A/N: well, thank you to everyone who has kept up with this story. And especially for all the reviews, favorites, and likes! Arigato!


If you can learn to control your fear, to be able to work through it, to get what you want, you'll be able to get everything you've been held back from. Fear is not something you can just ignore and be rid of for the rest of your life. But it is something that you can master. It's something that needs to be dealt with each day, coming out and trying to keep your dreams at a distance. Control your fear instead of it controling you.

Erza's POV

I looked over my shoulder. It was about 3 in the afternoon, and Jellal was still sleeping on my bed. His lashes fluttered in his sleep, and he twitched occasionally. His face looked so much more relaxed in sleep, like he let go of all his sufferings. He looked free.

I got up from where I was sitting at my desk, and walked over to the edge of the bed, staring down gently at Jellal's prone form. I reached out a hand and stroked his cheek gently.

Suddenly, his eyes opened. I jumped. "I'm sorry," I breathed. "Did I wake you?"

He smiled and shook his head. "It's alright," he murmured. He reached out a hand. "Come here."

I gulped, but took his hand nonetheless. Suddenly, he pulled me forward, falling into the bed. When I stopped moving, I realized that he was on top of me, pressing me down firmly into the mattress. His eyes, burning with passion, stared deep into my own.

"Jellal…" I breathed. He pressed down onto me, and I moaned when I felt his hard member brush up against my skin.

"Do you know how long I've wanted to do this?" He murmured, running his hands up and down my body, torturing me with his gentle touches. I writhed and moaned.

"I've waited too long, and I can't wait anymore." He whispered, bending down and kissing me. His hands made their way to the buttons on my shirt.

What is going on? I thought to myself? How did this happen so fast?

My thoughts flew through my brain, but then, Jellal kissed me, right on the curve of my right breast. All previous thoughts stopped, and I could only focus on Jellal.

I raised my head slightly. He had unbuttoned my shirt conpletely, exposing the dark blue bra I was wearing, and was gently kissing the swells of each breast. His eyes latched onto mine. I gasped as he began to push the fabric out of the way, his mouth coming down, closer, closer, closer….

Suddenly, I shot to a sitting position, my eyes opening up wide. I looked around frantically. It was just me in my bed, but Jellal's shirt was laying on the floor. The bathroom door was closed, the light on.

Holy shit, I thought to myself, plopping back against my pillows. I did not just have a dirty dream about Jellal. The very thought of it, the feel of his lips on my body, sent a thrill running through my veins and a blush to appear on my cheeks.

The door to the bathroom suddenly opened, revealing Jellal, looking like a model, muscled in all the right places. I eyed his sculpted chest, his broad shoulders, his rock hard abs, his thick arms. God, he was beautiful.

"Hey," he murmured, pulling my thoughts out from the gutters. You gotta give me some slack though, the guy was a serious piece of eye candy. He was sexy on completely different levels than any other guy.

"Jellal," I said, getting up and walking over to him. He smiled gently at me, his eyes full of wonder, like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"It feels like what happened was yesterday," he said, reaching out and running his hand down my cheek. "And yet, it was only 3 hours ago."

I looked at my clock. 1:30. We had so much time left in the day. "What do you want to do?" I asked, with absolutely no intentions of going to class.

He looked away. "Well, I do have another gig at 5 in Crocus, with the band. You wanna come?" He looked at me, then added quickly, "You don't have to though-"

I grinned. "And pass up listening to you sing? Not for a million years," I said reaching up and pulling his head down to mine. His eyes widened in shock, then closed in bliss.

His lips molded immediately to mine; I felt his tongue brush against my mouth, begging for entrance. I opened up to him, moaning at his taste. He pulled me flush against his hard body. I could feel his heart pounding in time with mine.

I pulled away. "Let me change," I said breathlessly. I backed away and picked up his shirt from the floor, tossing it at him. He caught in and threw it over his shoulders. "I'll meet up with you at the gates." I finished. He nodded, then walked to the door. "I'll be waiting," he murmured, slipping out. The door closed with a soft click.

