#woooo feels good to branch out to another ship

[amehanaaa]

I Found Love In You

Wow, my first Jerza fic! I really had a lot of fun writing some new characters for once; I hope I wrote them well! Please, enjoy! (Also can be read here.) 

Part I / II Words: 6215 Summary: Erza’s routine is always the same day after day, but when she’s asked to become a tutor, routine simply becomes a distant memory.

Erza Scarlet only has two hobbies in her life—school and a personal pastime she would never dare tell a soul. But on most days, school consumes most of her time.

Although it normally isn’t seen as a hobby and more so as a job, school has always been a hobby for Erza. She genuinely enjoys the classwork, the homework, and the rush of taking a final exam. Her passion is the result of her flawless grade point average, deeming her to be the smartest student in school.

But her status isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. A barrier exists between Erza and her classmates. Whether it is out of jealousy, intimidation, or admiration, it doesn’t matter. Day after day, the barrier only becomes stronger.

“Erza, since you’re the only one finished with your worksheet, will you take these papers to the office?” Her teacher asks with a proud smile.

“Of course,” she nods respectfully while standing from her desk. Naturally sitting in the front row, she is already out of the classroom within two steps.

This is what it’s like every day. The teacher lectures, assigns a worksheet, allows the class to work together if they need to, and accepts it when they’re finished. And yet, no matter how boring or tedious, Erza loves it all; she hasn’t missed a single day of school since elementary.

She understands why she’s been labeled nerd and lame, but after hearing it so many times, she simply doesn’t care anymore. There isn’t anything lame about doing what you love. That’s what Erza has decided to believe, at least.

“Here are today’s papers, Mira.” She enters the office, neatly placing the stack of papers on the front desk.

“You’re always a great help, Erza.” The secretary sends her an admiring smile identical to her teacher’s. “What would we do without you?”

Erza slightly returns the smile, sitting down and making herself comfortable in her usual chair in the corner of the office. She unzips her bookbag to remove the book she’s been looking forward to continue reading all day. It’s hard to hold back her content smile when she starts to read.

“How have you missed fifty days of school when we’ve been in session for two months?!” A yell bounces off the walls of the office, enough to shake the entire room.

Erza is normally oblivious to voices surrounding her when reading, but this time she curiously lifts her head to sneak a glance in the principal’s office. A male student she has never seen before nonchalantly sits back in his seat while Makarov has visible veins popping out of his forehead as he shouts.

Erza’s eyes return to her book, yet she can’t help but continue to listen. From what she gathers, this student has been to school a total of five times in two months. His grades are nonexistent. He absolutely hates going to school.

A greedy part of Erza wants to keep listening to hear just how much of a disaster this student’s situation is, but her eavesdropping is cut short due to the bell signaling lunch.

“It’s time for lunch, Erza,” Mirajane tells her across the desk. “Why don’t you go talk with your friends for a while?”

“Yeah, okay,” she responds, having no choice but to rise from her seat. She moves slower than she should simply because she wants to hear the plan Makarov has for the student.

“We’re going to get you a tutor,” Makarov states.

“No way,” the student refuses.

Erza hums under her breath, nodding to herself. She always liked Makarov’s ideas. There hasn’t been a day when she disagreed with him before. His ideas always serve their purpose.

Satisfied with how the problem is resolved, the male student in Makarov’s office is already drifting away from Erza’s mind while she leaves. If she’s being honest, she doesn’t even remember his face.

Now, she can eat her lunch on the rooftop and continue reading in peace.

There’s always a speck of happiness within Erza when the school day ends. Not because it’s over, but because she has the entire classroom to herself for the rest of the day. Every day, she can eat, sleep, listen to music, and do her work for as long as she wants. That is until the janitors shoo her away, of course.

Today is no different—except for one thing.

“Erza, you’ll be staying here after school today, right?” Her teacher asks her with the ongoing appreciative twinkle in his eye.

“Yes, I will be,” she replies. “Is there something you need?”

“Makarov will be bringing someone in for you,” the teacher explains. “He’ll be here after the bell.”

“Okay.” She nods in understanding, not thinking too much of it and returning to her classwork. If anything, she thinks she’ll be asked to give another speech during one of the assemblies.

Erza isn’t aware how long it’s been since her teacher last spoke to her, but she’s unexpectedly removed from her thoughts when she feels a tap on the back of her head. She raises her gaze, vacantly blinking at the stranger in front of her.

The stranger’s brown eyes are shielded with cold. His burgundy face tattoo threatens her.

“Always working hard, aren’t you?” Makarov praises with a chuckle, directing Erza’s attention to him beside the stranger. “Erza, I have a request for you.”

“What do you need?” she asks. It is now when she realizes that perhaps this isn’t about a speech after all.

“I need you to tutor this student here,” Makarov gestures to the boy. “This is Jellal Fernandes. Jellal, this is—”

“I know who she is,” Jellal interrupts him with an eyeroll.

