Moving from the last chapter, here's a chapter dedicated to the Jerza fans out there! The next chapter will be the finale!

Enjoy reading!


Chapter 49.5-JERZA: To love freely.


With joyful music and many stalls running active, it was a good start to the highly anticipated Fireworks Festival.

"There are so many stalls to check out," Erza looked around the crowd, "it's quite a grand festival."

"I've never been to festivals much." Jellal said, looking off in the distance.

"Why is that?"

"I… don't know." He cast his gaze down. "I guess I could never find it in myself to enjoy things that much."

"That's not true." Erza held his arm to comfort him. "You came to see me during Fairy Night. You know how to enjoy yourself."

"Is that so?" he chuckled softly. Maybe she's right about that…

"Then let's change that today." She gave an encouraging smile. "Let's forget about everything else for a moment and enjoy ourselves to the fullest."

"Enjoy ourselves to the fullest…" he pondered those words. Words that sounded so foreign to him.

"I believe you're more than capable of doing so." She said in a reassuring tone.

"… I must say, I'm grateful to you, Erza." He sighed faintly. "To be honest with you, I was… hesitant to come along on the trip."

"I figured as much." Erza nodded. I was afraid he'd turn me down… but I'm glad I was proven wrong.

"I didn't know if I could truly give myself time," he bowed his head, "time away from chasing darkness in every corner of the world."

"Jellal…"

"But seeing Natsu, Wendy, Gray, Juvia, and even you," his lips curved into a smile, "seeing you all enjoying the vacation has brightened my spirits. It encouraged me to be… softer on myself."

"As you should." Erza held his hand. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"And… if I may be so selfish," he gazed into her eyes, "I would like… to grow closer to you."

"… I feel the same way, Jellal." She gave a gentle smile. "I'm selfish as well, don't you think? I basically dragged you out into the middle of the sea."

"Haha, I won't deny that." He chuckled. "But every moment spent with you, they've all been so meaningful to me."

"I'm glad to hear that." Erza said. "Let's make many more of these meaningful moments, shall we?"

"Of course." He squeezed her hand to reassure himself. There weren't many opportunities in his life that allowed him to bond with Erza, but this resort vacation has been one of his greatest blessings.

I'll cherish tonight dearly.

"So, what shall we start with?" Erza asked, walking with him. "Want to grab a snack or play a game? I leave the choice to you."

"That's a lot of pressure on my shoulders."

"I have to bring you out of your shell somehow." Erza winked.

"Well…" Jellal looked at each of the stalls. "Why don't we get something to eat first?"

"Great." Erza wrapped her arm around his. A faint blush rose in her cheeks, which Jellal would notice if he paid attention.

The two explored around, checking out each of the food stalls, seeing if anything caught his interest. One thing Jellal was very conscious of was the distance between him and her. Erza was practically hugging his arm close to her chest. He tried to pay no mind to it.

Emphasis on 'tried'.

"Hmmm…" Erza's eyes were fixated on a particular stall selling chocolate-covered marshmallows on a stick, which didn't escape Jellal's attention.

"… Let's try that, Erza." He motioned to it. "Let's get some marshmallows."

"O-Oh, of course." She nodded. "You don't strike me as the kind of person to indulge in sweets."

"I like myself a good sweet from time to time." He said, though he only chose it because Erza seemed to want it.

They both approached the stall and were greeted by a cheerful owner.

"Hello there!" she clapped her hands together. "Are you two a couple? You can receive a couple's discount!"

"A couple's discount…?" Erza and Jellal stared at each other, exchanging curious glances, then looked away.

We're not exactly a couple… Erza rubbed the side of her neck, her ears reddening. But it would be nice to get the discount.

"If you two can prove your love for each other with a kiss, you can get the discount!"

"A k-kiss…?!" She caught her breath, her eyes shooting open with surprise. That's… a bit too forward of–

"We're not a couple." He declared, handing her jewels for the marshmallows. "We'll buy it at a regular price."

"Okay then!" The stall owner gave them their marshmallows. "Thank you for the purchase!"

"Let's go, Erza." He grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

"O-Okay…?" Erza blinked a couple of times, glancing at the marshmallow in her hand and at his face. He said we're not a couple… for whatever reason, hearing that left a sour taste in her mouth and tightening sensation around her heart. It was a fact, though. She couldn't deny that they were not dating. Does… Jellal not feel the same–

"The marshmallow tastes pretty good." Jellal gently pushed a marshmallow into her lips. "Try it."

"Oh." A fluffy and sweet taste entered her mouth. She chewed a few times, taking in the delectable taste. Her eyes sparkled in delight. "It tastes so sweet!"

"I know." Jellal smiled. "Let's enjoy it to the fullest."

Eating the marshmallows served to lighten some of the negative thoughts plaguing her heart. I guess there's no use dwelling on it. She continued eating her marshmallows to keep herself distracted.

"Just so you know, Erza… I wouldn't want a kiss from anyone just for the sake of getting a kiss."

"Huh…?" Erza snapped her eyes to his side profile, noticing the faint red glow of his cheeks which crept up to his ears.

"I just… thought you should know." He cleared his throat. "That is all."

Huh, so that is bothering him, too. Erza let out a laugh of relief. She curled her arm around his, closing the distance between them. Again, I am worried about the silliest matters…

They continued along with the festival activities.


..

.

It was now approaching the time of the fireworks viewing. People were gathering in potential spots to catch a good view of the fireworks.

"It seems it's about to begin." Jellal said. "I hope the others found good spots to watch them."

"I'm sure they do." Erza replied. I'm sure Wendy and Juvia are in capable hands. "Let's hurry! We wouldn't want to miss it."

"Of course."

