"Signing out so soon?" Mira asked, sweetly. Erza sighed, slightly irritated at the woman's sudden appearance. Mira was so curious about everything and was likely waiting for the tiniest slip up from her. A slip up that would reveal secrets and such. Then again Mira knew why Erza was signing out. She was most likely teasing her.
"I have an appointment," Erza smiled slightly. Mira knew that smile and simply smirked in response.
"Oh, well have "fun" at your appointment," she giggled behind her hand.
Erza simply glared in response, causing Mira to freeze. Satisfied, Erza quickly left, hoping she wouldn't be late.
…
Pulling up outside the Sabertooth Prison, she took a deep breath to calm herself. Her Heart Kruz bag was heavy with all the goods she was bringing along. Checking her appearance in the car mirror, she was satisfied and hopped out of the car. Entering the prison she walked up to the reception where a girl with a silver bob sat. Her name tag read, "Yukino".
"Hi, how can I help you today?" Yukino asked Erza politely.
"I'm here to visit Jellal Fernandes," Erza replied cooly. Yukino nodded slowly and picked up the phone, dialing a number.
"Hi… Yes, it's Yukino…. I have someone saying they are visiting Jellal Fernandes... Name?" Yukino suddenly asked Erza.
"Erza Scarlet."
"Erza Scarlet… yes… Security, right… Okay, I'll send her to you … Bye!" Yukino chirped before turning to Erza.
"You'll need to go through a standard security check by my colleague before you are able to visit Mr. Fernandes," Yukino explained.
"That's fine," Erza said. She'd done this a thousand times after all. The girl on the desk must be new if she didn't know who she was.
"Hello, Erza," a female voice said. Erza turned to see Officer Minerva, standing next to the search room," Ready for the search?"
"Of course," Erza replied, walking into the empty room. After a quick search of her bag and clothing, she was declared safe and led to the visitors room by the brunette.
"You have 30 minutes," Minerva reminded her quickly as she locked the iron door behind the red head. But Erza barely heard her as she took in the sight before her. Sitting in the plastic chair was Jellal Fernandes, the man she loved.
"Jellal!" Erza cried out, rushing over to him. He embraced her warmly, her sweet perfume tickling his nose.
"I've missed you so much, Erza," Jellal whispered, kissing her chastly on the forehead.
"I've missed you too," Erza mumbled back," Any progress on the case?"
"Only another month," Jellal smiled softly. Erza gave a scream of surprise, causing the door flap to open.
"Is everything okay?" a guard yelled in.
"I'm fine, sorry," Erza yelled back, turning red. Jellal chuckled.
"How is that possible?" Erza whispered in awe, clasping his hands to make sure that this wasn't a dream. He'd been in here for 3 years already.
"The Judicial system finally believe that I was brainwashed to follow Nirvana," Jellal explained," The lab finally got around to testing the substance a year ago and the results show that individuals who are exposed to the powder fall into a hypnotic, vulnerable state."
"I'm so happy," Erza smiled, her eyes watering. She'd always known that Jellal was innocent, despite everything. She'd never given up on him, visiting him as often as possible.
"Don't cry, Erza," Jellal smiled, wiping away her tears," Now, let's see what you brought me this time."
Erza smiled and gave him his care package, consisting of a strawberry cake (obviously), salt, bodywash, a new book and finally a picture of Erza.
"It's perfect," Jellal exclaimed, leaning in to kiss Erza. Erza felt her heart skip a beat and she leaned in as well, her eyes closing.
Suddenly, the door opened and there stood two guards. The couple jumped apart, blushing. The guards realised the situation and began to fidget nervously. Erza knew their names. Orga and Rufus.
"I'm sorry, but your time is up, Miss Erza," Rufus said as Orga came in with the handcuffs. He quickly attached them to Jellal. When they were tightened, Erza saw Jellal wince in pain. She wanted to stop this unncescary torture but she knew she was powerless to do anything.
"Goodbye, Erza," Jellal yelled as he was lead down the endless corridors, back to his bare cell.
"Goodbye Jellal," Erza shouted, blinking away tears. She didn't want him to hear her cry.
"It's only for another month," she thought to herself as she walked away. But even that couldn't stop her from sobbing her heart out when she was finally alone in her car.
…
Juvia sat on her bed, a smile on her face. Last night, she and Gray had gone out after he'd heard her Russian accent. She wasn't needed in the gym that day which was perfect. It gave her time to reflect over how incredible last night had been.
Flashback
Gray stood outside the gym, allowing the cicadas's noises to calm him. He'd spent his shower mainly thinking about one thing. Was it a date or not? He'd decided to just leave it for now. It was making him feel things he didn't want to feel, hence the need to calm down. But once he saw her, nothing could soothe his racing heart.
Juvia was wearing a pair of tight jeans and a white sweater which seemed to ready to slip off her shoulder any second. She was standing nervously, fiddling with the end of her sweater.
"Are you ready?" Juvia asked shyly. Gray nodded, unable to form words. Juvia started to go to her car, but Gray quickly stopped her.
"It's actually not far from here," Gray explained," Just follow me."
The walk was silent. At several points, Gray wanted to ask her more about her past, but he realised that it would be better to wait until they were both comfortable.
