Chapter 2: Tabloids

Sometimes, Erza wished she wasn't famous. She wasn't ungrateful for her success and therefore comfortable lifestyle, but she just wanted some more privacy.

When Natsu had suggested one day during high school "Hey! Let's start a band," Erza agreed. She loved to play the drums and was glad to be able to play with her childhood best friends- Natsu and Gray- and new addition, Gajeel. She wasn't expecting, however, to become famous enough for people to recognize her on the streets. She also wasn't expecting the unwanted tabloids to pry into her personal life.

The day that the tabloids found out that Fairy Tail's Titania and popular soloist Jellal Fernandes knew each other, they had a field day. Erza remembered reading headlines such as "Fairy Tail's Reason for Success? Jellal's Affection for Titania," implying that Fairy Tail's rising popularity was because of Erza's "connection" with Jellal. Because a woman could never be successful without a man, right? Erza remembered being furious. Not only were they undermining her skills, but they were also undermining her bandmates' talents to play, compose, and write.

Erza never blamed Jellal, though. He wasn't the one writing those articles. She and Jellal knew each other before she had moved to Magnolia and met Natsu and Gray. They were both young, eight-year-olds, but they only had fond memories of each other. Recently, they had connected once again since they were both signed to Heartfilia Records. The day they reconnected was the day the tabloids mysteriously got pictures of them both at a coffee shop in Crocus.

The day after they met, when the articles were released, Jellal called Erza and apologized. He blamed himself. Erza insisted it wasn't his fault, but Jellal didn't listen. He only talked to her when Erza herself reached out since he believed he was undeserving.

Erza made every effort to keep her friendship with her childhood friend alive, however. She would drop by unannounced with cake in her hands during recording sessions in the studio or even in Jellal's home. Erza wasn't looking for a relationship, as the tabloids had suggested. She didn't want to force him into something he didn't want to do. Rather, she was looking for her old friend.

Ultear sighed. She loved working for Jellal, really. He was sweet and down to earth, despite his popularity and great voice. He was a good shoulder to lean on in times of need because he treated his managers, Ultear and Meredy, like family️. But he was just a pain sometimes.

"Jellal. For the last time, the song you wrote is great! Just record it and release it! It's been a year since your last release. Your fans will be happy," advised Ultear.

"But Ultear! What if this song flops? It's not even that good. What if my career tanks? You and Meredy will be out of jobs!" Jellal replied.

"Stop making up imaginary scenarios, Jelly. You and I both know you have enough money to survive even if one single tanks," pointed out Meredy.

"My label executive already says I have one too many managers for being a solo artist. What if they fire one of you?" Jellal continued.

"You know Jellal, Meredy and I aren't helpless. We'd be fine even if we lost our job. Plus Jude knows you need two managers because you're a disorganized mess. He won't let anyone fire either one of us- you make a lot of money for the label," countered Ultear.

"... Fine." Jellal sighed. "You two are good managers. Thank you for keeping my self-esteem up."

"No prob, Jellybean. But you should really work on that self-esteem thing," said Meredy. Ultear made a noise of agreement.

"Speaking of self-esteem… how is your relationship with Erza going? Self-esteem issues still dragging you down?" Ultear said slyly.

"There is no "relationship" with Erza. Yes, she's talented, beautiful, and an all-around perfect person, but she deserves someone better. Someone that's not me," said Jellal.

Ultear wrinkled her nose. "Do you even hear yourself? You're in love with her."

"Wha- no I'm not! I mean, yes, I think Erza's amazing… but I don't think she'd ever love me back…"

"See, this is what Ultear meant by self-esteem issues," declared Meredy.

Jellal sighed for what seemed like the umpteenth time during their conversation. Whenever he started to ramble about his low self-confidence, Ultear or Meredy always pointed it out and brought him back to reality. He was glad that his two managers were there to organize his life and boost his self-esteem. He wouldn't dare admit it out loud, but he was also glad that they both pushed him to improve his relationship with Erza. He didn't know what he'd do without them.

Jellal ran his hands through his bright blue hair. "I… need some coffee."

The last time Jellal went to his favorite coffee shop, he was with Erza. He suggested the place not only for the coffee but for the strawberry cake. He had taken a gamble and hoped that Erza's favorite dessert had not changed over the years, and he was glad to see that it hadn't. Jellal subconsciously smiled remembering her face while eating a slice of cake.

