A/N: Here's another update :D I hope it's not another crappy chapter. I'm just really into finishing this story already before I move on to my others. I'm first working on this and 'The One that Got Away' my Nalu fic. I'm already drafting the next update for my Nalu fic, but I'm still trying my best to work on it and I don't want to rush it. So, I just posted a new chapter of this story first instead. Hopefully by the time the quarantine ends in our city, I get to finish this already.

Like what I said from the previous update and author's note, I'm currently revising the whole story, so if ever you find some minor details that is contradicts with the previous chapters, yeah that's why.

Chapter Twelve - Hanging Out as Jellal

Erza

3:35 PM

I had to pose as Jellal for the second time in his work. I wasn't really expecting him to let me be as him right after the presentation. It was the only reason why he had to risk sending me as him as it is only his last resort or else he'd say goodbye to his job. I was picturing him to tell me that it is the first and last and he will no longer risk the chances of his image and job being ruined because I am not like him who's capable of working in the business world. Thankfully though, Minerva is on a leave today and I only have a few paperworks to do after the presentation yesterday. I think I can handle his basic office work as long as I don't have to interact that much with business people from other companies and Minerva is not around. I wonder why Minerva was on a leave today. Did I really make her shit too much last time? I wonder if she shitted her intestines out last time.

Right now, since morning actually, I've been binge-eating the strawberry cake I asked Ultear to get me while doing his work in his office. Ah, strawberry cake, my all-time favorite. This new set up Jellal and I have right now maybe is a blessing in disguise indeed. I've always wanted a body that will not gain weight no matter how many sweets, carbs, and meat I eat. Jellal had a perfectly-toned body since he was a teenager and until now he still maintains his abs, chest, and biceps, basically his whole body. Well, well, well, Jellal I control your body now. I'm gonna eat every strawberry cake, BBQ, fast food, and other mouth-watering food I want for all I care until this body-switch is over. It's your problem hitting the gym and burning all the fats and calories I gained while I'm in your body.

Majority of what I've been doing since morning is just reviewing emails, filing paperworks, and checking out some proposals. I just keep texting and calling Jellal what to do with those and I didn't even notice the time running with me being busy at his work, and it's already almost four in the afternoon. Jellal told me he's gonna pick me up around four-thirty or five, and so here I am just finalizing all the remaining works while waiting for him and Wendy. I pulled a few drawers from his desk trying to look for an extra envelope, then, I found this bundle of paper bound by a paper-binder. I got curious and flipped the pages to see what those are. These were exterior and interior sketches he made, and I can tell because he has his signature as a watermark on every page.

I've also come to think of it, maybe Jellal was frustrated at his work because he never liked the idea of being stuck in an office just doing paperworks and negotiating with people or more like 'sales-talking' with people in the business industry. I knew Jellal originally wanted to be an interior designer or architect since he was a teenager, he told me that back when I was sixteen. Unfortunately, knowing that his family is known in the business industry, including his mother being highly-respected for being a doctor, he had no choice but to study business management. I remember him telling me that his parents insisted that if he won't pursue their family business, he should at least get a profession with a degree and licensure exam that will make him gain people's respect. When we moved in and got married, his savings were not enough to get into a design school, luckily though he was able to obtain a scholarship to the business school where he graduated. He just tried to embrace his current job as a sales and marketing manager in this construction firm owned by Minerva and his family. I knew that he prefers being on field work like managing projects and designing for people. Back then I always wished that his parents would recognize his talent and skills, but it never happened.

I checked out each page one by one. He is without a doubt gifted in designing. He made a couple of sketches of furniture, bedrooms, offices, living rooms, building lobbies, and landscapes, but what caught my eye the most is when I saw this kitchen design with a 'For Erza' note on it. He made me the human figure model of this kitchen design plan he sketched. It felt like I had already seen this design a long time ago. A few years ago, I remember describing to him what my ideal kitchen design at home would be like and looking at this sketch he was able to turn those thoughts into a picture. Those were the good times, when we were planning what our lives would be ten years after we got married. Ten years later, here we are, stuck in each other's body and on the verge of divorcing. Maybe some parts of our lives do not really turn out the way we wanted to.

