Work Text:
In which Jellal's name, for some reason, is always spelled incorrectly.
Inspired by my friend, who is insistent on always spelling Jellal's name the wrong way.
Jellal was considering smashing his phone into the wall.
On the other hand, Jellal was also a rational, level-headed person, so he decided against it. He really didn’t want to ruin the phone he had paid for using his hard-earned money from his old high-school job. He sighed for what seemed like the umpteenth time, watching the object light up with notifications as he walked across campus that day.
Natsu Dragneel: yooo gerenarnd wanna hang 2day
Natsu Dragneel: erza wants to go to la arcade
Natsu Dragneel: u better not wimp out
Contrary to popular belief, Jellal would not “wimp out” on going to the arcade. He liked the arcade. Plus, he needed to beat Erza in air hockey. Last week, he lost with an unsatisfying score of 6-7.
Ultear Milkovich: Jellnadral, you still owe me for the coffee I got you last Saturday.
Jellal could’ve sworn Ultear had said she was buying coffee for him and Meredy because they were stressed out during their study session. She never said anything about paying her back…
Mystogan: My twin Gellard. Could you please let our little sister know when you see her that I’ll meet her at the arcade today with Natsu and the others?
Jellal didn’t even know why he bothered to help his twin if Mystogan was going to treat him like that. But he couldn’t do that to Wendy, so he replied with a quick Sure.
Laxus Dreyar: Am bringing the groceries today, don’t worry about going after class
Finally! Jellal cheered internally. His roommate was the only one who sent him normal texts besides Erza. He typed out a reply and sent it.
Jellal Fernandes: Thanks, Laxus. I wasn’t really in the mood today.
Laxus Dreyar: np genarld
“WHY!?” Jellal threw his hands up in the air. “Just when I believed I could trust Laxus, he turns his back on me… some roommate he is,” said Jellal.
You’ve probably noticed by now. Why did Natsu call Jellal “Gerenarnd?” Why did Ultear purposely add letters in the middle of his name to make “Jellnadral?” Why was Jellal’s own twin typing out “Gellard”? And why did Laxus reply with “Genarld?” Why did no one call Jellal by his real name?
It all started during his sophomore year of high school. Jellal always knew that his name wasn’t particularly easy to spell. He could understand people misspelling his last name, Fernandes, as Fernandez, since most people didn’t know that his last name was of Portuguese descent rather than Spanish descent. He also understood that some people were confused about his first name not being the English equivalent, “Gerard.” After his first year in high school, he was ecstatic to see that the Yearbook staff had correctly spelled his name. He should’ve known it wouldn’t last, however. Sophomore year, he had opened the Yearbook to find his blue hair and tattooed face staring back at him with the name “Gerald Fernandez.” He emailed the staff and politely instructed them to spell his name correctly next year, because although Gerald was a name, it was not his name.
In junior year, he expected better, knowing that he had emailed the staff the previous year. Once again, his name was incorrectly spelled as “Jellnard Fernandez.”
Finally, in his last year of high school, he hoped and prayed that the name put under his photo in the senior class spread would at least have the correct first name. He still remembers the day like it was yesterday.
“NATSU DRAGNEEL! GET BACK HERE!” Erza yelled wildly, chasing after Natsu. Apparently, he had stepped on her strawberry cake during the lunch period. Jellal didn’t even know what Natsu was doing in his homeroom full of seniors, considering he was a junior, but most of the juniors from their group were always in here anyway, so he didn’t give a second thought about it.
“Erza! Calm down, it was only a piece of cake,” pointed out Lucy, the ever so reasonable one of the five-person group dubbed “Team Natsu.”
“Eh, forget that. BEAT HIM UP ERZA!” Gray cheered on, being the rival of Natsu.
“Gray-sama, your shirt!” Juvia exclaimed.
“Gah! When did that happen?”
“Erza-san sure is on a roll…” Wendy observed. “I hope Natsu-san will be okay.”
Jellal turned around in his seat, hearing Wendy’s concerns. He beckoned her to come towards him and proceeded to pat her on the head. “It’s alright, Wendy. Erza won’t truly hurt such a close friend,” he reassured. Erza walked on the path of light, after all.
“Are you sure, Jellal-nii? It was her strawberry cake,” replied Wendy, just as they heard Erza yell, “NATSU DRAGNEEL, YOU’RE DEAD!”
Jellal sweatdropped. Maybe Wendy was right. He nervously laughed and changed the topic.
“How was your first year of high school, Wendy?”
“It was great, Jellal-nii! At first, I was nervous, but I made lots of new friends, like Cheria and Romeo-kun! Oh, and I have to thank you for introducing me to Meredy-san as well,” said Wendy gratefully.
“It’s no problem at all. I was worried about her since Ultear and I are graduating this year, and she didn’t have many close friends in her sophomore class. Even though Erik and the others, as well as Juvia, Natsu, and the rest would remain her close friends, I knew she’d like a friend who wouldn’t have to graduate next year. So I’m thankful to you too, little sister.” Jellal smiled. “Also… wait. Wendy, why are you in my homeroom? You’re still a freshman.”