Using their first-class pass, they found a secluded hill with a giant tree, away from everyone else. They sat down in front of the tree and leaned their backs into it, facing the solemn night sky.

"It would be nice to watch the fireworks with everyone." Jellal folded his arms. "It'd make for a wonderful memory."

"Wherever we all are," Erza hugged her knees, "I'm sure we're all watching the same sky."

"Mhmm." He softly hummed.

SPARK!

And the first of many fireworks soared into the sky, exploding into a magnificent display of colors and sounds. Colorful lights illuminated their surroundings.

It's beginning… the two sat in silence, simply enjoying the moment.

More fireworks shot into the sky, resulting in even greater explosions, circular patterns, and bright colors.

Turning her head to the side, Erza stared at his side profile. He was watching the fireworks with a genuine smile on his lips. No worries were plaguing his mind.

BADUMP.

Erza clenched a fist close to her chest as her heartbeat accelerated. Right now, right this very moment, it was just the two of them in their own little world. A few gentle winds blew past them, ruffling his hair.

"… Jellal." Erza gazed into his eyes, tugging on the fabric of his yukata.

Jellal turned his face to hers and gave her a gentle smile. A smile that made her heart skip a beat.

Erza once again asked herself the same question that's always bothered her: what was she to him? What was he to her? Were they really just friends with unrequited love?

Fireworks shooting into the sky. A calm night. Pleasant winds blowing. Alone.

It was the perfect scenario.

This is it! Erza steeled her resolve and willed all her power into her voice. There's no turning back now. I… want to tell him how I feel.

"I love you–"

SPARK!

Fiery explosions filled the sky once more, illuminating the night with a vivid array of colorful lights.

"… It's really beautiful." Jellal whispered, staring at the night sky, admiring the wondrous sight.

"…" Erza followed his line of sight. Indeed… they're really beautiful. She let out a silent sigh, hoping he didn't catch up on it. I don't think he heard me, did he… the fireworks must have been loud enough to drown out her voice.

Her gaze was drawn to the smile on his lips. A smile so captivating in her eyes. A smile that tugged at her heartstrings. A smile that broke free of the shackles that bound him to this past.

Watching it together with him… that's enough for me. Perhaps fate wasn't allowing her feelings to reach him today. As long as I can see him happy, as long as I can see his smile… maybe that is all I truly need.

But he would take fate into his own hands.

"Even in the presence of these magnificent fireworks…" Jellal caressed her scarlet bangs away to get a better look at her face. "I find your beauty the most stunning."

"Jellal…" Erza's cheeks rose in heat at his mere touch.

Cupping her cheek, he leaned into her ear and whispered…

"I love you too, Erza."

Erza instantly froze in place, her breath getting caught in her lungs. His words reverberated throughout her body. Her eyes met his own, which had a hint of sparkle.

"… Huh?"

Jellal simply returned a smile. A smile not directed at the vibrant sky. A smile now directed at her and her only.

Your voice will always reach me.

Her cheeks grew a deep red, heat surging through them, but they weren't because of embarrassment or shock. Rather, it was because her feelings finally reached him. And his feelings finally reached her.

"There's no need to rush things."

"If it's meant to be, it will happen. Let time run its natural course."

His words echoed through her mind from that.

There will be a time and place for it…

and that time is this very moment.

Her eyes shining, tears began welling up. A wave of relief and happiness washed over, unable to be contained in her heart. To finally hear the revelation of his feelings.

Drawing his hand to her face, Jellal said nothing and gently wiped her tears away with his thumb. His touch comforted her senses.

Erza leaned into his chest, and he slowly wrapped his arms around her delicate frame, stroking the back of her hair. His fingers ran and felt through her silky scarlet hair. A color he could never forget.

For as long as he has been chasing his own devils, he never pursued his feelings. Jellal always doubted himself, wondering if he even deserved Erza's affection. But in his world of darkness, she was his light of hope. A light he wanted to claim with his own hands right at this very moment.

It would be his greatest sin to not follow his own heart.

Erza had always been hesitant about confessing her feelings. She didn't know where they stood in their relationship. What if she crossed a line she could never undo? What if he suddenly brought another lie of having a fiancé, as dumb as it was? Yet all her worries were unfounded now.

He could finally bring his way of life closer to her.

She could finally reach out to him more than ever.

As if to celebrate their feelings, the fireworks erupted into a greater explosion of glory, signaling the start of the new stage of their relationship.

It was just the two of them. Revealing their feelings, accepting their feelings, and embracing their feelings for one another.

I love you, Jellal. Erza sobbed quietly into his chest. I always have.

His eyes flicked to her lips, glistening under the moonlight. During the Fairy Night, he hesitated to push forward because he felt he didn't deserve to take that next step with her.

But now I am ready.

He leaned his head closer to her, their foreheads meeting each other. His thumb brushed ever so slightly against her lips as he tipped her chin up to let their eyes meet.

Erza desired him as much as he desired her. She closed her eyes, surrendering herself to him entirely, allowing him to see through the iron armor that enclosed her heart.

Thank you for teaching me how to forgive myself.

Their lips were inches away…

Thank you for letting me love you again.

And their lips touched for the first time. A gentle kiss, yet so full of raw, repressed emotions. A kiss shattering his darkness and her armor.

Their lips parted, both their hearts beating in rhythm for each other. Hot sensations lingered on their lips.

Erza almost forgot to breathe. The kiss was so… impactful. Her lips curved into a wide smile, finally feeling an intimacy she craved from him for so long.

Jellal's mind grew fuzzy from the kiss. He almost felt it was a sin from how pleasurable it felt. But that wouldn't stop him. He would finally allow himself to love her freely.

It was a new beginning of their relationship.

A new beginning they both deserved.