Haloha, everyone! Hope you're all having a good day! Once again, thank you for the reviews, they really motivate me to keep going on this.

To address a review by Zaratartus, thank you! I do want to give Natsu and Wendy a happy and sweet ending :D. There's definitely going to be a chapter dedicated to mostly Natsu's POV, though that's going to take a while. I'll eventually get to that point.

Anyhow, have fun reading Chapter 11!

Chapter 11: Let's Go Shopping!

"So you managed to ask him out on a 'date', you say?" The scarlet-haired girl asked as she took a spoonful of her strawberry cake.

"I-I-It's not a date, Erza!" The blue-haired girl fumed in embarrassment, her ears visibly dyed red.

"I was simply repeating what you said earlier, Wendy." She said teasingly.

After Wendy asked Natsu to hang out with her tomorrow, Erza invited her and Carla to spend some time together, to which she called a "girls' hangout". She brought them to her favorite cake shop, which she claimed to sell the best strawberry cake in all of Magnolia Town. On the way, Wendy was daydreaming and accidentally blurted out she would be going on a date with her beloved dragon slayer. Erza found it amusing and decided to tease her about it. She wasn't going to let her live it down.

"W-W-We're just hanging out, that's it!" She slammed her small hands on the table lightly.

"You say that, but your mind's fantasizing about it as a date, isn't it?" Carla smirked, taking a spoonful of her vanilla cake.

"Muuuu…" Wendy pressed her face on the table, trying to cover her embarrassment.

"Haha, there's nothing wrong with thinking it as a date if it makes you happy." Erza leaned her face on her hand which was plopped upright on the table. "I'm just glad that you're not that bothered about the Harvest Festival now."

Wendy raised her face. "Well… it does bother me a little." She brought her glass of cake closer. "But I can't let it bring me down. I can always find other ways to spend time with Natsu." She said with a smile.

"That's the spirit." Erza nodded in approval. "So, have you thought about how you would spend time with him?"

Wendy froze as she took a spoonful into her mouth. She slowly put her spoon back into the glass. She faced downward and held her head with her elbows on the table. H-How should I spend my time with him?

"I'll take that as a no." Erza took another spoonful.

W-What am I supposed to do? Wendy wrecked her mind, thinking about tomorrow's da-er… hang out. She's known Natsu for years now, yet in that much time they spent together, she's never really got to know him deeply. Her eyes slowly lifted to Erza. He and Erza are childhood friends, aren't they?

"Erza!" She rapidly straightened her posture.

"Mhwat ish iht?" Erza chewed through her cake.

"How does Natsu like to spend his time?"

Erza swallowed her food first. "Hmmm… he often likes to go fishing with Happy when they're not on jobs." Erza put her spoon on her plate. He also often crashes at Lucy's place… she decided against her better judgement not to tell her.

"I see… fishing." Wendy mentally took note of it.

"You might already know this, but he also likes to challenge others for a good fight."

"A fight…" Wendy seriously thought about it. It did pass by her mind before, but she wasn't too fond of fighting guildmates, and especially Natsu of all people. Although that would be a surefire way to get his undivided attention, she had to admit. It's just there's a problem with this: she wasn't sure if she would be able to prove a worthy opponent to him. Having witnessed Natsu's destructive firepower countless times, she felt she would get her butt handed to her pretty soon. He was practically on par with Gray, and possibly Erza, despite not officially being an S-Class mage. Being dragon slayers, she wanted to grow stronger like him so she could one day call herself Natsu's equal and stand by his side. Natsu's equal… that thought sent blushes to her cheeks.

"Now what's going on in that head of yours?" Noticing her blush, Erza asked with a teasing smile.

"A-ah? It's n-nothing… I was just thinking it would be nice if I could get stronger… like N-Natsu…" Wendy looked downwards, twiddling her thumbs.

"You're plenty strong yourself, Wendy. Have more confidence in yourself." Erza assured her.

"Really? I don't know…" Wendy looked off to the side.