Soon they found themselves in Magnolia park. Juvia was confused until Gray went up to a fast food truck. He came back with a bag and two coffees. Taking one, Juvia followed him to a bench. Taking a seat, she took a moment to appreciate the beautiful scenery. The stars were just beginning to appear in the sky and the moonlit made the parks water features appear to be dripping diamonds.
"Here you go," Gray smiled, handing her what appeared to be a burrito. But after tearing off the wrapping, a sweet aroma hit her nose. She tried to nibble at the treat but it was so sticky and chewy.
"You don't know how to eat a caramade frank?" Gray asked.
Juvia simply shook her head.
"Here," Gray sighed," First open your mouth wide."
Juvia obeyed, her mouth opened as far as possible.
"Now put the caramade frank in and chomp!"
Juvia did as he said and was surprised at how much easier it was.
After they finished their desserts and coffee, Gray was ready for answers.
"So, let's start from the beginning," Gray began," Where are you from? That accent, it sounds Eastern European. Am I right?"
"I'm from Russia," Juvia answered, her rich tone filling the night air.
"So why'd you come here?" Gray asked. Suddenly Juvia's eyes darkened. She went to turn away, but Gray grabbed her hand.
"You promised me answers," Gray reminded her, his voice firm.
"It wasn't my choice," Juvia whispered.
"Eh?"
"My parents sold me off to a man named Jose Porle," Juvia said, her voice soft and breakable, like a beautiful piece of glass," I never really knew much about them though. All I can remember is that my father was very tall. My mother was beautiful. She had hair like mine."
"You were sold off?" Gray growled, his expression icy. Juvia could only nod in response and watch as Gray shook his head in disgust.
"That's horrible," he said," How could anyone do that to a child?"
"My parents weren't nice people," Juvia shrugged," From what Jose told me, they were addicts. They saw me as a hindrance and also an opportunity for profit."
"Juvia…" Gray muttered, half wishing she'd stop. But he needed to know about her.
"I grew up in a gang. I was used in spy missions and such. Eventually Juvia left and got a deal which gave her a clean slate."
"How'd you retain the accent?" Gray asked.
"I felt like if I lost it, I'd lose a part of me," Juvia explained," I was able to hide it by changing my voice. It damaged my throat, but it only hurt a little when I got older."
"Why did you hide it at Fairy Tail though?" Gray asked," I mean, we don't care."
"Because…" Juvia paused before continuing," Juvia didn't want you to hear her accent. It's so… cold… rough."
For a moment, the only sound was the cold wind whistling in the trees. Gray processed her statement and felt his blood pressure rise.
"You hid your accent for me?" Gray yelled, his eyes widened in surprise. Juvia nodded, causing Gray to curse and cover his face.
"Juvia is sorry," Juvia squeaked, beginning to stand up. A hand flew out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back down.
"You don't have to apologize, Juvia," Gray exclaimed.
"Juvia should, I mean-"
"I should be apologizing to you," Gray continued," I mean, god, you must think I'm a total prick if I would hate your voice."
There was a pause, the rustling wind becoming louder.
"Do you like Juvia's voice?"
"Huh?" Gray exclaimed, looking up at Juvia who was now much closer to him.
"Do you like my voice, Gray?" she repeated. Gray gulped, staring into her sapphire eyes.
"Yeah," Gray began quietly," It's like… water."
"What?" Juvia giggled.
"It's cool, soothing," Gray continued, causing Juvia's smile to fade," but it's also full of passion and it pulls you in. It's like I'm drowning."
"Gray," Juvia whispered, in shock. Gray's hand caressed her cheek.
"Juvia," Gray murmured, leaning in. Her voice, the setting, everything was perfect. This should have been their first kiss. But it wasn't.
Suddenly, Gray pulled away, leaving Juvia frozen in place. He couldn't do this. Not now. He'd let his guard down and nearly slipped up.
"Is something wrong Gray?" Juvia whispered, her voice filled with fear of rejection.
"I…" Gray began before sighing," I can't do this."
"What is this?" Juvia asked, annoyed, pulling away from him.
"This," Gray snapped, pointing at both of them," thing. I don't do relationships."
"Look, Juvia doesn't know who broke your heart, but not everyone-" Juvia began before Gray interrupted.
"I've never been in a relationship," he yelled. There was silence and then giggling. Gray's eyes widened as he saw the Russian beauty laugh, her pale face shimmering in the moonlight.
"So, you're saying," Juvia said between giggles," that you don't "do" relationships, despite having never been in one."
"Well, yeah," Gray mumbled, realizing how stupid he must of sounded. He turned away from her but Juvia reached out, cupping his face. She forced him to look at her.
"Why don't you try it?" Juvia whispered.
"Eh?"
"You have my number," Juvia smiled as she got up from the bench," Why don't you drop me a text? We can go on a real date."
Gray could only nod in shock. Juvia noticed his frozen state and couldn't resist giving him a quick peck on the cheek before skipping off into the night.
Back to Present
Juvia smiled as she remembered everything. Sure, it hadn't been perfect, but it was better than expected. She'd gotten to kiss Gray and there was a possibility of a date hanging in the air. She really couldn't ask for much more. Now, it was all up to him. The ball was in his court. She'd have to be patient.