I sighed as I returned the sketches inside the drawer and stood up from the swivel chair to head to the male's washroom. I almost forgot once again that I should be going to the male's. As I reached the male's washroom, I couldn't help but look at myself (as Jellal) in the mirror. This is the face of the man I first fell in love with, I exchanged vows with, and I had a child with. But looking at Jellal right now feels different. It felt like a different person who only looked identical to him. I want to look at him the same way I did when I was sixteen and in love with him. I want the old Jellal back. I could just sigh and shrug off those thoughts I had for a second.

I peacefully walked on my way back to Jellal's office after using the toilet. I had to pass by the working station of the sales department on the same floor. Some employees are focused on paperworks, encoding, entertaining customer inquiries on the phone, and using their computers. Same with Jellal, office work is not my thing either. If I was working and Jellal was at home, I would probably feel the same way a bit and get tired of the same routine of office work. Jellal wanted to create and design something he knew would be beneficial to the functionality of people's everyday life and productivity. I suddenly felt thirsty after eating all the strawberry cake I had since morning. If I'm not mistaken, Jellal informed me that the office pantry is located on the same floor with his office.

When I finally saw the office pantry, I checked if there were other people inside from the glass door before going inside. Jellal told me as much as possible to avoid too much interaction with his co-workers because I might encounter someone he wasn't able to introduce to me. Of course, it'll be awkward if I act as if I didn't know them. I just want to have coffee right now all of the sudden. Maybe coffee would be a good drink for the last strawberry cake slice I still have back in the office. There's a vending machine inside the pantry that has a coffee maker. Oh, well, that's nice and I won't have to make one on my own. Good thing I have a coin in Jellal's pocket and used it to purchase a small cup of brown coffee.

It's so quiet in the office, especially here inside where no one else is here other than me. Compared to being home alone, at least, I'm able to blast on some music or listen to news or podcasts. Ah, I wanna sing for a moment. No one's here, anyway, right? I started humming and swaying my (Jellal's) hips while waiting for the coffee to be ready. Then, I suddenly feel like singing. "Uh I'mma fall in love, baby. You gon' finna catch me. Uh give you all of this baby. Call me pretty and nasty. Cause we gonna get it. My love you can bet it on." I've always been practicing rapping Lisa and Jennie's parts, and I get to memorize it a bit at home. The coffee is finally ready and I took it from the vending machine. "Black we gon double. The stack on them whoa! I be the-"

"Sir Jellal?" I stopped when I heard a voice behind me speak. At that moment, it feels as if someone splashed a cold bucket of water on me. I slowly turned around and I found three girls who've probably seen me (Jellal) sing and dance.

"Sir Jellal...are you a Blink?" The blonde girl asked me with seemingly sparkling eyes. Wait, wait, who is this girl? Recall, recall, recall, Jellal's co-workers with blonde hair. Lucy? Oh, yes, I think she's Lucy Hearty-heart something that I can't remember the last name. She's one of the marketing associates, if I remember it correctly? Jellal showed me her Instagram feed filled with aesthetic travel photos with a blog post attached to each one. Oh, yeah, I Jellal did mention she's also a blogger and a freelance writer at some magazine companies.

I am.

"Oh my gosh, of course, I am!" I answered excitedly. Who wouldn't be? It's so fun to find someone who adores the same fandom as you do. I don't really have that much friends in Magnolia that likes Blankpink the way I do. Wendy does jam and dance with me, but it still feels different when you meet other people with the same taste as you do. "Why are you a Blink, too?!"

"S-sir, Jellal, we didn't mean to interrupt you-" The blue-haired girl she's with nervously said. There's another blue-haired co-worker of his other than Levy. The other girl is Levy, the one who helped me during the presentation yesterday. Try to remember them correctly. She does look familiar, I just have to remember her name right. "N-no, not at all, J-juvia?" I hope I said her name right. I still remember her Instagram account that Jellal showed me as well to remember the physical looks of his co-workers. Most of her photos are bikini photos and candid shots of her in a swimming competition. Jellal told me he doesn't know much about her since she's a bit timid and introverted. Levy, from yesterday, I believe is close to Lucy since they are both part-time writers and share the same interest when it comes to books.

