Hello everyone,

Sorry for the late update, but I'm busy with school and translating a fanfic in English, it's Frozen in Time, for those who know French and DevilK.

So after receiving some advice – which I'm very thankful for – and reading the story again, now I'm looking for a Beta! So anyone with an account and spare time to read badly written ErLu fics, PM me, please!

I DON'T own Fairy Tail.

Enjoy.

Three years after the events, Lucy walked into the guild with a huge smile on her face. She'd returned from a mission with Natsu and Happy and she knew her girlfriend was waiting for her. Her girlfriend. Why did the thought make her goofy and giddy, even after three years?

That's because it's Erza, she thought to herself. Said person had spotted her, and excitedly came running. When they reached each other, it was like a scene in a movie. Erza caught Lucy, but the surprising strength forced her to take a step backwards.

"How is it, that you're more beautiful every time I see you?" Erza asked, studying the blonde's face.

Lucy didn't say anything, just nuzzled her head into Erza's shoulders. She pressed a light kiss on her neck, sending a shiver through Erza's spine. Tease. They parted, and Lucy dragged Erza to the bar. They drank and talked and laughed with the entire guild. Now and then fighting. (Erza barely got mixed up anymore and Lucy didn't hide behind the bar anymore). But all the while, Lucy subtly teased Erza.

A lingering kiss, a lost hand, a provoking look. It was enough to drive her crazy. It was a habit by now, Lucy teasing Erza and Erza getting surprisingly red. One would think Erza, the person with no shame or common sense all together, would have no problems with public kisses or flirting. But anything else than holding hands when more than two persons saw it, she'd think of it as embarrassing.

Another surprise was that Erza wouldn't get jealous. Ever. When Lucy asked her about it, the redhead just answered: "I can't be in a relationship with someone I don't trust, Lucy. I trust you, more than anyone. Being in a relationship isn't about possessing someone. I'm in love with you, but I don't own you or anything."

Lucy had only blushed and kissed her lover on the nose. The illegal tint of red was too adorable.

All those things, their differences and common traits, somehow made sure they were only closer. They fell in love more and more. There was only one problem.

Erza and Lucy walked home together. It was a sweet autumn night, the weather getting colder but not quite enough to wear gloves. Their fingers were intertwined, the warm touch had become familiar and yet thrilling. It promised Lucy that Erza would be there, now and whenever Lucy needed and didn't need her.

Erza still hadn't moved in, despite Lucy's constant whining. The redhead refused to live together until they got engaged – and she saw that as a compromise, normally wanting to wait until marriage. Lucy, on the other hand, absolutely didn't want to marry.

And almost all their friends already lived together! Lisanna and Natsu, Gray and Juvia, even Elfman and Evergreen! Well, not those two, they both furiously denied it, saying they bought the same house 'coincidentally' at the same time.

Everyone, including Happy and Natsu (Happy and Natsu!) had facepalmed at the blushing and stuttering pair, fighting as always. Some things never changed.

Natsu had become an S-class mage, one year before Gray. In an unexpected turn of events, they decided to be each other's partners. But that's a completely different story.

"Lucy?"

"Hm?"

Lucy only noticed now they both stood in front of her apartment. This was the part she hated most. They always had to say goodbye there, and Lucy's heart yearned for Erza the second their hands didn't touch anymore.

"Lucy, I have known you for more than five years. Twelve if you count the years on Tenrou. I've fallen for you, deeply, honestly. I'd do anything to make you happy. I'd give up everything. We've been through hard times, but we always managed to solve our problems. That's why I'm asking you, that's why I want everyone to know we belong together. Will you marry me?"

Erza actually went down on a knee and pulled out a ring. It was a golden ring, simple and sober, but it meant the world. It meant commitment and love… But it also meant restriction and the daily life. Marriage wasn't something to be taken lightly, to be used as bonds between families or money. Maybe it was her father's fault, but Lucy had always, always, seen the vow as a promise, one person to another, to love each other. She was always afraid that it meant less to Erza. She should know better, but her mind kept telling her all that.

There was where the real problem hid, Lucy and Erza both knew. It itched her, and no matter how much Erza tried, she couldn't do it.

Erza had never once said "I love you." to Lucy. She had said "I'm in love with you.", "I've fallen for you.", "I care so much for you." But never those three words. It meant more to them as they initially realized. Lucy had no problems saying it and in the beginning, she hadn't had any problem with Erza not telling her. They were only together a few weeks, months that turned into three whole years.

Three years, in which they had ups and downs, fights and dates. Each day was unforgettable, unique. Lucy loved each day with Erza.

Lucy still hadn't answered Erza yet. Her answer remained the same. I'm sorry. Her eyes said as Erza stood up.

Then, the other girl started shaking violently. She grabbed Lucy's arm and the latter flinched at the strength grasping her.

"Erza! Is everything okay?" Lucy asked, although everything was clearly not okay.

Erza took Lucy's other arm with her free hand, until they stood close. The shaking slowly subsided. Her forehead was close to Lucy's, their noses touching and their eyes closed.

Lucy knew what came. She knew what came, and she still anticipated it with tension and excitement and joy. She knew Erza had overcome her fear, and it was time to overcome her own. Loving someone gives you courage, while being deeply loved by someone gives you strength.

"I love you." Lucy could feel the lips moving, so close to her own. Then she smiled. It was relief, pride and love at the same time.

Lucy swallowed heavily. It seemed so right to say it back, yet so hard and different from every other time.

"And I love you."

That was the moment Lucy knew they would work out. No matter what.

End