~Erza's POV~ 

As soon as I arrived at the party, I dispersed throughout the crowd. People were dancing, smiling, and singing. They all looked like they were enjoying themselves. 

I swayed to the music, but never fully got into it. People like Lucy and Levy were going crazy. They had obviously had a few drinks, and were completely head banging. I physically heard them scream, "this is my favorite song," every song. 

They were young, they deserved to have fun. 

My gaze had been set to pick out everyone in our guild. As I observed them, I found that there were couples everywhere. I saw Gray and Juvia blushing towards one another, Gajeel and Levy trying to dance, and Mira and Laxus being social. 

I cursed myself for feeling a hint of jealousy. I couldn't let my emotions take control of me. My heart just felt heavy, like someone had placed weights on it. It made me realize how much I missed my childhood friends, especially Jellal. 

If I missed them, it would interfere with my combat skills. For some people, like Natsu, it benefits their fighting abilities. Anytime that Lucy is threatened or captured, it just makes Natsu angry, and his magic power drastically increases. 

I need to have a clear mind when fighting an enemy. I can't handle new distractions, such as petty emotions. 

As the night continued, I obtained a few drinks, but nothing I couldn't handle. I talked to Wendy, Kagura, and other friends from different guilds. I decided to get some fresh air, since it was filled with humidity and sweat. 

The cool night breeze hit my face, and I sigh out of relief. It felt so good to have my skin cooled by natural air. The sky was completely clear, no clouds to be seen. The stars were shining so brightly, I could even point out some of the common constellations. 

With my glass in hand, I walked over towards the edge of the balcony. I set my glass down on the hard concrete. I slung my arms over the balcony and stared at the scenery below. There were a few stragglers running around the courtyard in front of the hotel. 

I laughed at their stupidity, which ultimately made some of my scarlet hair fall in front of my eyes.

"What's your name?" The blue haired boy said confidently.

"E-Erza," I replied timidly, holding my hands. 

"What's your last name?" He questioned, obviously expecting me to give me an answer.

"I-I don't have one, I was never given one." I looked at the floor in disappointment, but I could feel Simon's pity for me. 

"Well, you gotta have one!" The blue hair boy said cheerfully. He walked over towards me, extending a hand towards my short red hair. "How about Scarlet, because of your pretty hair?" He lightly touched my tangled hair. 

I found myself blushing before I knew it. 

"Hey!" Simon yelled at the blue haired boy. Why did he yell at the boy? 

"Scarlet," I repeated. The word rolled off my tongue easily. I liked it, I thought it suited me quite nicely. "Who are you?" I questioned, gazing into the dark eyes of my prison mate.

"I'm Jellal Fernandes."

 I instantly flipped my hair out of my face. Constant memories from the tower had been filling my head lately. I don't know why they reappeared inside my mind, but they were like a never ending movie. 

I felt my eye brimming with tears, and I couldn't hold it back anymore. The hot tears slid down my face and splashed on the balcony. 

I missed him so much, I missed Jellal. He has been through so much, and I honestly just wish I could see him again. Over time, our relationship faded, but I bet we could easily reconnect. We have been through a lot, from his evil possession, to our almost kiss, we kept reappearing in each others lives.

I covered my mouth, not daring to make a sound. The music was too loud for anyone to hear my cries, but I didn't want to risk it. I hated myself for showing weakness, but I couldn't help it. 

I placed my back against the edge of the balcony, and slid myself down towards the ground. I placed both my hands on my eyes, trying to wipe away the tears. 

"Erza," I heard a voice call out my name. I instantly turned myself away from the voice. 

"I just needed some fresh air, I'm fine," I said with a unconvincing voice. I tried to sound happy, but I couldn't build up my confidence. 

"Erza," the mysterious voice repeated. My eyes widened with shock. I slowly removed my hands from my face and turned around. There stood my old friend dressed up in a black cloak. His blue hair escaped from the hood. 

"Jellal," I said in bewilderment. I couldn't properly move my feet, they felt glued to the floor. My nose was stuffy from crying, and my head was pounding. He smiled at my reaction. He bent down on the floor next to me, our faces pretty close. I felt my left eye start filling with tears again. They fell, my right eye not letting one tear slip. 

I extended my arms towards him, and we embraced in a much needed hug. I sobbed on his shoulder. He held my back with one hand, and my head with the other. I felt his heart beat through his chest, it was fast. 

I had missed his presence, his laughter, even his smell. Every little thing about him made me happy. 

"What are you doing here?" I said pulling away from our embrace. He took his thumb and easily wiped away the tears that had fallen from my eye. He put a finger to his lips and smiled.

"I'm not really supposed to be here, but I missed you, so I came to see you." He said through a blush, obviously that statement wasn't intended for me to hear. He sat next to me, both of our backs arched up against the wall. 

"I missed you too," I said looking into his dark eyes. The moon light was reflecting off of his eyes, making them sparkle. My face started to get hot as well, we were just staring at each other. He then lightly took a lock of my hair.

"There's my Scarlet," he said as he examined the hair. I smiled at his comment, my heart filling with relief. 

"I wouldn't change it for the world," I replied back. Jellal tucked the lock of hair behind my ear, keeping his hand positioned around my head. I looked at his hand, then looked at his eyes. They had never broken contact with me.

The moon light lit up his face, showing how handsome he was. His tattoo was hidden by the shadows, but I could still see it lightly. I parted my lips as I realized I was staring. 

"I'm not actually engaged, I hope you know that." Jellal mumbled timidly. I chuckled and gave him a serious look.

"I've known you for too long to know when you're lying." I said taking his free hand. He blushed at my actions and words. 

"Yea, sorry about that," he said showing a nervous grin. I placed my forehead on his shoulder and took a deep breathe. He saved my night. I didn't want to be a crying mess while everyone else was having fun. 

"Erza, I can't stay here." Jellal said with a tone of sadness in his voice. "I managed to sneak into the city tonight, but I don't think I'll be able to do it again." He kissed the top of my head and lightly rested his chin on it. 

"Why not?" I said as my heart dropped. My attitude instantly turned sour. 

"Ever since the games, the council has been looking for me. They don't insist on stopping anytime soon." I frowned at the idea. 

"So you're just going to leave me, again." I stated bluntly. He removed his chin from my head and took my face in his hands.

"I promise I will be back," he said with a stern expression on his face. His touch shocked me, but I wasn't surprised. 

"How do I know you'll keep your promise?" I questioned as my eye started filling with tears.

"Just trust me," he paused as he moved a lock of hair away from eyes. "And this," he said as he leaned his face closer to mine. I closed my eyes as the inches closed between us. He gently pushed his lips against mine. 

Both my eyes were closed, but tears were still streaming down the left side of my face. I did trust him, and this was the reassurance.