"Come now. You were able to keep up with a God Slayer. You even defeated one of Tartaros' demon gates. Not to mention you've already mastered control of your Dragon Force, among many other impressive feats." Erza said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Indeed, child. Have some more confidence in yourself." Carla agreed.

"O-oh…" Wendy scratched her cheek in embarrassment. She never knew Erza acknowledged her in such high regard. Maybe she's right…

"Besides… Natsu would be more than delighted to have a friendly sparring with you. He has that much respect for you."

"I am not so sure I can condone such a thing… especially if it involves that fire-head." Carla added.

"Haha, well…" Wendy chuckled nervously. While Carla would somewhat approve if they had a relationship, approving the means to get into said relationship is an entirely different thing. Not that I'd last long against Natsu in a fight anyway…

"Is that so? Then simply do what's fun for you and makes you happy." Erza smiled, having finished her strawberry cake.

"What makes me happy?" Wendy asked, a bit surprised by the straightforward answer, to which Erza nodded.

"But… I'm afraid if Natsu ends up being disappointed. I want us to both have fun." Wendy hung her head downwards, playing with her spoon. If Natsu stopped hanging out with her again, Wendy would absolutely feel devastated. Maybe I'm taking this too seriously…

"You misunderstand me, Wendy. Whatever you find enjoyable, Natsu will also find enjoyable. He's just that kind of person." Erza folded her arms and reclined her back in her chair.

"Really?" Wendy's eyes lighted up.

"Of course, it's good to consider your… boyfriend's interests in mind, but I'm sure Natsu wouldn't care as long as you're having fun. After all, he loves you as if you were his own…" Erza's voice trailed off with a hint of reluctance.

"E-Eh?!" Boyfriend?! Red dyed Wendy's ears and face upon hearing her.

"You're more innocent than I thought, child." Carla said, observing her reactions, which she found amusing.

"S-Stop it, both of you!" She covered her face with her hands to save her embarrassment.

Wendy took a deep breath to cool herself down. "Anyway, what did you mean to say at the end there?"

"Oh, well…" Erza didn't expect her to jump back to her last statement. "I mean, he loves you like his own…"

"His own…?" Wendy's heartbeat increased in anticipation.

"… little sister." Erza answered dryly.

Wendy stared deadpanned at Erza. She bowed her head downwards, the shine fading from her eyes. "So I'm nothing more than his little sister, huh…"

"H-Hey, it isn't going to stay like that forever! Feelings can change with time." Probably. Erza tried to lighten the mood, frantically waving her hands around.

"I sure hope so…" Wendy pouted. When Wendy first joined the guild, Natsu treated her like his own family, making her feel quite at home. It was as if they had known each other for a long time (which is technically true.) She genuinely appreciated the way he treated and welcomed her with open arms. But now… she wasn't so sure if she wanted to be labelled just as a "sister." She craved something more.

"Nothing good's going to come from moping around, child." Carla advised, rubbing her forehead.

"I know, Carla." Wendy sighed, folding her hands on the table.

"Why not use the chance tomorrow to show off your womanly charms? Get Natsu to notice you a lot more?" Erza suggested with a smug look.

"My womanly charms…" Wendy gazed at herself, then to Erza, then back at herself.

She's tall.

She's got a set of impressive assets.

She's got a great figure.

Wendy slumped her arms over the table. "I think I understand now why he sees me as his little sister." Wendy said in a defeated tone. She didn't want to understand, but she did. The evidence was right in front of her. Her appearance perfectly fit the role of a typical little sister figure. If Natsu didn't show any signs of attraction to Erza, then in what world would he be attracted to her?

"O-Oh." Well, that backfired spectacularly. "Nonsense, Wendy. You're such a fine and lovely young woman." Erza declared.

"Gee, thanks…" Wendy replied, puffing her cheeks. I wish Natsu would say that to me.

"Hmmm…" Erza grumbled to herself, trying to think of a way to cheer Wendy up. Ah! I know just the thing! She slammed her hands on to the table. "Let's go."

