Welcome to chapter 13! And of course, thank you so much for everybody's support. I want to thank each and everyone of you for making me smile and continue on with this story. I still have a lot to go with ISWF! Thanks w/ lots of love!
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail belongs to Mashima Hiro.
The redhead smiled. "It's for Gray Fullbuster."
The worker's eyes widened. "Gray Fullbuster? As in the boy who's going to take over Fullbuster Enterprise." The rivalry between the two families was well known, so Erza was not surprised by the worker's reaction. What wasn't well known was the friendship between the two heirs of the company. Besides, Erza and Gray tried to keep their friendship as little known as possible.
"Y-yes. Why? Is there a p-problem?" Erza asked innocently.
The salesperson looked a little shocked by Erza's answer. "No. Of course not." She collected herself and started writing the name on the bag.
Erza sighed and started a phone call to Gray. In truth, she have noticed that the boy was acting weird lately; it wasn't just Lucy's paranoia. However, every time Erza tried to question what was wrong, the boy simply changed the subject. She silently hoped that the truffles would brighten his mood.
She frowned when the call when to his voicemail. I wonder what happened to him, she thought. The redhead redialed the number, but to no avail once again.
"Miss Scarlet, here." The worker handed the gift bag to the girl. "That would be 13,500 Jewels." (~$135) Erza nodded before she left the store.
She dialed Gray's number again. She had to. What would Loki and her maids say if they see the name "Gray Fullbuster" written on the gift bag. When Gray didn't pick up, she called again. And again. And again.
What could Gray possibly be doing right now? she thought. Erza asked the crowd to part and they obeyed. She stood at the cross walk waiting areaand dialed the boy's number once again. Suddenly, she heard someone in the crowd scream, "Lord! Is that Gray Fullbuster?" Soon, murmurs and gasps were heard.
Erza, who's stubborn, didn't follow everyone else's line of vision. Gray's busy. That's why he didn't pick up his phone. Why would Gray be here? He hates shopping. They probably mistakened it.
"Oh yeah you're right!" someone else answered.
"He has a nice suit on today. It's like he's on a date!"
Date?
"Um hm. He has a girl with him!"
Girl?
"Wow she's so pretty! Is it his fiancee?"
Pretty fiancee?
"Now that I think about it, I think about it she can be in par with Titania!"
In par with ME?!
Erza whirled around. . .And when she saw the scene, she wished that she didn't. Her eyes rounded and her heart fell. If anything, she was in so much disbelief she had trouble breathing. She saw Gray look toward her direction. In response, Erza turned and plunged into the crowd, hoping to lose herself so quickly in order for Gray to not spot her.
As a result, she lost her balance and collapsed onto the floor. She picked up her bags and phone. Then pain came around and found her. She looked down. Sure enough, her palms were scratched and her knees were scraped because of the concrete. The people were so absorbed about Gray and his lady that they didn't take notice of the injured Titania. "Shit," she murmured. "Why did I wear such a short skirt today?" Blood started showing up on her wounds. What would Loki say when he saw her? Bad things. What if he would tell her parents? Even worse things.
She quickly brushed off the dirt and winced with each movement. She started dragging herself away from the scene. No matter how much her wounds ached, her heart ached more. Erza fought to keep her tears from spilling.
She muttered curses under her breathe. "Why the hell is Juvia here?" Though she didn't get a clear, front view of the girl with Gray, the noticeable periwinkle locks spilled the beans. "I thought Gray hated Juvia. Why would he agree to be with such a witch?!"
A tear trickled down her cheek. She tightened her grip on the bags even though the pain on her hands was killing her.
Luckily, everyone had their full attention on the two people across the street.
Erza stomped and stomped to the point she had no clue how many blocks she passed. The more she walked away from the scene, the more she thought about it, and more tears fell. Soon, the busy shopping district disappeared and the large number of pedestrians have lowered drastically. Erza spotted an alleyway between two shops, a convenience store and a cafe, and slipped in. She cleared a spot for herself and sat down. The redhead was exhausted by now and her ankles ached too. She leaned her head by the wall. I'll just rest for a little bit. It'll only be ten minutes, she vowed. Little did she know that fatigue was slowly overtaking her.
