Finally, am I right? These next parts may take some time to write because I need to be in the right mindset to write these so they don't feel rushed and cheesy. They also may or may not be that long but understand I'm going for quality, not quantity. That being said, enjoy this one!

The experience they felt on stage lingered between them. It frightened Jellal but it made Erza feel hopeful. She always felt strongly about him; she always believed in his good heart even when he didn't himself. Jellal always carried the guilt and the shame of those events with him. He convinced himself that he was never worthy of her affections, despite what she told him. After hearing the suggestion from Madame Hina; to remember the feeling and to explore, cherish and nurture it. To know that they deserved to have someone special. Could Jellal deserve Erza? He had danced around this with her for so long, it's any wonder she hadn't moved onto someone else. He wouldn't blame her though. But, spurred on by Madame Hina's suggestion, he decided to go for it; at least once.

"Erza, may I speak to you privately?"

"Of course."

Jellal led Erza to a corner of the guild hall, away from the rest of the crowd. Jellal was nervous and Erza sensed it. She was a bit on edge herself; trying to sort through the feelings she felt from the last part of the show.

"Do you remember what you felt from earlier? On stage," asked Jellal.

"Yes, I do. It was, quite wonderful really. What about you? Did you enjoy it?"

"To be honest, yes. So much so. But, I'm also afraid."

"Afraid? Of what?"

"Myself, for one. I still feel that I have much to atone for; to the people I hurt."

Erza quickly grabbed his hands and the same feeling they felt from the stage came back in full swing. The blush on their faces was evident but Erza wanted to power through it.

"You've done so much in your fight against dark guilds and against your own darkness." Tears began to form in her eyes. "I've told you so many times that you don't have to do this alone. I know you have Crime Sorcière but, I feel you need more than that. You need more emotional support and I want to give you that. Please! Let me do that for you!"

By now, Erza was crying and sobbing. Even Jellal had a hard time keeping his tears from falling.

"I know you think that you're trying to protect me, but I'm hurting, Jellal! I want to be with you!" Erza calmed down a bit. "This feeling I am getting when I'm holding your hands is amazing for me and I want more. Don't you?"

Jellal remained silent; reveling in the feelings he got while holding Erza's hands. He remembered how good it felt to have her close and the kiss on the cheek. He wondered, how would a kiss on the lips would feel? He placed one hand on Erza's face to wipe some tears.

"I'm sorry. Erza, I'm sorry. I would never want to hurt you. You understand that right?"

"I do," she nodded.

"Let this be the first of many," he whispered as he quickly placed his lips against hers.

Erza quickly got over her shock and began to respond. The feeling they first felt holding hands increased exponentially when they touched lips. Neither one wanted to stop, but the need for air over came that and they broke the kiss. They panted heavily, trying to calm down their emotions.

"What now," asked Erza.

"I...really...don't want to leave. If I have to be honest."

"Me, too. Mira can make it back by herself."

"I have a room at the inn nearby," said Jellal with a smirk.

Erza smirked back and then leaned in and whispered in his ear.

"Lead the way."