Jellal

Seven years. It's been seven years since I've last seen Erza and now she's back. Her and her gild mates that were sent to Tenro island have all returned safe and sound. I can relax now knowing she's home.

I can go to her and tell her everything I couldn't before. I can show her I'm not the same Jellal she had grown to hate. I can show her that I can be a man she can be proud of. A man that will never hurt her ever again.

Erza, I'll see you soon my love

Erza

It took a few months but the new guild hall was finally up and running thanks to everyone's hard work and dedication. I couldn't help but smile at myself as I looked around and saw everyone talking happily amongst themselves and reuniting with old friends.

Our reputation still needs working on but there have been a few new members to join, it mostly has to do with Master Makarov becoming gild master once agan along with the Tenro island team being home.

I was happy, I was truly happy for everyone but I couldn't be happy for myself not when he was still in custody.

Seven years Jellal has been locked away and I haven't been able to visit him once. I had every intention of going after the S class trials but that wasn't the case at all. He probably thinks I still hate him. That I want nothing to do with him anymore but that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Jellal. Besides my family at fairy tail he's the only weakness I have. It kills me to know he's in there all alone. The loneliness that's in his heart must be unbearable.

"Erza, you ok"? I looked over and saw Lucy standing next to me with a worried expression on her face. "Yes, just thinking is all". She sat down next to me. "Wanna talk about it? Is it about Tenro Island"? None of us talk about it but everyone that had been on Tenro island secretly suffer with the knowledge that we had abandoned our family and caused them great pain, even Laxus is affected by it.

We know no one blames us for that but we can't help but feel guilty, as a result there's an unspoken rule that requires none of us to talk about it when we're around the other guild members.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you"? "Are you sure"? "Yes, how have you been since returning home? Are you adjusting well"? I asked smiling. She smiled back. "Mhm, turns out I still have my apartment thanks to my dad but not only that Natsu and I have been getting really close with one another".

"Really now"? "Mhm, he asked me to be his girlfriend this morning". "That's great Lucy, he'll treat you well".

I don't have to worry about them. They'll be able to talk to each other about what they've been through and how they feel when they're alone. They'll be able to comfort one another.

I looked around and couldn't help but notice that Gray and Juvia were talking amongst themselves as well as Gale and Levy. No one else paid any mind to it but I knew their bonds with each other were much stronger now. I knew they had a person they could talk to and rely on. A person that knew how they felt.

They had what I didn't

"I think I'll head home early today". I said looking at nothing in particular. "Are you sure? It's still early". "Yes I am, there's something at home that needs my attention". "I can go with you, I might be able to help". "Thank you Lucy but I'd like to be alone right now, I'm sure you understand". I stood up and left.

I lied to her. I had nothing at home that needed my immediate attention. Honestly, there was nothing at all for me to do once I was home. After returning from Tenro Island I cleaned my apartment and refilled my fridge with pre prepared food that only needed to be heated on the stove or microwave.

I was an excellent warrior but i couldn't say the same when it came to my cooking skills. Once I made it through the door I let out a sigh and allowed the loneliness of my apartment to fill my heart.

It was nowhere near the kind of loneliness Jellal's enduring and never will be because I still have access to the outside world and can talk to my friends whenever I want but it was at least something.

I had every intention of going to my room and laying down but that's not at all what happened. I looked at my bed confused as I looked at the letter that was neatly placed on the covers.

There was no evidence someone had broken in, not only that but I didn't feel the need to be suspicious or on high alert. Slowly I made my way over to the bed and neatly unfolded the piece of paper.

My dear Erza

I know the last thing you were expecting was a letter from me after you and the others returned home from Tenro Island but if it's ok with you I very much would like to see you so we can talk.

There's so much I want to tell you, so much has happened since you've been gone but I promise it's nothing but good news. Ultimately the decision is up to you but I'm very much hoping that you'll say yes.

If your answer is indeed yes then meet me in the next town over on the beach.

Sincerely Jellal

Jellal? Jellal was the one that sent me this letter? He's out of prison, but how? When?

I changed as fast as I could and made my way over to the next town to see him without telling anyone. I didn't want them to know just in case they'd try to talk me out of it. I didn't want to be talked out of anything right now, all I wanted was to see Jellal.

I had been to this town before so it wasn't hard for me to find the beach after getting off the train. I made my way there and saw him immediately. His blue hair was gently blowing in the wind along with the cape he was wearing as his back was turned to me.