Both Wendy and Carla's eyes widened, a bit taken aback. "Go where?" Wendy asked.

"Shopping, of course! Let's find you some clothes that'll take Natsu's breath away!" Erza's eyes sparkled with determination.

"S-Shopping? N-No, it's fine… " Wendy waved her hand away and turned her eyes to Carla, hoping she would come up with an excuse. Strangely, the white Exceed was nowhere to be seen.

"You two have fun! I'll head back to the dorm." Wendy turned her head to the voice belonging to Carla. She was standing quite far away, about to disappear behind a building. Sorry, Wendy. I can't get myself roped in to another of Erza's antics.

Wendy narrowed her eyes. Carla, don't leave me alone!

"Come now! Let's embark on an adventure!" Erza stood up from her seat and grabbed Wendy's hand. "You have the full service of Erza Scarlet at your disposal!" She merrily dragged her to the shopping district.

"A-Ahah…" Wendy chuckled nervously. Feeling she didn't have any say in the matter, she succumbed to her fate.


In the shopping district…

..

.

Erza had forcefully dragged Wendy to a well-known clothing store in Magnolia Town. Her intention was to pick out some new clothes for Wendy so she could impress Natsu and get him to notice her… womanly charms, apparently.

"Erza, you really don't have to do this…" Wendy said worriedly. She appreciated the sentiment, but she wasn't so sure if this was a good idea.

"I'm doing this for your sake, Wendy. Don't you want Natsu to notice you more?" Erza asked with a serious tone.

Heat rose in Wendy's cheeks. "I mean… I do…" She looked off to the side in embarrassment.

"Excellent! Then, let's pick out some clothes!" Erza exclaimed proudly, pushing her towards the dressing room while selecting a handful of clothes.

"W-Wait, Erza!" Are you really doing this for my sake? Wendy thought to herself. Erza seemed to be enjoying this all too much.

"Let's start with this!" Erza smiled evilly, getting ready to change Wendy's clothes with the ones she picked.

"H-Hold on! WAAAAH!" Erza spun Wendy's body around, skillfully stripping her clothes and replacing it with new ones.

"First off, let's draw out your womanly charms with these!"

"Eeep!" Wendy was now wearing an open-chest white sweater that tightly hugged her body, as well as black jeans, which emphasized the curves of her waist down to her thighs. A red beanie hat covered her head, matching her hair attachments. "O-Oh…" Wendy observed herself through the mirror, pleasantly surprised at herself. This doesn't look half-bad…

"Next up!" Erza spun her around.

"A-Again?! WAAAAH!" Wendy was now wearing very revealing clothes. Black stockings reached up to her thighs with a dangerously short skirt. Her stomach was bare, revealing her soft skin. Cat ears were placed on her head, as well as a tail which was attached to her back.

"A cat girl! Super cute, bound to make any guy fall for you!" Erza said proudly.

"Kyaaah! No!" Filled with embarrassment and shock, Wendy instinctively covered her chest and stomach. Her face flushed a deep red. There's no way I'm wearing this in front of Natsu!

"It's not over yet! Next up!" Erza spun her around again.

"S-Stop! Wawawa!" Dizziness was starting to cave in.

"Now this is a work of art!" Wendy was now wearing a full maid uniform. The sleeves were short, and the skirt reached up to her knees. She was holding an empty tray. Where'd this come from, anyway?!

"Erza, I've had enough…" Wendy said tiredly. She looked at the mirror, noticing the ridiculous getup she was in. I guess this is not as embarrassing as the last one…

"Repeat after me! 'Welcome home, Master Natsu!'" Erza commanded, imitating a bowing motion.

"H-Heh?! I can't say that!" Wendy hugged the tray close to her chest. A deeper red dyed her cheeks and ears.

"Nonsense! You can!" Erza's eyes sparkled in expectation. "Natsu's guaranteed to fall for you!"

Why are you having so much fun at my own demise?! Wendy thought.

