A/N: Hello, hello, hello, readers :D I'm sorry if I'm not able to update this for almost a year. I hope none of you have forgotten about this story already :( I've really been busy at school and also having writer's block problems. But here's a 3k word chappie for you all :D This is just the part 1 because if I write all happenings in one chapter, it'll be too long. I'm sorry about those grammatical errors and spelling from the previous chapter. I was just using my phone in writing that update, sorry :( Anyways, I hope you all like this chapter and please don't forget leave a review and let me know what you think. Also, thank you for all the reviews and comments you left from the previous chapter, and check out my other stories as well. I'll see you all in my next update :D XOXO

-Sophia G

Erza

9 months ago…

Exactly four and a half hours left before the Alumni Homecoming of Fairy Tail. The girls (except for Levy who can't do her own make up and hair decided to go to a salon instead) and I are still here in Lucy's bedroom where we all decided to get ready after we took a bath in the Heartfilia bathhouse. We brought our make up, curling and straightening irons, hair blower, outfits, accessories and shoes with us. By 5 o'clock the boys will come to pick us up and we'll all head together at the homecoming venue. Just like the usual partnering system of our squad. Lucy goes with Natsu, Juvia goes with Gray, Levy goes with Gajeel, Cana goes with Bacchus and Mira goes with Laxus. All of them are dating, except Jellal and I. We're the only duo that doesn't date and are just friends.

"ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS!" Lucy and Juvia shouted. Juvia formed her hand into a rock and Lucy formed hers into a scissor, making the blue-haired the victor.

"Ha! Juvia wins!" She boasted by rolling over the bed and screaming out loud.

I'm sitting in front of a mirror on Lucy's vanity desk. I could see what they're doing behind my back through the mirror while I'm curling my hair. Sometimes I can't stand my friends' immaturity and childishness. How can they start threatening to end their friendship with each other over a limited edition lipstick color? I am immature and childish at some times too, and I don't deny that, but I only show that side of me to Jellal.

"NO! I battled so hard with a lot of girls in the mall just to get this limited edition lipstick color. " Lucy threw a pillow on Juvia's face. "There's no way I would go the Alumni homecoming with the same lipstick color as yours."

"Juvia too! Juvia almost died swimming through those ocean of girls! There's no way Juvia would let Gray-sama compliment you with that lipstick." Juvia stood up with her hands on her waist.

"For God's sake, I am dating Natsu and you are dating Gray already. And, ew, puh-lease! Gray is not my type." Lucy rolled her eyes at Juvia. "And, will you quit calling him, 'Gray-sama'? Can't you call him other sweet names? 'Sama' doesn't suit him, like ew. I don't like a guy who could be mistaken as a male stripper in a gay bar."

"Don't insult my Gray-sama, love rival!" I saw Juvia throwing the pillow back at Lucy.

This is getting annoying. Them, fighting over a limited edition color of lipstick is making me a lot pressured in getting ready. It's like they really prepared for this homecoming. What I prepared for are just my outfit, shoes and accessories, but I didn't do a research about unique or trendy make up and hairstyles like what they did. What if they look so stunning later and I look very plain and simple? I know that simplicity is beauty, but what if my simple look would make me feel left out? What if my simple look wasn't appropriate for the homecoming theme? What if I look awful? What if Jellal hates my look?

"Girls, stop this childishness and just get ready." Mira scolded them. "The boys might arrive anytime, so we have be ready as early as possible. We still have a two-hour drive to get to the homecoming venue."

I'm finally done doing my curls, so I started putting on make up on my face. I really can't stop myself from being anxious about how I'll look later. A lot of men are into me, I know that. But I can't stop from thinking about my insecurities and imperfections. Is it because I want to get more compliments from other people? Or is because I want Jellal to at least keep noticing me that way - even just through my looks?

Mira and Cana sat beside me to start putting on make up after doing their hair. Finally, Juvia and Lucy had enough of fighting. Lucy gave way and decided to find another lipstick color through her collection of Mac cosmetics, but I could still sense the bitterness in her face and tone. "It's okay, I have better lipstick colors than that!" She told Juvia in a bragging manner.

"Oh, come on, it's just a lipstick, you two. A limited edition lipstick color would not permanently enhance your beauties. Look at Erza…she's very simple - yet gorgeous!" Mira said and elbowed me while I'm doing my brows.

"MIRA, I'M DOING MY BROWS!" I freaked out when I almost draw a huge line across my forehead.

"Sorry." She just giggled. "Why are you all so serious? Do all of you are planning to impress or flirt your old crushes and…" Then she lowered her voice. "…ex-boyfriends?"

"Kind of." Cana giggled along with her.

"Poor Bacchus. I guess he'll have to replace his date with a bottle of rum." Lucy butted in as she sat along with us in front of her huge mirror. "Oh come on, don't leave Bacchus all alone later. He's actually not an Alumni of Fairy Tail, he just wanted to escort and be your date."