"Jellal". I whispered barely audible. I thought he hadn't heard me but before I could say another word or move closer he turned around and smiled at me.

My breath hitched as I stared into his beautiful brown eyes and smile. "It's been a while Erza, you look as beautiful as ever". "Jellal". Tears filled in my eyes. He smiled more making his way over to me. All I could do was look at him as his hand moved up to gently cup my cheek.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you, there's so much I've wanted to tell you but couldn't". "How"? "Ultear and Meredy, they rescued me a year after my imprisonment I had no idea they were going to do that but I'm glad they did".

"Your amnesia"? "Completely gone, I remember everything. The abuse we endured as children, the memories we created with our friends as we were forced to be slaves, me rescuing you, how I turned my back on you and forced you to leave, how I tried to turn our friends against you and made them hurt you and your family, my involvement in Simon's death as well as The Tower Of Heaven.

All of it Erza, I remember everything. The good, the bad and the ugly but most importantly I remember you. Your beautiful face continues to save me to this day". I choked back a sob. "Jellal".

"That's enough about me for now, I didn't call you out here to talk about myself". He moved his hand down and took hold of my hand. "Come with me". Gently he pulled me forwards with him and led me to the water. The night stars were shining beautifully over the water's surface making it glisten beautifully over the water's dark blue color.

I watched as Jellal took off his shoes and sat down placing his feet in the cold water, I did the same. There was barely an inch of space between us but neither of us minded and I was grateful for that. I needed to be close to him right now.

"How are you holding up? I heard about Tenro Island, I can only imagine what must be going through your mind". I looked out into the distance. "Tenro Island proved to be more challenging for all of us. What was supposed to be an S class trial turned out to be a fight for our lives, we had no idea Zeref was living on the island or that Hades was planning an attack on us. We definitely didn't expect to see Acnologia.

Master did his best to protect us but none of us were a match for him, its only thanks to master Mavis that were still alive".

"You've been through a lot of trauma lately, added onto the fact that you came home and realized seven years of your life was taken from you". "I was asleep the entire time Jellal, my mind and body are the same but I can't say the same for the world around me. Everything has changed, I've missed out on so much. Two of my friends have even started a family of their own and are married". My knees were up against my chest as I held myself.

"How are you handling all of that? Are you talking to anyone"? "Everyone on Tenro Island knows what each other is going through currently but we have an unspoken rule that we don't mention it around the others. It's not that we don't trust them, we're just not sure if they'll understand nor do we want to burden them".

"I suppose that's good in a way, at least you have someone you can talk to". "Not necessarily". I mumbled. "Care to explain"? "Natsu and Lucy have each other to talk to, Juvia and Gray have each other, Elfmen has Evergreen, Levy has Gajeel, Laxus has Freed and the Thunder Legion, Mirajane has her sister, Cana has her dad". He was quiet for awhile.

"Erza, exactly how long have you felt alone"? Tears filled my eyes as he spoke those words. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I left you alone for so long". This was why I wanted to come here, it didn't matter how long we've been apart Jellal always knew and understood how I was feeling. I didn't have to be strong in front of him.

"It wouldn't have changed anything". "Yes it would have". I looked over at him. "If I had never lost my memories before I was arrested I would've had the opportunity to tell you of my feeling for you and you would've had something to look forward to after returning home and finding out I was no longer in prison".

"What do you mean"? "Ive been in love with your for years Erza. Why do you think I always tell you it was your hair and face that saved me? Its because its the truth. If I had never met you when I did as a child I would still be lost to this day. I wouldn't have a purpose in life, never have known how it feels to smile or be happy.

I would still be depressed and allowing my nightmares to haunt me, I wouldn't know what hope or friendship was and I wouldn't know the relief of having the woman I've been longing for for years in my arms once again holding her close to me. I wouldn't know how much comfort just being in her presence could bring me".

"J Jellal". I could barely see him through my blurry vision but I could feel the passion from each and every word he spoke. The ache in my heart changed from one of sorrow to longing. Longing to feel his warmth surrounded me, longing for wanting to be in his embrace and feel safe once more.

Without saying a word he closed the small gap between us and held me close, instinctively I place my head on his shoulder and cried into his neck. "Let it go Erza. Let all of the pain from the past fade away and if you can't give some of it to me so I can carry it alongside you. I love you".

"I love you too Jellal, I love you so much".

Word Count: 2144