"Really? I'm not…" Wendy gazed downwards. She wasn't sure if this would work. Although she couldn't stop her mind from fantasizing about it happening. What if…

"Welcome home, Master Natsu."

"Oh. Wendy…"

"I'm sure you must have been tired after a long day at work. Do you want to eat dinner? Do you want to take a bath? Or do you want…"

"I want you, Wendy. I can't hold myself back anymore…"

"Ahn, Master Natsu!"

"No, no, no!" Wendy furiously shook her head, slapping herself with the tray. Steam was practically fuming out of her ears. W-What am I thinking?!

"I see. Perhaps you need a demonstration!" Erza folded her arms, nodding to herself.

Wendy waved her hand. "Eh? No, I don't need a-"

"In that case, REQUIP!" A bright light enveloped her body, changing Erza into a maid costume. She received some curious stares from the nearby customers and passersby.

"What are you doing, Erza?" Wendy asked in disbelief as she changed out of the maid costume.

"Giving you a demonstration, of course! It's easier to do if you have an example to look from." Erza said, her voice full of wisdom. "Now, allow me to show you how it's done." Erza thought deeply about it. Instead of using Natsu's name, she would use his name. Blood rushed to her cheeks, dyeing it a faint red.

Erza gracefully bowed her head down, gently lifting her skirt a bit with both her hands. "Welcome home, Master… Jellal." She lifted her head up, glancing at Wendy and looking for approval.

Wendy's eyes widened, simply frozen in place, attempting to point at the direction besides her.

"Wendy? What's wrong?" Erza followed her gaze, and in the next instant, her breath was taken away.

"Er… Hello, Erza. It's… been awhile." A calm and shy voice spoke out.

Erza's mouth comically dropped to the floor. Standing beside her was a man of tall stature, wearing a dark coat. His hair was rough and azure blue, with red markings that crossed over his right eye.

The person standing beside her was none other than…

"Wha… wha… wha…Jellal?!" Realization was slowly hitting Erza, paralyzing her body in place.

"That's… a fancy dress you got there." Jellal said, trying to create a conversation. His cheeks were evidently red.

Noticing his cheeks, steam burst out of Erza's ears. Instantly, she ran to Wendy's back, hiding behind her. He must have heard her, didn't he? An influx of emotions was boiling in Erza's mind.

Noticing Wendy, he greeted her and smiled. "Oh, hello there, Wendy. It's great to see you in good health."

"Hi, Jellal! It's nice to see you too." Wendy smiled back. She found Erza's reactions quite amusing, making herself giggle. Is this karma?

"Jellal! W-What are you doing here?" Poking her head away from Wendy's back, Erza managed to voice out a question through her shaking mouth.

"Oh, I just wanted to do a bit of shopping here and there. It's been awhile since I've visited Magnolia Town. I also… wanted to see how you were doing." Jellal replied, slightly averting his gaze at the end.

"O-Oh, I see…" Erza said timidly.

So this is how Erza acts in front of him… Wendy smiled smugly. Behind her armor, Erza's heart was delicate, just like any other girl in love. She found it rather adorable. An idea popped into her mind. She decided to take revenge for the humiliating clothes Erza made her wear.

"Jellal, don't you think Erza looks cute?" Wendy stepped aside, revealing Erza in her maid costume.

"Huh?" Jellal's eyes widened at her question.

"W-Wendy!" Erza covered her face, trying to hide her embarrassment. What a shameful display! Jellal must think I'm such a weird woman!

"Er… yeah. She looks… very cute. That… fits you well." Jellal rubbed his neck awkwardly.

"I-I see… thank you." Erza lowered her gaze, unable to meet them with Jellal.

"Heh…" Wendy raised her eyebrows twice, giving Erza a smug expression.

Erza shook her head a few times and requipped back into her default armor. She cleared her throat and coughed into her fist. "S-So, how have you been, Jellal? How are the other members of Crime Sorciere doing?"

"Oh, I'm doing better. I've been trying to live my life with a new sense of purpose. Meredy came here with me, though she seems to be on her own shopping spree." He chuckled. "I haven't had any contact with the other members since then. Though, I hear they were doing well, living a life befitting of them."

