The street was quiet, the only sound coming from the canal, where a small boat was making its way to its destination. The canal workers who habitually waved to Lucy when they spotted her on the shore hesitated to yell out their customary greetings. They had overheard Lucy speak of Erza Scarlet many times to her friends, and seeing the scene playing out now, they could not bring themselves to interrupt such an important moment. One turned to the other and held out their hand; small coins could be seen glinting in the mid-morning light.

Lucy stood with her back turned to Erza, locking her apartment, and Erza found herself unable to breathe.

Lucy had asked Erza for a little extra time to "get ready". At the time Erza thought that perhaps Lucy needed to pick up allergy medications or something similar from her apartment.

Apparently not.

Lucy had reappeared from her apartment in what could only be described as a 'get some' outfit. Erza knew that's what it was, because she was the one that picked it out. She could clearly recall the heartbreak she had struggled to keep off her face as Lucy twirled in front of her and Levy, asking them if it was a good outfit to wear on a first date. Levy had laughed at the joke, but Erza had only managed to duck her head, hiding her face as if embarrassed.

Startled by a glint of light in her peripheral vision, Erza came back to the present. Before Lucy could turn around and spot her, Erza quickly Requipped into an outfit she had kept in her figurative back pocket for exactly such an occasion.

She couldn't exactly wear her armour on what was now most certainly a date, could she?

Lucy looked down at herself after locking her door, scanning over her appearance as if to check she had everything she needed. First, the sensible brown boots she favored for missions, up over her knees to the hem of the white skirt, up to her ever-present belt adorned with her keys and whip, to the sweetheart neckline of the pink top she knew Erza had loved. Lucy looked up from her quick self-assessment to find herself short-circuiting in the type of way she had only read about.

Erza stood before her in a blue button-down shirt undone to a nearly improper level, tucked into expertly fitted dark-wash jeans. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, leaving her neck exposed to reveal a gold necklace with a small Fairy Tail charm dangling from it.

Lucy could not remember ever being so happy to see her date. As they made eye contact, Lucy's entire form seemed to glow, her arm coming up to wave at Erza as she pushed off the neighboring building where she had been attempting to lounge casually. She had in no way achieved her goal, her stiff posture a testament to her anxiety to anyone who witnessed it.

Erza approached the base of Lucy's apartment steps as Lucy descended, her loose hair seeming to float around her head. Erza could not help but be reminded of an angel. "Well, she is a Celestial Wizard," a small sarcastic voice sounded in the back of her head, easily ignored.

Erza offered Lucy her arm as she reached the base of the stairs, eliciting a blush from Lucy. "I can't remember the last time someone treated me like a lady on a date," she thought to herself, smiling even brighter at Erza, the object of her affections.

Erza returned her smile before turning slightly and nodding toward the street. "Shall we go? I believe the train is set to leave in approximately twenty minutes. We do have time if you need to stop anywhere on the way."

"No, I have everything I need." Lucy responded, gently squeezing Erza's arm, smiling up at her, hoping Erza understood what she was trying to convey. Erza flushed, pleased, shoving down her insecurities as they threatened to break the surface of her mind. "Then let us be off," she declared, turning them fully and beginning to walk briskly toward the train station. Lucy laughed and could be heard gently teasing Erza about their fast pace as they walked away, happily wrapped up in one another's presence.

Levy and Natsu let out the breaths they had been holding in an effort to remain as quiet as possible while they spied on the Guild's newest couple from around the side of the building. Turning to one another, they had matching mischievous grins on their faces.

They would have quite the report for Mira back at the Guild Hall.

A.N.: Hello everyone. I apologize for my absence, I have been struggling with a lot of IRL issues the past few years. I hope you all can forgive me.

I have not forgotten about this story, and will continue it until their story has played out.

This story is no longer dedicated to anyone, and is purely for my own enjoyment. I hope you enjoy it too!

As pretty much always, this has not been betaed, so if there are any errors, I do apologize. If you are interested in being a beta reader, please contact me!

Thank you for taking the time to come and read my work! I hope you will be moved to leave a review.

May you have the happiest of days,

-M.M.