Wendy beamed innocently. “To see you and Erza-san together, of course!”
“Wendy!” Jellal said, flustered.
While Jellal and Wendy continued to make light conversation, Levy McGarden walked into the classroom pushing a cart piled high with thick, hardcover books. “Lu-chan, did you forget what we’re here for?” Levy said over the commotion.
“Oh gosh, I totally forgot!” Lucy replied. Having gotten bored with making sure Natsu didn’t have to face Erza’s wrath, she marched up to the front of the classroom. “MAY I HAVE EVERYONE’S ATTENTION, PLEASE?” She spoke loudly.
Lucy waited for all the conversations to die down before continuing. “We’re handing out Yearbooks today!” She said excitedly. Levy proceeded to start calling out the names of everyone who ordered a yearbook to come up and retrieve one.
It’s time, thought Jellal. It’s finally time to see if I will be remembered as “Jellal” at this school.
“Laxus Dreyar!” Levy called out. “Here, Laxus,” she said as she handed a yearbook to Laxus.
“Thanks, Levy,” he replied.
Laxus immediately started flipping through the book until he got to the senior section. Rather than looking for his own name, which would be in the front with the rest of the “Ds,” he looked at the next page, where the “Fs” started.
And then he burst out laughing as he walked back to his seat.
Jellal’s face turned as white as a sheet. If Laxus was laughing (which didn’t happen that often), he knew something was wrong.
“Jellal Fernandes!” Levy chirped.
Jellal walked up to Levy, feeling beads of sweat form on his forehead. Levy placed the book into Jellal’s outstretched hand. “Lucy and I are only in the student council, so don’t shoot the messenger, okay?” Levy winked, knowing full well what Jellal was thinking at the moment. Erza had already told her about Jellal’s yearbook qualms.
“T-thank you…”
As Jellal started walking to his desk, he gingerly opened the yearbook and took a deep breath. When he finally landed on the fateful page, he sat down at his desk and closed his eyes. Please be right, he thought.
He looked down and barely opened his eyes. He couldn’t dare to look.
It was at that moment that Erza noticed Jellal nervously looking down at his yearbook, so she decided to stop chasing Natsu and approach him.
“Natsu, you’re forgiven for now. But don’t think you will have the same outcome next time,” said Erza in a warning tone. She then put her hand on Jellal’s shoulder in comfort. He jumped.
“Erza!” He exclaimed.
“Jellal, is something the matter?” Erza questioned.
“It’s just… the yearbook…” Jellal sighed.
“Do you want me to look at it for you instead?” She offered.
“Please. That would be a big help.”
“Of course.” Erza took the book off Jellal’s desk and looked at the page. Her first thought was wow, he looks very handsome, which she quickly brushed off. You’re doing this for Jellal’s sake, Erza! She scolded herself. Then, Erza took a look at the two words at the bottom of the picture.
Jellald Fernandes.
Erza sighed, glanced over at Jellal, and sighed again. “I think you should take a look at it yourself,” she said with an apologetic look on her face.
“I suppose it’s just as bad as I feared?” Jellal replied.
He graciously took the yearbook out of Erza’s hand and looked at his name.
“WHY?” Jellal yelled, suddenly smashing the book closed and standing up. The class fell silent as everyone turned to stare at him. “IT’S SO CLOSE! WHY?” He wailed, paying no heed to the confused eyes. “HOW DO THEY KEEP GETTING MYSTOGAN RIGHT BUT NOT ME!?”
Erza put a hand on Jellal’s shoulder in sympathy, but Jellal was too distracted to even notice. He couldn’t believe that the Yearbook staff still couldn’t get it right. Erza continued to try to calm Jellal down, now with Wendy’s help.
Laxus leaned back in his chair beside Jellal. “Hey Erza, I saw your boyfriend’s yearbook photo.” Before Erza could even interject with her usual “W-what? He’s not my b-boyfriend!” Laxus continued, “Jellald, was it? Even better spelling than usual.” Jellal shot him a death glare, but Laxus laughed it off.
Ultear, who had been quietly observing the exchange, piped up. “You know, Jellal, I think I can help you get to the bottom of this conspiracy.”
Jellal narrowed his eyes, suspicious of Ultear’s… well, ultear-ior motive.
Meanwhile, Meredy, who had been chatting with Juvia, walked over to the group and asked what had been going on. Once Ultear explained the yearbook mistake, she giggled. “Jelly beans, you’re so silly. It’s just a little typo! And Ul’s offering to help, you should take it. You know she’s good at stuff like this.”
Jellal ran a hand through his bright blue hair and sat down. Erza moved her hand from his shoulder. “It’s not just a typo, Meredy! It’s a conspiracy. A conspiracy, I tell you!” He said as he started waving his hands in the air.
Meredy looked at him weirdly. “Calm down, Jells, you’re starting to sound like one of those crazy guys on the Internet.”
Ultear laughed. “He does have a point, though,” she said. “I mean, why do they spell Mystogan’s name correctly, but not his?” She continued. “Don’t worry, Jellal. I’m getting to the bottom of this. I have my sources.” Her eyes glinted with the same look of determination she always wore at competitions as the school’s smartest academic weapon and best female figure-skater extraordinaire.