“Anyway,” Makarov dismisses him with a wave of his hand. “Would you mind doing this? The faculty would really appreciate it.”

Before Erza can stop herself, she begins to nod. Whether she wants to or not, she knows she can’t refuse Makarov’s request. He has done more for her than he will ever know.

“I don’t need a tutor,” Jellal states firmly.

Erza quirks a brow, suddenly feeling offended at the disrespect he has given Makarov today. “Your grades say otherwise,” she remarks.

Jellal instantly scowls. “I’ll be fine on my own. I don’t need you to tutor me.”

Before Erza can retort something back, Makarov reveals the news to her. “If Jellal doesn’t pass the midterms next month, he will not pass this school year.”

This seems new to Jellal since his eyes widen. “When do they start?” he demands.

Makarov sends Erza a look, clearly suggesting that there isn’t much to work with here. “So, will you really do it? We’re not allowed to pay you, but I can—”

“I’ll do it,” Erza confirms. “I’ll tutor Jellal without any compensation.”

Genuine relief flickers in Makarov’s eyes. He begins to take a few steps back, sending them a wave. “Thanks, Erza. I’ll allow you to create a tutoring schedule with him, then. See you two tomorrow.”

“Alright, let’s get this over with,” Jellal says plainly once Makarov has left. He lazily sits in the desk beside hers with a heavy sigh. “I’m busy every day from five to midnight.”

“That really limits my options here,” Erza mutters, clicking her pen along with her thoughts.

“Unfortunate,” he replies with artificial pity. His lips slightly tug up to a smirk as he watches her contemplate. “Well, I guess this won’t work for either of us, so I’ll just leav—”

“Here is your tutoring schedule,” she presents while tearing a sheet from her notebook. “I’m afraid you’ll have to not be busy a few days a week.”

“I can’t just change my schedule like this,” he counters, brows furrowing. “You know what? I really don’t need this tutoring anyway. Thanks, but no thanks.”

Erza’s eyes follow Jellal as he surges from his seat and nearly storms to the door. “Tell the underclassmen I said hello on your way out,” she smoothly taunts him.

Jellal freezes in his footsteps, clenching his jaw. He takes a deep, even breath before going back to the desk and returning the schedule to her. “Alright, I can do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from after school until five. Take it or leave it.”

“One Saturday and you’ll have a deal,” she proposes. She can see the frustration in his shielded eyes, but it fades away when he takes a brief glimpse of the time.

“Whatever, it’s a deal,” he accepts more easily than expected. Without as much as a blink, he is already heading towards the door.

“Where are you going?” she inquires. “Today is Wednesday.”

“I have to go to work. I’m going to be late if you keep bothering me,” he states bluntly. “We’ll start on Friday.”

For the first time ever, Erza sits in her seat stunned, dumbfounded, and irritated all at once. There is absolutely no way she will settle for this. He at least needs to take something today, even if it’s a piece of her mind.

Hastily shoving all her belongings into her bookbag, she exits the classroom and trails after him. She’s seconds away from calling out his name down the hallway, but she’s distracted by the teachers strolling past her.

“Erza, you’re going home already?”

“Is everything alright?”

“I have a stack of papers—”

“I have to get going, but I will answer all your questions tomorrow!” Erza hastily explains before nearly running to catch up with Jellal. It isn’t until she is a few yards away from him when she decides the best option is to quietly follow him to his work.

His brisk pace tells her that he can’t deal with any distractions right now. And somehow, a part of her is curious—what kind of place does he work at?

They are nearing the city once Jellal stops at a building and enters from the back. Erza is rarely ever in the city. Her only destinations are school, the library, her home, and occasionally the bakery by her home. So naturally, she has never seen this building before.

She decides to wait about five minutes before entering the place, not only to come to terms with the fact that she just stalked someone to their work, but also to observe her surroundings. From her observations, only women with extremely revealing clothes are moseying inside.

Erza isn’t sure if she will be accepted inside with her school uniform, but figures she might as well give it a shot. Finally forcing herself to step towards the building, she tries to remain calm while opening the door. She’s forced to squint to see in the dimly lit room. When her eyes adjust, she realizes what kind of place this is. Her heart pounds in her throat.

“Welcome to our club! Who would you like to treat you?” A man greets her with teeth so bright, it’s blinding. “Or are you new here? Let me show you the catalog of our hosts.”

“I want Jellal,” Erza answers, surprised by how even her voice is.

“Jellal truly is one of our finest men here,” the man sighs happily. “Unfortunately, Jellal is entertaining a guest right now. You may either wait an hour or pick another host.”

Erza can’t figure out if she should laugh, feel embarrassed, or just be angry. Deciding to settle with the latter, she ignores the man and strides right past him into the main area; however, her dignified steps immediately come to stop when her eyes fall on Jellal.