Jellal Fernandes slipped the ramen, Coke, and cracker boxes into the white plastic bag that contained the store logo printed on it. "That'll be 900 Jewels ($9)," he stated to the customer in front of him. He exchanged the money given for the receipt. "Thank you very much for your service," he then said. For the past five hours, Jellal felt like he was on auto-pilot. Nothing interesting happened so far.
When another customer entered the store, he did his usual routine. The bluehead uttered the words he was used to say for the past two weeks he was working at the shop. "Welcome to the convenience store, sir!" As the man went through the selves, Jellal busied himself by wiping the counter. It was already shining a little bit too much to his liking, but he continued wiping it anyway. His manager was watching him at the next counter, so Jellal didn't want to seem idle. When the customer finished picking the items, he encoded the items into the computer, relayed the price, and gave the receipt. Yup, today was the usual.
Suddenly, Jellal felt a tap on his shoulder. The craned his neck to see his manager looking his way. "Yes, Miss Milkovich?"
The lady smiled. Ultear Milkovich pointed at the clock at the front of store. "It's almost 3 o'clock. Your shift will be over soon. You wanna wrap it up by sweeping the alleyway?" she asked. "I can take it from here." Though that was what Miss Milkovich said, Jellal knew the hidden meaning was "go help yourself and take a break." The manager was so kind and understanding, he sometimes thought of her as a second mother.
The bluehead nodded to acknowledge the task. "Thanks."
"Anytime, Jellal."
The boy walked away from the counter and fetched the broom and dustpan from the corner.
Just as he was about to exit, the manager spoke again. "What was that?!" She was staring outside the large glass window of the front wall.
Jellal furrowed his brows. "Excuse me?" He followed the lady's line of vision. There wasn't anything special outside.
The lady snapped out of her trance. "I must be dreaming. I think I just saw someone who looked really miserable. But as soon as I saw her, she disappeared. Oh my. If I was in her position, I would go to the doctor."
"Maybe she's poor. She doesn't have enough for a doctor's visit."
"Jellal!"
"I'm sorry, Miss Milkovich," he apologized. "I'll be leaving now." He bowed and ran off just in case the lady wanted to scold him any more. He turned towards the side of the convenience store. Jellal knew he should properly apologize to Ultear soon. He really didn't mean to upset her.
He started sweeping the dust and dirt off the concrete. He didn't know she was there. He was too concentrated on the shiny tiles that he failed to notice someone else's presence. She lazily lifted her head when she heard someone's footstep's against the concrete. Suddenly, he wished he never went there. He wished she was never there. He wished he didn't look into her eyes. Her eyes that were full of pain, weariness, and longing. Because the moment he did, he couldn't look away anymore.
"Erza Scarlet." Those were the two words that escaped Jellal's lips when he saw the redhead sitting against the wall. The broom he was holding slipped from his hands. His gaze shifted from her pale face to her bloody knees to her red stained bag handles. His jaw dropped in disbelief. This couldn't be Erza Scarlet, could it? What happened to her?
In a split second, Jellal was back inside the convenience store which almost scared his manager. As promised, he'll apologize later. The bluehead rummaged through the shelves and fished out bandages, two bottles of water, rubbing alcohol, and cotton balls. He placed it on the counter along with a 2,000 Jewels ($20) bill. "Keep the change, Miss Milkovich. I'll be back soon."
Before the lady could respond, he was out the door again looking for the familiar face. "Erza-san!" The redhead picked up her head but remained silent. Jellal sat next to her. It didn't matter that his white slacks would be gray later.
"What are you d-doing here?" she asked, her voice almost inaudible. Erza was just about to nap right before the bluehead barged in. She wanted to protest, but she was too weak for that. How much blocks did she walk?
Jellal started taking the materials out of the bag. "You idiot. What are doing here by yourself?" He unscrewed the rubbing alcohol bottle and dipped a cotton ball in.
"Go away. I don't need your h-help."
"Liar."
"Just go b-back where you came from. I'll take it from here," Erza claimed. She reached for the rubbing alcohol bottle but Jellal pulled it away from her reach.
"You're stubborn. Did you know that?" He took a hold of one of the redhead's leg. He dabbed the cotton ball of the wound and the redhead flinched. "Stay still," he ordered.
"Why?"
He suppressed an exasperated sigh. "Just think of this as a token of appreciation." The bluehead continued dabbing the medicine. Obedient, the girl didn't move her leg.
"Of what?" Erza asked. Her voice was still hoarse after crying. She must look so stupid in the bluehead's eyes.