Jellal didn’t know if he should be hopeful or scared. Gray, who had just finished putting his shirt back on after having received it from Juvia, patted Jellal on the back. “My sister’s got that look Lyon and I only see at our skating competitions. Good luck, man.” Jellal just sighed.
Back to the present, Jellal continued walking across campus to his next class. As his mind wandered to past memories, he shook his head and stopped walking to gaze out at the picturesque quad area. The day was particularly beautiful. The springtime weather brought a shining sun that wasn’t blazing hot, and many other students were taking advantage of this as they sat on picnic blankets doing homework, eating, or playing outdoor games. One student was even playing frisbee with his dog. It was as if the world was mocking him, Jellal thought, as he glanced down at his phone and saw the latest barrage of texts from his friends, each one misspelling his name in creative ways. Natsu’s “Gerenarnd”, Laxus’s “Genarld”, and even Mystogan’s “Gellard” all made him groan, but he couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. This inside joke within their group of friends had spiraled to what it became today, all because of that yearbook. Jellal would die before admitting it out loud, but it was kind of endearing how his friends were so committed to the bit, even if it was at his expense.
Plus, the yearbook was really how it all started. The misspellings, the teasing, the frustration... and then, something else. A smile crept onto his face as he remembered the way it ended up bringing him and Erza together. The misspellings, in a strange way, had become a part of their story.
It was officially the last day of high school for the seniors at Fairy High. Most had decided what their future plans would be. Jellal, in particular, was planning on going to the prestigious Magnolia University not far from home, along with many of their other friends. (Don’t ask how Laxus got in—no one really knows to this day.) Jellal was standing at his desk, tidying up his things since this would be the last time he would be at school before graduation. He was starting to feel nostalgic until Ultear interrupted his thoughts, smashing her hands on his desk. “I figured it out!” She declared.
“What did you figure out?” Jellal questioned, confused.
“I figured out why the Yearbook committee sucks,” Ultear said, a sly smile spreading across her face.
“You did? How?” Jellal said nervously, not liking the look on Ultear’s face.
“I told you, I have my sources. Anyway, it’s some guy on the Yearbook committee. He basically hates you.” She said, a little too haughty for his taste.
“What? Why would someone on the Yearbook committee hate me? I’ve never done anything to them!” Jellal exclaimed.
“Well, you did one thing.” Ultear raised her finger. “You stole Fairy High’s Titania slash goddess and double kendo-fencing champion, Erza Scarlet.”
Jellal sputtered as his face went red, his tattoo practically disappearing. “I didn’t steal anyone! Let alone Erza!”
“Even if you don’t think so, that guy does. He’s been so jealous of you all these years that he’s been misspelling your name on purpose,” Ultear stated matter-of-factly.
Jellal’s eyes narrowed, all embarrassment due to Erza forgotten in the moment. “You’re telling me that this guy has been spelling my name wrong, on purpose, because of a misunderstanding!?”
“Yep. And because I uncovered the conspiracy, you owe me something. I don’t know what I want yet, so I’ll get back to you on that.”
Jellal suddenly had an idea. “You know what, Ultear? You don’t have to wait long. I have just the perfect gift for you.”
Ultear was surprised at Jellal’s sudden determination. “Really? What’s that going to be?”
“It’s something you’ve been telling me to do for a long time now. I’m not going to let some stupid yearbook guy ruin my high school years. I’m going to confess to Erza, and I’ll need everyone’s help.”
Ultear had to stop herself from squealing before she ruined her image.
It was a simple plan, really. With graduation day just around the corner, Jellal knew it would be the perfect opportunity to make his move. He didn’t want to wait until summer break, when everyone would be busy with their own plans and saying their goodbyes before heading off to college. Even though he and Erza would be attending Magnolia University together, Jellal felt like he had to take the chance now. He couldn’t let the uncertainty of the future hold him back. So, Jellal enlisted the help of their friends.
After the graduation ceremony ended and everyone received their diplomas, it would be picture time. They had to distract Makarov—Erza’s guardian, Laxus’s grandfather, and everyone’s pseudo-parent. It would be a bit embarrassing to confess his feelings in front of her guardian, and he wasn’t sure if he’d approve. Nevertheless, Jellal knew Makarov would be distracted trying to take a million graduation pictures with Erza and Laxus. That was the plan. The first part of the “simple” plan, anyway. Jellal decided he would take a three-pronged approach.
Prong one was to enlist the help of Laxus. He approached him two days before the ceremony.
“Hey, can you make sure Makarov is busy after our graduation ceremony? You know, pictures with you, the Raijinshuu, whatever it takes.”
Laxus just raised a brow. “Why?”
“I’m going to ask Erza out.”
That got a grunt of approval. “‘Bout time.” He clapped Jellal on the back. “I’ll handle it.”
Apparently, “I’ll handle it” meant texting Freed. Who told Bixlow. Who told Evergreen. Who, of course, had to tell Elfman. Which subsequently meant Mirajane found out. And once Mira found out, Jellal knew there was no going back. Mira may have been graduating too, but getting her ships together was apparently more important than her own graduation pictures.
