So I was dissatisfied when we got no Jerza see-off, So I made my version. Hope you enjoy it!

Erza clutched the contents of her purchase closer to her chest as she made a hasty retreat across the boulevard, heading straight towards the residence of a person she wanted to visit. It had started drizzling a while ago and the group of people gallivanting in front her quickly split apart in order to find a shelter to rest. She ran towards the end of the street, nearing her place of destination.

Gasping lightly, she opened the doorknob and set the slightly damp contents near the door. She took off her boots and stepped into the hall.

'Erza? Is that you?', she heard a faint voice coming from the kitchen.

She walked past the living room, following the sweet husky that lured her in.

'Yes, Jellal. Its me.', brushing down her skirt, she examined her clothes and made a mental note to take a quick shower.

'Did you find the stuff you were looking for?', Jellal enquired he stirred the contents of the pot for their dinner.

'I did. I will store it in my Requip space after it gets dry. It started drizzling on my way back'

'Really? Do you want a warm towel to dry yourself?', he left the stove at sim and walked closer to take a good look at her.

'No, its fine. Can I take a shower though?'

'Sure. Our dinner will be ready by then.'

She murmured a low thank you and smiled at him flirtatiously before making her way to the bathroom.

It was somewhat cruel, she pondered as the water droplets trail down her body. Fate had a cruel way of keeping them apart from each other. Before it was his self-resolve and now it were her priorities that she had to fulfil. She thought they would finally get some time together after the Aldoron episode but their misadventure to Elentir ended up absorbing their entire time. And before she knew, they had to prepare to leave for the 100 years quest.

She remembered briefly telling him of her Endeavours that her team undertook to follow unwaveringly. Of course, she wasn't bound to disclose the details but she felt as if she was tricking him into something he didn't sign up for. After all, she wasn't sure when she would return from their 100 years quest. What will she tell him? How long will he wait? When would the mission ultimately end? 2 years? 5? 7? She didn't know the answer herself.

Her heart started hammering uncontrollably as she recalled the night when he finally took her into warm arms, enveloping her into a hug that she yearned and dreamed for years, whispering in her ears that he was free to love people, which implied that he had forgiven himself and was trying to take a step towards resolving the knitted tension between them. That he was ready to face his feelings for her. That he was ready to show his affection for her openly, unrestrained by any underlying guilt, that he was ready to hold her hand and walk towards the future, their future, together.

Realising how much time she wasted being anxious in her thoughts, she quickly grabbed a towel, and changed into some casual wear. After informing Jellal of her intentions, he decided to invite her for dinner, at the inn he was staying, as a last attempt to spend some time together before her ultimate departure tomorrow.

She made her way to the kitchen where he was busy eviscerating the contents of the pot into their plates.

'Already done? I wanted to help you.'

'that's okay. You've got lots of stuff to do tomorrow', he smiled as he finished pouring their food, laying them in an elegant fashion on the table. She helped him in bringing some cutlery before settling down and digging into their food.

Their dinner was short and they made a quick small talk throughout it. He was talking more animatedly as compared to before, she noted. His features were relaxed, he was no more rigid or talking in a concise manner. They had a habit of bringing missions and current affairs in the magic world , into their conversations; to keep themselves updated with the happenings all around them. From a third persons perspective it would seem as if they only discuss work related matters but in actual reality, Erza realised that she could talk to him about literally anything.

She doesn't really have to pretend in front of him. That was established a long time ago. They were each other's saviour. They knew each other more than anyone else did. It amazed her somehow, how well they resonated with each other despite not spending much time like normal couples did.

Couple? Were they one?

The status of their relationship was still obscure but she felt they were getting somewhere. If not smoothly, but slowly and steadily they were progressing towards a definite answer. She felt even more confident after their little-date? Rendezvous? - she could call it a little rendezvous to be on the safe side.

She scurried the last remains of her food before settling her spoon besides her plate. She took the napkin kept before and wiped her mouth gently.

'Did you like it?' Jellal asked her curiously, as he slowly reached across the table and took hold of her hand.

'I did. But it was a little spicy for my taste. But I enjoyed it!', she responded vividly from her seat to make her intentions clear. She couldn't help but notice, his display of affections was getting evidently frequent.

They had walked around the town during the day, catching up with each other after they had their little rendezvous, and the entire time they were together, Jellal didn't let go of her hand even once. It felt nice to walk besides him, holding hands, blushing and chatting spiritedly. He would seldom squeeze her hand and pull her a little closer to whisper something in her ears. Was this for real?

'Well would you fancy some wine?', Erza snapped herself out of her daydream upon hearing his question.

'Yes, of course!'

