Erza decided that Jellal's hand around hers was the best feeling. His hands weren't soft and he had a callous that she assumed came from the use of a firearm, but he was warm and sometimes squeezed her hand for emphasis during conversation. It felt like a special layer of their interaction that he reserved just for her, and she loved it.

He'd taken her to the Music in the Park festival in South Gate Park for their first date, and it had been hard to resist the romance in the air. After the sunset, strings of twinkling lights flickered to life dappling the trees with a magical glow. The performance was spent leaning into Jellal's side and positively basking in the feel of his body against hers. At some point he'd brushed his lips against her ear and whispered that he thought her more beautiful than the music. Erza blushed and it took all her willpower not to swiftly turn her head and kiss him.

They walked through the lamp lit streets of Magnolia back toward her apartment where his car was parked. He kept hold of her hand and they spoke back and forth easily about the festival, and everything and nothing at the same time. Erza told him of her silly way of collecting different varieties of socks, and Jellal admitted to a love of astronomy. He promised to take her to the rocky hills on the edge of the city and show her the different constellations without the trees and buildings interfering.

"I had a great time tonight, Jellal, thank you for bringing me." Erza said softly when they reached the set of stairs leading into her apartment building.

"It was my pleasure, Erza. I'm a little surprised you live so close to the city center and haven't been before." He smiled down at her and she could not stop herself from stepping closer to him. The way his fingers brushed over hers drew her in.

"Well, you know, I'm always so wrapped up in work and I've never really…" She trailed off and glanced down at their hands. It wouldn't do to mention that she hadn't ever had anyone worth going with. "I'm glad I got to experience it with you."

"When can I see you again?" His eyes implored her and a blush crept onto her cheeks. "Tomorrow? Sunday? Meredy will be with my sister on the coast this weekend and I know you're exhausted during the week."

"Won't you get tired of spending so much time with me?" Jellal brought her hand to his chest and she could feel his heart racing.

"Are you kidding? You're all I think about, Erza. I'd be alarmed except…" He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers. "I think maybe you feel it too."

She licked her lips and whispered, "Tomorrow then. I usually make it home around six or so. Fair warning, though, Saturdays are incredibly busy and I'll probably not be up for much of an outing."

"We can stay in, then."

"Okay." Her eyes didn't stray from his mouth. She wanted him to stop talking and kiss her.

"I'll let you get to bed, then. Call me tomorrow when you get home."

"Okay."

"Erza, I –"

Without thinking further about it, she closed her eyes and suddenly pressed her lips against his. Her hands slid over his chest and around his neck. Jellal didn't take more than two seconds to snap out of his surprise and return her kiss. Erza shivered at the feel of his fingers sliding through her hair, and the eventual settling of his hands on her waist. When he pulled away, a sound of discontent escaped her throat. He smiled and she could see his face was as red as hers felt.

"Did you think I was going to leave without a goodnight kiss?" he whispered.

"Well, the thought crossed my mind and I couldn't let that happen." Erza bit her lip and looked up at him. "Was it okay?"

Jellal surprised her by chuckling and kissed her softly once more. "I think it's safe to say I liked it." She hid her face in his chest and tried to quell the urge to grin like a ridiculously smitten idiot. "I should go, though. It's late and Meredy will drag me out of bed at daybreak to help her pack for the beach."

"Alright. I'll call you when I'm cleaned up after work."

"Goodnight, Erza," he said quietly before leaving her on the steps. Erza watched him go, then practically floated up to her apartment. When she was finally alone in her bedroom she threw herself on her bed and sighed dreamily. She could still feel him tingling on her lips and it was wonderful.

Erza stripped off her clothes and grabbed her phone from the bedside table. She'd opted to leave it behind during her date and it looked like both Lucy and Mirajane were making demands in the form of text messages. They wanted to know how things had gone – especially Mira. It didn't look like she'd be able to escape either of them as Lucy had started a group chat.

Lucy: Erza! Details!

Mirajane: WELL?

Lucy: Maybe she's not back yet.

Mirajane: Maaaybe they're naked LOL

Lucy: Nah, I bet Erza holds out for at least a couple of weeks.

Mirajane: Idk she really likes him and it's not like they haven't been chatting for a while!

Lucy: Still though she's not a first date kinda girl.

Mirajane: True but can you blame me for hoping?

Erza: Guys! I can see all these messages you know!

Lucy: You made us wait. So get on with it! How did it go?

Mirajane: I guess this means you didn't get him naked?

Erza: No one is naked! I'm home and I'm alone.

Mirajane: Killjoy.

Lucy: So what happened?

Erza: It was alright. He walked me home and we're going to see each other tomorrow after work.

Lucy: Wow on a Saturday! It must be love. Usually by Saturday you're ready to retire to a cave in the hills.

Erza: I'm not THAT bad, am I?

Mirajane: Get to the good stuff! Did he kiss you? At least? Was he any good?

Erza: I had to kiss him. He was talking too much! All night I couldn't think about anything else.

Mirajane: You haven't said if he was good or not. I need details.

Lucy: Natsu took me to Music in the Park last year and it was incredible.

Mirajane: … wow. I didn't know Natsu had a romantic bone in his body. I'm impressed.

Lucy: He makes an effort at least twice a year.

Erza: Can we cut this short? I need to sleep. I still have to work tomorrow.

Mirajane: No!

Lucy: Aww! Boo!

Mirajane: Can the boy kiss or not. Has this whole thing been worth it? Is this your 'positive experience'?

Erza: Yeah he's good with the kissing.

Lucy: Are you going to keep your Spark profile?

Erza leaned back against her pillows and ran through the evening once more. She smiled and picked up her phone again.

Erza: I think it's safe to say Spark can go. He's a keeper.

Mirajane: I win! And you're welcome.