She texted him a few hours after he talked to Laxus.
Mirajane Strauss: Don’t worry, Jellal! After my family gets our Strauss sibling pictures, I’ll make sure we wrangle Makarov for the big Fairy Tail photos. Jerza will be ENDGAME. <3
Jellal was simultaneously grateful and terrified. Jerza? Oh god, they had a ship name now. He wasn’t sure if that made things better or worse, but nobody messed with Mirajane “The Demon” Strauss when she was in matchmaking mode.
Prong two was Natsu. Yeah, you heard that right. The king of chaos himself, Natsu Dragneel. Natsu and co. would be at their graduation as well in order to take pictures with all their friends who were graduating seniors. Jellal didn’t need a full plan for Natsu—a single text would suffice.
Jellal Fernandes: I’m asking Erza out after graduation. I need a distraction. Makarov-level.
Natsu Dragneel: SAY NO MORE BRO
However, just in case, Jellal texted Lucy with the full plan, because everyone knew that the real way to get to Natsu Dragneel was to text Lucy Heartfilia. Lucy would essentially be on Natsu supervision duty. She also offered to help take pictures of everyone post-ceremony so that Makarov could be in the shots, flattered and distracted.
Bless Lucy Heartfilia. He owed her a blueberry tart and a coffee.
Then came the gift prep. Jellal knew that Erza didn’t care too much for over-the-top grand gestures, but she did appreciate thoughtfulness. He needed flowers, specifically scarlet red roses. He also wanted to get Erza these silver kite-shaped earrings from the mall that she had admired when their friend group went out a couple of months ago. At first, he jumped at the idea of giving her some strawberry cake. But, he figured that the whipped cream would probably melt if it were left out for too long, and he was certain that whatever lunch plans the Fairy Tail gang had after graduation would already involve strawberry cake. Plus, if he were successful, he would be treating her to strawberry cake all the time in the future.
Normally, he’d ask Ultear for help in attaining these gifts, but she was graduating, too, and would likely be busy taking pictures with her mother, Ur, and brothers Gray and Lyon. Instead, he texted Meredy, adding Ultear and Gray to the messages so that they knew of the plan.
Meredy was beyond ecstatic, replying with the following messages (amongst numerous other messages that looked as if someone had thrown up emojis on Jellal’s phone screen).
Meredy: 💖🌸💍 OMG I’M SO EXCITED!!! jelly beans it’s gonna be SO CUTE!!
Meredy: like I’m literally SCREAMING 😭💘✨
Meredy: and yes of course I will help you! you can count on me (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و
Jellal sighed looking at the long list of texts. This is why he usually preferred to text Ultear regarding any plans they had so that she would later relay it to Meredy—Ultear was a bit more… lowkey. Case in point, Ultear had replied with a simple Good luck in their makeshift group chat. Gray hadn’t said anything at all, which worried Jellal a bit, as he knew Gray and Erza were very close. He brushed it aside, deciding to focus on his plan instead.
Jellal Fernandes: I’ll Zelle you the money for the flowers and earrings.
Meredy: tbh I would’ve bought them myself bc FINALLY <(￣︶￣)> but that sounds good!! I’ll text Juvia for help since Ul will be busy!
Jellal Fernandes: Thank you, Meredy.
Meredy: anything for you jelly! 🫶
Jellal smiled. Despite Meredy’s overenthusiastic demeanor, he genuinely appreciated her friendship. She was thoughtful, funny, and loyal to boot. Jellal didn’t know what he would do without her or Ultear, since he had never done something like this before. With everyone helping, the plan was starting to feel incredibly real, which also meant the possibility of rejection did too. But he couldn’t let that stop him now.
Meredy quickly texted Juvia, and in a similar fashion to Laxus, she ended up recruiting a rather large group of people to help with the plan. See, as soon as Meredy texted Juvia, Juvia asked Gajeel, who initially refused… until Levy found out. Suddenly, Meredy, Juvia, Gajeel, and Levy were all part of the gift task force. How Gajeel agreed to help was truly thanks to the power of Levy McGarden. Before the task force was finalized, however, Jellal received a text from Cana, who offered to bring a bottle of wine to “class up the confession.”
Jellal Fernandes: Cana, we literally just turned the legal drinking age in Fiore??
Cana Alberona: so?? It’s called ambience, tattoo face.
Jellal Fernandes: Please don’t.
Jellal didn’t even know how she found out about the plan.
Lastly, prong three was Jellal’s own family. Reliable, supportive… and unfortunately, just as nosy as everyone else. At home, Jellal ran through the plan with Mystogan and Wendy, as he planned to ask Erza out after he was done taking pictures with family.
“I can’t wait for Erza-san to become Erza-nee-san!” Wendy beamed, clasping her hands together.
“Nee-san!? I’m just asking her out, not proposing marriage,” Jellal groaned. “She won’t be your sister-in-law yet!”
“Mysto-nii, Jellal-nii said yet. He didn’t deny marriage would happen,” Wendy pointed out to Mystogan.
Mystogan nodded sagely. “Good point, Wendy. It was high time for my twin to finally ask the girl of his dreams for her hand in marriage. It took him long enough.”
