Ultear wasn't quite sure when she'd fallen in love with Jellal.
It was probably the day she broke him out of prison; when she'd all but dragged him out of his cell, rushing to escape before any more guards came. When he'd looked at her with a beautifully broken gaze, the pain in his eyes a reflection of her own.
He'd hardened in prison, been broken down and beaten, but still he stood straight and looked her in the eye, asking why she'd done it.
Later, Ultear was fascinated by the anguish twisting his features as she told him about Fairy Tail's disappearance. She was shocked by the resolution, the determination, etched into his face as he told her, with certainty, that she was alive.
Or it may have been that day when Jellal was staring at the sunset, lost in memories, his expression the softest she'd ever seen. She'd asked him what he'd been thinking about. He'd instantly responded with her name, and Ultear had been surprised by the pang of jealousy striking her heart. This was the first time she'd seen this type of love; between a man and a woman. It was fascinating, but also twisted her up inside, turning her emotions into something ugly.
Maybe it was that day Jellal brought back a slice of strawberry cake and sat by the sea, and ate it alone. He'd gently but firmly told Ultear and Meredy to give him his space for the day.
Ultear later found out it was her birthday. She'd watched from afar as Jellal lay on his back, talking to the sky, the empty plate on the sand next to him.
He came back when the sun rose again, tired, but looking oddly at peace. A small, selfish part of Ultear snarled it's complains at being second to a dead woman, who hadn't even been in his life very much. She told it to shut up, but went to sleep that night with a bitter taste in her mouth.
No, it was probably when he'd gotten drunk and spent about three hours talking about her. Ultear had loved and hated the way he reverently said her name, murmured stories of their past, affectionately told tales about her. His love for the scarlet haired woman was endearing; his loyalty was admirable. But Ultear hated that he still loved her. She was a dead woman. Ultear was here, and had been for two years. She was the one close to him now- why couldn't he see that?
But she knew. Jellal's heart would always belong to her. Ultear would always just be the friend. The associate who sprung him out of prison, the tool who helped him seek justice. Ultear wished that the scarlet haired woman would somehow come back, but also wished Jellal would get over her and look at Ultear.
Ultear loved him, so much it hurt her heart- or what was left of it.
She loved him enough to know, he belonged to someone he probably would never see again. His heart never could be hers. And hers could never be his.
But she loved him anyway.
And she hated herself- and him- for it.