Just from the sight of him she can tell that he’s a completely different person. He’s dressed nicely, his eyes match his smile, and his face tattoo compliments his complexion. To say the least, Erza is blown away by how beautiful he is.

The appreciative moment comes to an end once Jellal’s eyes connect with hers, suddenly returning to being shielded like ice. He whispers into his guest’s ear before swiftly heading towards her.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he demands harshly.

Erza can’t find the words she wants to say; she’s entirely tongue-tied. Maybe it’s because of how his suit perfectly fits him, maybe it’s because of his sweet smell, or maybe it’s because he is a lot more handsome than she initially thought. But after reminding herself what she is actually here for, she digs into her bookbag.

“These are the notes I wrote for you before you came today,” she states before shoving them into his hands. Not giving him a chance to respond, she quickly turns around to exit the club. She keeps her gaze withdrawn to ignore all the stares she receives.

Jellal watches her, entirely awestruck. He looks down at the paperclipped sheets of paper, skimming her neat handwriting. It’s the same paper he saw her writing on before Makarov tapped her head to get her attention.

“How was she able to write all these notes so fast?” he mutters to himself.

Hearing the clear of his coworker’s throat beside him, Jellal is suddenly removed from his daze, being met with bewildered eyes from the guests. He sends them all an assuring smile in response.

With that, he gently slides the papers into his suit jacket before returning to hosting with an interesting thought of how Erza’s scarlet hair looked as it flowed behind her as she left the club.

Erza has never felt such a strong sense of what she is experiencing right now—tranquility. With what happened with Jellal at the club, she knows that any other person would be apprehensive to see him again. She, on the other hand, cannot afford to feel that way.

I’m as cool as a cucumber, Erza mentally braces herself for the hundredth time when entering school the next morning.

Truthfully, she has never seen Jellal in class before. It’s not like she pays much attention, but she is certain she would at least remember his face. Regardless, since it’s Thursday, she won’t see him anyway. If anything, Jellal would only be a distraction. Now, she can continue doing what she loves most—school.

But she knows that somewhere deep inside of her, she can’t face him after seeing his alternate persona as a host. The way her heart leapt into her throat was completely uncalled for. She never wants to experience something like that again.

As Thursday morning begins to flow into early afternoon, Erza isn’t sure if she should feel disappointed or relieved that Jellal never shows up for class. Perhaps he doesn’t care about failing the school year, after all.

By the end of the day, all of the thoughts about yesterday have almost been pushed all the way back to her mind. She isn’t one to dwell on the past; thinking about the past is only a distraction from living in the present.

And just like that, she finds herself entering school the next morning—Jellal completely gone from her mind. It’s Friday, meaning she will have an extra hour to lounge in the classroom before being shooed away. Right now, that’s all she’s looking forward to.

It’s not difficult to feel a sense of déjà vu as Erza listens to her teacher’s lecture, accepts the worksheet, and completes it before anyone else. On cue, she’s given the daily stack of papers.

“Sorry, I forgot to give you yesterday’s stack,” the teacher apologizes at the large pile of papers. “If you need any help, you can ask someone to take the other half.”

“No, it’s okay. I got it,” Erza assures. As she picks up the papers, she knows that this heavy stack is nothing compared to holding a textbook in one hand and writing notes with the other.

“We missed you yesterday, Erza,” Mira says as Erza enters the office.

“My teacher forgot to give me the papers yesterday,” she explains, placing the papers on the front desk.

“You never fail to be a great help.” Mirajane sends her a warm, appreciative smile.

Erza returns the smile once again, wondering if Mira will ever know just how awkward she feels forming the smile. Her legs move on instinct as they take her to the chair in the corner of the office. She is about to reach into her bookbag to start her new book, but she pauses when she notices the person in Makarov’s office.

Jellal sits in a desk, scribbling across a sheet a paper. Just by his intense gaze, Erza can tell he is completely absorbed in his thoughts. She wonders if that’s how she looks like when she works, too. But overall, she’s impressed.

“Erza!” Makarov enthusiastically proclaims while popping his head out of his office, causing her to jolt in her seat. Did he catch her staring inside his office?

“Hi, Makarov,” Erza politely stands from her seat to greet him. He waves her over to his office, leaving her no choice but to step inside.

“We have Jellal on a tight schedule right now so he can catch up on everything that he’s missed,” Makarov states. “How are the tutoring sessions coming along?”

The question is enough for Jellal to immediately lift his head up from his desk, connecting eyes with Erza. Time seems to be at a standstill as they both try to communicate thousands of thoughts at once. How is she supposed to answer when they haven’t even started?

“Jellal is making progress,” she eventually replies, her tone much stiffer than it should be. There’s some truth in her response, but her stomach slightly churns in discomfort.

“Excellent!” Makarov grins, absolutely pleased. “I knew this would arrangement would work out.”