Jellal buried his face into a couch pillow. “Mystogan, please, I’m simply asking her out,” he said, voice muffled.
“Whatever you say, dear brother,” Mystogan smirked.
Jellal was starting to think that even though people assumed Mystogan was the quieter of the twins, he was, without a doubt, the more evil brother. Barring the teasing, though, his siblings kindly promised to cover him post-ceremony, steering their mother toward the big Fairy Tail group photos so Jellal could sneak away with Erza.
He also gave a heads up to the Crime Sorcière group chat to let them know he would take pictures with them after asking out Erza, which unsurprisingly led to another bombardment of teasing messages.
Erik (Cobra): wow, finally got your head out of your ass to ask out titania, nice jellal
Sorano Agria (Angel): OMG THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE JELLAL SLAY QUEEN
Richard Buchanan (Hoteye): LOVE IS REAL!
Sawyer (Racer): Just make sure you don’t spend too much time kissing, we still need our group pics.
Macbeth (Midnight): [no reply. asleep.]
Jellal determined he liked Macbeth the best.
Graduation day arrived, and Jellal Fernandes was a mess.
Not because of the ceremony itself. Receiving his diploma? Easy. Walking across the stage? Whatever. Even listening to Makarov’s emotional, rambling speech afterward about how “everyone is like a child to me” followed by him blowing his nose dramatically into a handkerchief? No, graduating from high school was totally fine. Great, even. Everyone was excited, slightly weepy, and constantly fixing their caps (because seriously, why were the caps one-size-fits-all? They certainly did not “fit all”). The real reason Jellal’s stomach was doing Olympic-level gymnastics was that this was the day. The day of the plan to ask Erza out.
Jellal was pretty sure that Erza probably liked him back. But what if she didn’t? What if this whole thing was stupid, and she turned him down, ruining their friendship? He didn’t walk in the light like she did—what business did he have chasing after someone like her?
Still, there was no turning back now.
The ceremony itself went as smoothly as one could expect… by Fairy High standards, anyway. Cana snuck a flask while in the audience. Elfman slightly tripped while walking up the stairs and declared it “manly.” Natsu and Gray started a fight in the audience and only broke one chair, thanks to Erza’s soul-piercing glare from where she sat among the graduates. Jellal considered that a minor miracle.
When Erza’s name was called, the cheer that erupted from the Fairy Tail section nearly drowned out the principal. Jellal clapped until his palms stung as she received her diploma. Erza looked radiant, her scarlet hair tucked behind one ear, tassel swinging as she turned to beam at the crowd. For a second, Jellal forgot how to breathe.
Then, it was picture time.
As the graduates started filing out, Laxus nudged Jellal with his elbow. “Good luck, Fernandes,” he muttered. For the first time, Jellal appreciated that fate had alphabetically blessed them with adjacent seats. Sitting on his other side, Mystogan clapped him on his back too, silent but as supportive as ever.
Jellal looked back just in time to see Erza filing out with Mirajane at her side. Mirajane winked at him. Jellal tried to smile back, but it probably came out more like a nervous grimace.
Outside, Fairy High’s courtyard was already buzzing with families and friends. While Laxus stepped aside to wait for the Raijinshuu and Erza before heading to Makarov, Jellal and Mystogan spotted their mother, Grandine, and Wendy waving them over.
While Grandine fussed over them, getting the camera ready to take pictures of the twins with their diplomas and graduation outfits, Mystogan turned to his brother.
“Jellal,” Mystogan said lightly, “don’t look so constipated. You’re not proposing, remember?”
Wendy piped up, “Not yet!”
Jellal groaned. “Not helping.”
Soon, Grandine pulled them into a whirlwind of hugs and pictures. Afterward, Wendy tugged at their mother’s sleeve.
“Let’s go take pictures with the big Fairy Tail group, Mom!” Wendy urged.
“I would like to take pictures with my friends as well,” added Mystogan.
Jellal sighed. “My siblings are annoying,” he muttered, “but also kind of the best.”
As they joined the big group near one of the many trees lining the courtyard, Jellal immediately noticed Erza. She was scolding Natsu, who was, as planned, already causing chaos (though Jellal suspected he hadn’t even needed to ask for that to happen).
“Behave, Natsu!” Erza said as she swatted Natsu, but Jellal was barely paying attention to her words. Instead, he focused on her scarlet red hair, which was catching the sunlight. His heart did a little flip. He was completely, stupidly in love. His hands felt clammy, but he felt strangely ready to execute his plan.
At that moment, Lucy spotted the Fernandes-Marvel siblings and waved them over. “Jellal, Mystogan! Wendy too! You all look amazing! Let me take your pictures with Master and the others,” she offered.
Makarov, overhearing this, beamed. “What a kind young lady you are, Lucy!” And he promptly became distracted again as Mira declared that everyone needed to leave the frame because she would be taking pictures of Makarov and his dearest grandson Laxus.
Thus followed a commotion of everyone trying to get out of the frame as fast as possible.
