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"Good Morning. I made two reservations"
"And what's your name sir?"
"Ryker," he said, and the attendant at the resort desk looked for registration and reservation information.
"Oh yes, here it is," he said looking at the folder. "Reservation in Ryker's name. Four days on our premises, I hope you enjoy our stay", the attendant said with a warm smile.
"Eh... thank you. Two bedrooms, right?".
"Yes, here are the keys", the receptionist was going to hand him the keys, but something occurred in his mind. "But wouldn't you like to switch to a room, to be with your girlfriend?", he asked ro Ryker and Erza beside him, both blushing at the indiscreet comment.
"No... we're not..." Erza explained.
"Oh! A thousand pardons, I..."
"It's all right. Give us the keys and don't worry about it," Ryker said gently. The attendant, embarrassed by the slip, handed them the keys and the two wizards left the reception for their dorms.
The resort was only a few stories tall and was quite large surrounding a giant swimming pool in the center of the complex. It was connected to an amusement park and in a quiet, tree-lined corner was a spa with natural hot springs. The staff were helpful and always happy to serve their guests in the best way possible.
Ryker and Erza walked through the corridors looking and appreciating everything around them. An aura of peace and tranquility had settled between them, as if the place were conveying a sense of comfort.
"It's a beautiful place this one, isn't it!?" said Ryker.
"It really is very beautiful and peaceful. I hope to try the hot springs soon, my muscles need to relax".
"I was never in this business. Is it really good?" asked the wizard.
Erza looked at him in astonishment, but then remembered that due to his past, he must have had none of the good experiences she and the others had. The fact that she did something would not necessarily imply that he did the same or similar thing. Nothing he said should surprise her in that regard.
"It's great, you'll like it. Even if I force you to", she said, eliciting a laugh from Ryker, Erza didn't understand why he laughed, but left it anyway.
"But first we have to find our rooms. This place is huge and still oriental in style," he noted looking in all directions. "And first of all we need to eat something"
"Now that you say it, I realized we didn't eat anything for a while. As soon as we get settled, we can rest a little and meet at the restaurant of this Resort, let's say in an hour", defined the redhead.
"Affirmative," Ryker said with a slight edge of sarcasm, from her stiff manner. Erza looked at him rather seriously, which brought a smile to the corner of the mage's mouth.
They continued walking until they found their rooms, which were next to each other. Settling into their own, they changed their clothes, rested and became familiar with the environment they would be in for the next few days. After an hour they met at the Resort's chic and pleasant restaurant to enjoy a delicious Japanese meal.
"But how is it possible!?" Ryker yelled in amazement.
"It's simple, you just need to have a battle spirit," Erza said with an unusual gleam in her eyes.
"Erza, it's not all about fighting spirit," Ryker replied.
"Ridiculous! You're the one who isn't trying properly", the redhead returned with a certain aura of pride, drawing an angry look from the other mage.
" That's. Not. The. Question," he said through gritted teeth. "It's just that it's impossible for anyone to eat with these chopsticks! Could someone get me a fork!?" Ryker yelled.
"Stop complaining! Look! It's just knowing how to use your fingers. It's all in your fingers." Erza glared at him.
Ryker shifted his annoyed gaze in her direction. "A wise man knows when he has admitted defeat and knows how to recognize his limitations. And eating with these chopsticks is impossible for me!"
"How embarrassing! I'm deeply disappointed with you, Ryker." Erza shook her head in disapproval as a waiter handed over silverware to the wizard, who thanked him deeply.
"Well, think what you want redhead. Now I can eat", he managed a victorious smile as he speared his sushi piece and dipped it in soy sauce and took it to his mouth, savoring each piece deliciously.
Anyway, they had a friendly and delicious lunch. They talked about different subjects, knowing a little more about each other, past missions, funny stories. It was a pleasant moment for the two of them.
The Fairy Tail mages decided to explore the complex, seeing the attractions that place could offer. They saw that they had pubs for various tastes, the pool area was almost a mini tropical water park, there were several restaurants with all kinds of food, kiosks offering drinks, which neither of them refused. They both enjoyed the peaceful, warm atmosphere, looking around at the nearby stores that sold everything from souvenirs to clothes.