“Of course,” Erza answers with an anxious laugh leaving her lips. She presses her lips together in a thin line to prevent anything else from escaping her. Fortunately, she is saved by the bell as it chimes throughout the school.

“Take a break and enjoy your lunch, alright?” Makarov tells her with a gentle pat on the shoulder.

Erza nods, although they both know break is not in her vocabulary. Her eyes flicker at Jellal once more before she leaves the office. She doesn’t think twice in heading to the rooftop; it’s the second best place for some peace and quiet.

She makes herself at home in the bench that waits for her every day. For the next thirty minutes, it’s just her, a book, and this bench; however, she’s in the midst of taking a bite of into her lunch when she hears the door to the rooftop creak open.

Her eyes try not to widen too much as she locks eyes with Jellal. She’s supposed to be cool like a cucumber, but it’s much easier said than done once he starts to walk towards her.

“Are you really eating lunch by yourself right now?” Jellal asks incredulously. “Where are all your friends?”

“I don’t have any,” Erza answers casually, resuming her lunch.

“Why? Do you think you’re better than everyone?” he counters.

She pauses before raising her gaze to look at him. “What if I am?” she asks with not as much confidence she would have liked.

Jellal lets out a dry laugh, falling back into the open space at the opposite side of the bench. “If you really meant that, your voice wouldn’t be shaking as much as it right now.”

Erza bites her lip as she feels an unfamiliar sense of warmth swirling on her cheeks. She can’t be cool like a cucumber when it comes to him. She feels anxious, out of control, and a little excited.

She sneaks a glance at him as he eats, now noticing all his features presented by the daylight. Everything she saw of him in the club last night is still there, but much dimmer than it should be. His charming aura from last night has completely vanished.

“Anyway, thanks for lying for me back there,” Jellal mentions. “Makarov has no idea we haven’t started yet.”

“I’ve never lied to a teacher before,” Erza admits quietly, refusing to look at him to see his reaction.

“No way! That’s amazing!” he exclaims.

Erza raises her brows, perplexed by his words. If anything, it sounds lame. She waits for him to say it, but he’s already onto the next subject.

“I hear your name a lot in the office,” he reveals. “That’s how I knew of you in the first place. They’re always talking about how helpful you are.”

She feels her lips tug upwards as a sense of joy floods into her chest. She’s more than happy to be the one to make the faculty’s job easier. For everything they have done for her, helping them is the least she could do.

“You’re a lot different than I thought you’d be…” Jellal’s voice trails off for a moment. “Even though you haven’t lied to a teacher before, you had the audacity to barge into my work.”

Erza’s breath hitches in her throat as she finally turns to him and connects gazes with him. “I’m sorry for that. I really didn’t mean to become so angry when I gave you the notes. Did you get in trouble for it?”

“No, the boss was fine after I explained the situation,” he guarantees, his lips gradually forming into a smirk. “Were you mad because I was giving other girls attention?”

“No, I was upset because you can’t have a job while you attend this school,” she explains simply.

“I can’t believe how much of a goody two shoes you are,” he immediately scoffs, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Rules exist for a reason,” she defends herself. “We should always follow them.”

“Rules are meant to be bent a little,” he responds nonchalantly.

It’s Erza’s turn to shake her head in disbelief. Jellal, too, is a lot different than she thought he’d be—they’re polar opposites.

“Lunch is ending soon. You should probably stop eating your dessert and actually get to your meal.” He begins to stand up from his spot.

Erza blinks a couple of times, not being able to understand how lunch is almost over and she hasn’t even finished eating yet. What has she been doing these past thirty minutes?

“I’ll be at tutoring today, but only until five,” he reminds her before sending her a lazy wave and leaving the rooftop.

“Okay,” she responds, although he’s already left. She stares at the closed door for several moments, wondering what in the world this feeling in her chest is.

Even though she didn’t get the chance to start her book, her heart is beating as fast as it would as if she had been reading it this entire time.

By the end of the school day, Erza is genuinely looking forward to their first tutoring session. Admittedly, she’s excited to talk to Jellal again, but that’s only part of it. She’s ready to give it all she has to help him; Jellal needs to pass the upcoming midterm.

Once school is finished for the day, she sits in the desk she normally would for class, trying to busy herself while waiting for the door to open. Sure enough, Jellal eventually saunters in with a notebook and pencil in hand.

“Give me a minute,” he sighs, falling into the desk beside her and leaning his head back on the seat. “Makarov really worked my ass off today.”

“We don’t have time for a break,” Erza states firmly as she sets another group of paperclipped sheets onto his desk.

“More notes?” he inquires with bewilderment. “How do you have the time to write all of these?”

“By spending it wisely,” she replies. “Did you use the notes I gave you on Wednesday?”

“Yeah, they really helped actually,” he answers. He places his hand over his mouth. “Thanks,” he mumbles.

She can’t hide the playfulness in her tone. “Sorry, what was that?”

“Whatever, let’s just get on with this.” He rolls his eyes in response.