'Sweet, let me bring the bottle'

She helped him pick up the dirty utensils. After washing and cleaning the dishes, they settled themselves on the couch in a cosy manner. They brought over the glasses and the bottle and lit up the fire place as the cold fumes had started to invade the room from outside.

'It sure is getting cold, I wonder if the trains would get delayed if it were to start snowing', she remarked as she rubbed her palms together.

'Here', Jellal handed her a glass of red wine, ' It will warm you up'

She accepted the glass and took a sip from it- relishing in that delicacy.

'Have you ever tried a Gin, Jellal?', he shook his head, 'No I haven't, I did see it on display when I went to buy the wine'.

'It's a flavoured vodka made from berries and has a nice citrusy touch to it. Add it to a coke with some lemon and ice cubes and you are good to go.'

'How about we try it together next time we have meet for dinner or lunch?'

Next time. And when will that be?

Erza heaved a distressing sigh making it awfully palpable to Jellal that something was definitely perturbing her. He kept his glass on the table and gently nudged her.

'I know something is eating you up. What is it?', he caressed his fingertips against her cheek.

Erza crossed her legs, and hesitantly looked up to meet his eyes, 'I can't help but think how selfish it is of me to suggest you joining fairy tail while I go off on a long mission for gods knows how long. I don't know when will I return. What will you do till then? You can't wait for me indefinitely. I don't know what to think. I feel happy spending time with you but when I think about my pending mission, I feel like I am deceiving you'

'Alright, you don't need to hammer yourself down by overthinking this issue excessively', he swung his arm around her shoulders protectively. Erza sighed before leaning into his embrace naturally, snuzzling her head against his shoulder.

'Personally, I don't think you are deceiving me'

'But I don't know when will I return!'

'I know, but you will return someday, right? I don't know the details of your mission but I am aware that its rather dangerous and long. I…. I don't mind waiting for you Erza.'

'What if it takes 10 years for us to complete this mission?'

'Then I'll wait 10 years for your return. And no, I don't think it will take this long to you guys. You are fairy tail's strongest team after all. And I believe in your ability.'

Feeling some vitality return back to her fingers, Erza gently tugged his free hand, caressing his palm with her thumbs.

'And it's not like we would have no contact at all', he continued to enliven her gloom,' we have our lacrima phones with which we can talk every day and now with the recent upgradation we can video call each other as well. We just have to development techniques with which we can sustain our contact until you return.'

'You really are positive about this.', she looked up and finally smiled, nudging her nose with his cheek. The contact brought shivers down their spines despite the room being adequately warm with the fire lit.

'I am finally living my life for first time in 29 years, Erza', he whispered tenderly into her hair, 'I can't help not be positive. I have never felt like this before. My brain is gushing with ideas. I had a lot of time to contemplate about myself. There are so many things I want to experience. But first of all, I have to meet up with Meredy and inform her of the proposition you kept before me. I will let you know what our decision will be.'

Erza felt her heart burst with joy when she heard him talking about his future in such an invigorated manner, 'There is no hurry'.

'I know but that's not the only reason I am meeting with her. We detected another suspicious activity near south of Hargeon. We are going to inspect that for a while'.

'What about the rest of crime sorciere?'

'A lot of them are busying doing their own stuff. I did inform them about our plan to meet for this mission but it's their decision to take forth my invitation. I am not going to force my way of life on anyone'

'I guess everyone has their own version and perception of freedom. Do you miss working with them?'

'Well, they certainly were a difficult bunch to integrate, initially, but we all corroborated into a small family, I think', Jellal smiled genuinely as he reminisced their time when they all travelled together in search of their goals and purpose. It did take them some time to get comfortable with each other but when they did, their search for purpose didn't seem as hopeless as before. They lifted each other in times of despair. They all grew to forgive and love each other.

'I am so happy for you, Jellal. I am happy to see you so full of life', Erza lifted her head from his shoulder and took his face in her hands, with tears threatening to fall out, she took a deep breath and kissed his cheek tenderly.

'Come here', he could feel his breath quicken as he tugged her legs and urged her to sit on his lap. Erza, hesitant at first, hooked her left thigh over his lap and seated herself comfortably upon them. Her thighs rubbed against his as she noted how strong and muscular, they were.

'I want to weave a future where I continue to grow as a person, Erza. And I want you beside me. In every step of life, I want to hold your hand and cross every dismay we encounter. And for that, I am willing to wait as long as I have to. So don't worry about that. I'll be here when you come back-till then, I will continue to work towards myself and my goal.'

