Less talking more reading. . .
Disclaimer: Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail Characters.
"Happy birthday, Jellal Fernandes!" Erza shouted as she opened the door to the bluehead's room. Sunday, January 8th, and it was Jellal's birthday. She happily skipped inside, and Jellal was staring at his laptop. Jellal's face brightened when he saw Erza.
"Thanks, Erza," he said as Erza handed him a decorated bag.
"Look inside," the redhead insisted, and Jellal did as he was told.
"Wow, what's this?" He fished out a large, shiny box and eagerly opened it. Inside laid a handsome silver watch, its polished hands passing through the different numbers on the clock. HIs jaw dropped. "Erza, you didn't have to buy this! This is too much and it's so expensive!"
"You're seventeen. You deserve something nice!"
"Are you saying I usually don't wear nice things?" he joked and made Erza sit on the seat beside him. He placed an arm around her shoulder.
Erza looked a little alarmed. "No I wasn't! You always look nice but with the watch, you'll look nicer."
"Alright, alright." He planted a kiss on her cheek and he examined her sweet face, which was now his everyday routine. Everything was the same, except one thing caught his attention. "What happened? Are you not getting enough sleep?" he worriedly asked. His fingers softly grazed against her eyebags. They did not exist before, but they became very visible over the week's progression. Many thoughts ran through his mind. Why is she not sleeping enough? Am I keeping her awake too much? What is she worrying about?
Erza forced a smile. "It's. . .nothing." She lied. It was most definitely something, this being her parents planning her birthday party with her everyday. She couldn't blame her parents; the party was supposed to represent the Scarlet Company's wealth and creativity. One week passed of planning already passed, and there were three more weeks to go.
"Are you sure?"
"Just one thing, don't tell Jellal about this. If I figure out, I will be severely disappointed."
Erza shivered as she remembered her father's words that accompanied the strict tone. She didn't dare to ask her father why because she knew he would threat her again. "Yes." She lied again, and she felt the guilt trapped in her throat. She had promised her parents she wouldn't tell Jellal the birthday plans.
Jellal pouted, a little disappointed. He knew there was something wrong, but he reluctantly forced himself to believe Erza's answer. "Take care of yourself, or else you're going to turn ugly," he said jokingly. He knew Erza always looked beautiful though.
He shifted his position. "Let's get ready because I just texted Lyon. He's already at the cafe." Since today was Jellal's birthday, he and Erza had invited some of their friends to celebrate the occasion. He stood up and headed to his closet to choose some clothes. When he turned around, Erza was still at her seat, staring at him. "Yah, what are you doing? I'm trying to change but you're watching."
"I'm leaving. I have to change, too," she announced and disappeared out the door.
That was the last time Jellal saw her that day without his jaw dropping. When he saw Erza half an hour later, his eyes widened with shock. He had been waiting by his motorcycle at the front yard for some time, and he was starting to feel a little bored. He stared at his new silver watch and couldn't help but notice the way it flashed under the sunlight. But when he heard the front door open, his eyes excitedly darted to the area.
Indeed, the redhead was walking out. But it wasn't the normal, everyday Erza. She was dressed in a dark, lace dress that stopped right above her knee. Jellal also loved her long, straight hairs, but today it was pulled up in a ponytail that revealed her breathtaking neck. Jellal took a deep breath as she approached, and he could see the light makeup she had applied. He wanted to pull her into his arms and soak himself in her warm, deep eyes, but he restrained himself.
He took his seat in front of the wheel and gestured Erza to sit behind.
"Nothing to say?" Erza asked as she wrapped her arms around his torso.
Jellal started the engine and took off. "You look beautiful today, Erza Scarlet." He could feel Erza lift her cheekbones as she smiled.
Erza pressed deeper into his back. She had been going to school with Jellal for the past month and by now, she was accustomed with the motorcycle rides. But every time, she loved the way the air brushed against her cheeks.
"Why'd you dress up so nicely?" Jellal asked.
"For you. Happy birthday."
He smiled. "You're the best birthday present I could get. In two months, when it's your birthday, I'm going to get you something even better." The two silenced for a moment as Jellal continued driving. "I just invited Lyon. Who'd you invite?" Jellal asked when he stopped at a red light.
"The usual," Erza replied. "Lucy, Gray, and Natsu. I don't know if Juvia is coming though."