I stood there, still drooling like a fangirl, before I shook my head and went back to reality. I grabbed my phone, and scrolled through the contacts until I found the one I wanted.

Lucy, I wrote. I don't care what class you have, or if you're locked in a closet, lip locked with Natsu. Get your butt over here now!

I sent the text, then quickly made my bed, haphazardly throwing the covers over the messed up sheets, straightening the pillows, hiding any traces of Jellal.

A knock came one my door. "Erza, what's so urgent that you have to pull me out of English?" Lucy said, exasperated. "And why weren't you in class?"

I ran over to the door and threw it open. Lucy blinked at me. "You look like a mix between a lovesick school girl and someone just died," she said. I rolled my eyes and grabbed her arm. "Get in here," I said, pulling her in before she could protest and slamming the door.

"I guess Gray didn't tell you, huh?" I said, facing her. She turned to me, her eyes wide. "What didn't he tell me?" She asked.

I sighed. "Gray and I broke up, on friendly terms."

She put a hand to her mouth, her eyes full of astonishment. "Oh my god," she whispered. "is it because of Jellal?"

I nodded. "Yes, partly. But Gray has found someone else to." I said. "We just weren't right for eachother, Lucy."

"That explains why he kept asking for Juvia," Lucy said. "All day, he's been looking for her."

This time it was my turn for my eyes to widen. "Gray…and Juvia?" I asked. Gray liked Jellal's younger sister?

Lucy nodded. "It seems so."

I smiled. I actually, did not feel sad. I felt extremely happy for Gray, glad that he found someone. Someone who I knew- from experience- that they'd love him for him. I mewn, if Juvia was anything like Jellal, she'd love him forever.

"So, with all that aside, what's up?" Lucy asked. I shook my head, getting back into gear. "Well, Jellal asked me on a date." I began.

Lucy immediately squealed, and I cringed. Lucy could be, well, a bit more of a fangirl than I could be, and that's saying something.

"Oh my god!" She exclaimed, racing to my closet and throwing it open. "So you and Jellal are hitting it off! Oh my god! Where's he taking you? I'm so glad you pulled me out of English for this! Oh my god!"

"He's taking me to Crocus to hear his band," I said. Lucy squealed again. "He plays in a band too? Oh my god, that's so sexy. Just as sexy as Natsu playing soccer!"

I sweat dropped. "Okay Lucy, let's just calm down now. Help me pick out an outfit, will ya?" I cautioned, not wanting her to get too hyped up.

She looked excitedly in my closet, the reached in and grabbed something, throwing it at me. "Well, you gotta wear your lucky jeans, ne?" She said, diving back into my closet. I grabbed the article of clothing and held them up.

It was my favorite pair of pants, skinny, lowrise gray jeans with multiple tears in them.

Lucy wiggled back out of my closet with a black shirt in her hands. I knew immediately what it was. It was a sleeveless tanktop, with a see-through lace cross in the back. It went up and down my whole back, and would completely show my skin. "Wear a bandeau,"she advised. "But wear this with your combat boots, and you'll look sexy as hell."

I grabbed the outfit, and gave Lucy a grateful look. "Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" I asked her. She punched me playfully. "Get dress, Scarlet. Let me get your makeup together," she retorted, hurrying into my bathroom while I stripped, going into my dresser for some clean undergarments.

"Where's your eyeliner?" Lucy called out to me. I pulled on my jeans, hopping a bit to squeeze into them. "It's in the top drawer, next to my tweezers!" I shouted back, grabbing a belt. There was some rustling, then a "Thank you!"

I pulled on my shirt. It might get cold later, I thought. I went back into the closet and grabbed my army jacket. Just in case.

I ran back to my dresser and pulled out a pair of grey socks. I sat on my bed and threw them on, rolling them up a bit. Then I threw my black combat boots on, lacing them up. The tops of my socks poked out a bit, which was fine.

Lucy came out of the bathroom, and squealed when she saw me. "Oh my god Erza! You look amazing!" I smiled. "Well, I did have the most amazing friend in the world-"

"Save the flatter for later," Lucy interrupted, giving me a lighthearted grin. She grabbed my chair and set it down in the middle of the room. "Sit." She ordered.

