Jerza Oneshot: the Lost Words

A Fairy Tail fanfiction: Jerza Oneshot
Setting: the City of Crocus, during the Grand Magic Games Arc...
POV: Erza
Jellal and I had just spoken about the real reason he was here... to find the dark magical presence that Crime Sorciere has felt at the Grand Magic Games. In some darker part of me, I wish it was just to see me though... No. I need to focus on protecting my nakama and the people of Fiore! That is why Jellal lied to me... because we both have that sense of duty. No distractions! I scold myself. Even as I answer his goodbye with a casual "yeah". As he begins to walk away I say firmly, "No. Wait, Jellal. I... have a question." What am I saying? I don't even have a question! It's too late though. He turns around and smiles at me, his dark eyes pierce mine with a slight tension. "What do you need Erza?" His voice is straining and I am tempted to ask him why. But... since I have his attention... "Jellal, I know you lied to me....You were always a horrible liar. So... I have an idea about why you would, but would you tell me yourself? Why did you lie about having a fiance?" Why would I ask that?! I told myself it shouldn't be messed with... but I can't help but feel a sharp pain in my chest... I... know it was the right thing to do, I continue in my mind. But... I wish it wasn't so. He looks at me, his smile quivering, his hands becoming tight and strained. His eyes lose the facade and I can see the painful restraint in him clear as day. Did I do this? How could I...? No, it must be something else! I'm not Lucy, using her sex appeal to attempt seduction... I flash back to my seduction armor and shiver. Never. Ever. Jellal snaps me back into focus with his solemn words, "Because... I love you." I gasp, stumbling out into the darkness. I lean against a building, my heart racing incredibly fast. I punch the brick clean through, letting me see into a small looking store of somekind. I... need to understand! Love?! Love?! What do I...? I slide down onto the ground, my thoughts swirling. I hear him, Jellal, running to my location. "Erza! I... I'm sorry!" I look at him, still stunned. He hangs his head, saying, "I thought... something like this would happen... I said too much! Now... will you even let this friendship to continue? After my outburst... I highly doubt that." He looks at me, sadness inking across his handsome face. Shoot! I... COME ON ERZA! TELL HIM IT'S OKAY, THAT YOU... "Uhhh, we can still be friends... those good friends that eat strawberry cake together!" He looks slightly relieved yet still sad. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU, ME! GROW A PAIR AND TELL HIM! He looks dejectedly off to the side and says, "Goodbye...". I can hear the emptiness in his voice. That... I... "That wasn't what I wanted to say!" I yell at the retreating figure. I can't cause such sadness.Not for anyone... yet alone the one I... I have to bring out my strength as the Titania... heal the wounds I inflicted... Instinctively I switch into my strongest armor... the one that shows my heart the most... My Sashi and Hakama armor. I don't requip my swords because this isn't a fight I want to win. I find myself standing, staring right into Jellal's eyes. "Jellal, I love you as well. I mean, I... will eat strawberry cake with you forever...? I don't know! God, I need more training!" I begin to tell myself. "All wrong! It... I had poor delivery! I am a failure!" I feel embarrased and I requip back into my normal clothes. I say to him, "I am sorry Jellal... Punch me in repentance for my failure!" I close my eyes and wait for the impact. Suddenly I feel him, holding me straight. His strong and warm arms embracing me with tenderness. "Jellal?" I look up at him, and see his head reaching down as though he is going to kiss me... "I'll ignore that last comment... but that is all I needed to hear..." His lips touch mine softly, and I feel so... happy. Elated, as if my feet weren't even touching the ground. My hands are draped gently around his neck, and his hands rest on my waist. It feels... I close my eyes. Wonderful. "We can continue our duties... and be in a relationship, right Erza?" I look at Jellal and whisper, "I... know we can. No matter what!" He smiles at me, but slowly it turns into a frown. "If anyone knew who I was... you could be imprisoned!" I smile at him and say, "Trying to scare me off? After all I just went through to tell you? Stop messing around. It's not going to happen. Just... we should be able to have this, right? This moment... and more strawberry cake... Later tomorrow, would you come with me to eat some? Like on a... a..." He kisses my forehead and says, "Date? Well, I might have to go out as Mystogan... but maybe we can have a picnic instead? I heard you like those... we can pick up some strawberry cake too, hide away in the park so I can be me..." I smile and say, "Yes! Picnics, strawberry cake, and Jellal! The perfect day!" I blush and wonder if I really just said that aloud. He smiles at me and kisses me once more. "Your happiness... your love... What else could I ask for?"