Erza’s lips slightly form a smile as they get started. She is prepared to take baby steps while showing him the math equations; she even is anticipating taking this entire session reviewing over ways to solve it. However, none of that happens. Instead, Jellal is finished with the math section within an hour.

“You’re actually smart?” Erza says, although it comes out sounding more like a question.

“Yeah, I guess. I don’t really care about it.” He shrugs half-heartedly.

“Why don’t you apply yourself in class?” she asks.

“I don’t care about school,” he answers plainly. “It’s boring.”

Erza’s eyes widen, completely baffled by his words. “School is amazing!” she proclaims. The rest comes flying out of her, wanting to protect her love of school as though it is her child. “One second you’re learning about life, and the next second you’re learning about what happened five hundred years ago. It’s always a journey, day after day!”

Jellal views her as she catches up with her breaths, puzzled. “Why do you like school so much?”

“No reason,” she responds a bit too quickly. “It’s just a hobby.”

“Do you have any other hobbies?” He slightly leans forward, propping himself up on the corner of her desk.

As if a light switch has been flipped on, Erza notices Jellal’s alternate persona making its appearance. Their eyes connect so intensely; she can’t look away. Had there always been a sparkle in his eyes? She isn’t very sure if she wants this to stop or keep going, even as he leans even closer.

“We have the same eye color,” he mentions softly.

“And here’s your next assignment!” she loudly declares, blatantly ignoring him and forcing another set of papers into his face. She refuses to make direct eye contact as she resumes writing notes for him.

Jellal quirks a brow while accepting the papers, sensing her obviously frantic emotions. He decides to keep his thoughts to himself as he mindlessly works on his assignment.

Erza’s thoughts have never gone this haywire while sitting next to someone before. Could he tell she’s never experienced something like this before? Could he tell she’s been trying her best to close off her emotions?

“It’s five now,” she says after thirty minutes of agonizing silence.

“Oh, really? Thanks for letting me know.” Jellal pushes his seat back to stand up. “Got any more notes for—” His words are cut off as she gives him another set. “Why did I even ask?”

Erza watches him as he gathers his belongings. “See you on M-Monday,” she tells him, slightly stumbling over her words. She can’t remember the last time she ever told someone that.

Again, Jellal senses the reluctance in her voice. He’s silent as he heads towards the door, feeling her eyes settled on him. He pauses before stepping outside.

“Maybe you do have some emotions inside of you, after all.”

Erza’s heart jumps into her throat, being left alone in the classroom with the door creaked open. It is in that moment when she realizes—Jellal really can see right through her.

And for some reason, she is not only stunned once again, but also utterly relieved.

After reflecting on her actions over the weekend, Erza decides she cannot be anything but as cool as a cucumber during her time with Jellal. She won’t allow anything to happen again; her time with him is strictly a tutoring session. To keep her promise, she even changes the seating arrangement.

“You’re unnecessarily far, you know,” Jellal nearly scowls during their next session. They sit facing each other, but with three desks between them.

“It’s so I can give you papers easier,” Erza explains falsely.

To maintain a professional environment, she gives him no breaks in between tutoring sections from then on. She intends for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons to only consist of work and nothing else. However, her mindset doesn’t go as planned when Jellal’s stomach rudely interrupts.

“You need to eat a bigger lunch,” she mutters under her breath.

“I would if I could,” he retorts.

As a result, Erza has no choice but to bring in something for Jellal to snack on in exchange for some silence. She isn’t sure what to bring until she finds herself craving something—sweets. It’s then when she settles with that as his treat. Not only does she want to bring them because she’d enjoy eating them herself; it’s also a strategy to keep him motivated to work.

But as much as it pains her, she also has to deal with the fact that this brief time of snacking also brings conversation that she’d much rather avoid.

“These sweets are great!” Jellal proclaims, nearly stuffing an entire muffin into his mouth. “Where did you get these?”

“I live near a bakery,” Erza replies.

“I could eat these all day,” he says with a satisfied smile. He views her handful of sweets. “It looks like you can, too.”

“Their cakes are my favorite,” she admits without a second a thought. She bites her tongue, mentally punishing herself for revealing something she probably shouldn’t have.

“I’ll have to try some of their cakes someday,” he responds.

“I’ll bring some in next time,” she states.

He quirks a brow. “So, you’re saying you’re going to bring sweets from here on out?”

Erza can’t decide whether she’s being manipulated or that this is truly the only way to keep him motivated. Regardless, she begins to nod. “I just hope your stomach doesn’t make too much noise anymore.”

“I promise it won’t,” he assures.

From then on, Erza brings a box of sweets for Jellal every tutoring session. She limits their break to ten minutes in hopes that they won’t talk too much. Yet somehow, she finds herself knowing more about Jellal after each session, even if he’s three desks away with a mouth full of chocolate.