"Oh, I-i thought you don't know who I am." She told me while fidgeting, but in just a few seconds her eyes suddenly turned sparkly and heart-shaped. "But...Sir Jellal, I'm a Blink too! I stan them since 2016. Who's your bias, by the way?"

"I am so torn between Jisoo and Lisa, more like all of them!" I cried. "But when it comes to dancing, I stan Lisa so much!"

"Oh, girl, you bet! I've been trying to do her Swalla dance cover at home, but damn, only she could really pull it off so perfectly." Lucy cried. Yeah, I've been trying to do it at home as well but I look like a wiggling worm whenever I try the steps.

"Whatever, girls, Rose is still the best for me, especially when it comes to vocals!" Levy butted in. Oh, yes Levy, I am in love everytime it's Rose's part.

"Jennie is still the best for me." Juvia rebutted. "She's the best rapper for me."

"Jisoo will always be the visual of BP!" Lucy "If only you've seen them perform live, oh my gosh."

"You've watched their concert live? But they haven't had a concert here in Magnolia?" I asked her, envying her from what she said.

"Oh, Sir Jellal, I was able to attend their concert at Crocus when I was working on a project for Retro Magazine last month. I was one of the people assigned to cover their event and I'm telling you, I almost forgot my job there as a writer because I was too starstrucked and screaming 'Blackpink in your area'!"

"You're so lucky! I've been waiting for them to have a tour here in Magnolia. I wish I could see them performing live someday."

"I never thought you're also a Blink, Sir Jellal." Juvia says shyly.

"Oh, of course, I am. I am gay for stanning these girls. And, you can just call me Jellal, quit with the 'sir'." I told her. She's so polite and shy to me (Jellal), which makes me wonder how well Jellal is respected in this company or is it just because they're intimidated by him. I don't know, but I like these girls who are fellow Blinks like me and I wish I could hang out with them even as Jellal.

"We're going to Magnolia Shopping Centre after work. Do you wanna come join us? Let's ask Ultear and Meredy to come along as well. We-re going-"

"Shopping and bbq!" Levy and Lucy excitedly squealed together.

Jellal

Wendy and I just left the mall parking and we're on our way to the office to pick up Erza. I kept breathing and trying to calm myself down as I started driving on the road. I can't let the tension I am feeling distract me from driving or else I might commit a violation and get caught red-handed by the cops driving without a license as Erza. I couldn't handle talking to that Kagura girl anymore, I decided to leave right away. If there's anything else I need to know, it has to be from Erza herself. As much as possible, I need to focus on the road, but then I almost jumped when I heard Erza's phone ringing.

'Incoming Call: Jellal'

"Hello, Erza?" I answered it and turned it on loudspeaker mode.

"Jellal..hey, umm...your officemates, they uh...invited me to come with them to hang out after work. I-is it okay?"

"Sure, honey...w-who are them, by the way?"

"Umm...Levy, Lucy, Juvia...Meredy and Ultear are also tagging along."

"Okay, have fun. Just call me if you need a ride home and where will you girls hang out."

"I will, but don't bother, just wait for me at home. Meredy said she'll just drive Ultear and I home."

"Y-you can use my credit card if you want to buy something. Have fun, honey, I love you."

"Yeah, yeah, I will. Bye."

I hung up the phone and focused on the road while driving. I went back the other way around to the route to head home instead.

"Mama, why do you call Daddy with your name and he calls you 'Jellal'?" Wendy asked curiously while playing with her new doll beside me on the passenger's seat. Oh, damn, I forgot.

"S-sweetie, w-we're just role-playing!" I lied.

