Yay, 9th chapter! Who's excited?! First of all, sorry for my very late update. . .I made you guys wait for almost two weeks.

I want to wish a Happy Birthday to my younger sister, Megumi! お誕生日おめでとう, 恵！姉は永遠にあなたを愛してます！

Also, I have nothing in particular to blab about today (which is rare) so let's continue on to the chapter!

Disclaimer: For the hundreth time, Mashima-sensei owns Fairy Tail.

"And if being a Scarlet is hindering my friendship with you, I am willing to give that path up. Why?" A soft and warm smile spread across Titania's face. "Because Gray. . .I like you." Those were the words knotted inside Erza for so long. And to have those words escape her, she felt so much more relieved.

Gray didn't even have a chance to answer. The second Erza finished speaking, a boom rang through the air. The evening sky of Magnolia was splashed with bright colors and it was breathtaking. The fireworks was reflected at Lake Sciliora, and Erza's brown eyes were colored with the red, blue, and orange explosions.

There was a long pause between the two. Gray felt his dark hair being swept up by the wind, and watched as the breeze did the same thing to the redhead. Erza's eyes searched his. She wanted an answer.

But Gray stood there, glued to his spot. Did I just hear what I just did? Erza. . .just confessed to me. . .WHAT? He slapped himself. Nope, it wasn't a dream. Gray felt his heart thump so loudly, he wondered if Erza heard him, even though there were fireworks. He glanced at the redhead, who was still looking at him. Stay calm, Gray. You've dealed with a hundred confessions before. Why are you panicking? It's just Erza. It was just Erza. That was what was bothering him. For twelve years, he loved her. And now, she was willing to give up her entire future.

Gray gulped. He stared into Erza's chocolate colored eyes. "Listen, Erza. I. . ." Before he was able to finish his sentence, he heard a ring at his side pocket. It was his phone. Great. Who the hell wants me now? When he fished out his phone, his breathing almost stopped. It was his father, Silver Fullbuster. One of the most powerful men in the entire country. Well, he could've ignored the call, but it lead to even worse consequences.

Gray held out his finger. "Give me a second," he mouthed to the redhead as he reluctantly swiped the phone. Erza nodded and turned her gaze to the fireworks.

"Yes?" Gray said, his voice shaky. This was not going to go well.

"Gray Fullbuster!" he heard his father yell.

"Hai! Dad, how may I help you?"

"Gray, where in the world are you?"

Shit. What was Gray supposed to say now? "I'm in the city, dad, so don't. . ."

"Where. Are. You." Gray suddenly realized he had entered the danger zone.

Gray gulped. "I'm at Lake Sciliora," he answered, his voice incredibly weak.

Gray heard his father murmur something under his breath before continuing. "What. Are. You. Doing. There." Gray didn't respond. "Oh, my lord! Let me guess, you're with that Scarlet girl again." His father said 'Scarlet' as if it was the most foul word he ever heard. "Get. Away. From. Her."

"But, Dad. . ."

His father's tone rose. "GET. AWAY. FROM. HER. Gray, have you completely forgotten everything I told you last night?! Are you even my son? My son was never like this! He would always obey me. WHO. DO. YOU. THINK. YOU. ARE."

"Can I just explain. . ."

"Explain?! Over my dead body. Do you even know who the Scarlets are to our familiy? Our families have warred for generations. Until the Scarlets subdue to us, they are TRASH. They are the rats of the business world. I don't want you to get NEAR those SCUMBAGS."

Gray had it. He had it with all of this 'Warring Families' shit. "Dad, I love her, and nothing can change that."

"Psh. Love? You can love anyone you want. But those Scarlets are not worth to be loved."

"Have you even talked to them?"

"Why would I talk to trash? Would you talk to your homework? Same deal, you idiot of a son."

"Dad!"

"Get your ass back home or I'll make sure that we move to a different country. Then, you can dream all day about that Scarlet girl." Without another word, his father ended the call, leaving his son shaken. Now, Gray didn't even know how to face Erza. How can he not love Erza? But then, he couldn't betray his father, could he?

He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Erza, full of worry. One of her hand was gripped on Strawberry Cake to the point the white of her knuckles were showing. "Who called you? Did everything go ok?"

Realizing that his sullen expression was concerning the redhead, he forced a smile. "Don't worry, Eru." He patted the girl's head. "Everything's okay. Even if something was wrong with me, I will always fix it, right?" Erza nodded. Knowing that it was true, she smiled, this time, genuinely. Don't worry, Gray. You got this. You've got a thousand confessions over your lifetime, so act normal, okay? Okay. Well, here goes nothing, he puffed to himself.