"Do you remember the day you helped me?" Jellal quietly asked.
"When?"
"On the tour day." He sighed. "I was stupid that day. I'm sorry."
At first she didn't understand what he was saying. But it soon made sense. The memory of her running to Jellal's aid reappeared in her mind. She still remembered placing the napkin on his head and wiping blood off his forehead. She also recalled him abruptly leaving and humiliating her in front of Gray. She clearly remembered the utter disappointment she felt soon after. Erza looked at the bluehead. He still remembered?
"Um. . .it's okay. It w-was so long ago. . ."
"I know you're still mad at me," Jellal interrupted, which left the redhead speechless. Ever since he was young, reading the redhead was his talent. The boy dipped in another cotton ball and grazed it over the scrape. The blood was cleared for the most part. He blew on the wound, which drew a wince from the girl.
As his agile fingers moved, the redhead couldn't help but stare at them. He watched his hand move from the rubbing alcohol bottle to her knee. His hands were so gentle as they rubbed against the cut. Even though the pain was excruciating, watching Jellal care for it eased the ache. "Am I t-tiring you?" she suddenly asked.
The boy suddenly looked up, confused. "Why?"
"I'm b-being such a b-bother."
The bluehead shrugged. "I never said that."
She buried her face into her arms from embarrassment. "I'm an idiot. I'm an idiot!" she groaned, though her voice was muffled. "I'm not even helping you, Jellal!"
The boy laughed. "I told you not to worry. Besides, it's actually fun."
When Jellal realized the words that came out of his mouth, he wished he kept his mouth shut. Without him even knowing, his cheeks started getting red and his tattoo was getting more and more difficult to see. There was something that willed him to look up at Erza.
When lifted his face, his tea green eyes met Erza's coffee colored one. Her eyes were unreadable, and so were his. They held each other's gaze for about five seconds. It could've been more Jellal didn't decide to avert his line of vision. He cleared his throat to try to alleviate the awkward atmosphere.
"Give me your hand," he said. The redhead tentatively reached out. Jellal took her hand with an exasperated sigh and inspected it. "There's quite a lotta dirt," he commented. He used a cotton ball to quickly brush over the wound. When the pang of pain hit her again, Erza instantly pulled back. Jellal looked up in surprise. He rummaged his mind for ideas. "How about this. Let's just start a conversation so you can keep you mind off of your palm for now."
The redhead slowly nodded in agreement. She stretched out her hand again. The boy gently brushed the scrape. She curiously watched the boy's movements. She laid her eyes upon his apron. "You work here?" she inquired, referring to the logo.
The boy paused for a moment before answering. "Yeah," he replied. He must seem idiotic. While he was trying to earn money by working part-time at a convenience store, Erza's family earned hundreds of dollar a day.
"Yeah, it's a part time job. I have Mondays off, but I still work twenty hours a week. Six hours on the weekends and two hours on weekdays, 1,000 Jewels (~$10) an hour. It's not that bad, since my manager's really nice," the bluehead explained.
The redhead's giggles lightened the mood immediately. "You're so lucky."
Jellal felt his eyebrow lift. "Lucky?!"
"Umhmm. I w-want to know how working feels," Erza quietly admitted.
"Well, you're weird. It hinders my study a little bit though. Still, I enjoy it. I like volunteering in the store kitchen the most, especially with the confections."
"Why?"
Jellal smiled as he bandaged the last of the wounds. "My mom works as a professional baker. As a kid, I would follow her into the kitchen and act as a helping hand."
"Really? That's. . .cute."
"Um no, since my mom is really picky. She always spots mistakes in my sweets."
Erza's cheerful laugh reassured Jellal. It made him happy that the redhead was feeling better. He figured that he would ask about the injuries later. The atmosphere was still fragile.
"You like chocolate?" Erza, which seemed out of the blue. She forgot that she still had a Chocolate World bag next to her. She nonchalantly tucked it behind her back, hoping the boy wouldn't notice.
Jellal shook his head. "I don't like chocolate. I LOVE chocolate. I love sweets since a kid." It was a cheesy joke, but it brought a smile to the redhead.
Silence enveloped them again as Jellal continued cleaning the cuts. Just when it seemed like the atmosphere couldn't get more awkward, Erza spoke up. "What does your dad work as?" she asked.