Erza

The girls and I just arrived at Magnolia Shopping Centre, the nearest mall from the company. Ultear and Meredy tagged along since I persuaded them. I was surprised when they invited me (Jellal) even just after a small talk about our favorite band. They seem so nice and friendly. Jellal doesn't really interact with them and the other co-workers that much but it's like they're looking forward to getting to know him and hanging out with him.

I tagged along with them at Uniqlo where they wanted to shop for clothes and stuff. They started browsing different dresses and tops from the clothes stands. I don't really shop that much unless I have no more clothes to wear, and because I've been wearing old maternity clothes since my second trimester of pregnancy started. I didn't really shop for maternity clothes that much because I had a bunch of old ones when I was pregnant with Wendy. Also, I didn't bug Jellal to get me new ones since he's always been hot-headed, especially when it comes to money. I can't remember the last time I went shopping, when I do, I just get Wendy new clothes instead for myself.

While they were busy looking for specific clothes they said they needed to wear in an event, I'm checking out several outfits for myself. Hmm, maybe I can wear some of these since my due date is just in a few weeks and I'll be resigning from maternity dresses already. These clothes on this rack are just so classy and stylish like the ones I see from Instagram and Pinterest. I took a basket from the corner and started putting different kinds of tops and bottoms that I don't have at home. After my pregnancy, maybe it's time to try for a new style. I envy these girls, especially Lucy, who's so stylish when it comes to her OOTDs at her Instagram and even her outfit today at work, more like a typical Millennial or Gen Z aesthetic clothing. When I get home, I'll be experimenting with all these garments I'll get and see which ones suit me the best until I find my new style.

I couldn't help to check out the Men's Section inside the boutique as well. Hmm, I also can't remember the last time Jellal went shopping. He's always wearing the same style and set of clothes every single day at work. At home, he just wears a plain tee and boxer shorts. Jellal does look like a model back when he was a teen. With his perfectly toned body and height, any clothes look good on him. I kinda miss seeing the young Jellal. As I browsed at the clothes rack of the Men's Section, I couldn't help but imagine Jellal wearing those neat and classy tops and bottoms instead of his usual outfits at work. I took five different tops and five different bottoms that Jellal does not have in his closet. I placed my separate basket of clothes on the bench beside the fitting room before stepping inside with the garments I chose for Jellal. I quickly stripped off Jellal's uncomfortable business attire as I stepped inside the fitting room. After a few minutes of trying out the clothes I picked for him, I came out wearing this gray sweatshirt with a collar shirt underneath, a comfortable black jogger pants, and a pair of white sneakers.

"I want to wear this already, I'll just pay it when I get to the counter." I told the saleslady who's waiting for me to come out of the fitting room after I took a lot of garments from different racks.

After I'm done picking out clothes and trying them on, I went to the counter along with the girls to pay for all the stuff I got using Jellal's credit card. I hope there won't be any problem with his credit card or else it'll be so embarrassing after taking a bunch of items in the store. Good thing, it didn't after the lady in the cashier swiped it and gave me the receipt.

"Wow, you got a bunch for a whole new set of wardrobe." Levy told me after I took the paper bags from the counter.

I tagged along with the girls on the next store where they headed to. This time we're at a makeup store. I can't also remember the last time I went shopping for makeup. When I feel bored at home, I do watch a couple of make videos from Youtube, which suddenly made me interested in cosmetics and skin care. Sometimes I put on makeup on myself just to practice or sometimes at Wendy when she needs to for some school events. I only have the basics at home, so I've thought, why not get myself more? I browsed the lipstick section and started to swatch different shades on Jellal's wrist. Well, Jellal and I have a similar skin tone, so maybe this will do. Oh, these are all pretty. I just hope these nude colors would match my hair color and facial features when I try them on my body. Then, I spot several sets of eye shadow palettes. There are so many to choose from I don't even know what to pick. I want to try all of them using different makeup styles at home. Same with the lipsticks, I pulled up the sleeve of the sweatshirt on the other wrist and started to swatch every color to see how it looks on Jellal's skin tone. The glittery, matte, or nude? Ah, they're all pretty and I wanna try all of them! Why not get them all instead so I could see which one do I prefer?