Every day, she learns little things about him like, he really enjoys physics, he’s incredibly patient, he isn’t as tough as he presents himself to be, and lastly—much to her surprise—he loves sweets.

And at the same time, Erza is unconsciously revealing herself to him, too—little by little. She accidentally let it slip that she loves sweet just as much, she loves all subjects, and she’s not as patient as she would like to be.

She isn’t sure if it’s okay for someone to know these things about her, but somehow, she wants him to. She wants him to know the parts of her that not very many people know.

So here they are, nibbling on sweets during their ten minute break before returning to their intense studying. For the most part, they speak about nonsense during the time, but today the conversation is much different.

“It sucks that these tutoring sessions aren’t forever,” Jellal admits. “I want to eat these sweets for the rest of the school year.”

“I’m sure you’ll be relieved when these sessions end,” Erza remarks.

“True,” he chuckles, not trying to hide it. “But I got used to it, you know? You’re not as horrible as I thought you’d be. You’re actually pretty cool.”

It takes a few moments for her to understand his words, blinking several times in the process. She hesitantly opens her mouth. “You’re a little cool, too.”

“Only a little?” he scoffs. “I’ll have you know, I’m known as the coolest person at my job.”

“They have it all wrong,” she responds with a shake of her head. “I think the man with the shiny teeth is the coolest.”

“Hibiki?” he asks curiously, tilting his head as he thinks about it. “I guess his teeth do make him sort of cool.”

“The coolest,” Erza corrects him.

“Nope. I even think you’re cooler than him,” Jellal promptly shoots back.

“He’s definitely cooler.”

“No, you are.”

“He is.”

“You are!”

“He is!”

“Am I?”

“Of course,” Erza blurts out without a second thought. She pauses at her mistake, instantly rolling her eyes at Jellal’s reaction.

“I knew I was more than a little cool,” he declares with a grin. Once he’s finished celebrating, a faint smirk forms across his lips. “Don’t worry, you’re still pretty cool.”

It takes every fiber of Erza’s being to not release her smile. She forces herself to eat what’s left of her bread in one bite, taking another sheet of papers. “Let’s get back to work now.”

As the sound of their chewing is replaced by pencils writing and papers ruffling, it’s difficult for Erza to stay focused. She can’t help but endlessly replay their conversation, promising herself that she’s truly content like this with him. Sure, her heart skips a beat every so often and sometimes the image of how he looks like as a host flashes across her mind, but that’s it.

She doesn’t need anything more than this.

Jellal hasn’t made any physical advances towards her since their first tutoring session, surely because he can sense the determination within Erza. Her efforts at being cool as a cucumber have certainly paid off.

But as the weeks continue and Erza has spent an embarrassing amount of money on sweets, the midterms become dangerously close. It’s time for their tutoring sessions to shift into second gear and cram in everything that’s left.

“Are you free this Saturday?” Erza asks one day.

“What time is the date?” Jellal teases.

She vacantly blinks in response, abiding by her professional environment stance. Jellal caught on as soon as she started, so he doesn’t mind. If anything, her blank expressions are amusing to him.

“Yeah, I have the morning and afternoon off this Saturday,” he answers seriously this time. “We can do it then.”

“Prepare for a long tutoring session,” she states.

“Oh, I do every day.”

Erza smiles to herself, proud that her tutoring sessions have impacted him. But that’s not all—Jellal has made a tremendous amount of progress these past few weeks. Although it’s more like he’s polishing his already advanced skills, she cheers for him every session.

She has high hopes for him and for his midterm; yet, there’s a part of her that feels he still needs an extra boost of motivation. Once an idea enters her mind, she doesn’t hesitate.

“What’s your favorite dessert?” she asks as nonchalantly as she can.

“Strawberry cake,” he responds.

“So is mine!” she blurts out more eagerly than she intended.

“Good choice,” he remarks with a commending nod.

Erza returns the nod, already planning out her idea in her mind. And with the plans to meet at the library this Saturday at noon, she decides that it’s finally time to put her second hobby to good use.

She only hopes that it won’t result in a total disaster like she fears it will.

[survivoremathia]

Ep. 7 - “"I Love Lies and Deceit" - Isaac”

LOGAN

IF I DONT WIN IMMUNITY IM GOING HOME KNOW THAT THATS ALL HELP PLEASE I CANT GO HOME PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

OWEN

Well well well!!! Ryan B went home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Surprise surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :~) I threw a vote on Scott just in case Ryan, who did absolutely no campaigning whatsoever, had an idol or something from the labyr*nth. But he didn't and he's dead so! Fun!!!!!!!!! Anyways... I want to win individual immunity kind of, although I think I have a good case to get Jay out of here. Still, I don't know what Duncan will think of me if Jay DOES get shipped off, and it might be better for me if Scott goes because I've never talked to Scott and there's no relationship there? With Trevor and I on the same tribe there's always the worry someone will want to split us up but I don't see how that benefits anyone really because we'll just be a target at merge. We're like an extra fat meat shield :) use us :))))))))) anyways, none of my alliance wants to win immunity because the challenge is an unnecessarily difficult version. It worries me that we all feel cocky enough to...not try lmao afsdkhdfsjfds which makes me want to try but at the same time??? I don't want to do that it's finals week and it's too much. I just want to merge so I can fuck everyone up

LOGAN

also everyone in this game? likes me as a person? but i think ERRYONE knows im a threat and im in the bottom so i need to win. that is all. love rob. ill die for rob. 

