiore. None of the members were available for comment afterwards and the future of Crime Sorciere is unknown.

Suddenly the paper is ripped out of the girl's hand and standing in front of her is Mirajane Strauss. "Erza, I'm tired of you sitting here feeling pity for yourself. You have read this paper three times today! I don't know why Jellal didn't come to see you after his trial, but you can't just sit here and mope."

Erza took a sip of her drink before speaking, "Well, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO MIRA?"

"Go on a mission. Now I know you convinced your team to take a mission without you yesterday so they could help Lucy pay her rent, but I had request come in today requesting someone to destroy a dark guild that is terrorizing a small town. The job will be no problem for you and I expect you to take it. Your train leaves in an hour and the job should take a week. Now you should go pack."

Erza knew Mira was right so she downed the rest of her drink and quickly went to Fairy Hills and packed her things. Then she went back to the still empty guild and got her train ticket from Mira.

The ride was long and Erza slept some of the way. Her sleeping habits have declined recently and she drinks a lot more often. The rest of the way she spent thinking. She thought about her friends. Two days before that news paper came out, Natsu manned up and asked Lucy out. Then, four days after that Gray asked Juvia out and the day after that Gajeel asked Levy to be his girlfriend. Erza congratulated her friends, but she secretly kept hoping Jellal would return. Now she doesn't think he is coming at all.

The mission went well and she finished it in five days. Surprisingly the mission kept her busy enough that she rarely thought of Jellal. On her ride home she decided she would get another mission from Mira. Hopefully her team wasn't back, because as much as Erza loved her friends it was hard to be around them. Always talking about their relationships and fun things they could do.

When Erza got back it was late. She walked to the guild and found a few people inside: Master, Mira, Laxus, Natsu, Lucy, and Gray. As soon as she stepped in the door Lucy, Natsu, and Gray ran over to her.

"Erza, why did you take a mission alone?" Asked Gray.

"Mira suggested I might feel better if I did and told me that I wasn't doing any good moping around." I said.

Mira looked up from her place at the bar and glanced at us before continuing a conversation she was having with Laxus.

"Well, next time just wait for us." Said Natsu.

I looked away from my friends as I said what I had been thinking the whole way home. "Guys I think I'm going to try solo missions for a while."

"What! Why?" Yelled my friends.

"Because I've found I like to be alone." I said.

"Erza you can't just shut us out because Jellal hasn't come back yet. We are still here for you." Said Lucy.

Erza looked at her friend and sighed, "I'm sorry I just need some time to spend with just me ok? To think about things." She didn't want to tell her friends the truth about the jealousy she felt towards their relationships.

They all looked sad, but Gray spoke first, "If that's what you want then I know we are just wasting breath trying to convince you otherwise. When your done thinking join us again." Then he gave me a brotherly hug.

Natsu looked mad and just left the guild. Lucy looked at me with apologetic eyes before following after him. Gray left shortly after saying he and Lucy would talk to Natsu. I nodded and I walked over to Mira as soon as he was gone. I sat down and asked her for a beer. She reluctantly got me one.

Master came over and told me to call him if I needed anything and I said I would. Soon one drink turned to two, then four and an two hours later I was staring at the last sip of my fifth beer. Mira walked over to me and said, "Erza, I'm closing go home!"

I nodded and started to get up and walk away, I was halfway to the door when I turned around said in slurred speech. "I'll come tomorrow to pick up another job."

I heard her sigh as I stumbled toward home.

The next morning my alarm rang at 6 am, I had a horrible headache and I immediately felt queasy, but I didn't puke. I got up and took a potion for my pain. Then I walked down to the guild before anyone arrived and took a long S-class mission.

When I got back Natsu found me and said, "I'm sorry Erza, I just don't usually see you so broken. I know you miss him, but he is stupid if he can't realize how much you care for him."

"It's OK Natsu".

"Promise you will go on a mission or two with the gang every so often."

I promised as he pulled me into a brotherly hug.

I drank that night and then took another mission it became my routine.

Quickly time passed by and my friends relationships flourished, Jellal didn't come around and I was always on missions. And I drank frequently it helped with the pain some. I always hoped he would come for me and I asked Mira to let me know if he did. A year passed by quickly and I continued to keep tabs on Jellal it seems he still travels around with Crime Sorciere. Another year went by and then I got an invitation to the engagement party of the future Mr. and Mrs. Dragneel. I knew they would work out, they had been through alot. Ultear wrote me three months after the acquittal.