I took both stick and powder contour and highlighter on the other shelf and added it to my basket. Then, I spotted a powder blush with three different sparkling shades, which I really wanna try. Ah, let me add those three to my basket. Oh, then I almost forgot. I headed back to the eye make up section to look for an eye liner. Hmm, my liquid one back home dried up so I definitely need to get another one. I haven't tried using powder eyeliner, so why not get a new liquid and new power one at the same time? Of course, I will not forget to get something for my brows. When I get back to my body, I need to maintain having fleek brows. I'm only using a simple cheap eyebrow pencil I got at a drugstore before. Hmm, there are so many to choose from. Let's see, probably, I'll just get one new eyebrow pencil that comes with a comb and brush. But how will I know which one suits my brows the best? Ah, I better take one eyebrow gel, eyebrow mascara, and eyebrow powder. Was I able to get everything I need? Oh, I almost forgot. I'll be needing some eyelash mascara and a new curlash. I took three different mascaras and added them to my basket.

Oh, wait, I wanna see if this spider mascara looks nice in actual as it was in online shops and pictures. I took a tester of the spider mascara and started to apply it on both Jellal's eyelashes in front of the small mirror.

"Wow, Jellal..." I almost jumped when I found Ultear with her hands folded together beside me who's probably been watching me apply the mascara to Jellal's lashes. Then, her eyes went to the basket beside me filled with make up products. "Are you gonna vlog a makeup haul or make up tutorial? And...really, Jellal? You actually used a tester on yourself?" She scoffed at me

I forced a laugh and gulped as I immediately thought of a reason to tell her. "Well, you know, I have a wife, Ultear. It's not bad to spoil Erza with some makeup at least for once, right?"

Then, I realized the other saleslady at the store and the girls have been watching me the whole time. Their jaws almost dropped as they stared at me with mascara and a basket of makeup products. "What?"

On our way to the BBQ restaurant after shopping, we are passing by the arcade where Lucy and Juvia squealed when they saw these two girls dancing in front of a SmartTV. The girls are copying the dance steps of the two characters in the game. I have no idea what this is, but it looks like a modern dance revolution game to me. I'm not really updated when it comes to modern stuff like these, but it looks fun to me.

"Let's dance after them." Lucy jumped excitedly.

When the two girls finished the song they're dancing at and left the area, Lucy immediately occupied the space to reserve for them to play next. Juvia pulled out an arcade card from her purse and swiped it on the card reader. "Good thing I still have sufficient balance left." Juvia said after swiping the card. Lucy and her started to browse for songs to dance at. I didn't know there are video games like this. Wendy isn't really into video games but I think she mentioned this kind of game they had when she attended a birthday party.

"Levy, come on join us!" Lucy pulled Levy along with them.

"Meredy, come on, let's go! Let's go for a four-player dance." Juvia tried to pull at Meredy, but she refused.

"Nah, I don't really dance, Juvia, but...Jellal would love to!" Then, she turns at me. She took the paper bags I'm carrying and slightly pushed me towards the dance area. "I'll hold this for you so you can take the spotlight!"

"Yes, girls, 'Kill This Love', let's go!" Lucy excitedly selected the song and started to set the game up. I only dance when I'm home alone, while doing household chores or doing easy dance steps as exercise. At first, I was hesitant to join the girls, but when Lucy selected 'Kill This Love', ah fuck it. Whatever happens, this ain't my body anyway. I don't know if Jellal's body is not pleasing to look at when dancing, but I just cannot resist this song. I immediately joined the girls and stood between Lucy and Juvia along with Levy as well. It's not like other people in the mall would even care to see us dancing. Everyone's got each of their own businesses.

"Have you tried Just Dance before?" Lucy asked me. Oh, so it's called 'Just Dance'.

"No, this is my first time. But it looks like a dance revolution to me." I told her.

"Just copy the steps of your character and have fun!" Juvia instructed me while we're both waiting for the game to start.

