A.N: In which Jellal buys her a rose. Every day.

Jellal Fernandes had a rather…unorthodox morning routine.

He'd wake up, shower, get dressed, and have breakfast. Then, he'd start walking to work, because he lived close enough and driving was, really, a nuisance.

Along the way, he'd stop at the local flower shop, buy a single, red rose for the lovely Ms. Scarlet, and then depart.

It started about a month ago, when he had first laid eyes on the scarlet-haired florist running her own, independently-owned store. It was his best friend Ultear's birthday and, despite the party that occurred in the evening, he wanted to get her a little something to brighten her morning. Considering he'd been late for work, he made a mad dash into the floral shop across the street from the building he worked at, and requested a bouquet of their finest chrysanthemums whilst pulling out his wallet and digging around for money.

He hadn't noticed Erza until he looked up, and he could've sworn he felt his heart burst in his chest. She was, she was…his mind had searched for the right word to describe her, in all her ethereal glory, and he had found none. So instead he openly stared, enthralled, as she gave him a bright smile and went about piecing together the most gorgeous bouquet he'd ever seen in a matter of minutes.

He'd only shaken himself out of his reverie when she had began speaking, her voice sweeter and warmer and all sorts of magic that had him hanging onto every word. He'd handed over a crisp, $100 dollar, refusing the change and giving her a shy smile before darting out of the store.

Everyday beyond that, he had found himself entering the store, purchasing nothing more than a single rose and handing it to here almost immediately. The first week, she had blushed and stuttered, insisting he'd keep it, but he'd smile and tell her that she deserved to be showered in the only thing that could possibly be compared to her. She would glow in gratitude and embarrassment, and every day would accept the rose with a soft 'thank you' and a smile that would send his heart racing. As the days wore on, she'd come to expect his visits, and he'd come to expect her smiles.

That is, until today.

He walked in, the bells attached to the top of the door-frame chiming loudly and cutting through the silence of the store. His eyes sought out the counter where Erza always stood, frowning at the fact that she wasn't there. Was she well? Sick? Did she not want to see him?

The last thought left his heart clenching in fear and disappointment.

Slowly, he walked up the counter, shoving the money he had ready back into his pocket. The shop was eerily quiet; there was rarely any other customers this early in the morning, though. It was usually only him and Erza, making the task of going in every morning much less daunting.

Yet the silence was still unsettling. As his eyes swept across the expanse of the room, a flash of bright orange caught his eye.

Frowning, he moved over to the counter, realizing it was a sticky note as he came closer. A sticky note with his name written across the top in large script. His curiosity piqued, he gently picked up the sticky note and read the little note Erza had undoubtedly left for him.

'Meet me in the greenhouse. First door on your left.'

Unbeknownst to him, a small grin had began to form on his face. Folding the note up, he stuck it in his pocket and did as she asked, making his way to the door on his left. It was a deep olive colour, the paint chipping off indicating just how old the store really was. Erza had told him it had been the family business for decades, starting with her foster grandfather's mother.

He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open, slipping in and letting it shut behind him with a 'bang'. The greenhouse was even more beautiful than the store, which was a feat he didn't think was possible. With a roof of glass-panes, the natural sunlight filtered in lit up the small space in a way that had the rows and rows of flowers glowing. A sweet, floral smell permeated the air, similar to what Erza herself smelt like.

"You saw the note," a voice called out. A very familiar voice.

His head snapped upwards to see Erza standing a few feet from him, arms crossed and a smile on her face. He found himself replicating the expression, a warmth filling his body at the sight of the florist.

"Yes. It's beautiful back here," he let her know, eyes yet again wandering. It was midst his wandering, though, that Erza moved closer, walking towards him until she was standing so close he could see the golden flecks in her amber irises. Liquid gold was the first thing that came to mind.

"Were you here to buy me another rose?" She asked, voice breathy. He gazed down at her, wondering if he was just imagining her eyes flickering to his lips for a moment.

"Y-Yes, I was-"

"What if I asked you for something other than a rose?"

The world seemed to still as he processed her words. Something…other than a rose? Were the roses not enjoyable anymore? Was she tired of him? Was she going to ask him to stay away?

He gulped, willing the thoughts away and awaiting for her to continue. Erza Scarlet, he found, was many things. She was ambitious, loyal, and cared deeply for those she loved. She had a step-brother who loved her like she was his blood, and had two best friends who were firefighters. She was the type of person who knew what she wanted, and would do her best to get it.

"Can I have a kiss instead of a rose today?"

Silence.

His jaw dropped before he could stop it as he openly stared at the woman he'd been pining after for months. She stared back, eyes full of insecurities and trust. It was as she was opening her mouth to take back her request, though, that he finally snapped himself out of his reverie and surged forward, his lips pressing against hers.

She was quick to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her body and he was only too eager to let her. His own hands had a firm grip of her waist, anchoring her body to him as their lips moved together in unison. A month's worth of pent up desire spilled from them, overriding the need for air until they simply couldn't breathe.

With a gasp, Jellal pulled back, but only so far; he pressed his forehead against hers and held her close, the scarlet-haired florist more than happy to oblige.

"Will you let me take you out for dinner tonight?" He asked her, lips curving up into a warm smile as she nodded quickly, before pulling away and opting to lace their fingers together. As they made idle chitchat, she led them back into the store, resuming her usual position behind the counter as he stood in front of it.

"Are you done buying me roses to try and woo me, Mr. Fernandes?" She couldn't help but tease, eyes sparkling even in the dimmer light of the store. His only response was to buy her another rose and making his departure before she could reprimand him.

I'll never be done trying wooing you, Ms. Scarlet, not if I have a say in the matter.