Ryker picked up a flyer with a map of all the attractions, they even had a movie theater. There he discovered that there was to be a festival on the last day, and he was eager to go, along with Erza, who was more beautiful than ever there. Finally, he decided to go back to his room and rest for a few hours. Erza said she would stay and go to the spa to relax and let herself be taken care of once in a lifetime, they agreed to meet later for an onsen bath.
Ryker woke up from his hours' nap, he showered, changed his clothes and headed for the hot springs, where Erza would probably be waiting. Arriving at the Spa he went straight to the locker room and changed his clothes. It was empty, much to the relief of the mage, who didn't want anyone seeing his scars, a strange thing, however, was that the redhea was nowhere to be seen, either. She was supposed to be waiting for him, since he had no idea what to do.
The kind employees gave him some tips on what to do in that place, although going in without clothes was a strange thing for him. However, if that was how it worked, then what he could do?
Ryker had only a towel around his waist and the pool was in front of him and empty. He took off the towel and slowly stepped into the hot water, getting used to it and sitting down, letting the water wash over his body.
The magician relaxed in the hot water, closing his eyes, enjoying and enjoying that warm sensation. He stayed for a long time, until he felt something making the water move around him. Opening his eyes he was taken by a vision he hadn't imagined seeing, not then at least. Erza with nothing entering the same water as him, totally unclothed, as he came into the world. The only thing that covered her was the water itself that reached her chest, leaving only part of her breasts, neck and head showing.
"E…E…Erza! Wh… what are you doing here!?" he stuttered, totally alarmed and flushed a deep red, not from the heat of the fountains.
"I'm taking a bath, isn't it obvious?" Erza replied indifferently.
"Yes, but…here! With me!" he said, not knowing how to react.
"It's a mixed bath, Ryker," Erza explained. "No need to bother, I took showers like that with Natsu and Gray, all the time. I'm perfectly used to it," she said like it was nothing.
Ryker felt uncomfortable when she mentioned the last part. Her, Gray and Natsu!? Should he be worried about that? They've known each other for years and are always together, doing missions and all sorts of things… He shook his head to get those thoughts out of his head. They were just friends, he concluded. If nothing had happened yet, it probably won't, he concluded, calming down.
"All right! But, I'm not used to it," Ryker emphasized in the sentence.
"Do you want me to leave? I can come back when you're done", Erza said looking at him deeply, and getting up to leave.
Ryker watched that perfect sculptural body slowly rising out of the water, as if in slow motion. The water running down that voluptuous body, he was losing his mind and when her breasts started to come out of the water, his eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
"NO!" Ryker yelled and stopped her from leaving before it was too late. "No need, I like your company. This is... new. Another one of many".
Erza smiled and settled herself at the fountain. "There's no reason to be shy," she said with a slight smile. Ryker turned her face flushed and awkward, he noticed that she, despite her confident pose, was also awkward and pink-cheeked, which made him smile. Maybe the two of them were uncomfortable, in a way, with each other.
Ryker took in the perfection of the person seated in front of him and noticed her indiscreet gaze on him. Realizing where she was looking, and it wasn't her physique but her marks.
"Don't bother with it. I don't care anymore," he said, dissuading any of her concerns. Erza looked him in the eye and smiled, ruffling her hair, tucking a strand of her beautiful red hair behind her right ear.
"This is really relaxing. I'll put it on my list of things I like to do in this world," he smiled out of the corner of his mouth.
"Yeah, it's nice to relax once in a while. It's been a while since I've been on one," she said with nostalgia. "Relax, chat with friends, have some feminine intimacy…", she said dreamily and relaxing with her arms behind her head.
"You can have it all, apart from the female intimacy part, whatever that is," Erza looked at him and smiled.
"Thanks for calling me here, Ryker," Erza said gratefully. "A lot has happened recently. Getting away from things a little now and then doesn't hurt." He can only smile at her.
They stayed talking and enjoying the onsen until it got dark and the sky was full of stars. Looking up, Ryker admired the stars that covered the moonless sky.
"What are you looking at?" asked the redhead, curious about her companion's behavior.
"Looking at the stars," he said without straying from the sky. "This sky is so strange to me, and at the same time so familiar", he said and without realizing it, Erza settled down beside him.
When he sensed the proximity and was able to take a closer look at his gifts he turned redder than the Requip mage's hair. She, noticed his attitude, and blushed the same way, both looking at each other awkwardly and smiling embarrassed.
"The stars are beautiful, aren't they?" she said to lighten the mood.