Dear Erza,

I know that this doesn't mean much coming from me, but I had to write you. Jellal loves you, I know you know that he is just stubborn and doesn't think he deserves you. I'm sure he will come around but if he doesn't don't hang on. Don't let this break you, it's not who you are. I will continue to try and knock some sense into his thick skull and I hope you stay strong. Be safe.

Sincerely,

Ultear

I cried over that letter, of course I know how he is, but I hoped he would come, but he didn't. The only communication I've had was from a year ago.

Dear Erza,

I don't know why I am writing this, I know you are mad at me for not visiting or calling or writing until now, but I haven't known what to say. But I know you deserve to know how I'm feeling, so I'm going to tell you. I care for you Erza I really do, but I'm not good for you. I've hurt you. I don't deserve to call you mine, but maybe one day I will after I have payed off the debts I owe to society for the horrible things I've done. I won't ask you to wait for me because it may takes weeks, months, or even years for me to right my wrongs, but I want you to know I love you and I will always be here for you. No matter where I am you are always on my mind. I'm truly sorry for waiting for a year to pass before contacting you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, but I will understand if you never do. I know I still haven't forgiven myself for all the things I have done wrong .I love you Erza and I hope you understand why I act the way I do.

With Love,

Jellal Fernandes

I forgave Jellal along time ago, but this letter made me angry. I already knew that he felt like he didn't deserve me. He didn't even have the guts to come and tell me. If he really loved me he would at least come and tell me in person. But I can't stay mad at him. Two weeks after I received the letter I started thinking about him and the letter and decided to forgive him once again, but that doesn't mean I'm not angry.

When I wasn't on missions or drunk the guild would send me on blind dates. The master mind being Mira.

I got into town late at night the day before before the party and as soon as I walked into the door, Mira called out to me. "Hey Mira".

"Erza, I know someone who is-"

"No Mira, not another stupid blind date." I said sitting down at the bar in front of her.

"Come on, Erza please."

"No Mira."

"Come on Erza you need a date to the party. I swear if you don't like this one then I'll stop."

I laughed, "I'll believe that when pigs fly."

Mira continued to beg and I gave in.

"Fine, but this is the last one and I swear if you don't keep your end of the bargain. I will fillet you like a fish."

Mira didn't even flinch, she must have a lot of confidence in this man. "Alright well I'll call him and tell him to pick you up from Fairy Hills at 6 and then he can walk you to the guild."

I sighed, "Alright, now get me a drink."

Mira groaned before handing me a beer, "You should really lighten up on the alcohol Erza."

"I'll lighten up if I want Mira."

"Ok, does anyone know your back yet?" She asked.

I shook my head.

"Well they will soon, I'm about to close up you need to go home."She said as I drank another sip.

I nodded and picked up my drink. "Erza, be careful."

"I'm always careful Mira." I yelled. I finished my beer on the way home, but didn't get another. I stayed tipsy, but not drunk. I didn't want to have hangover in the morning when I saw my friends. I had been away for 3 months and I didn't want to be a drunk this time.

I didn't fall asleep until 2 in the morning, I just kept thinking about Jellal and if he ever thought of me. I thought about Mira's mystery man for me and who he could be and how he would screw this up. I thought about my friends and what they must think about me? I rarely talk to them anymore and when I do, I've usually had two or three drinks.

When I wake up in the morning I put on some nice clothes and head to the guild.

As soon as I walk in I spot my team and they run over to me. Gray pulls me into a big hug and says, "Glad your back Erza."

I nod and say, "me too, how are you and Juvia?"

"Great. I'm really glad I got the courage to face my feelings."

I nod and start to respond when a pink blob runs towards me yelling, "YOUR BACK FIGHT ME!"

Then before I can respond to that Lucy slaps Natsu in the face and says, "NATSU, she's been back less than 24 hours and your already bothering her. Let Erza rest, all she does is missions she's tired."

Then Lucy gives me a huge hug. I pull away and say "Congrats!"

"Thanks Erza." Then she holds out her hand to show me the ring. It is beautiful. It is a gold ring with a small band that splits in two halfway up on each side. In the middle of the two bands is a ruby red stone and the bands on the side of it are shaped like dragon heads and the go in opposite directions.

"It's beautiful! I can't believe Natsu picked it out."

"Levy helped." Said Natsu as he wraps his arm around Lucy.

I laugh and we all sit down at a table. Juvia joins us along with Wendy and Romeo.

They catch me up on all the guild gossip I've missed while travelling and drinking. I don't spend much time here. Usually I get one job finish it come back maybe drink and by morning I'm ready to leave again. I have went on two missions with my team, but the last one was about 9 maybe 10 months ago.