"Oh, I'm not gonna leave him of course. My first love will always be alcohol. I could sense a night full of alcohol with him later after the homecoming. We booked a hotel room near the venue." Cana said in a sexy voice. "We're going to have a good time at midnight."

"Natsu and I are going to visit Igneel afte and we'll spend the night there. It was a good thing his dad's house will only take half an hour of drive." Lucy sighed. "It's not that I don't wanna go, but I was expecting to do something special with him after the homecoming. I hope we'll do something romantic though."

"Gray-sama and I booked a room in a Lake resort nearby. We're gonna swim tomorrow. I'll make sure we're gonna start making those 33 babies I promised him" Juvia

Now, I'm getting out of place here. Here they are talking about their plans with their boyfriends. Jellal and I don't really have plans after the homecoming. I didn't expect these girls to make plans with their boyfriends. If only I knew they have these kind of plans, I would have asked Jell what he wants to do after the homecoming. And even if I ask and plan with Jellal, I can't help but feel left out because he isn't my boyfriend. Even if Jellal and I booked a hotel or resort, it would still be different compared from their plans with their boyfriends. Theirs are all going to be full of lovey-dovey moments, while Jellal and I are just friendly and treating each other as siblings, as usual. Nothing has changed between us, except that we slept with each other without any strings attached.

"Girls, stop talking about your boyfriends." Mira suddenly said, then she turned her head at me. "There's someone in this room who haven't been in a relationship and in love." Finally, someone who is actually socially responsible has showed up. Not that I'm bitter for being the only single and 'No Boyfriend Since Birth' in the group, cause a part of me wanted to be one anyway, but sometimes I couldn't help picture how my life would be like right now if I opened my heart to other guys who are willing to do anything for me.

"Oh, Erza. How long are you gonna watch you flower wilt? I mean, you never experienced what it's like to have a boyfriend nor fall in love or have mutual feelings with someone. Do you enjoy being a virgin? Being a virgin sucks and it's boring, you know. I hope you don't waste that great sex appeal and unique beauty of yours." Cana sighed as if she feels bad for me. I could just do the same. Sigh and feed kind of bad as I imagine what would their reactions be like if I tell them or if they find out that it's been Jellal all this time and that, you know - we're actually doing it. Especially the part that I lost my virginity to Jellal because he was drunk and thought I was his first love. "I'm sure a lot of guys at the homecoming later would be stunned to see you and start making a move on you again. And, once that happens, I hope you finally give one of them a chance." She added.

Lucy joined in, "Remember that guy whose head over heels at her? What's his name? Sirius…Si-simeon…Simoun…?".

"Simon." I told her to stop her wrong guesses.

"Yeah! That guy who picked a fight with Jellal because he wasn't able to dance with you at the Prom."

"We keep in touch since we saw each other about two weeks ago." I told them. I remember eating dinner with Simon and Jellal. I could sense the awkwardness between them that's why Simon just kept on talking to me to avoid remembering what he did to Jellal way back in high school.

"Really?! Gurlll, this is your chance!" Cana slapped my shoulder out of excitement. "Your chance to get laid. I guess you don't have to meet other guys in the homecoming later. You have Simon already."

I rolled my eyes on her as the thought of being with Simon popped into my head. "Cana, please, we're just friends. And, the feelings he had for me way back in high school, I'm sure he already got over it. It's not impossible for him to meet girls in College and at his work who are way hotter than me." I scoffed at her. I'm finally done doing my make up. I just have to fix my hair a bit by adding more hairspray to keep the bun in place until evening. "Oh, girl, I thought you're watching young adult movies and reading cliche novels. This guy likes a girl during their senior year, they got separated after graduations and meet again after ten years. They call, text and meet with each other, and that's the time the guy realizes he was given a second chance to make a move on the girl he used to or he always liked."

"Yeah, they'll go on a dinner together where one of them or both of them finally confesses their feelings for each other, they have sex, and- and-! Oh my god, I'm loving this kind of story. Erza, this is it! Never ever ignore an invitation nor a phone call from Simon." Lucy squealed. Meanwhile, I just sit there and cringe at the thought of being with Simon. Not that Simon is ugly or gross, he's still got looks and appeal though, but I really can't imagine myself with a guy who isn't Jellal.

The only word I was able to respond was, "No."

"You can't be serious!" Lucy cried. "You're twenty four and an adult already. Don't you like Simon or don't you find Simon attractive?"

"I can't just go like an old friend just because I'm single. I'm really not yet interested in dating. Simon is, okay, he hit puberty. He's not ugly, he isn't very handsome either, but he got looks."