"Yes, yes they are," Ryker said, looking away from the other stars above.
Her proximity made him smell all her scent. A sweet and light perfume. Despite all her fame, and her authoritarian manner and strong principles, she was vain. How could it not? She was the embodiment of perfection, he secretly admired her when she wasn't looking.
"You see those three stars together," she said, pointing to a spot in the sky. He looked at the location and saw what it was showing. "If you follow, you can see what appears to be a tail. It's a scorpion".
In that world he never got to see the constellations that were familiar to him. That was the first time, with Erza's help, and he couldn't help but smile. It had a glow of its own that overshadowed the glow of the stars themselves. That fair skin, brown eyes and the most beautiful red hair she'd ever seen, he was sure she was a deity. He wanted to touch her, he wanted to kiss her, but he couldn't. He wasn't sure if she felt the same, if it was right, if she was going to ruin what they already had. The strength he made was superhuman to just look at her and enjoy her presence.
"Why don't we have dinner at one of those poolside restaurants?" Erza said, pulling Ryker out of his thoughts.
"Ah… fine with me. But who will get out of here first?"
"Me. And you turn around," ordered Erza. "Give me a break and then leave. We meet outside".
"Yes ma'am," Ryker said obeying Erza, turning away as she left, just imagining what it would be like to see her in nothing but perfect skin.
They had dinner at a comfortable seafood restaurant, then had a few drinks together and ended the night with chocolate ice cream for him and strawberry cake for her, of course! It was the first day and they were getting tired, not wanting to prolong the night any longer, they decided to sleep and recharge their energies.
"Good night Erza," Ryker said from his bedroom door.
"Good night, Ryker," Erza snapped back in frenzy to hers.
She saw him enter first and she went to hers then falling on the bed and smiling, imagining what a beautiful day she had and what would await her in the next.
The next day Erza and Ryker were having breakfast at the buffet, which was so hearty and varied that they didn't know where to start. As they weren't Natsu they wouldn't be able to eat everything that was offered, so they decided to enjoy what was most appetizing for them.
"How was your night's sleep, redhead?" Ryker asked in a light teasing tone as he called her 'redhead'.
"Wonderfully well. What about you?" she replied, unfazed.
"Apart from the fact that there is no bed in the room, just a mattress thrown on the floor, I slept well", Erza laughed at her comment, as the Resort had an oriental style, there were no beds in the rooms, only mattresses.
Ryker noticed that infamous chuckle from his mate and knew why, he shrugged and a slight crooked smile formed on his lips. "We can enjoy the pool with this sun that is doing. What do you think?"
Erza looked thoughtful, analyzing the case. "It's not a bad idea. But first we need to shop," she concluded.
"What? Why?"
"I didn't bring any bikini and the stores seem to be very interesting. I'm curious and excited to see what this place has to offer a lady like me."
At that instant a snap popped into Ryker's mind. He would see Erza Scarlet in a bikini, and his sick mind couldn't help but think of the most unspeakable nonsense. Since the day before that woman's voluptuous body did not leave his mind, not leaving him in peace and now she would be with nothing more than a tiny bikini – any bikini would be small in that body, let's face it. He would go crazy.
"You have half of Fiore in your bags, but no bikini?" he asked sarcastically, earning a furious glare from Titania. Ryker raises his hands in front of him in surrender.
"Do you have anything to do with that?" she said in a defiant tone, being vehemently denied by the other mage.
They finished their hearty meal and went to the pool and shopping area, which was almost an open-air mall, because of the variety of things that could be bought there. Erza was delighted and Ryker was bored, but made a point of accompanying her to all places and stores. He was sure all the reward for the work would be spent in those stores, just today. Maybe she needs another mountain of baggage to take everything back. Where would she keep all that, for God's sake!?
Obviously they returned to the room for Erza to store her belongings, a bunch of them. Ryker didn't find anything that would be interesting for him to buy, but he would need something to wear at the pool, buying simple shorts and sunscreen. They say it's good to use in the sun, he had his doubts, but Erza forced him, giving a lesson on how dangerous it is to expose yourself to the sun's rays without adequate protection.
Erza, in turn, bought a collection of bikinis, and other pieces of clothing he didn't know why so many. Although he insisted on helping her with the bikini part, her assistance was kindly refused when Erza put the blade of her sword to his throat.
