Confession

After the second party in 2 days, everybody in the guild was either wasted or asleep. Besides 2 people. Inari had taken Erza for a walk so that they could talk in private and discuss all the things that happened.

"Erza... I'm glad that you passed in the end. I almost messed it up for you."

Inari was gloomy, because he didn't know what to say. Erza shook her head, feeling that the opposite was true.

"No, you actually helped me pass. Gildarts told me later that his test was to see if you could have courage in the face of adversity, while also being able to know your limits. He was checking if we were mature enough to recognize our own limitations, while also acknowledging the fact that we can't give up without trying our best." Erza

Inari was shocked, he didn't think that the exams had such a hidden meaning. Then he remembered the master's words beforehand; read between the lines.

"Regardless, I could have messed it all up by going berserk like I did." Inari

"No, you wouldn't have. It was actually... nice, to think that someone would get in that state for my sake... may I ask, why did you...?" Erza

Erza looked downwards as she asked this, afraid to look at Inari while he answered. However, after a moment, there was still no answer. Looking up, she noticed Inari wasn't with her. Looking back, she saw him crouched on the ground with his head in his hands, ears and cheeks bright red. Walking back towards him, her cheeks also gained a bit of a blush as she saw his reaction. At this point, she wasn't so dense as to not connect the dots, and that made her blush even more as she looked at him.

Eventually, Inari peeked at her from between his hands. Seeing her looking at him, and noticing her blush as well, he knew that he couldn't hold off any longer. Building his courage, he stood up straight.

"Erza... the reason I reacted like that... when you were hurt, was because... I... I..." Inari

Stuck for a moment, with Erza looking at him, Inari just decided to drop it all out there.

"It's because I'm in love with you Erza!!! Ever since the day I first saw you, you were the most beautiful and kind person to me! You helped me so much, and you made me so happy! I have loved you since the moment I opened my eyes and saw you!" Inari

Finished with his confession, Inari choked up with emotion, growing as red as a tomato. He wasn't alone, as Erza had lived up to her second name, her face heating up and turning the same scarlet as her hair.

"Awawa, uhm... th... thank you... for your feelings..." Erza

Erza looked down, and her voice fell to almost a whisper.

"... and I... love you... too." Erza

Inari was overjoyed. He had finally worked up the courage to confess to his love, and she had responded. He started lightly crying tears of joy and relief as she did too.

"Well, well, what do we have here? 2 red people, with red surnames and red faces." Cana

Cana laughed while Inari and Erza sprung apart, deathly embarrassed. Cana had followed them from the guild, quiet as a mouse, waiting for them to do something. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore, and she jumped out, calling them out.

Before she could continue, Inari grabbed Erza's hand, and together, they ran away. Cana couldn't keep up with them, so she got a little angry.

"Well, run away! I'll tell the rest of the guild about you 2, so enjoy your lover time." Cana

Erza and Inari grew even redder, their embarrassment reaching even higher. Disregarding what Cana said, they ran and ran, until they reached Magnolia Park. There, under the shade of a tree, they caught their breath. Sitting silently, they enjoyed each other's company while the sun set on another fun day.

"I... I didn't get to ask this when Cana interrupted. Here goes; Erza, will you go out with me?" Inari

Inari rushed his words a bit as he felt his confidence waver. Blushing once more, Erza took his hands and looked him in his eyes.

"Yes, I would love to." Erza

Inari grew red again, as he held Erza's hands. Hand-in-hand, they walked towards the guild, where everyone was awake again. The cheers resounded once more, embarrassing the two all over again.