"Erza," Gray called, getting the redhead's attention. He placed his hand on the girl's head again, and smiled. "Thank you. I like you too. You have always meant so much to me. . .because you were always my. . .uh. . .little sister. I've always hoped for a sibling, and you are the closest one I've got. So, thank you.

"Also, you shouldn't give up the future your parents have planned. They are planning it for your own good. I wouldn't want you to abandon a future with so much potential, and know that I was the reason why."

He pulled Erza in for a hug. He nervously glanced at Erza, and realized how crestfallen she looked. "Now, if you excuse, I have an order of business to do at home." Gray got up. "Thank you for spending the day with me. It was a lot of fun. Make sure you go home early, m'kay?" With that, Gray paced away involuntarily. He wove through the crowd and ignored the kissing couples.

When he knew he was far, far away from the lake shore, he replayed the scene in his mind. When he thought about how much he potentially hurt Erza, he collapsed to the ground and banged on the concrete ground. Why? Why am I such a coward? Why am I so stupid? He felt hot, angry tears roll down his face. He couldn't get the image of Erza's lifeless eyes off of his mind. Who cares about family reputation? Who cares about money and fame? Ugh, WHY DID I EVEN LISTEN TO MY ASSHOLE OF A FATHER?! He continued banging on the floor. He didn't care if the passerbys were staring at him like he'd gone crazy. Erza. . .I'm so so so sorry. You know what? To hell with family businesses! I don't care if she's a Scarlet; I love her. He stood up, his hands now aching because of the scrapes. I swear upon my name that once I find Erza, I'll apologize.

After calming himself down, he started making his way back to the shore. Because of the darkness, it was hard to find the way back. But eventually, he got back. The fireworks were coming to an end. He recognized the area and was able to get back to the bench he had sat on just thirty minutes ago. But something was different. Erza wasn't there. And there were no traces of her.

He tapped a man near him. "Uh, sir? Have you seen a redhead here? She was supposed to be at that bench a while ago. . ." The man shook his head. Gray didn't give up. Erza was the only redhead in the area, and she was the well-known Scarlet heir, so somebody had to see her. Finally, someone told him that he was at the west end of the beach.

Gray rushed to the end quickly. One, he didn't want to go through the mass of people leaving the beach after the fireworks. Two, he had to apologize to Erza, ASAP.

He stopped in his tracks just several meters before the end of the beach. He bitterly watched the scene, a sad smile plastered on his face. He tried to clear his mind with the evening breeze, but it didn't work. He felt a pain, more excruciating than anything else he felt before. Maybe he deserved it. It was his fault in the first place. Was he already too late?

He slowly walked away. So this is how rejection feels like, huh?

"You have always meant so much to me, because you were always my little sister. I've always hoped for a sibling, and you are the closest one I've got. So, thank you." That was the only thing Erza remembered before she completely tuned off. She remembered Gray saying something else, but she didn't pay attention, so she forgot. What she did remember was Gray walking away, his figure turning into a silhouette, and then to nothing.

She flung Strawberry Cake in anger. The bear landed on the floor, the sand creating a thin film around the bear. But Erza didn't care.

Never in her life have she felt so hurt. Is this what people call rejection? She heard stories of how much pain rejection feels. After all, you have devoted to this person for so long, but it turns out your feelings are unrequited. Never have she been rejected before. Besides, it would always be others confessing their love to her. But Lucy would always yell at the person, telling them that Erza's heart was not available for anyone. Sure, Erza watched the people's reactions, like people slowly walking away in dejection, but Erza never thought about how much pain it was.

And now Erza knew. And she felt like the point of her life was over.

She got off the bench and started making a run. She didn't know where she was running to, but she didn't care. She just wanted to get as far away from the site as possible. But trying to get through the crowd of people hindered her speed.

When she ran out of breath, she paused for a rest. She wiped away her tears. Where am I? She scanned the area. She spotted the glistening Lake Sciliora. And when there were bodies of water, there were beaches. She glanced down. Yup, she was still at the boardwalk. But there weren't much people around. She didn't pay any attention to where she ran, so now she was completely lost. "Hey, do you know where we are, Gr. . ." She stopped.

Gray. . .He wasn't even here. He abandoned her. And now she was alone. She didn't even know where she was, goddamnit.