I shrugged and sat down in the chair. She grabbed my brush and began to pull it through my hair, getting rid of the snarls and the knots. Once she was done, she gathered my hair up into a high ponytail, leaving a few strands loose on both sides of my face, and the side bang that covered my left eye. "I really don't have to do much with your hair. It's beautiful."

"Well, same as yours, Lucy," I said. "You have beautiful hair too."

I felt her leave my side for a second. Then she came back, dumping a pair of earrings into my hand. "Wear these," she said. I looked down.

They were silver, dangly, arrowhead shaped. My favorite earrings. I reached up and put them on, feeling the familiar weight on my ears. Lucy looked at me, narrowing her eyes. Then she nodded, "Perfect!"

She then grabbed my mascara, wielding it expertly. "Close your eyes," she said. I did as she was told, then felt the pulling on my lashes as she dragged the brush over my eyes. After a minute or two, that was replaced with a tiny brush painting a line on my eyelids, just a small coating of eyeliner.

"Done!," Lucy said, I opened my eyes, blinked a few times, then stood up and looked in the mirror.

My lashes were thick and full, the eyeliner adding a bit more definition, bringing out the dark brown in my eyes. My shirt hung loosely over my torso, balancing out the tight look of my pants. Now I'm not vain, but I appreciated my looks, especially now.

I turned and hugged Lucy. "Thank you," I murmured. She hugged me back. "No problem," she said, her voice muffled. "No go. You don't want to keep him waiting, do you?"

I pulled away. "You're right," I said, making my way to the door. "Tell the others where I've gone, and get me my homework, will ya?" I called over my shoulders. Lucy snorted, and I could picture her rolling her eyes behind my back. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," she said. "Just go."

I opened my door and left, leaving it open. I raced down the hall, opening the door, and flying down the steps. The halls were empty, everyone was still in class.

I exited the building, heading for the entrance to the school. When I got near, I stopped, gawking at the sight in front of me.

Jellal was leaning against the school gates, wearing a pair of black jeans- sexy black jeans- and a white t-shirt. I gulped, catching a glimpse of his six pack his shirt didn't even do do a justice in hiding. I didn't mind though. A denim jacket was slung casually over his shoulder, his guitar stood by his side.

He was staring off into space, but as I walked up, his eyes widened, taking in my appearance. He pushed off the gate and walked towards me.

"Erza," he breathed. I smiled at him.

"You look gorgeous," he said, taking my hand. I grinned. "You look handsome," I replied.

He chuckled and gestured down the road, letting go of my hand. "Well, shall we?" He asked, gesturing to the bus station, conveniently located a block away. "It's probably going to be around 4 when we get there, so maybe we can stop at a cafe before my gig."

I nodded. "Yes, let's."

He smiled, then took my hand once more. "Let's go."


We made it into Crocus at exactly 4:15, due to an extreme amount of traffic. By then, since Jellal and I didn't have lunch, we were starving. We ran for the nearest cafe and got and table. Jellal sat his guitar next to him, out of the way.

The waitress came by. "I'll have a cappuccino and a slice of your strawberry cake," I said. She nodded at me, then turned to Jellal. "What can I get for you, sir?" She asked him. "I'll have a plain coffee and the BLT," he said after a minute of deciding, then handed his menu to her. She accepted and smiled at the both of us. "Alright, I'll be right back with your drinks," she said cordially, picking up my menu and briskly walking away.

I reached across the table and took Jellal's hand. His eyes flashed open to meet mine. "Hey," I said. "Thanks for inviting me." I whispered. He smiled, squeezing my hand In response.

"Jellal," I said. "I know that you're still scared about this, but I want you to know how happy I am. You make me happy," I murmured.

He squeezed my hand again. "I-" he began, then gulped. "Erza, I'm trying. You've been so patient with me, I really don't know how you do it. I can't even begin to describe how much it means to me, how much you mean to me."