When the shopping was done it was practically lunchtime, they decided to eat at one of the poolside restaurants, like the day before. Despite the setbacks, they had a fun morning, talked and laughed together. Neither can say it was monotonous. After the delicious meal, the sun and water awaited them.
Erza was in a beach chair sunbathing in her black bikini, elegantly with her legs crossed and her arms crossed just below her breasts, she had her eyes closed. It was like the sight of a goddess in all her splendor. Ryker beside her, in another chair, was sure he was drooling as he looked at her.
"Aren't you going to take your T-shirt off?", he was taken by surprise, returning to the real world.
"What!?".
Erza turned her face and looked at him. "The T-shirt. You should take it off to get some sun," she said.
Ryker sighed, sitting back in his chair, facing her. "You know I feel uncomfortable about this."
"Dont be silly. There's nothing wrong with you, nothing to be ashamed of. You are so much more than a body, don't care about that and don't care what people think of you. You know what you are and the right people know who you are. Care about what's important," Erza said, holding Ryker's attention.
She was right, his body was scarred and ugly, but that was what he was and it never bothered him, he just bothered with others looking at him, but the people he cared about wouldn't judge or embarrass him for it. Ryker smiled and took off his T-shirt to sunbathe properly, Erza didn't mind his physique and he was grateful for that.
"Thank you," he said after a while, leaving a smile on her lips.
"No problem. Now turn around," she ordered.
"What's it like!?" Ryker said in surprise.
"Now that you're shirtless it's important to be protected from the sun's rays. I'm going to apply sunscreen to you," she said, having an unusual gleam in her eyes and a strange excitement that went beyond normal. She already held the bottle of sunscreen in her hand.
"Erza, I can do this myself", he tried to argue, but it was useless. Erza got out of her place, settling down beside him and turning him to run the cream all over his back. Really, when Erza gets carried away, nothing can stop her.
"Nonsense! Friends are for that. Now shut up!"
"Erza wait...!", she held him steady as she spread the cream. She looked at his back and was shocked, at the same time she felt sadness and deep pain. The marks he carried there were a clear indication that he was brutally tortured. She felt bad for him, and wanted to comfort him, hug him, and give him all the love he deserved. But she still couldn't, she had to contain herself.
He was strong, she could tell by feeling the muscles behind his skin, his broad shoulders and high trapeze. Although he wasn't by far the most defined in the guild, she felt his muscles and the potency they gave. His training was not one of definition, but of strength. The feel of his skin on her hands made her shiver, even though she had done the same to other guildmates, she hadn't felt anything like this before. It was almost wrong, she felt. She thought she was somehow taking advantage of him, for her own selfish benefit, but she couldn't stop, she wanted more.
She didn't stop, running her hands all over the place, up and down. Erza could tell he sighed and trembled slightly at the touch she gave and he liked that, she affected him. The mage smiled, when she was done, he turned suddenly and they were face to face, very close, staring into each other's eyes, dropping to their lips.
It was too much of a temptation, his body called to her, and she didn't even know why, but she wanted it. Her body was a temptation, a sin. He loved her all, just for him. The two moved closer and closer, standing inches from each other, looking at each other without straying even for a second.
Ryker put one of his hands on Erza's stomach, caressing her lightly, eliciting a soft sigh from her. She put a hand on his leg, making him shiver. They were close, their lips millimeters apart, when they were interrupted by children running past them and screaming riotously.
The two break apart and look awkwardly at each other. She went back to her beach chair and he lay in his, frustrated but at the same time happy and hopeful, looking at the mage beside him, contemplating her.
After a long bath of sunlight they decided to get into the water and cool off from the intense heat. Swimming and relaxing in the cool pool like kings was a dream and just what they needed. Ryker offered to pick up drinks at some kiosks around the neighborhood, Erza readily accepted.
"Here you go, bossy!", he said mocking her as he handed her her tropical colorful drink.
"I'm not bossy. I just like things well done and organized. Besides you the one who offered to pick it up," she said, totally indifferent.
Ryker entered the water beside her. "I was just teasing you," he said, nudging her with his elbow.
Erza looked at him curiously. "And what do you hope to gain from this? That I kill you?"
"Definitely not!", he said enjoying her attitude, he always liked that way.
Ryker slowly slipped her arm, wrapping it around her in a hug and pulling her close to him, surprising her and making her hair stand on end at the touch. There was so much skin against skin, she couldn't help herself.
