THE LAST CHAPTER. WHO IS HYPED? I purposely made my update on March 11 and the chapter taking place on the same day. Soooo, enjoy.
Hehe I accidentally uploaded this chapter last week.
Disclaimer: Who owns Fairy Tail? Not me.
It was Saturday, March 11. It was the day that every student at Fairy Tail Academy was looking forward to. To the business world, it would be a day where everyone will see how fine of a lady Erza Scarlet grew into. Excitement had been building up over the week and it was finally the day.
Well, everyone was excited except one.
"I'm not invited? Hah." Jellal stared out his window. The sun was just starting to set and the invitees were lining outside the Scarlet gates.
Honestly, Jellal was so jealous. He spotted so many familiar faces among the people lining up, but he wasn't there. He couldn't believe it. He wasn't invited to his own girlfriend's party. Well, it wasn't Erza's fault. It was that stupid father of hers.
Jellal stood up and walked out of his apartment. Let me just take a walk around the manor, he thought. He knew where the party was being held since he lived there after all. The maids of the house have been preparing the manor for the past several days.
He headed to the first floor and scanned the reception room and the dining hall. It was covered in elegant decorations and there were tables of food waiting to be served.
"Mr. Fernandes."
Jellal turned around to see a shy maid. "You're not supposed to be here," she continued.
"Where's Erza?" he asked.
"She's at her dressing room."
"Okay, I'm going th. . ."
"She's changing."
The thought then hit him of how stupid he was. He started blushing. "Oh, sorry." He ran up the stairs to avoid his embarrassment. He sat at the area where the banister covered his figure, yet he peered through the gaps to watch. Soon, invitees started walking in the halls. They showed their invitation card to the maids at the main entrance before walking in.
I have to get in. I NEED to get in. Jellal scanned the area. He knew that the maids would never let him in, so he would have to find a place where no maids were guarding the entrance. Luckily, he spotted a door at the far end of the hall where no one was watching. Alright. I'm getting into this party even if it's the last thing I do.
He ran back to his room. He flung his closet door open and rummaged through the area. He fished out his suit that he never wore. He threw the suit on and ran to the bathroom to fix his hair and clasp his watch around his wrist. He admired the shiny piece of jewelry he had received for his birthday. Today was the day.
By the time he was done, the window showed the dark sky. The party had probably started already. Jellal raced down to the first floor and spotted the unguarded entrance. He cautiously opened the door. Indeed, no one was there to stop him. Jellal did his best and he casually slipped into the party room.
He quickly scanned the area. Everyone was seated and enjoying the first course of the dinner. Jellal spotted Meredy, Lyon, Lucy, and Natsu at the same table together. They were all wearing suits and evening dresses. Luckily, there was an empty seat at the table and Jellal ran there.
When Lucy saw Jellal approach, her eyes widened. "Jellal Fernandes?"
Jellal placed his finger in front of his lips, signaling them to be quiet. After all, he wasn't supposed to be in this party. He sat at the empty seat. "I snuck my way in," he explained.
"It's so weird," Lyon started. "Mr. Scarlet didn't invite you. He was the person who invited you back to Magnolia, so I thought he really liked you or something."
Jellal frowned. "I guess not. Whatever, that doesn't matter. I'm here!"
"Why are you here?" Lyon asked.
"It's my girlfriend's birthday. Duh. Did you really think Mr. Scarlet would stop me?" Jellal declared. "By the way, where's Erza?"
"She didn't show up yet," Meredy answered. "We're just eating right now. I think she's. . ."
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!" Everyone in the room turned to the source of the voice. In the front of the room, there was a platform and Mr. Scarlet was standing on it. He was in a suit and was grinning at the crowd below him. He brushed back his nicely gelled hair.
"Well, he'll answer your question," Meredy said.
"I thank you all," Mr. Scarlet continued, "for coming to the birthday celebration of my daughter. Today, she turns seventeen, and I'm so excited to have each of you spend this special day with her. She was the joy of my life, and I remember the days when she couldn't walk. Now, she's an independent young woman. I introduce to you. . .Erza Scarlet!"
The crowd roared. They were excited to see the fairy queen. Soon, Erza appeared at the top of the stairs, and the crowd shouted even louder.
Jellal's jaw dropped. He couldn't believe that was Erza. Her red locks were curled and tied into a fancy updo. Hanging from her ears were black pearl earring that was matched with her necklace. Her makeup made everyone stare at her deep, brown eyes and red, soft lips. Moreover, she was wearing a strapless, lace evening dress that revealed her collarbone. Not only that, but the shape of the dress defined her well-endowed curves. She was beautiful.
Jellal felt his heart stop. She was a jawdropper. He stared at her as she shyly made her way down the stairs amid the cheers. Jellal was staring at her like it would be his last time looking at her.
She walked up the platform and took the microphone from her dad. "Hello, everyone!" The crowd roared in response. "I hope everyone's having a great time already! Am I right?"
"Yes!"