I leaned across the table, pulling his head to me, and giving him a simple, chaste kiss meant to give solace and comfort.

I pulled back, noticing the look of wonder in his eyes. "How do you do it?" He asked. "You took this empty shell and breathed life back into it. You saw something in me when others did not. How do you do it?"

"I believed." I said simply. His eyes widened. "I believed in you, and I still do. Jellal, you may lose hope in yourself, but I won't."

The waitress returned, bringing our drinks and our food. She set a perfect slice of strawberry cake down in front of me, pink, whipped cream, and strawberries on top. My mouth watered.

Jellal and I ate quickly, we still needed to find the location of Jellal's gig. The cake was delicious, I never tasted anything better.

The waitress stopped by and gave us the check when we were done, taking away our empty plates. "I hope you liked it," she said.

Jellal grabbed the check before I could, and quickly put some money down. "Don't worry," he said. "I asked you on the date, so I'm paying. Don't argue with me."

I put my money back in my pocket. "Are you sure? " I asked. He smiled. "Positive. Come on, let's go." He stood and reached for my hand. I took it.

We walked out side and down the emptying streets of Crocus. We were in the more suburban part of the city, rather than the urban section. The buildings were smallet, older, and some were dilapidated. There were small family stores, drug stores, and houses on the streets.

All this time, Jellal didn't let go of my hand. Not once.

We turned down a road, stopping at one of those underground bars, like the ones in the city-well, we were in a city, but you get my point. He led me down the stairs.

I blinked, my eyes adjusting the to the sudden dimness of the place. It was filled with several people, all mingling around a certain area, set up with drums, and a keyboard. Three familiar looking men sat in this area. One was a big, bulky man with a thick jaw and dark hair, tuning a bads. Another was a shorter, blonde boy with dark green eyes and a small black tattoo under his mouth. He was also tuning an electric guitar. And the last man, a think, squares man with black sunglasses, was fiddling with the drums.

Jellal took my hand. "Come on," he said, pulling me forward. "Let me introduce you to some very close friends of mine."

He pulled me towards them. They looked up, greeting Jellal warmly before looking at me. Jellal gestured to me. "Hey guys, this is my friend, Erza Scarlet, Erza, that's Simon on bass, Sho on guitar, and Wally on the drums. Together we make 'Redemption'."

I nodded warmly to the three of them. They greeted me back, Simon reaching out and shaking my hand.

Jellal turned to me. "Why don't you find a seat," he suggested, looking at the time on his phone. "We're about to start." I nodded, gave him a peck on the cheek, then turned and walked away before he could respond. I nabbed a table right up front. I looked back. Jellal was smiling at the others. Sho gave him an brotherly punch. I smiled. He looks so happy, I thought watching him open his guitar case and pull out his beloved instrument. He looks so carefree.

The other spectators also took to their seats, and the lights dimmed even further until Jellal and the others were the only ones illuminated.

"Hi everybody," Jellal said into his mike. He strummed his guitar expertly. "Thanks for coming out today. We are the band 'Redemption,' and we hope you enjoy as we sing to you tonight. Here we go!"

Wally counted to four on his sticks, and the whole band broke out, Jellal rocking his head to the music. He opened his mouth.

Well you can fight it but you know that you won't get your way in the end

Too many people, the King and all of his men

And if you're dealing a line of cards

Won't you take me to the queen of hearts?

And if you're trying to tear down what you see

Pack up the stars before you come for me

And if you're dealing a line of fate

Who's going to tell her the reason I'm late?

You took her soul, so incomplete

Why don't you stop fighting me?

You're in control so why should you be

Fighting me? Fighting me? Fighting me?

I clapped as soon ass they finished, others joining in. Jellal smiled, his chest heaving. I gave him him a thumbs up. He looked over at Sho, who set his guitar down, and turned and walked over to the keyboard.

"Now I'm going to sing a new one that Sho and I collaborated on," he said, gesturing to the blonde, who waved at the crowd.