Erza hummed in response. "That's good to hear."

"What about you two? Are you shopping for new clothes?"

"Oh, well…" Erza wrapped her arm around Wendy. "We're trying to pick new clothes for Wendy's date-"

"ERZA!" Wendy covered her mouth quickly.

Jellal's eyes lighted up in curiosity. "Oh, a date?" He put a hand on his chin. I wonder who it is…

"N-No, she didn't mean to say that!" Wendy exclaimed, trying to steer off the conversation.

"Isn't she adorable?" Erza asked. "Come now, Wendy. There's no need to be shy." She said with a smug look.

Wendy stared dead at her. Are you seriously getting revenge for before?!

"Haha, I agree, Erza. I'm quite intrigued… who's the lucky guy?" He asked with a smile.

"Nats-"

"Ahahah, it's no one!" Wendy frantically waved her hands around. Erza, please shut up! What happened to not telling a single soul?!

"… Natsu? Natsu Dragneel?" Jellal raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Why, yes!" Erza answered triumphantly.

Jellal stood silent for a moment, processing what he just heard. Wendy's date is… Natsu?

"No, Jellal! He and I are just hanging out! It's not a date or anything like that!" Wendy shouted in panic, trying to clear his misunderstandings.

"… Oh, I see." Jellal nodded in understanding. "I would have assumed he's dating Lucy then?" He asked with genuine curiosity, folding his arms. Those two seem happy together.

"Wha…" Wendy frowned at the mention of her name. She bowed her head down, gazing at her feet. They're not but…

Erza held Jellal's shoulder. "Now, now, Jellal. You shouldn't say things like that. Have some tact."

"Huh?" Jellal tilted his head in confusion. "What do you mean, Erza?"

"Natsu and Lucy are just best friends, nothing more." Erza said.

"Really?" Jellal rubbed his chin. "I'm surprised. I thought those two would have tied the knot by now, given how close they are."

With every sentence Jellal uttered, Wendy twitched her eyebrows in increasing annoyance. She clenched her fists, trembling to lash out. We're close, too…

Noticing Wendy's sudden change in mood, Erza stood by her side, patting her head. "You know, Jellal. Wendy doesn't appreciate you saying those things."

"Oh? I apologize. I suppose I shouldn't be speaking of other people's relationships like that." Jellal bowed his head down.

"No, that's not exactly it…" Erza glanced at Wendy. "You see, Wendy likes Nats-"

"W-What are you saying, E-Erza?!" Wendy slapped her mouth in panic, trying to cut off her sentence. Are you trying to kill me with embarrassment?!

Wendy likes Natsu…? Jellal stood in shock, his gears slowly rotating in his head. His eyes widened as he slowly came to a realization. He softly smiled. "I see. I deeply apologize for what I said before. It must have been uncomfortable hearing that."

Wendy just covered her face in response. Her ears rivalled the color of Erza Scarlet's hair. "N-No, it's fine…" She didn't want anyone besidesbesides Erza and Carla to know about her feelings towards Natsu. But now Jellal knows.

"Erza, you shouldn't be telling me about Wendy's feelings without her consent." Jellal chuckled, gazing straight at Erza's eyes. Although, I was curious…

"S-Sorry." Erza muttered and twiddled her hair, gaining a curious glance from Wendy. If he says it, then you listen?

Jellal turned to Wendy. "Don't worry, Wendy. I promise my lips are sealed on this matter." He put a finger to his mouth. He guessed she would be worried about this.

"T-Thank you…" Wendy rubbed the back of her head. Oh well, what's done is done. She was sure Jellal wouldn't run his mouth like Erza.

"If I may… atone for this matter, allow me to assist you with tomorrow's date." Jellal bowed his body down, placing a hand on his chest.

"Huh?"

"Ah?"

Both Wendy and Erza blink and went dotted eyes at his unexpected assistance.