That right there, was the little boy whom she fell in love with in the tower, who dared to challenge life and thrive against every single odd who mocked his resolve. Erza finally let those tears fall and flung her arms around his neck, crying helplessly. Jellal tighten his grip around waist and let his tears fall as well.

'I love you, Erza. You are the love of my life.'

Erza leaned back to take a good look at his face, which was stained with tears, just like hers. They let out an untimely chuckle, their noses barely touching each other.

'You are the only man in my heart, Jellal, I love you too'

Their breaths heaved fervently as they neared towards each other. His thumb caressed her cheek that dared to run lower, down to her throat. Their yearning for each other, the desire to hold each other unrestrained, countless nights-days they spent missing and worrying about their beloved's health- encapsulated itself into a raging storm that invigorated with each breath they took, their sighs synchronised as they closed their eyes and let their lips clash. The entire downpour of emotions came gushing out as if enraptured in a dam. They let their lips meet, then again and then again. The tempestuous storm that reigned supreme came down debilitating into a tranquil walk taken in a warm sunny meadow.

Their arms tightened around each other, refusing to let go. They kissed again, and then again. They emitted a heavy breath and they could swear to God, they didn't feel this serene before.

'I love you', they chanting this phrase for God knows how many times while kissing each other again and again. Resting their foreheads against each other, eyes half-lid from a drug called passion, their lips moved forward for a long and final smooch before going limp each other.

She held him with her arms around his neck, and she held him tight, revitalised with a newfound vivacity and perseverance.

They cuddled in his bed afterwards. He changed into a pair of shorts, shirtless. Erza changed into a pair of shorts and a thin black camisole, not wearing a bra, as she intentionally rubbed herself against his chest, tempting him further.

She flung her left leg over his torso, conquering him successfully. Jellal, flushed red from her actions, held her securely from her waist-kissing her fizzled hair occasionally. He took advantage of his position and didn't miss an opportunity to play with hair, her hair that he revered so vehemently. He loved her and he wasn't afraid to say it out loud.

'It's overwhelming'

'What?', she asked.

'My feelings for you. I think they will break free and flood the entire town I am afraid. Am I making sense?' Erza let out a snort as she nuzzled into his neck. Trailing her tongue from his ear to his pulse, she moistened that spot before sucking it and enticing a moan out of his throat.

'I want to melt into you. Do I make sense?', she pecked his cheek, awaiting a response from him.

'You do'-he gasped for air- 'and you don't but ignoring the hyperbole, I know exactly what you are talking about. Because I feel the same'. He gave her a cheeky grin and claimed her lips in a passionate smooch. He pulled her on top of him and ran his hands up from her waist, under her camisole, touching every inch of her back, not missing a single spot, reaching the spot where he thought he would find her bra strap-only to find none. That confirmed his doubts when he felt her soft breasts press against him. She leaned down and captured his lips in another enamouring kiss.

'Erza.'

'hmm?'

'Are we a thing now?'

'a thing?'

'I mean what is the status of our relationship? It's kind of vague. Are we dating?', Jellal put forth courageously, embattled with his own heartbeat drumming against this chest.

She bit her lip nervously and hid her face in his neck timidly, 'Maybe, I guess.'

Jellal grabbed her waist and aroused from his laying position into a sitting one, taking support of the headrest behind him, he leaned back and took her face in his hands.

'Erza'

She met his eyes and blushed, 'Yes'

'Will you be my girlfriend?'

Her face broke into a huge smile, the most charming smile he ever witnessed in his lifetime.

'Yes!', she squealed, brightly, and enraptured his lips into another alluring kiss that he seemed keen on returning.

'I am going to miss you. I am going to miss you a lot Erza.'

'Have you packed everything?', Jellal asked her pensively, going through a list of necessities that she might need on her rough travels.

'Yes'

'The package from yesterday evening?'

'Yes, everything is done', Erza answered as she bends down to tie her boots.' When do you leave for Hargeon?'

'My train is at 5. I still have time to pack. I don't have much stuff anyways'

'I see. Keep me updated with the towns you visit.'

'I will. You keep me updated with your travels as well.'

'Of course. So, call me whenever to get time. If I don't pick up, leave a message. And before I forget, keep sending me pictures of yourself!', Erza chuckled as he kissed her forehead lovingly.

'I will, my love. Only if you promise to send me pictures of yourself, maybe a little sexy if you have a chance', he whispered the last part slowly sending shivers down her spine.

She snorted mischievously and shook her head.

'I love you', she declared sincerely.

'I love you too. Take care of yourself.' He took her face in his hands, cherishing the feel of her skin against his, and pulling her in for a final kiss. Long and imbued of love they harboured for each other.

If you liked it, Please leave a review. Thank you for reading!