Close your tired eyes, relax and then

Count from 1 to 10 and open them

All these heavy thoughts will try to weigh you down

But not this time

Way up in the air, you're finally free

And you can stay up there right next to me

All this gravity will try to pull you down

But not this time

When the sun goes down and the lights burn out

Then it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are

Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light

'Cause it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are tonight

It was a beautiful song. I could feel the emotion pouring off Jellal. His eyes were closed, but a smile was on his face.

Gaze into my eyes when the fire starts

And fan the flames so hot it melts our hearts

Oh, the pouring rain will try to put it out

But not this time

Let your colors burn and brightly burst

Into a million sparks that all disperse

And illuminate a world that'll try to bring you down

But not this time.

He was enchanting to watch. His voice was amazing, never missing a note. He was an superstar.

A thousand heart beats beat in time

It makes this dark planet come alive

So when the lights flicker out tonight

You gotta shine

When the sun goes down and the lights burn out

Then it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are

Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light

'Cause it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are tonight

Woah-oh, woah-oh, woah-oh

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are tonight.

He opened his eyes, as Sho played the last chord on the keyboard. The crowd including myself, went wild.

Suddenly, my phone went off. I looked down at it, my eyes opening in shock. It was my father. Usually, if he wanted to talk, he made one of his secretaries do it for him. Him calling himself meant it was urgent. I almost wanted to ignore it, I still hated him for doing what he did to mom. But it was probably emergency, otherwise he himself wouldn't call.

I looked at Jellal, who was singing another song. It'll take 2 minutes, I thought to myself. I rose and pushed my way out for the dive, climbing please the stairs. Outside, the sun had just set, and the stars were just about to come out. I walked a little ways away from the dive and answered my phone. "Hello?"

"Erza," my dad said. "Listen, sweetheart-"

"No, dad," I said, interrupting him. "You do not have the right to call me sweetheart. You lost that privilege when you abandoned me and mom."

He sighed. "Erza, I'm sorry. I sincerely apologize. But, my daughter, I just found out that I have terminal brain cancer and-"

I was so disgusted I almost threw up. "And you want my help?" I asked incredulously. "Where was your help when mom was dying? When I begged- I freaking begged- you to help her? What did you do? You laughed. You freaking laughed, Dad. And you didn't even show up for her funeral. And you know the sad part? It wasn't terminal cancer. If you had helped, she could've lived!" I spat into the phone.

He was quiet. "Erza, I just wanted your-"

"What, dad?" I snarled, tears forming. "My sympathy? My love? Well, all I feel for you is pity. Pity, that you realize now how much you need me. But I don't need you. I'm done with you. I've been done with you for years. Goodbye. And don't call me again."

I pulled the phone away from my ear and clicked the end button. I was pissed. How dare he ask me to come back into his life. I could remember that day clearly. I was on my knees, grabbing the hem of his coat.

"Father! Please, help Mother! She's suffering! Please father, I'll do anything!"

"Get out of my sight," he snarled. "I've told you time and time again that I don't care about her. Leave me be!"

I dashed away my tears. It's done, I thought to myself. He can't change the past.

Suddenly, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. I turned. Behind me stood a young man with long blond hair. He had a mean look in his eyes.

"Whose this?" He sneered, licking his lips. "A kitten all alone on the streets. I recall no such pretty girls like you around here."

"We can't leave a little girl like you all alone now, can we?" Another voice said. I whipped around to face another boy, this time with long black hair, his eyes narrowed evily. Two other guys came out of the shadows, a boy with shorter blonde hair and a bigger boy, with longer blue hair. I recognized the boy with the shorter blond hair. My eyes opened up wide.

"Sting Eucliffe!" I gasped. He grinned menacingly. The boys surrounded me, pressing me against the wall of a building. Damn I thought to myself. I'm trapped.

Sting chuckled. I glared at him. He was Captain of the Sabertooth soccer team, Natsu and Gray's biggest rival. I remember one time when Gray was badly injured because of this ass. He had kicked Gray solidly in the chest, breaking two of his ribs. He said he slipped and it was an accident. Of course the referees believed him. Gray was out of play for 3 months, and out of the season for the rest of the school year.