Meanwhile, Natsu, who somehow made it out first, was failing spectacularly at winking discreetly at Jellal while whisper-shouting, “YOU BETTER NOT HURT HER.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “Ignore him, he’s ridiculous,” she said in a low voice as she sidled up next to Jellal. “Levy-chan texted me that her, Meredy, Cana, Juvia, and Gajeel are under the willow tree at the other end of the path with your stuff. Just head over there and we’ll make sure to get Erza to you.”
Jellal’s jaw dropped a little. “You’re a goddess,” he whispered.
Lucy smirked. “I know.” She promptly pulled Natsu over and joined the Raijinshuu and Strauss’ in taking pictures of Laxus and Makarov.
It was time. To let him know, Jellal patted Mystogan’s shoulder. “I’m out,” he said, and he slipped away through the crowd.
Under the willow tree, Jellal’s little army of mayhem was already assembled.
“Mr. Tattoo Face Number 1 is here!” Cana greeted, waving her ever-present flask.
“Jellal! You’re here!” Meredy exclaimed, practically bouncing.
Gajeel and Levy were bickering—something about the earrings, maybe? Ultear stood off to the side, arms crossed, looking like she wasn’t even supposed to be there. Which she wasn’t. Jellal blinked at her.
“I know,” Ultear said. “Blame Meredy. But you'd better have picked a good gift.”
Standing with her were Lyon, Gray, and their mother, Ur, who waved her digital camera like a weapon. “I’ve got the perfect angle for the moment!” she said cheerfully. Jellal was a bit embarrassed about Ultear’s mother being there, but he chuckled, starting to see why Ultear was the way she was.
Predictably, Juvia was latched onto Gray. “Gray-sama, you look so handsome! Let me fix your tie,” she said as she started to fuss over him.
Lyon seemed disturbed by Gray and Juvia’s proximity until he saw Meredy. “Who is that pink-haired girl?” He muttered, staring at Meredy.
Ultear snapped her head over to Lyon. “You’ve met before! And stay away from her!”
The two siblings started to bicker, with Meredy stuck in between. Gray looked over at them, sighed, and took the opportunity to step forward after Juvia had fixed his tie (and collar, and shirt, as he had started trying to strip everything off during the ceremony).
“Gray,” Jellal said, catching the other boy’s unreadable expression. “Everything okay?”
Gray sighed again. “Look, man. I know you’re gonna treat her well. She likes you. A lot. But if you mess with her? Me, fire breath, and Laxus will destroy you.”
Jellal snorted. “I’m more scared of her, to be honest.”
Gray cracked a rare smile. “You’re right about that.” He held out a fistbump, and Jellal returned it. Bro moment: achieved.
Finally, Levy and Gajeel reached some sort of stopping point in their argument. Levy handed Jellal the scarlet red roses with a sweet “Good luck!” and Gajeel—yes, Gajeel—presented Jellal the delicate earring case with a grunt.
“Thanks?” Jellal said hesitantly.
Levy stage-whispered, “This big lug won’t tell you, but he didn’t like the metal quality of the original ones you wanted to buy, so he just made a version himself.”
“They were flimsy,” Gajeel grumbled. “These’ll last. Titania deserves it.”
Cana hollered from the background, “HE’S A BIG SOFTIE!”
“SHUT UP, DRUNKARD! YOU’RE DRUNK!” Gajeel yelled back.
“I’M NOT DRUNK YET!!” Cana protested.
Jellal grinned. Gajeel really was a big softie. “Thank you. Seriously.” Jellal said.
“Yeah, well, I kind of owe Titania and Makarov one for helping me out when I transferred from Phantom High with Juvia,” Gajeel replied.
Juvia chimed in, “Gajeel-kun worked very hard on the earrings!”
Jellal observed all of them. His friends were the best. “Thank you so much, everyone. I appreciate it. Your support makes me a little less nervous to ask out Erza,” thanked Jellal.
“Jellal?”
Jellal turned around to find Erza already there. His heart dropped. Did she overhear what he said already?
Luckily, it seemed she had not. Instead, Erza looked very confused. It was at that moment that Jellal noticed that it had become oddly silent. Somehow, the whole peanut gallery had disappeared, and it was just the two of them now, alone under the willow.
“We were in the middle of pictures, but Laxus said Lucy informed him that you had something you needed to tell me,” Erza said.
Jellal made another mental note to build Lucy Heartfilia a shrine, as well as thank Laxus.
He took a deep breath. He thought of every person who helped him get here. Sure, people like Natsu and Gray gave him soft warnings, but no one doubted his resolve or his relationship with Erza. They supported him and all believed that Jellal was the right person for her.
Jellal mustered up his confidence. “Erza,” he began. “I need to tell you something.”
“Of course, Jellal. You can tell me anything,” Erza said kindly.
“Well… there’s something that I’ve wanted to say for a long time now. I guess I never thought I was good enough? I’ve made mistakes in the past, and I haven’t always walked in the light as you do. But today, our friends helped me realize that how I feel still matters. The support I’ve received to do this made me realize that maybe I should’ve done this earlier.”
Jellal offered Erza the scarlet red roses and continued.
“I like you, Erza. I like you a lot. I always have, for as long as I’ve known you. You’re courageous, caring, brave, and beautiful. You’re everything. You’re my light. So… would you like to go out with me?”