They tell me about Gajeel and Levy getting engaged last month and Lucy told me about how they might have a double wedding. Laxus and Mira are a couple and Master may soon step down letting him become guild master. Lisanna got together with Bixlow 3 months ago. Romeo got Wendy a promise ring for their one year dating anniversary. It is very simple but Wendy loves it. The ring has a slender silver band with a small moonstone in the center and it is beautiful. The moonstone shimmers like a rainbow. Gray tells me about buying an apartment and moving in with Juvia two months ago. Then as time drags on Juvia kisses Gray goodbye and gets up so she can get ready before she has to help set up later. Wendy tells me goodbye before leaving with Romeo for the same reason. Then it's just me, Gray, Natsu, and Lucy at the table. Finally Gray turns to me and says, "now we have told you about our lives and everyone else's tell us about yours."

I frown and say, "My life is boring."

"Tell us something Erza we hardly ever hear from you and we're worried. Last time I saw you it was for like a minute while you were picking a job three months ago." Gray says.

I sigh and say, "The truth?"

Everyone nods and I groan. They deserve to know and I need to tell someone. "I'm broken. I go on missions and drink to forget the pain. Forget him, but it always hits me like a brick on the way home and in the mornings when I wake with a hangover. He sent me a letter a year ago it said that he loved me, but he wasn't ready for a relationship."

Lucy comes over and hugs me and says, "I'm sorry Erza I wish you had told us how you felt."

"Yea Erza, we could of helped or something." Said Gray.

"Guys I'm fine ok." I said trying to sound convincing.

"Well I think you should rejoin the team being around other people might help and you can stop drinking as much." Said Natsu.

I scowled. "I don't know Natsu I'll think about it, but right now I need t go get ready. Mira set me up on another blind date."

"Ok well just let us know what you decide." He says.

"I will" I say hugging each of my friends before heading to Fairy Hills.

For the last two years I haven't been home often, but I still keep my rent up. I walk straight to my closet and pull out an long spaghetti strap v-neck black dress with a slit. After taking a shower, I slip into the long gown that I haven't worn in years, but still fits. I leave my hair down and put on a little make up and just as I finish I hear my doorbell ring.

I take a deep breath before opening the door.

"Hi Erza, are you ready?"

"Sting!" I say surprised.

Standing in front of me is Sting Eucliffe, master of Sabertooth. He is wearing a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. "You're my date?"

"In the flesh." He says.

I laugh and lock the door before following him into the night.

"I didn't know you were single." I say.

"Yep, been that way for awhile. Haven't seen you in a long time?" He says.

"Well I've been travelling doing some solo missions." I say.

"Yea, but why? Your team was always so close, yall acted like family. Whole guild does."

"We are family. I just had to take some time to myself." I say defensively.

"For two years?" Sting questions.

I sigh. "I had figure somethings out ok?"

"Ok. Well hopefully you figured them out."

When we get to the guild Sting and I go congratulate Natsu and Lucy. I see my friends. About halfway through the night a slow song comes on and Sting asks me to dance. I say yes and we head on to the dance floor. He puts his hands on my waist and I place my hands on his shoulders and we began to awkwardly sway back and forth.

"So what made you decide to go on a date with me?" I asked.

"Well I didn't know it was you til I got here." He confessed.

"Oh so you got set up too." I said.

"Yep, Yukino likes to set me up with random women." I noticed when he said Yukino's name his eyes lit up slightly, but it disappeared as soon as it came.

"She's a celestial wizard right?" I ask.

"Yep."

"How's your friend Rogue?" I ask.

"Good, he's engaged actually." He says.

"That's wonderful. Who is the girl?"

"Yukino." He says. There's a hint of distaste in his voice is he jealous. I just ignore it because after what happened with Jellal I could notice things others didn't.

"So we've been talking about me. What about you?" He asks. As we tall we become more comfortable on the dance floor and by now my hands are wrapped around his neck.

"There's not much to tell. I go out and do missions." I say.

"That all you do recently?" He asks.

"Yea." I say.

"Why?" He asks.

"What?" I say.

"Why aren't you more active anymore?"

"Because of life." I say.

The song ends and we sit at the bar and talk about random things, by the end of the parry I'm smiling and laughing and having a good time. Maybe I like him, I can't believe Mira won. After the party Sting walks me home and when we get to my door he says, "I had a good time Erza."

"So did I." I confess.

"We should go out another time." He says.

"We should. I'll call you."

"Ok, bye Erza." He says.

"Bye, " I say shutting the door.