Sting walked up to me and ran a finger down my face, down my neck, heading for the neckline of my shirt. So I did what was necessary.

I snatched his hand and bit down hard, feeling the skin split. He yanked his hand away and slapped me across the face. I went down, and immediately, the boy with the blue hair grabbed me, pulling me back up and locking my arms behind my back.

I coughed, feeling blood pulse out of my split lip. Sting glared at me dangerously. "You bitch." He snarled. "I'll teach you!"

He launched himself forward and punched me in the gut. I cried out, pain exploding in my stomach. I collapsed against the blue haired boy's chest.

"Drop her Orga," Sting commanded. Orga- the blue haired boy- let me go, and I fell onto the pavement. I wanted to get up and attack Sting, but my body felt weak.

Suddenly, Sting's foot stomped onto my lower back. I cried out, and turned my head to glare up at him. He cackled maniacally. "This is how I like my girls," he said. "Lying down before me."

He bent down and played with the back of my shirt where my whole back could be seen.

"Sting, she's covered up too much. I recall you like scantily clad girls," the other blonde said. Sting's eyes darkened, and he grinned at me, with a sadistic smile. "He's right," he murmured, eyeing my shirt. "I do like the sight of a girl's body."

He reached down and grabbed the hem of my shirt.

Jellal's POV

I looked around the dive, wondering where Erza went. We had about a 10 minute break. I walked around the bar, but she was nowhere to be found. On a whim, I went up the stairs.

When I got outside, I saw a small gang of boys surrounding something. I took a closer look.

A tall blonde boy was stepping on something, reaching down. I squinted.

It was Erza. I saw her red hair. He was reaching down and grabbing her shirt. She was in trouble.

Damnit, I thought. I couldn't move. I felt like I was watching my parents die all over again. I should've known! I knew this would happen. I fell for Erza, and now, she was in serious danger. Fear coursed through my veins, and I struggled to keep it down. It wouldn't give in. I let it overwhelm me, and suddenly, I saw clearer. This was my time. I had to save Erza.

I ran forward, fear propelling me. It was odd, fear helping me, but I didn't care. It fueled me onward, sending me towards Erza, shoving a black haired boy and another blond out of my way, tackling the blonde who was molesting Erza. We went down with a shout.

I slammed the boy into the ground. "Don't you dare!" I snarled, punching him across the face. Suddenly, I was grabbed, and ripped off of him. I writhed, but I was held firmly by a large, blue haired boy and the other two.

The blond got up, caressing his jaw. He spat into his hand, and a small, white object fell into his palm, along with a globule of blood. He glared at me.

"Bastard! I'll make you regret that!" He hissed, coming to me and punching me into the face. My head rocked from the blow, pain exploding in my cheek. I coughed, blood spurting from my mouth. He hit me again, this time in the gut. I choked. The others held me in a tight grip.

Suddenly, Erza came up, landing a swift kick in the blonde's manhood. He gasped, pain spreading across his face, and he collapsed. Erza's stood above him, gasping, with blood coming out of the corner of her mouth, but she looked triumphant.

"Steel toed combat boots do come in handy," she growled, kicking the blonde viciously, who still hadn't recovered from her previous attack. He moaned in pain.

She glared at the boys holding me. "Now if you would so kindly take your hands off of him, I might just return this one- she nudged the blonde distastefully, who moaned again- "in one piece. But if not," she nudged her boot near his head. "Steel in the head will definitely not be good for him."

The other boys immediately let me go, and I collapsed to the the ground. They ran over to Erza, who let them pick up the moaning blonde. "You mess with Fairy Tail again," she warned, her voice cold, "And I'll make sure you don't live to see another sunrise."

They scurried away, and she raced over to me. She pulled me upright. "Jellal! Are you alright?"

I looked up at her, and she gasped. Tears were pouring out of my eyes. "This is what my curse does!" I whispered. "It hurts everyone I love, everyone I care about. Erza, this is why-"

She leaned forward suddenly, kissing me, interrupting my stream of thoughts. I forgot what I was saying.

