notes— Thank you to everyone who's reviewed so far! Reading your theories and reactions is fast becoming the highlight of my day (and also gives me ideas for future chapters, uhuhu~). I'm especially blown away by readers who put more thought and analysis into these snapshots than I do; kudos to you, omg, you're too smart. I don't deserve such clever feedback. ; - ;
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16 ; up
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Erza looks out at the rain with a pensive expression. Behind her, she can hear others from various sports clubs having similar reactions, lamenting the weather. Students walk past her, opening umbrellas with what she's convinced herself is a smug air.
Well, she thinks, straightening her back and grabbing the strap of her bag, a little rain never hurt anyone.
She's reached the school gates when she sees him, standing and smiling and chatting with a bunch of kids from his class. At this point, Erza can admit to herself — she's overly aware of Jellal. Childhood friends grown apart; the story's common enough, and she's spent the better part of two years pining after him while in denial that she cares about him at all.
Erza knows what a crush is, okay. She's not that ignorant.
And as usual, her heart does that stupid flip it always does when she sees him, and she must falter or something in her step because that second of hesitation is enough for him to glance her way and catch her eye.
His eyes widen and damn it, she can't help the reddening cheeks, trust her, she's tried — and he quickly turns to say bye to his friends before, oh God, before jogging over.
He holds the umbrella out over her, leaving himself half in the rain.
She smiles at him thankfully before arranging her features in what she hopes is politely curious (and not hopelessly lovestruck). He just gestures to her dripping hair by ways of explanation before nodding at her in a business-like manner. "Lead the way."
She frowns in confusion.
"I'll walk you home," Jellal murmurs by way of explanation, and smiles quietly — can you smile quietly? Erza doesn't know but Jellal definitely pulls it off anyway, half-hidden and almost like a secret, like something he can't help. It's the best smile; a rare smile; smiles she can collect and keep for rainy days like today.
"Y-You don't have to—!"
"I know." He won't look at her. "Let's go."
"Seriously—" She wants to insist, doesn't want to bother him, doesn't want to be the annoying girl down the street that ruined his after-school plans.
"I-I know, Erza," he repeats resolutely.
Then she sees how the quiet smile has curved into a bashful one, his pink cheeks mirroring hers, and the sudden rush of giddiness is nearly more than she can bear.
She's smiling back before she can help herself, tucking herself closer to him. He blinks, flustered but, dare she admit it to herself... pleased. "You're getting yourself all wet," she teases. "Come on, then. Let's go."