Erza stared at him, eyes wide. Then, she smiled at him, glowing and a little teary. “Jellal. Finally.” She threw her arms around him in a tight hug. “Yes. I’d love to go out with you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Jellal closed his eyes and hugged her back. “No, you’re everything,” he whispered. Her arms around him felt warm and grounding, her graduation gown soft beneath his fingers. She smelled like strawberries and home. His heart was racing, but this time, it wasn’t out of fear.
Just as he was about to pull away, a chorus of whoops and hollers broke the quiet atmosphere.
“YEAH JELLY BEANS!!!” screamed Meredy.
“FINALLY!!!” Ultear shouted, throwing her hands in the air.
“Oh my god,” Erza gasped, her whole face flushing, ironically becoming the color of her hair. “You were all watching!? WHO SAID YOU COULD WATCH?”
“You think we’d miss this, Erza?” Cana commented.
“We got the perfect pictures!” Ur added cheerfully, waving her camera. “Frame by frame!”
Levy and Juvia were squealing in tandem, while Gray, Gajeel, and Lyon gave Jellal the most bro-like combination of smirks and nods a person could receive.
Before anyone could say anything else, Jellal reached into his pocket. “These are for you, too. I remembered that you liked them quite a bit when we saw them at the mall last month.” He opened the small case and presented the silver kite-shaped earrings.
Erza’s hands covered her mouth. “Jellal…! I didn’t think you’d noticed!”
“Of course I noticed,” Jellal said gently. “But… these actually aren’t from the mall.”
She blinked. “They’re not?”
“They’re custom,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “Gajeel’s metalwork.”
“GAJEEL!?” Erza repeated.
“HEY!” Gajeel yelled defensively. “Why does everyone keep acting so surprised!?”
“He didn’t like the quality of the originals,” Levy explained. “So he made these instead.”
“Like I said, they were flimsy,” Gajeel muttered, “and Titania deserves better.”
Cana raised her flask and said, “HE REALLY IS A SOFTIE!”
“SHUT UP, YOU DRUNKARD!”
“I’M STILL NOT DRUNK YET!”
Erza laughed—a real, bright, genuine laugh—and Jellal found himself laughing too.
Then, softer, Erza asked, “Would you… put the earrings on for me?”
Jellal’s ears turned pink, but he nodded. “Certainly.”
He gently reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear and carefully fastening the first earring. Erza didn’t move, her eyes fixed on him. He moved to the other side, clasped the second earring in place—
AHEM. Someone cleared their throat.
The group froze.
Jellal turned slowly.
Makarov Dreyar stood a few feet away, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Behind him stood the entirety of the rest of Fairy Tail—Laxus and the Raijinshuu, the Strauss Siblings, Natsu and Lucy (and Loke?), Mystogan and Wendy, Alzack and Bisca, Macao and Romeo, Wakaba, Max, Laki, Warren, Jet, Droy, Gildarts (who promptly made his way over to Cana with a “CANA-CHAN!”)... Kinana was there too, latched onto Erik, who was standing with Sorano, Richard, Sawyer, and even Macbeth, who looked like he’d just woken up from a nap. Many of them wore some combination of guilt and “uh-oh” on their face.
Mira was frantically shaking her head. “We were distracting him, I swear! Before we knew it, he was walking over here!”
“M-master…” Erza spoke, mortified.
Jellal was mentally chanting please don’t kill me, please don’t kill me, please don’t kill me…
Makarov raised an eyebrow. “Am I misinterpreting what is going on here?”
“It’s not what it looks like, Master!” Erza blurted.
“Am I not to understand that Jellal-kun here is asking you out?” Makarov questioned.
Jellal snapped out of his stupor and forced himself to speak up. “Sir, whether you approve or not, I… I really like Erza. Yes, I just asked her out. It’s obviously her decision, but I won’t lie or pretend otherwise.”
Erza straightened up beside him. “I like Jellal, Master. A lot. And I want to be with him—”
Makarov raised a hand, silencing them both. Everyone held their breath.
…
Suddenly, Makarov grinned. He’s… smiling? Jellal thought.
“WHY WOULD I DISAPPROVE!? You two have been dancing around each other since childhood! I’ve been waiting for this forever! Jerza is CANON!”
There was a stunned silence. Then, a moment of collective confusion, because where in the heck did Makarov learn words like Jerza and canon?
Everyone instinctively turned towards Mirajane.
“What?” Mira said innocently. “I might have explained fandom terminology to him during lunch once.”
Everyone dissolved into a giggling, shouting mess.
“My dreams have come true,” Mirajane declared dramatically, hand over her heart. “Now, onto Natsu and Lucy!”
“MIRA-SAN, WHAT?” Lucy spluttered, red as a tomato. Loke looked appalled.
Natsu blinked innocently. “Huh? We’re next?”
“Don’t encourage her,” Lucy hissed, burying her face into her hands.
“Congrats, Jellal!” Sorano rejoiced. “Maybe I should ask Yukino if she knows any guys for me…” she mused.
“That’s if they don’t run away first,” Erik smirked.