"A lawyer."
"Wow." She was worried that she had offended the boy since her reaction didn't seem so enthusiastic as she intended too. In truth, she was amazed. But her voice pointed the other way.
"That's nothing compared to your parents."
"I want to meet your parents one day," Erza sighed.
"Why?"
"They're different. They're not. . .rich company owners. . .or anything."
Another awkward silence.
"Am I being a brat?" Erza asked. Honestly, why was she asking the most random questions ever. "You hate me, don't you?"
"No." Jellal answered sheepishly.
"I'm sorry, Jellal." Erza's voice was slowly disappearing. "Because of me, I wasted all of your time"
"I'm fine."
"I'm sorry for all of my trouble and. . ."
"Fine!" Jellal interrupted. He stood up and said, "If that's what you want then I'll be leaving. Then you won't have to feel so. . ."
"No!" Erza screamed. "Don't leave me!"
Don't leave me. Those three words. Three words that have impacted and shaped Jellal to the person he is today. Forever. He knew there was no mistaking it because of the flutters he was feeling in his stomach. And there was also no mistaking on the terrible amount of guilt that washed over Jellal. "I'll stay if you stop blaming yourself," he explained.
Her red, puffy eyes told Jellal that she was near crying. If he took a closer look, he could see older tear streaks. Did she cry lately? Jellal wondered.
"Thank you," Erza whispered.
Jellal, startled by the sudden noise turned to the redhead. A faint blush was on the girl's dainty cheeks.
It took him a moment to answer, since he was mesmerized by the girl's beauty. And he hated the fact that his heart was starting a marathon. Titania. "No problem," he finally uttered. "Can I ask a question?"
"Sure."
"Why did you scrape yourself? What happened?"
"I saw Gray with. . .Juvia."
"Aish!" Jellal screamed. He jolted up.
Surprised, the redhead flinched. "J-jellal. . .? What happened?"
"Let's not talk about Gray, can we?"
"Why?"
"Every time we talk about him, it makes you upset. And I don't want to see you upset. Do you remember what I asked you to do on the night of Magic Day? You promised that you wouldn't cry again. And your tear streak stains are a complete giveaway." He went back to his seat.
She instantly placed a hand on her cheek as if it would take away the tear streaks. "S-sorry."
"Let's move on to another topic," Jellal suggested.
The girl shrugged. "About what?"
"Whatever that interests you."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Erza's eyebrows lifted in amusement. "L-let's start with this. Can I c-call you. . .Jellal. . .instead of Jellal-san?" She braced herself in case the boy would reject the offer.
"Of course!"
"What? Really?"
"Yeah!" The bluehead smiled. "It's already been three weeks since I transferred, and you just decided to call me 'Jellal' now? Ever since Day One, most people simply call me by my first name. We even live under the same roof."
"B-but. . .you always call me. . .Erza-san."
"You want me to call you Titania. . .?"
Erza's eyes rounded at the question. "No no no! Of course not. I. . .don't like being called Titania. Just call me 'Erza.' Simple as that. Got it?"
"Okay, Jellal. . ." It seemed weird for her to call him only by his first name. Then again, the name sounded rather familiar though she couldn't place a finger on what it was.
"Let's stay that way, Erza."
She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I was always very curious about one thing."
"What"
"C-can you tell me stories from your past?"
That was when Jellal knew he was cornered. Because the second the word "past" is mentioned in front of him, memories flood back to him. From the crystal blue waters to the shrill laughs that had once filled the air. He vowed that he would attempt to get rid of those memories, but they still remained. A wave of guilt washed over him and it made him shudder. He regretted it everything. Every. Single. Thing. Though he could say that it all started with his mom, he knew it was an excuse to hide the fact that it began with him. Or maybe it wasn't his fault. Maybe. . .it started with fate.
What a cheesy chapter. It's so fluffed up. Ew, fluffy chapters. It makes me cringeSometimes, I can't even finish editing a chapter that I wrote because I think it's too cheesy and I just stop reading. Bleh. Hehehe.
Once again, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS YOU WANT TO ASK FOR Q&A, PLEASE POST THEM IN THE REVIEW SECTION OR PM. Thank you for taking your time. I will also add some simple questions of my own for the bonus.
I can't believe that it's August already. It was New Years a second ago. . .Who feels old?
Stay tuned for the next update! Love you guys! ~CHS