She walked to the edge of the boardwalk and sat down. She glanced down. Her once beautiful outfit was now all covered in dust and sand. Her red hair was probably a tangled mess by now too. She used her toes to dig in the sand. She tried to keep herself busy, but she couldn't. A little sister. . .Just a little sister. Those words kept ringing inside Erza's mind. Before she knew it, the ache in her heart and the tears returned. All those twelve years mean nothing now. All this time, I thought I was more than a friend to Gray. . .but I guess not.

Erza placed a hand on her cheek. Why am I crying? Why would I care about how he feels about me? The answer was simple. She loved him. She loved him like she never loved anyone before.

Where is Gray right now? Oh right, he's probably at his house doing business work. But would he be looking for me? Maybe. . .Cuz I'm his little sister. Nothing more. She wiped another wave of tears streaming down her cheeks, but they kept on rolling down.

Suddenly, she heard slow footsteps. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Did Gray find her so quickly already? But she was in no condition to see him. Nor did she want to see him. Not ever. Now thinking about, she didn't know how to face her friends at school next day. She buried her face in her palms. She was silently praying that the boy would leave.

From the corner of her eye and tears, she saw the figure sit next to her. Gray, can't you tell that I want you AWAY?!

The evening wind picked up and toyed with the queen's red curls.

"Magnolia's so comforting during the night, dontcha think, Erza-san?"

The redhead's eyes widened hearing that familiar voice. It wasn't Gray. She picked up her head and turned to see Jellal, who was staring at the horizon. The wind had decided to target his blue locks too. He took a sip from his Coke bottle. His other hand was holding on to. . .Strawberry Cake. Wait, how did he get here? How did he even get a hold of Strawberry Cake was a mystery to the redhead.

And Jellal didn't even know how he made it here. When Gray started leaving, the bluehead dragged Lyon away from the bench before they were caught. And now, Lyon was home, since his mother was looking for him. Jellal could've also went home, but nothing changes the fact that Erza was still a girl. . .a heartbroken one. So. . .he ended up here.

He turned to meet the redhead's eyes. Through the gaps of the bench, he could only see very little of the scene of Erza confessing to Gray. But when he saw Erza's full face, his heart fell. Sure, he've seen girls cry before, but this was different. Erza. . .Titania. . .the Fairy Queen. . .she was normally so beautiful and poised, and now her eyes were red and her cheeks were streaked with tears. She didn't have to wail or whine, but her eyes explained everything.

"Hey, Erza. . .are you alright? Why are you crying?" He tilted his head to his side and lifted his eyebrows, trying to feign innocence. He knew the truth, but he was genuinely worried.

Erza sat up straighter. "What are you talking about?" She let out a fake chuckle. "I'm just getting some fresh air. Besides. . ." Her voice trailed off. Before she knew it, she felt water plop onto her palm. She gazed downwards. Another drop. Then another. "How unfortunate." She faked another laugh. "It's raining. Too bad that I. . ." She didn't finish. She couldn't. The next thing she knew, her voice turned into sobs.

Jellal hated watching Erza break down like this. After all, he've seen these scenes way too much in his life already.

He racked his head for ideas to cheer the girl up. Then he realized that he was still holding on to the teddy bear. Strawberry Cake. "Hey, Erza-san." She looked up. The bluehead handed the bear. "Here," he said. The redhead accepted it, but she only started crying even more. Geez, girls are so weird. I thought Erza really liked that bear. Suddenly, his mind flashed to Gray handing Erza Strawberry Cake. He glanced at the sobbing redhead through the corner of his eye. Whoops. This is not good.

Erza wiped her tears. "I'll be going. It's probably really late right now. I have school tomorrow, and my servants might get worried," she explained. She held on to Strawberry Cake as she stood up. But once she did, she realized how wobbly her knees were from crying and running. Almost immediately, she collapsed back down. Well, her legs weren't cooperating with her today. But strangely, she stopped in midair, just when her face was this close to hitting the sand, she stopped.

Wait. What? Erza thought. Why isn't my face of the ground. . .Ouch! She suddenly felt an overwhelming pain at her wrist. She craned her head. Jellal was the one gripping on to her wrist. The next thing she knew, she was pulled backwards and her head landed on the bluehead's chest.

Jellal didn't know what made him pull the redhead in for a hug, but it only seemed right. You know what, I really have to stop dwelling on the past. It's just this ONE time and the ONLY time that I'm helping Erza, right? But for now, she wants someone to help her overcome these difficulties, right?