She smiled, displaying her white, straight teeth. "I'm so happy. I've never seen so many people here at the Scarlet manor. I want to thank everyone for being here. It really makes me feel special. I also want to thank my parents for raising me and helping me plan this fantastic evening! I also thank my schoolmates, who were helping me academically and shaping me into the person I am today! I hope everyone will have a great night!"
There were more cheers. Music played and everyone resumed their conversations. This time, they were talking about the beauty of Titania.
"Well, Titania looks amazing tonight," Lyon said with a smirk.
"Yo, shut up." Jellal shouted across the table.
Lyon chuckled. "Okay, Jellal."
Jellal watched Erza step of the platform and walk around to greet all the invitees. He just couldn't take his eyes off her. That's how amazing she looked.
Just when he was going to turn back to Lyon, his eyes caught sight of something else. "Mom?!"
Lyon gave him a weird look and followed Jellal's gaze. His jaw dropped. He had seen Jellal's mom several times from Jellal's photos, and it no mistaking it. It was his mother. "Wh-what is your mom doing here?" Lyon asked. He turned to look at Jellal, but he was just as shocked.
"She didn't even tell me she was coming to Magnolia. I haven't even got a call from her for the past month," Jellal explained. "My dad is there too," he said, referring to the man sitting next to the blue-haired woman.
"Your mom really looks like you," Lyon commented.
The bluehead nodded. "People say my eyes are like my dad's though."
"Yeah, I can see that. Your figure, too."
Jellal smiled, but a frown appeared when he saw someone certain sitting at the same table as his parents. "Is that Gray Fullbuster?"
"You're right."
Gray was sitting with Juvia, but he looked more gloomy than usual. Juvia, obviously worried, was trying to reassure him, but her words were not making Gray feel better. Gray looked very formal today. His hair was slicked back, and his tuxedo fitted him perfectly. The girls sitting at the nearby tables were definitely talking about him, based on their sly glances.
"That's not it," Lyon commented. "The entire Fullbuster family is there." He was right. Mr. and Mrs. Fullbuster were busy talking to Jellal's parents, who were laughing.
Jellal was confused. Weren't the Fullbusters and the Scarlets the worst of friends? When Jellal saw Gray leave the table and head towards the bathroom, Jellal stood up and followed him.
"Wait! Where are you going?" Lyon called in vain.
Jellal pushed through all the waiters and maids handing out the next course to follow Gray Fullbuster. "Gray!" Jellal shouted when he got close enough to him.
Gray turned around. "Jellal?" He sounded surprised.
"What are you doing here?!" Jellal asked. He heard from his schoolmates that Gray was invited, but he didn't think it was true.
"More like, what are you doing here? You weren't even invited."
"How'd you know?!"
"You're the only one that's not invited from Fairy Tail Academy. Sucks to be you."
"Why are my parents here?"
Gray rolled his eyes. "Lemme go to the bathroom, will ya?" He rushed into the restroom and Jellal followed him in. Gray stood in front of the mirror and pulled out his tube of hair gel. He began grooming himself.
"Answer me!" Jellal ordered.
"Holdup. I need to prepare. Mr. Scarlet's going to call me up soon." He smoothed his hair and brushed some strands back. "How does this look?"
"You always look terrible, so. . ." Jellal wanted to slap himself. Gray looked amazing. When Jellal looked at the mirror, Gray was noticeably much more attractive than Jellal. He envied Gray.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Everyone has been waiting for this special announcement." It was Mrs. Scarlet's voice and the room turned silent. "It's time to announce Erza's engagement!" The crowd broke into mutters. Jellal's eyes widened. Was he dreaming?
Gray rushed out of the bathroom. Jellal raised his eyebrows. What is he doing? Jellal thought. He followed Gray out, but by the time he walked out, Gray was running towards the stage. Meanwhile, he saw that Erza was pulled onto the stage, her eyes wide. Jellal could tell that she had not expected this. He wanted to run up to her and hug her, telling her that everything was going to be okay.
Suddenly, a horrible realization hit Jellal as he saw Gray walk up the platform. "No. No. No," he muttered. But it was too late.
"I am excited to announce the engagement of Erza Scarlet and Gray Fullbuster!" Mrs. Scarlet cheerily shouted. The crowd displayed their approval by cheering and jeering. Sure, they were a little surprised since the Scarlets and the Fullbusters were enemies, but everyone hoped that this engagement would lead to a more peaceful business world.
Jellal felt his heart stop. Erza Scarlet and Gray Fullbuster. No, it can't be. He watched Gray pull Erza into an uncomfortable hug. While Gray was smiling brightly, Erza looked like she was about to cry. It broke Jellal's heart to see Erza like that.
When the cheers finally died down after several minutes, Jellal spotted Erza walking down the stage and heading towards her dad, who was grinning. A fire grew in the bluehead's chest by looking at Mr. Scarlet. It was his fault. It was always Mr. Scarlet's fault. Jellal pushed through the people in the hall again to walk towards Mr. Scarlet.
Jellal saw Erza and her parents walk towards the exit and he followed them out. Thing is, by the time he walked out the same doors, Erza was gone and the only people left were her parents.