She pulled back, her eyes warm. "Jellal, do not blame yourself. It wasn't your fault. I've had spats with them in the paet. It was just a coincidence that they showed up tonight. I'm glad that you saved me."

I shook my head. "Erza, please, I don't want you to be hurt!"

She reached into her pocket and pulled out some tissues, dabbing at the blood on my face. I winced.

"You saved me, Jellal. If anything, you broke your curse. You didn't let them hurt me. You broke your curse."

I blinked. She was right. I hadn't let them hurt her any further. But still...

She stood up, hauling me to my feet. I swayed a bit, but after a minute, I was fine. She looked at me, and I drowned in the depths of her gaze, filled with happiness and love.

"You saved me Jellal. I couldn't ask for a more clearer sign than that. Your curse is no more."

I smiled hesitantly. My curse….my curse was gone? It felt, freeing.

She took my hand. "Come on," she murmured, pulling me back into the dive. "Sing another song for me."


I got back on stage, feeling sore, but otherwise, on cloud nine. I felt like the world was on my shoulders.

I turned to the others. "I'm making a song change, guys." I strummed a few chords on the guitar. Simon's eyes widened, and then he nodded.

I turned back to the audience, my eyes finding Erza. She at the table, her eyes sparkling, a smile on her face.

"What would you guys do if it was your last day?" I asked. They Wally signaled, and we began to play.

My best friend gave me the best advice

He said each day's a gift and not a given right

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled by

That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day

And tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life

What's worth the prize is always worth the fight

Every second counts 'cause there's no second try

So live like you'll never live it twice

Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day

And tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

Would you call old friends you never see?

Reminisce old memories

Would you forgive your enemies?

Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?

Swear up and down to God above

That you finally fall in love

If today was your last day

If today was your last day

Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?

You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars

Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes

'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life

Let nothin' stand in your way

Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day

And tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?

Leave old pictures in the past

Donate every dime you have?

Would you call old friends you never see?

Reminisce old memories

Would you forgive your enemies?

Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?

Swear up and down to God above

That you finally fall in love

If today was your last day.

We finished, and Erza began to clap, her eyes brimming with happy tears. But I wasn't done yet.

"This last song for tonight goes out to a very special person," I said. Erza's eyes widened. "This person found me in a dark place, a place where I kept sinking deeper and deeper with every passing day. I had lost all hope, but she found me and brought me back to life. I'd never be the person I am today If I didn't have her. So Erza Scarlet, this one is for you. I'm Yours."

You touch these tired eyes of mine

And map my face out line by line

And somehow growing old feels fine

I listen close for I'm not smart

You wrap your thoughts in works of art

And they're hanging on the walls of my heart

I may not have the softest touch

I may not say the words as such

And though I may not look like much

I'm yours

And though my edges may be rough

I never feel I'm quite enough

It may not seem like very much

But I'm yours

This was the exact same song I had sang to Erza before, only now, it meant so much more. This was my confession to her. Wally joined in with my guitar, setting the beat with his drumming.

You healed these scars over time

Embraced my soul

You loved my mind

You're the only angel in my life

The day news came my best friend died

My knees went weak and you saw me cry

Say I'm still the soldier in your eyes

I may not have the softest touch

I may not say the words as such

And though I may not look like much

I'm yours

And though my edges may be rough

I never feel I'm quite enough

It may not seem like very much

But I'm yours

I may not have the softest touch

I may not say the words as such

I know I don't fit in that much

But I'm yours

The song ended. I looked over at Erza, who had a hand over her mouth, her eyes full of tears. She smiled and wiped her eyes. She looked right at me and mouthed three words.

I love you.

Only then, in that moment, did I truly feel complete.

In controlling your fear, you are able to control your life. You can take control, live life to the fullest. You can let go, and finally, be free.


A/N: gomen, that was a tad long, but I hope you liked it! Songs:

The King and All His Men- Wolfgang

Shooting Star- Owl City

If Today Was Your Last Day- Nickelback

I'm Yours- The Script.