"I'm sorry there was nothing I could do. . .about whatever it was" Jellal murmured, quick to add the last part of the sentence. His gaze was once again fixed to the horizon. "But, you know, there's no point in hiding those puffy eyes or red cheeks."

She felt something being tucked into her hands. Her gaze shifted there. It was familiar. It was a small pouch that was stuffed with cotton. It was covered with a little dirt, but it still looked brand new. It had a pattern of white and blue squares and had a matching bell. She flicked the bell. It jingled. It was the pouch that Erza was trying to get from the lady in green during the parade, but failed.

Before she could even ask a question, the bluehead already answered it. "It's nothing really special. It's just a lucky charm. At least, that's what someone told me." He was careful not to mention Lyon's presence. "Hopefully, there won't be another tear that runs down your cheek after tonight. We can always hope. But for now. . .let it all out."

When Jellal wrapped his arms around her, tears started falling down once again. She wanted to stop it, but she couldn't because the feeling between Jellal's arms were full of warmth and comfort. There were no people watching them. Her crazy stalkers from school weren't here. Her parents weren't here to scold her "improper" behavior. She just used one hand to clutch the bluehead's shirt, and the other to grab onto Strawberry Cake and the charm. Here, she felt so secure.

Jellal rested his chin on top of Erza's head. He silently listened to the redhead's sobs, and it tugged on his heartstrings to hear the queen cry so badly. He heard footsteps coming from behind him. Oh, it's probably Lyon, he quietly scoffed. But the footsteps stopped, and soon disappeared.

Well, that's weird. He craned his head to look behind him. Nobody. I could've sworn that I've heard something. . .or was I dreaming again?

It was well after the fireworks ended when Erza's cries turned to quiet sobs and now to whimpers. Jellal straightened his back, because it was starting to hurt after sitting so long. When his shirt brushed along his skin, he realized that most of the cloth was wet. He slightly moved his legs. Yup, his pants were soaked too. But he didn't care. He could easily dry them at home.

When he realized that his chin was still on top of Erza's head, he lifted it. And when he figured out that he was still hugging the redhead tightly, his heart started skipped a beat. He gulped. He had broken his resolve once again. He wasn't supposed to make any contact with Erza. Well, uh, this is a special situation, Jellal thought, trying to make excuses.

Erza must have also felt the awkward atmosphere, because she started inching backwards. The redhead shuffled away and was staring at her hands with her puffed-up eyes. And Jellal hated to admit that he felt a little disappointed.

Erza started toying with Strawberry Cake. "I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry about?"

She swallowed a lump of guilt. "Your shirt. . .It's all wet because of me. . ." She sniffled, still recovering from her sobs.

"Not all of it. The weather is nice today. Plus, I got plenty other shirts at my closet." He let out a laugh, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Still. . ." Erza started, still avoiding eye contact. She was trying to make Strawberry Cake hug the charm pouch.

Then, another wave of uncomfortable silence enveloped the two again. Jellal thought of ways to try to alleviate awkwardness. Then, it occurred to him that he had to pretend he knew nothing of the situation. "So. . .Erza-san. Would you mind if you tell me what was bothering you?" he asked. But he realized that he bought up the wrong the topic when he saw the redhead freeze stiff. Damn, what kind of idiot am I? "Um, sorry. That wasn't my place to ask you. . ."

"Gray. That's what." Her words came out harsher than she intended. "Don't get the wrong idea. Gray is actually a really amazing person with a lot of positive attributes but. . ." she stopped. The pain was here again.

"Uh. . ." Jellal started. Why was he so stupid to ask such a question?! He shook his shirt lightly. "I still have some dry areas on my shirt. If you have more tears. . .feel free." He sighed with relief when Erza's lips curved upwards.

"No thank you. You've already did enough for me. So, thank you," she said with a small laugh.

"Yeah, math is great." He mumbled. Then realizing that he was too busy looking at Erza's smile, he mentally slapped himself. "I mean, no problem!" he corrected.

The redhead let out a giggle. Then focused back to the topic. Besides, she dearly wanted someone to consult to right now. She would've gone to Lucy, but who knows what Lucy is doing right now. "Gray. . .like I said, is a great person. He's funny and sweet. And we decided to spend Magic Day together. The end."

Jellal raised his eyebrow. "That's it?" He was trying to encourage her to tell him the whole story. His mother always told him that if you tell your troubles to others, it's much better than containing everything to yourself.