"Uh," Jellal started. Awkwardness settled. After all, what was he supposed to say after the two powerful people in front of him announced Gray Fullbuster out of all people as Erza's fiancé.
"Mr. Fernandes," said Mr. Scarlet. "Is there something wrong?"
"Where's Erza?"
"Why does that concern you?" Mr. Scarlet continued. "Why are you here? You were not invited to this party, so you have violated the rules. Please dismiss yourself."
"I came here because I am angry." It was the truth. "You didn't tell Erza that she was going to get engaged to Gray, right?"
"Yes," Mrs. Scarlet admitted. "For her own good." Jellal was a bit surprised at her tone. She never sounded so stern.
"Stop that fucking engagement. I. . .I love Erza. I lost to Gray so many times already. I don't want to lose again. I can't imagine Erza by Gray's side because. . .she belongs with me. Gray's engaged to Erza? You guys don't understand. Every time I see Erza, I just want to pull her into my arms. Please, stop this engagement."
"Are you saying you want Erza instead?" Mr. Scarlet asked.
"Yes. But I. . .I. . .I'm nothing compared to Gray Fullbuster," Jellal sadly admitted. "Gray Fullbuster has all the good looks, the high grades, and the best manners. I. . .I don't remember winning to Gray once. . .except when Erza became my girlfriend. When Erza became mine, I felt I was crowned the king of the world. But now. . .n-now Erza's going to be Gray's wife?"
Jellal felt his eyes watering. He wiped his tears away, but they reappeared. "It's the last thing I ever want from you, Mr. and Mrs. Scarlet." His voice started to crack. "I. . .I might not have a house. . .I might not have power and I might not even have good money in five, ten, or fifteen years. But that doesn't matter to me if all I have is Erza Scarlet. I love her. I love her so much."
Jellal couldn't help it. Tears streamed down his face and his vision blurred. "I love Erza Scarlet," he repeated over and over.
Mrs. Scarlet went up to the boy and grabbed his wrist. He was a crying mess as he was dragged back into the party room and up the platform. He soon realized that Erza was next to him and he started to cry even more. He knew he was in front of a whole crowd, but he couldn't control himself.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Mrs. Scarlet's voice boomed. "My husband and I were discussing this for some time, and we realized how much Erza wanted to pursue a biology major instead of inheriting the Scarlet company, so I will now announce the next heir: Natsu Dragneel."
"What?!" Natsu shouted from his seat, drawing laughter from the crowd. He was in disbelief. His parents, sitting at a table near Natsu, had worked hard for the Scarlet company, and it was their dream to see their son take over the company. His surprise soon turned to a huge smile, and when he caught Erza's attention, he gave her a thumbs up.
When the roars came to a halt, Mrs. Scarlet continued "I know everyone was surprised at Gray and Erza's engagement. But the truth is, it was used as a test to confirm if someone's love for my dear daughter is true. Sure enough, I announce the engagement of Jellal Fernandes and Erza Scarlet!"
Jellal's tears stopped and he stared at Mrs. Scarlet. Did he hear her right?
The crowd cheered. They cheered louder than ever before and began shouting their names to congratulate them. Jellal scanned the invitees. He saw his mother and father smiling and applauding. His father was holding his phone to record the stage. Was this why they were here?
Nearby, Gray Fullbuster was laughing and his face turned red. No wonder Gray looked so uneasy the past few days, Jellal thought and realized how much he owed the Gray.
Further back, Natsu and Lucy were screaming at the top of their lungs. Jellal spotted the two standing on their chairs and calling his name. Lyon and Meredy as cheering along with bright smiles.
Jellal felt like he couldn't breathe. It was too good to be true. He thought he was dreaming, but when he pinched himself, he was still in the same place. He turned to look at Erza, his girlfriend. Correction. She was his fiancee now.
She caught his gaze. "I heard everything?"
"What?"
"Everything you told my parents. I heard it all. You weren't invited to the party because I wanted to see if you loved me or my money. You didn't understand how scared I was. But, my parents never mentioned anything about any engagement, and I thought I was going to marry Gray. Jellal. . ." Erza bit her lips but she tears began to streak her face.
"You didn't think I was scared?!" Jellal replied. "I was basically begging for you." He felt his cheeks dampen as he recalled the scene. "I love you, Erza Scarlet."
Erza broke out in sobs. Still, she was gorgeous as ever. "I love you too, Jellal Fernandes."
Jellal couldn't contain himself. He ran to Erza and wrapped her in his arms. He lifted her chin up and pressed his lips against hers. They were the same, familiar lips of Erza Scarlet.
On March 11, Jellal and Erza were engaged. You can say it started when they were in kindergarten, or when they reunited twelve years later. But you can also say that it started with fate.
AHHHH! THE LAST CHAPTER IS DONE AND WRAPPED UP.
Thank you so much to all the amazing EVERYONE! I really appreciate your help and support and this chapter wouldn't have been completed. You can think of yourself as a person that had helped write this fanfic because that's how important you are to me! I know I say that a lot, but I mean it!
I love you guys so much! Feel free to PM me or leave a review! I'm so happy I met a lot of people! I love youuuu! ~CHS