In her ear he whispered. "Are you going to show me any more constellations today?"
Erza felt all her muscles tighten, a shiver down her spine and butterflies in her belly, she was all goose bumps at his touch, his voice, his presence and closeness. She was an internal and external mess. What was that man doing to her? No one messed with her like that before, she wasn't sure if she liked it or not. But for some reason, she didn't want him to let go of her so soon, on the contrary, she wanted him to hug her more. What was happening?
"Ma… maybe I will," she said a little sheepishly. She had to be strong, so she pulled herself together, like the warrior she was, and glared at him. "When I knock you out, maybe you'll see some stars", Ryker could only laugh, this was his Erza, the Erza he liked.
"What's so funny?" she said confusedly and firmly.
"You are the grace," he replied with his arm still around her shoulders. He rested his head on hers taking her by surprise and drawing more blushes. "I like your way, Erza. Never change," he said with their heads resting against each other, both blushing.
None of them mentioned separating, on the contrary. Ryker started playing with the mage's wet hair, who didn't reject it. She always felt comfortable with him and liked the touch, being in the water, enjoying each other was good for both of them. The worries and complications of life seem to be gone, momentarily. It was perfect.
Every night, different bands played in an open space of the Resort and the magicians decided that it would be interesting to participate. Listening to good music, relaxing at the end of the day, drinking, eating and having fun.
"This is a good song, don't you think?" Erza was contemplating the sounds.
"I think so," Ryker said, sipping a beer, not really caring about the music, which wasn't his style.
"It is relaxing. We were both needing it anyway. And today was a good day", she said, picking up snacks that the waiter had set the table.
"On that I have to agree. Yesterday and today were very good and tomorrow will also be excellent".
"Yes, but I've been thinking about what the guild will be like now," she said looking up contemplatively. "What are they doing?"
Ryker admired her, the love she felt for that place and her nakamas, were formidable. He liked it there, but he would never get to be like her. He wanted to feel what she felt, but her story shielded him and made him resistant to certain feelings, it was difficult for him to go deep or let himself be easily carried away by any sensation. This only made him admire her and the guild itself even more.
He reached out and glued his hand over hers, drawing her attention. "I bet they're drinking and fighting, breaking up the whole guild," he said with a smirk.
Erza smiled back. "Surely that's what they're doing", she said and they intertwined their fingers, not realizing it.
"Here, eat this," Ryker took a piece of treat with his fingers and offered it to Erza who, flushed, took it with the mouth of her hand. "Is it okay?", he asked and the redhead nodded. She made the same gesture and he ate from her hand, too.
Ryker and Erza smiled at each other and enjoyed the rest of their evening, hand in hand and fingers entwined.
"I don't think it's far away now," Ryker said, walking along the path through the woods. They had heard that there was a waterfall at the end of a trail and decided to visit it, as it was a popular place for the Resort's visitors.
"I can already hear the sound of the water," Erza confirmed. "Let's go! I'm looking forward to it", she was excited about the view she would have of that spectacle of nature.
"Don't be in such a hurry, redhead. Enjoy the scenery on the way." Ryker walked slowly as he looked around.
Erza looked at him with mild irritation. "We don't have all the time in the world and I have an appointment at the spa."
"Spa!?" Ryker said in a playful tone. "I didn't know you were so vain," he said jokingly.
"I'm not!" she defended herself with a slight pink tinge to her cheeks. "And if so, is there a problem with that?" she said, annoyed.
Ryker smiled. "In no way. Come on, we're coming", he took the lead and approached the waterfall.
Both walked for a while longer until they reached the famous waterfall. It was about 30 meters high and surrounded by a beautiful forest with a large lake at its base, where a river flowed. The mist formed by the fall gave a mysterious and beautiful air to the place. The rock wall, where the water flowed, was covered with orchids, bromeliads and ferns, which decorated it, like a beautiful garden.
"They weren't kidding when they said this waterfall was beautiful," Ryker looked on admiring the entire landscape.
"And what are you waiting for?" Erza said, already in the water, enjoying the coolness of that hot summer day. Ryker saw her and smiled immediately entering.
For a few hours the two played and refreshed themselves in that magical place, where Ryker teased the redhead by throwing water on her, which in turn, returned in a not so sporty way – Erza donned her Sea Empress Armor and attacked him with devastating water magic. But, in general, the two had fun and laughed enjoying the solitude and tranquility of that place.