Jellal snapped out of his stupor and glanced up from where he was sitting when he heard the familiar jingle of the front doorbells. He chuckled when he realized that the one who was overtaking his thoughts at the moment had morphed right in front of him. He raised his hand in greeting. "Erza."

"Jellal!" Erza said, surprised. She hadn't recognized him in his "going out in public" disguise. A few heads turned at the sound of Jellal's familiar name, but she laughed nervously and waved them off.

"What brings you to my coffee sanctuary?" He questioned.

Erza took the seat across Jellal. "Well... I quite liked the strawberry cake here when we came last time, and I was craving some," she admitted.

"Ah, yes. They do make great coffee and pastries here," said Jellal.

Jellal inwardly congratulated himself. For someone who was afraid of confrontation, he felt like he was doing pretty well conversing with Erza. He had already said a solid two sentences!

"Um, Erza? I apologize if I am inquiring too far… but aren't you uncomfortable coming here?"

"Uncomfortable? Why would I be- oh…" Erza looked down. This coffee shop was the one where the tabloids had gotten pictures of them both.

Jellal proceeded to panic. "Oh no- Erza! Sorry. I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" Jellal fretted.

Erza let out a small laugh.

Did I just hear her laugh? Jellal thought.

Then, Erza was full out having a laughing fit.

"W-Why are you laughing!?"

"It's just- you're hilarious! You panicked so fast- I'm fine!" Erza said, in between breaths.

"It's not funny!" Jellal protested. He wasn't very convincing, however, as he had started laughing too.

When they both stopped, Erza noticed something. "It's the first time you've laughed around me since we reconnected," she said.

"I… really?"

"Really. You're always so tense around me."

"Honestly? I don't want a repeat of the last time we were here to occur," revealed Jellal.

"I really don't mind, Jellal. I'd just like to spend some more time with you," replied Erza.

"That's the issue. I know you say it didn't concern you, but I know it did. It concerned me! I don't want you to have to see such insulting headlines again."

Erza grimaced. "It's not your fault. You didn't write those articles."

"But it is my fault!" Jellal insisted. "I don't want my reputation to destroy your career."

"Jellal, I understand your intentions are good. But did you ever stop to think that possibly, I would be fine? I can survive one scandal.

"I feel that you push me away just because of a few headlines. I've had my fair share of similar headlines before. When I entered the industry, many people doubted me. They used to question me saying "Why would a woman be in a rock band with three boys?" They told me to go back and do something "normal," like singing pop music. What kind of girl played drums in a band?"

Erza took a deep breath and continued. "But I'm still here today. Not only thanks to my friends and bandmates but because I had the resolve to continue playing, despite the headlines not believing in me.

"Now, the band is doing better than ever. We just signed to the same record label as yours! Our new album did very well. I've earned the respect of the public.

"So, truthfully, I believe I can handle a "scandal" with you. I don't think a few nosy tabloids should stop us from being good friends," finished Erza.

Jellal let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Wow, that was…"

"Sorry! Did I say too much?" Erza asked, concerned.

"No. No- I think that was just what I needed," said Jellal.

"Needed for what?"

"For me. For my self-confidence, I mean. It always held me back from rebuilding our friendship. Ultear and Meredy were always demanding that I believe in myself," he said. "And your disquisition- not that it was uninteresting or anything- was just what I needed to reassure myself that I… well, deserved to be your friend again, I suppose."

Erza's eyes softened. "I truly had no idea you were feeling that way," she admitted. "But I'm glad I could help."

"Is that Titania Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail?" A customer in the café suddenly interjected.

"I think it's time for us to leave," chuckled Jellal.

"You didn't even get to finish your coffee!" Erza declared, but she stood up, ready to bolt out of the shop.

Erza and Jellal laughed as they ran.

The next day, when Erza looked at the tabloids, a new headline glared back at her. "Is Something Really Going On? Titania and Jellal Fernandes Spotted Having Coffee Again!"

This time, however, Erza just smiled. Because this time, she knew that she had gained a new friend. Or, more precisely, that she had earned an old friend back.

... AKA Jellal has anxiety and self-esteem issues (just like in the show). Erza gave him the push to believe in himself a little more, so this chapter basically resolves the tension between the two.

I know this chapter is very different from the last one. I guess I just wanted to write Jerza at the time, haha. I will be exploring more emotionally-centric things in later chapters, along with progressing the story that started from the last chapter.

Thanks for reading!