"Wait, Gray is coming?" Jellal gulped. He had hoped that Erza knew better than to invite Gray, but he guessed not. Every time Jellal saw Gray at school, he always felt awkward, especially when he thought about the time Gray confronted him while Jellal was working.
If Erza comes up to me one day crying, I won't hesitate to take her back from you. Those were Gray's words. Jellal shivered as he recounted the day. He had never made Erza cry so far, but he hoped that that day would never come.
"Gray's coming. He asked and I couldn't say no. . ." Erza admitted.
"Why not?"
"He knew I invited Lucy and Natsu. I would seem like a bad friend if I didn't let him come too."
"What if Gray bought Juvia?"
"Look, Jellal. I liked Gray; that was a long time ago. I don't have feelings for him anymore because I love you."
Jellal smiled with approval. "I love you too."
Finally, Jellal and Erza arrived at their destination. Jellal parked his motorcycle and they rushed into the cafe. They were late though. Just as expected, Gray had arrived along with Lucy, Natsu, and Lyon.
"We were waiting for forever!" Lyon shouted.
"Happy birthday, Jellal," everyone shouted in unison.
Lyon patted the empty seat next to him. "Sit here, birthday boy."
Jellal, not wanting to refuse him, sat there. Immediately, he noticed that there was no empty seat next to him, meaning that Erza had to sit somewhere else. Jellal glanced at his girlfriend, who nodded, signaling she was okay.
Only one seat remained, and it was between Gray and Natsu. She awkwardly seated herself. She stared across the table, and there was Jellal. She had to admit, he looked really nice in his bomber jacket.
"Erza, would you like a drink?"
Erza turned to voice. It was Gray. He passed her a menu, and did the same to Jellal.
"Thanks," she said, but her voice came out in a very awkward tone. She hadn't talked to Gray for quite a while, since he was constantly with Juvia, and she was usually with Jellal. Erza racked her head to think of things to talk about with him. "How's your family?" she asked.
Gray stiffened. "Great."
"Gray, are you okay? You usually don't sound like that when you speak."
Gray mentally smiled. Erza was the same, caring friend he knew for almost thirteen years now. It made him happy that she was the same, despite the things that between them. "No, I'm fine, Eru."
Gray wanted to mentally slap himself. No, he was not fine. If only Erza knew what he knew. But his father told him not to tell her. His dad was right for the first time. Gray glanced at Jellal. It was for Erza's good.
"Aren't you excited for your own birthday?" Erza asked out of the blue. She didn't know what else to talk about.
Gray, on the other hand, wasn't as excited. Of all topics, she chose to talk about his birthday. Gray's birthday was only a few days after Erza's, and they were both turning seventeen. Two heirs turning seventeen at around the same time. . .The business world might be very excited to see the next owner of these big companies, but Gray wasn't that excited. "Nothing that much to be happy about," he replied.
"Won't the Fullbusters have this big party just for you? Didn't you know?"
Of course he knew about it. In fact, his parents were probably planning for that day for his entire lifetime. Furthermore, knowing the Scarlet family, he was probably more informed about Erza's birthday plans than she was. Gray swallowed back a lump of guilt. I can't tell Erza. If I tell her, Dad will be so mad at me, and the Scarlets will throw away all the good things they think about me, Gray thought.
"Gray?"
Gray flinched when he heard Erza's name. He realized he had been daydreaming. "Oh, sorry."
"There's something wrong, isn't it? But you won't tell me." Erza read his expressions like a book.
"Don't you hate me?" Gray blurted out. He wanted to stop his mouth from running, but he soon realized he couldn't. "After all the things that I've done to you? I've rejected you, dated Juvia, broken your trust so many times, and done so many other things I don't dare to admit. Yet, why do you care about me? Why do you still trust me, a traitor?" Gray nervously looked around the table, but thankfully everyone was too busy talking.
He heard Erza sigh and he turned to look at her.
"You know, Gray, I've never thought about you like that. True, there were times when you made me sad and whatever, but it doesn't change the fact that I've cared about you and that you were my friend for thirteen years."
Gray smiled. Erza always knew the best words to solve these situations.
"Gray," Erza continued. "Thank you for being such an amazing friend. I don't care what you do, as long as you're happy. I hope our friendship will last for many years to come."