They went behind the waterfall and sat on the rocks, being covered by the curtain of water, feeling a peace that only there they would have.
"Tomorrow is our last day. Then we got back to reality," Ryker commented.
"You are correct, but we cannot live forever in a dream. And I miss the guild".
He looked at her, her wet red hair flowing down her shoulders and back, her damp white skin making her even more beautiful. "What are you thinking of this…rest time here? You know, I… am I being good company?" he asked awkwardly.
She looked back at him not understanding what he meant. "Why the question?", she said curiously.
"I just want to know if I'm being a good partner. If I'm not being annoying or a nuisance, you know...".
"This is ridiculous! It was you who invited me. If you were a nuisance I wouldn't have accepted it", she said looking at him seriously.
Ryker fixed his eyes on her eyes, realizing the whole truth behind her words. He approached her and wrapped his arms around the redhead's shoulders, who had no reaction to his act.
"I'm glad you came along, Erza." They stayed together for a while, enjoying the nature around them, before heading back to the Resort and the magician Requip having her spa section.
On the fourth day there was an oriental-style festival. There were several stalls with typical foods and games and traditional music. The atmosphere was pleasant, even though it was full of people participating in the festivities. The event started after lunchtime and would laugh until at least midnight, when the famous fireworks display would take place.
Erza was waiting for Ryker to show up and was starting to run out of patience. She was quick to get ready, of course, it was just her using her Requip and that was it. He, in turn, had the entire natural process of bathing and changing clothes, which took a few minutes after all.
"At last! Why the delay?" Erza, hands on hips and a serious, irritated look, questioned Ryker as soon as he arrived.
"I don't have Requip magic! I'm not ready in 5 seconds", he defended himself. He was wearing a casual outfit, a simple black T-shirt and jeans with sneakers.
"And why are you angry? Is it longing?" he asked maliciously nudging her with his elbow.
"No, it's not like that!", Erza replied blushing and looking to another corner.
She wore a Yukata decorated with pink and purple flowers, very delicate, which matched her hair tone. Erza wore her hairstyle in a simple ponytail and a kanzashi of white cherry blossoms, decorating her hairstyle. She could be described as a goddess, and Ryker couldn't take his attention away from her.
"Come on, I'll buy you a strawberry cake. This will cheer you up", he said taking her by the hand and walking towards the festival. Erza followed him blushing while he had a smile and a slight blush on his face.
Erza and Ryker walked all over the party and ate at the stalls. He discovered many different flavors that day, and the excitement he got captivated his mate. She was happy for him to discover certain simple pleasures in life that he hadn't had access to before.
It was a pleasurable moment for both of them, the games, the songs, everything was fun. Erza, and her delicate way of being, nearly destroyed several game stalls. And in many moments she had to be restrained by Ryker, who still hadn't seen her competitive side, which ended up causing him some injuries.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked with concern.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I want to?" Erza replied intrigued.
"Because last time I had to drag you out before you destroyed that whole tent."
"You are exaggerating. It was no big deal, plus I want that giant rabbit", she said pointing to the biggest prize.
Ryker looked in the direction she was pointing and laughed. He turned his attention to the redhead with a sly, mischievous look. "Erza Scarlet wants a plushed animal!?".
"Is there a problem with that?", she replied, staring at him deeply.
"None," Ryker said in a defensive pose. "But it's not really like you. If it was a sword, an ax or armor..."
Erza looked at him indignantly at his comment. "I'm still a girl, Ryker."
"Serious!? I didn't even notice," he said jokingly, drawing an annoyed look from a red-haired mage.
"You're an idiot," she huffed.
"Are you going to say you don't like it?" he whispered in her ear, eliciting a sigh and a slight shiver from Erza, who blushed like a red tomato.
"Shut up!" she yelled awkwardly, turning to the owner of the place. "W... what do I have to do to win that rabbit?", she told him pointing to the biggest prize in the game.
The owner, a middle-aged man, who was watching the couple's dynamics and laughing, said she should drop all the bottles placed on a shelf. If she succeeded, she would win the rabbit and she would only have three attempts. However, knowing they were wizards, magic was forbidden, which made it all the more difficult. Clearly Erza didn't like having her magic repressed.
