Fifty-Two - Jellal Fernandes

Jellal was nervous for a few reasons. One, he wasn't sure how well things at Era would go, though he supposed that he would finally be able to speak to his old friends again. He was back at home, which felt a bit strange after being away. It was very quiet compared to Fairy Tail. And, of course, he missed Erza.

More than anything, he was nervous about her. He had nearly confessed to her before Myst had called, and he had little doubt that she didn't know what he had been planning to say. She had been patient with him, more than he probably deserved. Once again he remembered Lucy reprimanding him. He needed to set things right with Erza; it was time.

Sieg was there already when he got to the kitchen for breakfast. He acted very put together, but Jellal knew he was nervous as well. They didn't say much as they ate, already having discussed everything. Jellal would accompany him to Era instead of going to Fairy Hills. He and Ultear would admit to their part in everything and hopefully help everyone to get to the point of acceptance.

"So, are you ready?" Jellal asked as they finished up breakfast.

"I'm always ready," Sieg said confidently.

"Of course," Jellal said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

Myst and Erza Knightwalker walked into the kitchen, the latter yawning before looking around at everyone.

"I don't know that I'll get used to there being three of you," she said.

"It still seems more strange that there's two Erzas," Sieg said. He had been very confused when Myst and Erza had come back with Jellal the night before. It had taken some time to convince him that it wasn't the same Erza he knew. "I can't believe that both Erzas ended up with my brothers."

No one commented on that, but Jellal thought of Erza Scarlet again and what he was going to say to her. He had to push the thought away as it came time to leave. Ultear was waiting on the sidewalk when they walked outside. Myst and Erza Knightwalker followed behind and Ultear smirked and shook her head a little. She looked at Sieg.

"There are two Erzas now," she said. "And neither are with you."

"Thank you for that assessment, Ultear," he said shortly.

Ultear still seemed happy, despite Sieg's tone. She led the way to the school, humming a tune. Jellal was glad that she was in a good mood. She had been so disheartened recently and he could tell that her good spirits were due to Sieg finally turning himself around. Jellal wondered if perhaps she had more than friendly feelings for his brother.

When Sieg hesitated at the school door, Ultear linked her arm with his and pulled him along. Everyone else followed behind as she led the way through the halls. Jellal ignored the glances they were getting. He knew people often forgot that there were three Fernandes boys, and he wondered if people were confused to see them all together. He was also sure that some of them were wondering what he was doing there after he had been expelled, but he tried not to think of that too much.

"Headmaster Yajima," Ultear greeted when they found the short, old man.

"Ah, Ultear," he said. "And the Fernandes boys as well. How lovely."

"Uh, yes," Sieg said. "Hello sir. I have a request to-"

"Yes, yes. Of course," Yajima said, waving him off. "Ultear had already told me. An assembly will be held shortly."

"Oh," Sieg said, glancing at Ultear before looking back to the headmaster. "Does that mean- Do you know the truth already?"

"I have known, or at least suspected, the truth for some time now," Yajima said. "I knew it would all come out eventually. Now get to the auditorium so this can all be over with."

-.-.-

When the students were all gathered, the auditorium buzzed with conversation. Everyone kept glancing up at Jellal and Sieg, and Jellal wondered which students could tell them apart. Finally, Sieg stepped forward, to the podium, and everyone fell silent. He hesitated for a very long moment and Jellal saw Ultear fidget out of the corner of his eye. The longer the silence went on, the more tense the air seemed to get.

"What is he doing?" Ultear muttered.

"I think he's just nervous," Jellal whispered. "This isn't exactly easy for him." Sieg looked back at Ultear and Jellal. Jellal gave him an encouraging smile. "Don't worry," he told his brother. "We're here with you."

And then, Sieg smiled. A genuine smile. Jellal grinned and gave him a thumbs up, which felt a little foolish, but he was just happy that he and Sieg were finally getting along. Even if he didn't know what would happen after the assembly, he could at least be glad for that. And, he had a feeling that things were really going to be better than ever.