Mira, who just stopped from doing her make up, turned her head on me once again. She faced me and made a direct eye contact with me. "Erza…tell me…are you in love with Jellal?" She asked in a serious voice. Oh God, how? How and where did she get a hint to ask me that? Almost ten years of hiding my feelings to Jellal, I can't let them find out about it. I'm not yet ready to tell the whole world about my feelings for Jellal. I'm not yet ready to risk our friendship. I faked a laugh at Mira, "M-mira, what kind of question is that? Where did you get such idea?".

"You don't let other guys get close to you, but you let Jellal be with you everyday and even sleep at each other's house." She said.

"I'm close to Natsu, Gray and even to Laxus and Gajeel too. But Jellal just happened to be special t-to me. I mean, he's my best friend since we were kids. We've been through a lot of things together." I explained with my voice stammering a bit.

"You never had any special feelings for Jellal?" She raised a brow on me. Damn, this woman is putting me in a hot seat right now!

"N-no! O-of course, he's just my best friend. The only special feelings I have for him is that I treat him as the brother I never had, that's all." I lied. I kind of feel bad keeping a secret to my friends, especially to Jellal. I feel like a backstabber friend to Jellal. I'm his best friend in front, but I'm his lover behind his back.

I just finished putting on the black off-shoulder dress I bought earlier this morning. Yep, I changed my mind about the second outfit I bought. This is the third time I shopped for a new dress that I'm supposed to wear for the homecoming. I don't regret having a last minute shopping earlier. I am absolutely loving this elegant and classy black dress with matching four-inch heels. It makes me looks sexy in it, I'd say. My curves became a lot noticeable with this dress. My collarbone and cleavage could be seen as well. I'm all ready, it's time to follow the girls downstairs in the front door. The boys are already outside, waiting for us.

As I reached the hallways downstairs, I could hear their voices from outside, so I quickly made my way to follow them. I'm the only one left upstairs because I really want to check and see if I look good. I pulled the door open, and saw five cars parked in front. Natsu just assisted Lucy to get in the passenger's seat of his car. Juvia was jumping out of joy that she succeeded gaining Gray''s compliment with the look she made for herself. Cana just got in Bacchus' car where I could see her taking a sip of wine already. Laxus and Mira were already in the car. Then, I saw Jellal standing down the foundation of the porch. He's wearing a formal coat and tie. Damn, he looks handsome.

I stepped down from the porch and walked towards him. I met his eyes as I reached onto him. He was looking at me seriously. "Hey." I spoke to break the silence between us.

"You…uh…" He stammered and scratched his head. "You look…beautiful."

"T-thanks." I smiled at him. I know he said the word 'beautiful' to me numerous times already since we were kids, but this time, I don't know. It just feels different. Butterflies are starting to conquer my stomach and I just felt my heart skipped a beat when he told me that. What's happening to me? "You too, uh, you look handsome in that formal attire." I laughed softly.

"Thanks." He smiled at me. God, he's so cute I wanna rape him right now. No, no, no, Erza! Quit having sexy thoughts! "I look handsome with or without formal attire." He suddenly bragged with matching hair flip.

"I take it back now." I scoffed and rolled my eyes on him.

"Hey, guys, we better be going already!" Natsu shouted with his head popped out of the driver's seat window. Why does he have to ruin moments like this? Ugh! If only Lucy wasn't with him in that car, I'd wish for his motion sickness to attack him.

"Coming!" I shouted back annoyingly and made my way to the passenger's seat side of Jellal's car. I was about to grab the door open, much to my surprise, Jellal did it for me. Why does his aura towards me seem different this time? Okay, Erza, don't assume. Never assume! Maybe he's just being a gentleman to his best friend that's all. "Mademoiselle…" He pointed his hand on the passenger's seat. I stepped inside his car and sat on the passenger's seat, he finally closed the door and walked on the opposite side where the driver's seat is. There's still a silence between us as he got in the car and start the engine.

He moved his body close to me and reached for the seat belt on my right. I couldn't stop staring at his face as he was pulling the seatbelt from my side. My eyes met with his while buckling the seatbelt on the opposite side. Damn…his eyes, his kissable lips, his jawline, God…they're all killing me. I saw his eyes lowering down to my collarbone and chest. "You look sexy in this dress." He smirked before going back to the steering wheel.

"T-thanks." I said, then felt my cheeks starting to feel hot. No, don't blush, please.

"By the way…" He spoke and turned around to reach something from the backseat. "…these are for you." Then, he placed a bouquet of flowers in my lap.

My heart started beating faster. What is this? It's not my birthday, not Valentines Day either and no other special event or occasion aside from the homecoming. Flowers? The last time he gave me flowers was when he went to the prom with me. Why is he giving me flowers? It's not like the homecoming is a romantic night as the prom.

"T-t-thanks", I stuttered, still surprised. "W-what are these for?"

He scratched his head and looked away from me to avoid an eye contact. "Well, I, uh- just wanted to give you that. You know, I'm your date. And, I just felt like I need to give one to you. I don't want to be just your friend and date this night, but…at least, I want to make you feel special this night."