“HEY!” Sorano lobbed her graduation cap at him.
“Gray-sama!” Juvia said dreamily, clutching his arm. “Jellal-san and Erza-san are basically like us, don’t you think?”
Gray groaned. “Sure… but don’t lump me in with the romance plotline…”
“Too late,” Cana grinned. “You’re already in the prequel.”
“Ah, young love,” Bisca reminisced, snapping a picture on her phone. “Isn’t it sweet, Alzack?”
Alzack nodded enthusiastically. “It’s just like when we confessed to each other.”
“IT’S MANLY TO DECLARE YOUR FEELINGS IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!” Elfman shouted, thumping his chest.
Evergreen smacked him upside the head. “Keep yelling like that and you’ll scare all the romance away!”
“Sorry…” Elfman said, rubbing his head. Lisanna just giggled beside them. "Oh Elf-nii..."
“Gosh, I love everyone here,” Levy gushed, tugging on Gajeel’s sleeve. “Isn’t this perfect?”
“Tch. I guess it’s fine,” Gajeel grunted, but he didn’t move when she leaned against him. Jet and Droy seethed in the background.
“About time those two got together,” Laxus said, crossing his arms with a small smirk. “Knew that plan would work.”
Freed agreed. “A carefully executed operation, with excellent coordination. Well done, everyone. Especially Laxus!”
Mystogan adjusted his cap and turned to Wendy. “So,” he said. “Think Erza’s your sister-in-law now?”
“Absolutely!” Wendy cheered. “Erza-nee-san, here we come!”
“Wait, wait, wait, what do you mean here we come —” Jellal started to protest, but it was drowned out by the rising chatter.
“I think we’re missing one more thing,” Richard said emotionally. “A group chorus of LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL!”
“Don’t you dare,” Sorano snapped.
“Love is beautiful!” Richard declared anyway, arms in the air.
“Okay, but this was pretty wholesome,” said Sawyer, who’d filmed everything in 2x speed on his phone. (Who needed such a fast video, anyway?) “We should make a highlight reel.”
“I already started editing a slideshow,” Ultear said dryly, holding up her phone. “It starts with Jellal looking constipated during Makarov’s speech.”
“Perfect,” said Lyon, still half-distracted. “Also, who’s that pink-haired girl again?”
“LYON!” Ultear barked, and Meredy jumped, though she found Lyon to be a bit cute.
Macbeth, already half-asleep under the willow tree, raised a lazy hand. “Congrats… keep it down, though…”
“Alright, alright!” Makarov yelled, drawing everyone’s attention again. “Come now! Let’s take some pictures! Jellal-kun, you too!
Erza reached out and took Jellal’s hand, eyes still shining. “Let’s go, Jellal!”
Jellal looked at her, looked at their friends, and looked at his family, and he felt something settle in his chest. Joy, certainty, belonging.
I love these people, he thought.
Together, they walked back into the madness.
Now, in the present day. Jellal’s Quantum Physics class was thankfully finishing up.
Jellal slung his backpack over his shoulder and exited the lecture hall as fast as he could. He actually didn’t hate the class. As an Astrophysics major, he enjoyed Quantum in a weird, mind-melting kind of way. Right now, though, there was only one thing on his mind—or rather, one person.
He stepped outside of the Physics building, seeing her exactly where she always sat after his class: at a table under a cherry blossom tree that was just starting to bud, her red hair vivid under the late-afternoon sun. Her laptop was open while she was scribbling something furiously in her notebook with that cute, focused look she often made.
She looked up, and her face brightened. “Jellal!” Erza stood, raising a hand in recognition.
His heart did the thing it always did, skipping like it was still nervous, still seventeen.
He walked over, and she greeted him with a quick kiss on the cheek before sitting back down. “How was class?” Erza asked.
Jellal shrugged and he sat beside her. “Great, as usual. I love Physics.”
Erza raised an eyebrow. “How you manage to survive in Quantum is truly beyond me.”
“I don’t think I could survive pre-law and keep a combined kendo-fencing sports scholarship either.” Jellal countered.
“Touché.” Erza laughed lightly. She closed her laptop. “Anyway, I’m basically done. Did you get a text from Natsu? Let’s go to the arcade! I need to let off some steam after having so many papers due in my classes.”
“Yeah,” Jellal said, smiling at her. “Let’s go.”
Erza let out a mini cheer, and Jellal melted. Most people thought Erza Scarlet was scary. Jellal just thought his girlfriend was freaking adorable.
She packed up her things and held out a hand. “Let’s go, Jellald!" She teased, eyes gleaming.
Jellal groaned. “You’re never letting that go, are you?”
“Nope,” Erza replied sweetly.
Jellal couldn’t even be mad. Not when Erza looked that happy and her warm hand was clasped in his. After all, everything started with that stupid yearbook. The yearbook that continued to misspell his name. The same yearbook that sparked the teasing, the plan, and the confession. In some way, because of the yearbook, he had Erza, and his life had changed for the better.
Jellal laughed. “Whatever you say, Erza.”
They walked hand in hand to the arcade. Just two college students, a little older, a lot happier, but still hand in hand.
Fin.