"You… want to help Wendy?" Erza asked.

"Of course, if it's not too much of a bother."

Wendy waved her hand around. "No, no. It's fine… it's not a-"

Erza patted Wendy's back strongly. "Why, of course, Jellal! We would be delighted to have a gentleman's opinion on the matter!"

"What… Erza?!" Wendy robotically turned her neck to Erza. You just want to spend time with Jellal, don't you?

"I see. I'm glad to hear that." He nodded.

"What do you suggest, Jellal? We're all ears." Erza said with a smile.

Wendy gave up trying to fight Erza, realizing her fate was sealed on this day. She was a mere puppet to Erza's show. This is what I get for getting involved with her… Jellal's intentions seem to be pure, at least. She appreciated his help.

Jellal scanned the store around him. A certain section caught his interest. "Then, if I may suggest…" He walked over to a different section of the store. He picked up a small bottle having an elegant glass design with intricate, rose patterns.

"Oh?" Erza said with astonishment in her voice. She didn't think Jellal was one to really care about these things. Unlike a certain Blue Pegasus wizard who's the bane of my existence…

"Forgive me. I'm not quite familiar with fashion and clothing trends." He sniffed the bottle a couple of times, receiving a sweet, fragrant scent through his nose. "But may I suggest a perfume such as this?" He handed it to Wendy.

"Oh…" Wendy took the perfume bottle with both her hands. She sniffed it a few times. It does smell really good…

"Wendy, you and Natsu are dragon slayers, right?" Jellal asked.

"Yeah, we are." Wendy nodded. "What does it have to do with this?"

"If memory serves me correctly, that means both you and Natsu have a keen sense of smell?"

"Yeah, his sense of smell is way sharper than mi-….Ohhhhh…." Wendy's eyes widened in realization as she tilted her head backwards. I had never considered that.

"I see!" Erza placed her fist on to her palm. "A good perfume is bound to sweep Natsu by his nose!" She said proudly.

Jellal and Wendy stared at her in silence. I don't think that's how the saying goes…

"I see… I never really thought about using perfumes. Knowing Natsu, I guess that would be one of the first things he notices." Wendy inspected the bottle closely.

"Feel free to choose any you like. I'll pay for it." Jellal pointed towards the perfume selection spread out on a table.

"E-Eh? N-No, I couldn't possibly-"

"Please. It's the least I could do to atone for before."

Wendy turned to Erza, unsure of how to respond. Erza gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, mouthing 'Go ahead'.

"O-Okay, thank you, Jellal." Wendy walked to the perfume selection, scanning each bottle with great interest. If he's offering, she might as well take up on it. There were a lot of perfume bottles to choose from. The one Jellal had picked gave a very sweet scent, but she wondered… What would Natsu like? She wanted a perfume that could leave an everlasting impression on him. Something that would make Natsu attracted to her, even if it was a bit. With that in mind, she began sniffing the individual bottles one by one. Maybe something that has to do with fire?

"Take your time." Jellal crossed his arms, looking in no particular direction. He then felt a slight nudge to his arm.

"So, are you still on this… "atoning for my sins" roll?" Erza asked in a joking manner.

"Ahah, I might be." Jellal relaxed his arms. "I've been trying to live my life to the fullest now."

"That's great to hear." Erza smiled.

They stood silent for a while, unsure of what to say to one another. It's not often that both these two have a chance to talk with each other, despite having a long childhood history together.

"…Thank you, Erza." Jellal softly said, his cheeks dyed a faint red.

"Hmmm?" Erza hummed in response.

"If it weren't for you, I would have given up on my life a long time ago."

Erza looked off to the side, rubbing her arm. "Come on now… that's because of you. You kept on fighting towards the future."

"… Still, I'm grateful to you." Jellal faced her with a serious gaze.

"Jellal…" Erza returned his gaze. Heat rose in her cheeks. They shared a silent gaze with one another, full of buried emotions and words that were dying to get out.