Erza prepared to throw the ball into the bottles, but her first attempt was a failure, completely missing the target. This was a laughing stock on the part of Ryker, who immediately fell silent due to her hateful glare. The second attempt was partially successful, dropping only a few of the bottles, and a muffled laugh from the other mage. But they say the third is luck. She dropped all the bottles by throwing the ball with absurd force and perfect precision.
They left there and the red-haired mage was carrying her giant pink prize. Ryker looked at that scene with an amused face. Seeing Erza carrying a giant pink stuffed rabbit was weird and the contrast amused him.
"What is it?" asked Erza, noticing her friend's behavior.
"Seeing you holding this plush like a cute little girl is weird and hilarious."
"And why is it so funny?"
"Plush and Erza don't match. You have to admit, you're not made for this. You're not that kind of girl", he said with a slight smile looking at her.
Erza looked at him seriously. "Although I'm tough on the outside I'm still a girl and I like certain things…cute", the last word said in an inaudible whisper.
"How is it? I didn't listen," he said cupping a hand to his ear, teasing his red-haired friend.
She moaned and blushed in embarrassment. "I said I like cute things too," she said, redder than her hair. "Ev... every girl likes these things, don't laugh!"
Ryker approached her with a tender smile and I put on and gently took one of the mage's hand, stroking it lightly, causing a slight blush on both of them. "You know I think you're cute, Erza. And I know that deep down you are a sweet and delicate girl, with an armor on the outside". Erza didn't know where to look, despite the uncontrollable smile on her face.
"And when I said at the bottom, I meant at the very bottom, in an almost unreachable hole, that must never have seen the light of day," Ryker said jokingly, which had him punching Erza's shoulder lightly.
"You idiot", she said pouting and Ryker laughed. "But, I think you're right. This rabbit doesn't suit me."
"And what do you intend to do with it?".
"I do not know? You do not want?".
"And what am I going to do with it!?".
"Why can't you give it to Wendy? That suits her."
Ryker stopped to consider the matter and thought it was a good idea. That little girl would love something like that. "Good idea, my queen", he said and Titania rolled her eyes with a smile on her face.
"Wait here," he said and hurried through the party.
"Where are you going?" Erza yelled, but he was either too far away to hear or didn't bother to answer.
She waited for a few minutes while her mate went to do something, whatever it was. It didn't take long for him to come back with something in his hands that she couldn't quite make out what it was.
"What is this?" Erza asked.
"Maybe a giant stuffed animal doesn't suit you, but a small one…" Ryker handed her a teddy.
Erza caught him and held him in her arms. "Did you get this for me?" she said with a beautiful gleam in her eyes.
"You deserve. After all, you're still a little girl," he said in a light and amused tone. Erza looked at him and smiled gently.
They walked and enjoyed the rest of the event, playing games and enjoying the food and sweets until it was time for the fireworks. At midnight on the dot the explosions began, a festival of colors and shapes, one prettier than the other.
Ryker and Erza were holding hands watching the shapes that fireworks formed in the sky, giving their guests a show.
Erza had a beautiful smile and a calm, happy aura. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said gazing at the lights.
"Yeah, it's beautiful, perfect," Ryker said, but even though he'd never seen fireworks like that, he wasn't paying attention to them. His focus and his commentary were focused on Erza, who he admired more than the show. He couldn't wait any longer, he couldn't take it anymore, it would be that time or never again, so he made his decision.
"Erza," he called her. She turned to him and saw his gaze. Ryker gently placed his hand on her face, his thumb gently stroking her cheek, his other arm around her waist, bringing her closer.
"Ryker, I…" she began but was interrupted.
"Shhh…" he silenced her by placing his index finger on her lips. "Just tell me if you want this as much as I do," he whispered just for her to hear as he looked at her deeply and longingly.
Erza, she couldn't say anything, but her desire for him could no longer be contained either, she wanted him, and it had to be at that moment. She nodded, giving permission and showing that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
They sealed the distance with a romantic, ardent kiss as fireworks exploded behind them, filling the sky with the glow of their lights. The two only parted to catch their breath, looking at each other with a burning desire begging for more. They couldn't be apart, they wanted to stay together, feel each other, each other's lips. And they closed the distance with another kiss, even warmer, and continued, one after the other, with Erza wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling his head to hers, trapping him in kisses. He holds her by the waist, not letting her escape, while supporting her head with one of his hands.
The night ended for them with kisses that would lead them down a path neither of them knew where it would end.