One More Chance

Epilogue

True to his promise, Erza could not take a single step without wincing or mewling in pain, and neither was Jellal in any state to saunter around. Giving up, the duo decided to spend another night at the inn, promising to keep their hands off each other for Mirajane's sake. The Takeover mage was beyond furious when she realised she had to take care of three hyperactive children and many more overgrown children all alone.

The day passed at the speed of light, and before they knew it, it was the next day. Jellal got up quite late that morning and Erza was speaking to someone on her lacrima phone.

"COME BACK NOW! STOP FUCKING AND COME BACK! I CAN'T - W -- ANYMORE!!", a loud voice screamed from the other side and even though Jellal was only able to hear a part of it, he realised who was on the other side. Erza had her phone as far away from her ear as possible, but Mirajane's voice blared through the distance.

After a quick apology and a promise to make it up to her, Erza set the phone down. Wobbling back, she dropped down a nearby seat and her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she groaned out in frustration.

"I...I totally forgot that today is Christmas Eve!", she clicked her tongue in annoyance and Jellal pursed his lips as he stared at his feet.

"Did you have to use your entire strength on me?", Erza whined as she stretched, arching her back and massaging her thighs. It had been more than a day, but Erza was far beyond sore.

"Erza Scarlet likes it rough. It's rough, or nothing", Jellal countered and the redhead had no response to that accusation, yet again.

"Let's head back", she smiled at him, deviously changing the topic and Jellal agreed without a hitch. The two of them left their room and Jellal paid the old woman. Erza stepped in front of her snd grabbed her hands with a smile on her face.

"Oba-san! I...I don't say this much, but really...thank you so much. Things...haven't been too good for me lately and I guess this...just helped me in so many ways. I-", she thanked her, but the older woman put it to a stop with a soft giggle and shook her head.

"It's fine, young one. It has been quite some time since I have had guests, but i really enjoyed our conversations. Come by again, if you ever come back to this area - your next meal is on me", she smiled. Erza nodded and turned to face Jellal.

"You head out. I'll join you in a minute", he interrupted her and the latter went ahead.

"What is it, young man?", the old woman sweetly asked and Jellal pursed his lips before shortening the gap between them.

"How long are you going to act like an innocent old lady?", he asked her and the woman returned his question with another smile.

"What do you mean, dearie? I am an old woman. I am not lying", she defended herself with a pout and Jellal frowned. He turned back to see if Erza was around, and to his relief, she had already left.

"Yes, you are lying, Ultear", he sighed and the woman pursed her lips. Her appearance had changed drastically. He had seen her just once in her older form, and if it had not been for the well-known smirk on her face or the familiar look in her eyes, Jellal would never have believed that the woman in front of him was Ultear.

"Who is that supposed to be, dearie?", she asked nonchalantly and faked a cough causing the Meteor mage to slam his palms on the counter.