Jellal gently held both of her hands, causing Erza to flinch a bit. For a moment, she had a difficult time breathing, feeling the warmth of his hands. Erza glanced at her hands being held by his own. She slowly tightened her grip. She could sense the seriousness in his gaze.

"Erza, I…"

Erza unconsciously held her breath in anticipation.

"Staaaaaaare…"

"… Ah?" Erza and Jellal noticed Wendy intently staring them down, making them self-conscious. They quickly let go of each other's hands and turned the other way, breaking the atmosphere they were having.

"Ohohohoh, don't mind me. You two seem to be having a moment." Wendy gave a haughty laugh.

Erza rubbed her temples, trying to cool down her embarrassment and beating heart. "W-What ever do you mean?"

"S-Sorry, I might have been… carried away." Rubbing the back of his neck, Jellal cleared his throat. "A-Anyway, did you already choose a perfume?" He changed the conversation.

"O-Oh, I'd like this one!" Wendy handed her chosen perfume bottle to Jellal. He inspected the bottle closely, rotating it around with his fingers. The bottle had a red glass casing, with the glass designed into the shape of a little dragon on one side and a fiery heart pattern on the other side. This definitely reminds me of Natsu. Jellal smiled at the thought. "Alright then, I'll buy this one." He proceeded to turn around.

"Ah, wait!" Wendy handed him a shopping bag of clothes as well as a sum of jewels. The clothes were the first set Erza changed Wendy into: the white sweater, black jeans, and red beanie hat. "Could you buy it together with this too? This should cover the amount."

"Sure." He took them from Wendy and walked towards the cashier while taking out his pouch of jewels.

Erza simply stood still in silence. Wendy walked to her side and poked her arm. "Hey, Erza…"

"What is it, Wendy?"

"How do you feel about… Jellal?" She asked timidly.

Erza's eyes widened at her question. She folded her arms and bowed her head downwards, sighing deeply and closing her eyes. "I suppose… it's the same way you feel about Natsu." A faint red covered her cheeks.

"I see." Wendy smiled. She was glad she and Erza were similar in this regard. Though, it seems Erza has more fortunate circumstances. Evident through Jellal's actions, it's clear he harbors feelings for Erza as well. Good for them… it's only a matter of time before their feelings are finally intertwined with one another. I hope Natsu will eventually feel the same about me as I do to him… she sighed.

"Here you go, Wendy." Jellal returned and handed her the items she bought in a plastic bag.

"Thank you, Jellal!" She accepted the plastic bag.

"And… this is for you, Erza." He handed her another plastic bag whose contents are currently unknown.

"Eh?" Erza stared at the bag. She slowly took it off his hands. "Y-You really didn't have to…"

"Consider it a token of my appreciation." He gave a smile full of warmth.

"T-Thank you." She hugged the bag close to her chest, trying to shield her blushed face.

"My pleasure." Jellal looked outside the store's windows, noticing Meredy waving at him. "Oh, it seems Meredy's done shopping. I have to go now, unfortunately." He said with a hint of sadness, which Erza caught on to.

"Oh, sure. Don't let us keep you waiting." Erza said.

"It was pleasant, meeting with you two. Erza. Wendy. Let's catch up some other time. Please send my regards to Natsu and the others." He bowed down.

"Will do." Erza replied. He then turned around in place and began walking towards the entrance.

"Jellal, wait!" Erza shouted out, reaching out her hand.

He stopped in place and turned around, looking at her expectantly and waiting for her to continue.

"Will I… see you at the Harvest Festival next week?" She asked timidly.

The Harvest Festival? I heard Fairy Tail is going to host it soon. Jellal thought. He then smiled at her. "Of course. I wouldn't want to miss it." He waved and turned back.

Erza sighed deeply, holding a hand close to her chest. Her lips curved up into a bright smile.

Wendy gently held her hand in hers. "Erza?"

"Yes?"

"Good luck!" Wendy said cheerfully.

Erza understood what she was implying. "… Haha, you too." They both walked out of the store together, hand in hand.

"You've got a big date tomorrow."