JD

Yeah, this challenge is going to be bad... I'm much sorry

-

Jesus fuck. That sucked... I hope i never have to do anything like that again. 4 hours of my life i wont be getting back *sigh* but i saved that cute little rock from the underworld, yes i did.... I think I'll name him... He- hey! My rock just does back to the underworld... Well there goes that. *Le shrug* (sleepy Jessy is sleepy)

SCOTT

I am shocked I survived the vote. But I am confident I will most likely be voted out at the next tribal, and since the challenge is basically computer slavery. I am screwed. WELP *Prays for the merge* 

LOGAN

woooo, my death is happening!

-

IN THE GAME I MEAN IN THE GAME I PROMISEHTBDFGJNSDKMZ

TREVOR

Sam chose me to go to the labyrinth. A good ally. Maybe I will take him to the end. 

-

We're voting for Jay. I kind of insisted it without discussing it which is bad but I wasn't in the mood. 

It's either gonna tie with Scott or be 4-3-1 as I'm gonna try and get Scott to vote for Owen if he comes online. If it does tie we will vote Jay on the revote so it's fine. I have Lydia's 20% challenge advantage because I'm not allowed to give it back to her. Oh well. I'm sure we're swapping or merging after this.

SAM

https://youtu.be/ZNx-K60v4BU

ROB

Literally the only person who I did not to win. Fuck I think I couldve done it. Lazy ass. I'm definitely in danger once more. 

SAM

MORE CONFESSIONS yeah i'm pretty nervous about tribal tonight. i'm afraid that one of the newbies is going to get voted out, so i might have to appeal to duncan that the newbies are on his side. or that i can get them to be on his side because i think they might be down to vote for him. they're concerned with mending fences and they believe that duncan might not help them but LIKE LOOK DUNCAN WILL PLAY WITH ME AT MERGE AND MATT SUMMERS ISN'T CALLED MATT FUCKING SUMMERS FOR NOT REASON so i'll have to check in on everyone later today and make sure their heads are in the right spot. that's all. at least it isn't me.

SCOTT

This song goes to my tribe if they vote me out (Verse) Wrap it up, I said I don't have time I guess you're outta luck, but I'm doin' fine Give it up, you don't wanna act like you care And I don't want a house full of her hair (Pre-Chorus) (And you said) Literally, babe Are ya gonna give up so easily? I thought I meant more I thought you was stronger... (And you said) Literally, babe I've been stressing about us all day, well Guess you bit off more than you can chew I've got li-te-ra-lly nothing to say to you (Chorus) You wanna play me till I kick you out You wanna call me when you're feeling down Beggin' on your knees, BITCH PLEASE! And when I finally let you bring me close You wanna promise me you'll never go Then you wanna leave, BITCH PLEASE! (Interlude) Don't text me, you're pathetic, BITCH PLEASE! This is the only way you'll hear from me, HA! Don't text me, you're pathetic, BITCH PLEASE! This is the only way you'll hear from me, HA! (Verse 2) Listen up, you don't get a goodbye You don't get another shot to make me everything I'm not I'm a girl on fire, I'm a girl who dreams And you're a boy who needs to stay the hell away from me (Pre-Chorus) (And you said) Literally, babe Are ya gonna give up so easily? I thought I meant more I thought you was stronger... (And you said) Literally, babe I've been stressing about us all day, well Guess you bit off more than you can chew I've got li-te-ra-lly nothing to say to you (Chorus) You wanna play me till I kick you out You wanna call me when you're feeling down Beggin' on your knees, BITCH PLEASE! And when I finally let you bring me close You wanna promise me you'll never go Then you wanna leave, BITCH PLEASE! (Bridge) And it hit me like a ton of bricks Like a ton of your ugly hats When I was broken, when I was lonely When I was reachin' out for your hand That the sun could go down My shadow and taunts, there's no-one around, I swear We're as lonely as with you there (He's not gonna get that...) (Whatever!) (Chorus) You wanna play me till I kick you out You wanna call me when you're feeling down Beggin' on your knees, BITCH PLEASE! And when I finally let you bring me close You wanna promise me you'll never go Then you wanna leave, BITCH PLEASE! (Interlude) Don't text me, you're pathetic, BITCH PLEASE! This is the only way you'll hear from me, HA! Don't text me, you're pathetic, BITCH PLEASE! This is the only way you'll hear from me, HA!