Erza slowly nodded, but the nod soon turned to head shaking. "No. That isn't it," she admitted. "I. . .I decided to confess to him because I just thought that maybe. . .just maybe. . .he would feel the same way. Oh, how stupid I was! I was too naive. And then. . .then Gray told me. . .that I was only a little sister to him and that I should just follor whatever path my parents laid out. Oh, why couldn't I see that everything was just a joke to him since the beginning! I was. . .I was. . ." She didn't finish her sentence. She swallowed down a sob. She told herself that she wasn't going to cry again.

Jellal furrowed his eyebrow in confusion. Something seemed a little off. Didn't Lyon tell him that Gray was head-over-heels in love with Erza? "Hey, Erza-san. Weren't the two going on a date? So why did you confess your feelings now?" he questioned.

Erza let out a small laugh. "We were forced to. We were scared that Cobra would follow us. If he found out that we weren't going on a date on Magic Day. . .we're screwed."

Jellal tried to laugh along. His mind recounted the event when he was watching Gray put his arm protectively around the queen. So Gray did it so Cobra would stop bothering her, huh?

The happiness in Erza's brown eyes soon disappeared. "We were so happy and having so much fun. How could've the day possibly turned out to be like this? Is it because i'm a Scarlet?" she mumbled, her voice lifeless.

"I'm sorry," Jellal said. He tried to forget out the past when he was also in Gray's spot once. Was this how much he had hurt her? (A/N: /cough/)

Erza let out a long sigh. "I could've sworn there was a special sensation when Gray held on to my hand or smiled at me today. Was it all a dream?" She saw Jellal flinch for a moment, but continued. "I'm such a messed up girl. Maybe if I stopped telling myself that everyone adores me, I wouldn't have been as naive."

Jellal frowned. Something just didn't sound right. He saw it himself: the way Gray acted every time he was around Erza, the way he placed his arm around Titania's waist last Friday. . ."Maybe Gray is just a little. . .overwhelmed," he said. "But I can tell that Gray really. . .enjoys your company and really cares about you. Yes, rejection can hurt. But Erza-san. . .you're a very strong girl. That's why people chose you as 'the queen of Magnolia.' But I know. . .that you will be able to overcome it. Life if unfair, but you can overcome all the difficulties step by step."

The redhead glanced at Strawberry Cake embracing the charm pouch. Maybe. . .

The two were silent for a few moments until Jellal spoke up. "We should probably head home. By the time we get there, it's going to be around midnight." He stood up.

Erza's eyes widened. "Oh damn! We have school tomorrow! I completely forgot."

"There's something called ditching school."

"Yeah. . I'm not doing that." Erza was goody two shoes after all. Or maybe she just wanted to receive the perfect attendance award at graduation next year.

Jellal shrugged. "How are you going to get home?"

"I really don't know. I could walk or ask my driver to pick me up." Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh! I know! I want to take the subway!"

"What's so exciting about that? The subways is actually kind of filthy."

She pouted. "Well, I never took the subway before. And now that my parents or my maids or by me, I was thinking I could sneak a chance. . ."

Jellal clucked his tongue. Rich people. They always have a car ready for them anytime anywhere. "Do you want to go to the subway then? I don't mind." He fished out his wallet and scanned the contents. Yup, he could buy two tickets back home. "Well then, let's go."

"Yay!" the queen shrieked. Jellal watched Erza beam with excitement. And before he even knew it, he was being captivated by the redhead's smile. . .again.

He held out his hand for the redhead. She took it, and he gently pulled her up.

"Do you know where the subway is?" the redhead asked.

Jellal give a reassuring nod. "Just follow me." He beckoned the redhead to follow and she did.

And that night, the two walked side by side, enjoying the smell of the late night air as they headed towards home as the twinkling stars at the sky winked at them.

And at that night, Erza felt a flicker, a small flicker, of a brighter future in the distance. Maybe luck was coming her way after all.

The End. I mean, it's only the end for this chapter. . .don't freak out!

This is the Jerza chapter I've always promised everyone, so I hope you like it! I also hope that my Grayza fans enjoyed last chapter. And I'm so sorry for ruining the mood for my Grayza fans. . .. I'm such a mean author. But just know that I love you guys! I can't believe this is my ninth chapter. asdfghjkl. I can't express how happy and thankful I am.

And also. . .SCHOOL'S FINALLY OVER. SQUEEEEEE. YAY, SUMMER!

Until next chap, everybody. Love you guys! Comment, review, or PM about this chapter. :) ~CHS