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You know where I'm coming from then? Why do you always try to avoid him, Erza?

You know why. Because it just isn't possible.

Are you sure that's true? Or is it only impossible because you're making it that way?

I'm only doing what's best for both of us. It's our fate to be apart.

I really don't think you or Jellal actually believe that or want it to be true.

It is true though and we can't do anything to change it.

...How do you truly feel about him, Erza?

Isn't it obvious? I lo- ...He's very important to me and I just want him to be happy.

Does he know that?

I think he does. He probably does.

And what if he doesn't? What if he thinks you hate him?

That's...for the best. It'll be a cleaner break.

You're so frustrating, Erza. What are you so afraid of?

...Losing him and getting hurt.

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Uhh, what do you mean "good?" Gray, please don't set up another blind date. I'm still traumatized from the last one. She tried to sacrifice me in a ritual to summon her dead pet lizard who she seemed to believe was her brother. She knocked me out and next thing I knew, I was roasting over a fire. I thought I was going to die.

Yikes, that sounds rough. Don't worry, I'm not gonna send you on another blind date.

Then? Why are you wondering whether or not I have a girlfriend?

I'm gonna send you on a non-blind date.

As in...you tell me about the person before the date or I already know the person?

You'll find out.

Gray...I don't think I should be going on dates. I'm kinda busy and I'm...not really into it.

And why's that? Cause you already have your eyes on someone?

It's...not like that. I just feel like a relationship isn't a good idea at this point.

...Would you go if it was Erza?

W-what?

Look, I know how you feel about her and you should just tell her already.

You don't understand. I can't be with her.

Why?

Because...I don't deserve her after everything we've been through. I can't give her what she needs.

But you like her, don't you?

Of course I like her. I...love her. I have for longer than I can even remember. But this is just the way i-

Stop being so melodramatic. I didn't come here to watch a soap opera. I'm gonna yeet you to the moon if you say something like "it's the way it's meant to be" or "it's our fate."

I-

Maybe you should actually talk to her and consider what she wants instead of acting on your own decisions.

Wait, Gray, don't leave, I-

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Haven't you already lost him? And aren't you already feeling hurt? I'm not trying to be harsh, but listen, Erza. It can't stay this way anymore. You're only going to feel worse if you don't tell him how you feel and actually try.

It's not like I haven't already. But he doesn't want to be with me. Why else would he be avoiding me? No one has even seen him in the city for nearly a year.

Then consider that he's only staying away because he's scared too and feels like you don't want him. Don't you understand that this'll just be a long cycle of misunderstandings?

Look...I love him. I love him more than I can even bear. But there's nothing I can do at this point and it's just better this way. Soon...he'll move on and I'll learn to forget. It's fine.

It's not. You know it's not. I'm tired of seeing you like this. I have to go right now. I'll see you later.

Mira—

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