MATTEW

So...double tribal. Yikes! I feel like I'm in a pretty good spot at this point. I have an alliance with people that I don't think have any reason to flip, but the only troubling thing is the fact that there could potentially be a boatload of rewards and items out there just waiting to get played. Hopefully my alliance is the only one who has gained access to Room 5, but there's always that uncertainty about the Labyrinth that's super scary. We could easily try to play it safe and blindside someone again, but now's not the time for paranoia. I've been thinking a lot about numbers come merge and I'm starting to realize that Trevor is probably at the center of the dynamics of the other tribe. He has Owen and Lydia that he's really close with, who each have people that can branch off to form a majority. I want to trust Ryan when merge comes, but we've been apart for so long at this point that I can't be certain where he his loyalties lie until we can meet back up and talk game again. My point is, there's a lot of uncertainties that could lead to me being in the minority come merge so my focus for the next few rounds is to keep as many people happy with me as possible. I mended bridges with Logan a bit and we've had some pretty solid game talks, so hopefully they're being honest about being willing to let Rob go and they're not just trying to screw me over. I'm going to have to start talking with Duncan again, because there's a lot of uncertainty and distrust between us and if we're going to be able to form a majority at merge, we're going to have to patch things up and look forward. Still, preparing to get #snatched at tribal council tonight.

JD

What kind of evil was that! Escape from hell???? Na man, i think I'll just stay there next time... I mean i saved the rock though! That rock... That will help me do absolutely nothing. By God. 

Okay seriously though, i have control issues. I get that, i know that and I'll embrace my faults. I also think it's one of the reasons why I'm so worried about this tribal. I've had class all day and i haven't been able to really talk to people the way that i want to. I can't get a read on the other three to know if they are really going to stay with us or if they are just planing something with some items. The only thing that I'm not worried about is the idol, maybe that means I'm putting too much trust in Sam but i did save his ass last time we were in tribal. And yes I'm taking all the credit for it because even with Ali's extra vote, my tribe wanted to vote for Robby and i believe that i changed their minds. I saved Sam. Sam best not be fucking with me. Right so last night me and Sam talked in length about what he wanted to do in this game. He told me that Duncan gave him the idol. Something about after you use it you have to give it to someone else. So if he's telling me the truth, and i really think he is, he has the idol. He also wanted to know if i had  any connections with anyone on the other side .... I mean yes! The other half of my final four is over there... I didn't tell him THAT though. I told him that when Trevor came over we talked but mostly about being old... Which was not a lie. That was the first thing we talked about, and being Canadian. Me and Ali liked him enough and checked with Lydia about bring him in with us and i hope that they really have been able to work out their differences Because here is my set up. Final 2 - me and Ali (we can't take a vet with us, that's just asking to lose) Final 4 - me, Ali, Lydia, Trevor (idk what our name is anymore but i really liked when we gave ourselves seasons so I'm going with 4 seasons right now) Final 5 - 4 seasons and Sam because i still think Sam owes me and i plan to collect on that at some point. Final 8 - Owen, Matt, Isaac. And if the 8 of us can get together straight out of the merge, if that happens after tribal, then there would be 12 players in the game. We have more then majority and we get ride of a couple people before shit hurts the fan I'm sure. At 10 it might get bloody cus everyone is going to have their own groups that they want to go to the end with. Right so that all came from mine and Sam's conversation was that he wants to work with Trevor and Owen, because they are a power couple and he thinks they would be targeted before any of use. Which would be truth if Trevor wasn't in my main alliance. All this could go to shit tonight. Any four of us could get voted out or Lydia and Trevor might have decided to leave me and Ali behind. We'll see. About to vote and I'm such a control freak that I'm trying to figure out how to be more involved. Like lying to Logan and telling them to vote for Matt or Sam to see if we can trust her. But... There so much bad that could happen. God I'm going home tonight -_-' 

ROB

If you're not going to stay loyal to me then you can't expect me to stay loyal to you. I'm doing whatever it takes to stay alive in this game, even if it means turning my back on the people I was close to. JD*sigh* i thought this tribal was set. I hate scrambling ready 

ALI

This tribal is awful :( Rob is the general consensus, and I'm being especially nice for two reasons. A) Because I feel really bad B) Because I don't want him to play an idol and for his one vote to vote me out. I wanted to work with him, but that core Olympus 3 was just too tight grr. I wish we could vote off Duncan, he is kinda shifty and I'm still put off by him lying to me... Next time... Also, whoever invented that challenge can CATCH THESE HANDS. It was awful. Also, Scott is probably going tonight, which'll make me one of two newbies left and the only Brit. If Rob goes also, I think I become the youngest person, the only Brit and one of two newbies.... I'm going into extinction.

ISAAC

I love lies and deceit. All of a sudden I'm shook about Trevor keeping me out of the loop™ So me, myself, and I and my petty ass are going to be ugly™