"Yeah, of course." He stuck out his pinky. "Let's promise on that."
The redhead intertwined the finger with his. "Mhmm." She never felt so sure about a promise.
"Yah, Gray and Erza!" The two turned to the voice. "I don't know what you guys are talking about but lookie there! The food is coming!" Natsu shouted as the waiter approached them.
"Well, let's eat!" Gray declared as he smiled broadly.
The day passed by quickly. After the cafe, the group spent hours at Magnolia's amusement park to relive their moments as children. They even ordered a cake at the park's bakery and delivered Jellal's birthday wishes theres. Soon, the sun started setting and knowing their parents would worry, the group dispersed to their respective homes. Of course, no one would leave without one thing.
"Ice cream!" Erza shouted happily as she unwrapped the vanilla dessert. She had bought it with the rest of the party members nearby, and thankfully it hadn't melted. Currently, she was at the Scarlet manor's living room.
Sitting on the couch beside her was Jellal, who was also enjoying the chocolate ice cream. He passed the cone to Erza. "Do you want some?"
Erza shook her head. They finished their ice creams before talking.
"I wish your mom was here," Erza said with a sad smile.
"Me too. It's my first birthday without my mom at my side."
"Aw, Jellal."
"Don't be sad. You and everyone else made my day great." He pulled Erza closer to him. "Thanks for being the best. I love you, Erza."
She felt her face warm up. No matter how long they dated, she always felt flustered every time Jellal muttered sweet words into her ear. Just when she was about to plant a kiss on Jellal, she heard footsteps approach. Her parents appeared in her room.
"Mom! Dad!" she greeted. She was even more embarrassed since her parents were here. Her cheeks turned flaming red. She wiggled herself from Jellal's grip. Thankfully, Jellal got the message and released his hold.
"Mr. and Mrs. Scarlet!" he said with a smile and bowed his head.
"Erza, come into our office for a moment, please," Mr. Scarlet said. Erza got up from her seat.
Jellal sighed. Not again. For the past week, every time the two were together, Erza's parents showed up and took her away. It's always the same place too. It's always to their office.
"Mr. Scarlet," Jellal called. He didn't respond, so Jellal called his name again. "Er, Mr. Scarlet."
"Not now, Jellal. I heard you the first time."
Jellal was taken aback by his tone. The bluehead immediately hushed himself and quietly watched Erza leave the room.
"I got the invitation! What about you?"
"Surprisingly, I did too! I can't believe I'm invited to Titania's birthday celebration at her Scarlet manor!"
"This is going to be the coolest party in my life! I need to go shopping!"
It was March 6th. Erza's birthday was only several days away, and surprisingly, the entire Fairy Tail Academy was invited. Everyone was excited to spend the special day with their queen.
Correction. Everyone except one person.
"What invitation? What party? What?" Jellal's eyes widened. He never shot questions that quickly before, but he was dying to know.
Meredy, who was sitting with him at the library, raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you get the invitation to Erza's birthday party? Everyone in school got it, even Gray and Juvia." She pulled out a decorated card with the celebration information inside. "Well, Friday is the last day of junior year and it also happens to be Erza's birthday on Saturday. I'm definitely going."
Jellal took the card from Meredy and read through it. "How come I didn't get it? What the hell."
"Aren't you automatically invited? You're Titania's boyfriend plus you literally live at her manor."
Jellal pointed to the bottom of the card. "Look here. It says 'entrance requires showing the card at the door.'"
Meredy shrugged. "Maybe you should ask Mr. Scarlet when you get home."
Jellal listened to Meredy's advice. The second he came home, he went up to the third floor in search of Mr. Scarlet's office. When he found it, he knocked the site and was invited in.
"Mr. Fernandes! How good to see you!" Mr. Scarlet beamed. Unfortunately, his wife wasn't there and that sent bad vibes to Jellal.
"Everyone at school got an invitation to Erza's party this Saturday. I didn't get one. Maybe it was lost during the shipment or somehow you guys forgot to write my name on the guest list but. . ."
"Jellal, let me clear this up. You're not invited."
Actually, I don't know if I should upload the last chapter and the smut ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) as separate chapters or together. Suggestions? Also, I would love to hear what you guys wanna see before ISWF ends :). Requests are open.
Till next week! ~CHS