Even though she typically reserved Sunday and Monday as off days, Saturday nights were depressing. Sometimes she would swing by Mirajane's restaurant but around eleven o'clock the kitchen shut down and the place turned into more of a night-spot. Mira's boyfriend, Laxus, would usually keep the doors open until two in the morning but Erza never stayed that late. Semi-dark rooms filled with strangers was not her scene at all.
"Hey, Erza, are you coming with us to Fairy Tail tonight? Saturday nights mean three-dollar margaritas!" Lucy leaned against her office door frame.
"I don't think so. I'm really tired and this week has just ruined me. Maybe next week?"
Lucy narrowed her eyes and put one hand on her hip. "Just so you know the only reason I'm letting you off the hook is because you're in a better mood than yesterday."
"I appreciate your concern and the reprieve," Erza laughed and glanced up at her friend. "I'm really just very tired."
"Alright then. I only get in your space because I care."
"I know you do, Lucy, and it means a lot to me to hear you say so." Lucy finally left her alone in her office and Erza quickly signed off on the remaining orders. She wanted to go home and soak in the tub. Nothing sounded more appealing… minus the possibility of hearing from Mystogan again. Although, she didn't expect him to contact her on a Saturday night – he probably had plans. Or would he be at home with his daughter? He'd said he had her all the time which meant he didn't share custody with anyone. Erza knew none of these things were her business.
She didn't want to pin all her hopes on this man she'd never even met. It was foolish and would only set her up for heartbreak later. Her history with men was patchy at best. The few relationships she'd been in since college ended spectacularly with accusations like: Why are you so closed off? I can't ever get close to you! And, her personal favorite: Are you really choosing your business over me?
It wasn't that Erza didn't know how to have a relationship or couldn't appreciate one once she was in it; her problem was the unknown. All throughout childhood, she'd made her own way. Her parents had both died before her tenth birthday and the foster system left her floating from one home to another with no constants. Granted none of her foster families had abused or neglected her in any way, but the security of relying on no one but one's self wasn't ever possible until she'd come of age.
The struggle to open her own bakery and still pay off her student loans before she turned thirty was something she focused on with an isolating singularity. It was that singularity that kept her from keeping a lover for longer than a few months. The last man she'd been with was three years behind her. Which is why Mirajane insisted it was time for her to relax and find a companion. Erza didn't disagree. Business was decent and she wasn't under too high of a mountain of debt, but even at the age of twenty-seven she still felt that twinge of anxiety when thoughts of introducing a new element to her life permeated her walls.
As Erza sank beneath the surface of the soapy water and allowed the bubbles to tickle her chin, she contemplated why Mystogan didn't feel threatening. Perhaps it was because he had his own life? A child? A secure career that didn't involve her? His profile indicated he was two years older than her which gave an impression of maturity.
Her phone chirped from its place on the edge of the tub. Erza's heart caught in her throat. The notification on her lock screen confirmed her surge of excitement. She opened the Spark app.
Mystogan: Am I interrupting anything? Do you have time to talk?
Titania: Nope! I'm in the bath actually and all yours.
Titania: Er, I didn't mean for it to come out that way. Sorry. It sounded better in my head.
Mystogan: Haha! It's okay. How was your day?
It had been a long time since a man asked her how her day went. The idea that he was actually interested made her feel warm and squishy inside.
Titania: Long, to be honest. As exciting as it sounds there's nothing I'd rather be doing right now than sitting in the tub.
Mystogan: That bad, huh?
Titania: Well, it's wedding season. Brides can be trying.
Mystogan: I remember my sister's wedding. She was a nightmare. I don't think anyone made it through that day without some scarring.
Titania: I'm grateful it's only four months out of the year that run me so ragged. What about your day? Exciting times on the streets of Magnolia keeping the peace?
Mystogan: Hate to burst your bubble, but I'm a Lieutenant. It's been a good minute since I've been out on the streets. I mostly delegate and do all the work my Captain doesn't feel like handling. But I wouldn't mind if you imagined me doing more exciting things!
Titania: I'm picturing you apprehending criminals and saving small children from vicious kidnappers.
Mystogan: Maybe in your fantasy I could have a cape? I've always wanted a cape.
Titania: Done. You can't take it back now.
Mystogan: I wouldn't dream of it. I'm flattered you imagine me at all. I didn't think a woman as beautiful as you would waste your time on a messy guy like me.
Erza stepped from the bath and wrapped herself with a towel. She wanted to believe that the pink on her skin was only from the hot water, but it was a ridiculous lie.
Titania: I think it's safe to say that everyone has messy bits. Until two hours ago I had flour under my fingernails and in my hair.
Mystogan: And I bet it was adorable. The next time you have flour on your nose, I want to see it. You have amazing hair, by the way.
Titania: Thank you. And don't sell yourself short. You outrank me in the attractiveness department.
Mystogan: You're a terrible liar, but it's sweet of you to say so.
Titania: I only lie about carbs and calories. Good cake shouldn't ever be broken down so heartlessly.
Mystogan: That's a great philosophy. I'm more of a pie man myself.
Titania: I'm going to insist that's because you've never had good enough cake, but pie has its own virtues. Maybe one day you'll luck out and I'll get you some Pain au Chocolat.
Mystogan: You're saying all the right things. I'm yours.
Mystogan: Would it be too much to ask for your real name?
Titania: Only if you tell me yours, too. It's Erza.
Mystogan: I'm glad you found me, Erza. I'm Jellal.
After they'd both signed off Erza lay in bed staring at the ceiling. She didn't understand how a man she'd only spoken to in chat had so quickly found a place amongst her thoughts. All the rules she'd imposed on herself had quickly fizzled as they'd dipped their toes into flirtatious waters. She shoved her phone under the pillows and admitted she liked him.