The iconic brass instrument effect of the song's introduction started to play.

Yeah, yeah, yeah...

"...Blackpink in your area!" We all chanted together while copying the dance steps on the screen.

Yeah, yeah, yeah...

The first verse of the song began and we all continued to copy the dance steps. I've watched the music video and dance practice of this song a couple of times already. I used to jam with it while cleaning the house, so I'm familiar with all the dance steps and I don't find it that hard to catch up with the character's dance steps on the screen.

"Here I come kick in the door, uh!" I sang Lisa's rap along with the song playing. Wow, this is actually fun. I hate to admit it, but for a while I am enjoying being out of my body. I can move conveniently with Jellal's body. The music and vibe, I just really love it. I can't help myself but to dance with these girls and the game. For a second, I instantly forget that we're in a public place, but damn this video game makes me feel like I'm actually performing as a Blackpink member and these girls are my co-bandmates.

Ultear

There they are, Jellal and the girls, dancing with all their energy after a productive day at work. It's not that them dancing for fun bothers me, I'm glad they're having fun after a long day. What's been bothering me is the fact that Jellal is acting differently since yesterday. I don't know if it is just me being too observant and jumping into conclusions easily or Jellal is really acting weird. It actually feels like that it is not Jellal who we are with. At first, the girls also found it a bit different that Jellal has been suddenly friendly and bubbly to them, I can feel it. However, after a talk with him they just let it pass by because they were so into talking about fangirling and stuff. But, me as someone who's known Jellal for a long time, will find this sudden change in his behavior really odd.

Let's kill this love!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

There he is dancing with all his energy when the first chorus starts. I doubt he even notices that there are actually a lot of people watching them already, especially him. There are girls on the side whom I can tell are fangirling on him. People started to take out their phones and take a video of him. It's not really a big deal if people see a guy dancing to a girl-group song and dance, but what captures others' attention is the way Jellal moves his body. He's dancing and flicking his body with the dance moves like a teenage girl!

Rum, pum, pum, pum, pum, pum, pum

Let's kill this love!

Rum, pum, pum, pum, pum, pum, pum

I saw Meredy taking a video of Jellal and the girls. "Uh, Meredy, what are you doing?" I asked her, not because I don't know what video recording is, but why she is not even bothered with the way Jellal has been acting lately.

"I'm recording them live on Instagram for my followers. Don't JELLAL just look adorable?" She giggled, especially when she emphasized Jellal's name. As much as I trust Meredy, I have this feeling she has a little bit of idea as to why Jellal is acting this way. It's not even bothering her at all! Of all our co-workers, the three of us have been with each other for the longest time, we know each other better than any of our other co-workers. Jellal has always been seen as an intimidating and serious man, and it's so unlikely for him to have a sudden change of behavior and character in just a span of a few days.

Something is really odd.

Jellal

Wendy and I arrived home around five in the afternoon earlier. We were about to pick up Erza from work, but then she called me that my co-workers invited her. I don't know how she got herself to be invited to hang out with my co-workers, especially Lucy, Levy, and Juvia who I couldn't even recall talking to at least for once. I heard the notification of my phone ring and quickly checked to see if it was Erza who texted. It was my personal phone and the one I made Erza bring is my phone for work.

'Meredy started a live broadcast'

I was a bit disappointed as I thought Erza's gonna contact me, but then I remembered Meredy is with her right now. What could Meredy be broadcasting live on her Instagram while with Erza? I don't really post on my social media account that much as I have no time for those unlike back when I was a teen, but I still keep those applications on my phone in case someone is trying to reach me through those platforms. I opened my Instagram application and clicked on Meredy's live video that got me a lot curious if it has something to do with what the girls are doing with Erza as me. As the video started playing after loading, I found myself (Erza) in the middle of the crowd dancing with three co-workers of mine whom I never even get to interact with. I never danced in public in my whole life, except during physical education classes back in high school. But looking at Meredy's live video, I get to see myself dancing in public.

We all commit to love

That makes you cry, oh oh

We're all making love

That kills you inside, yeah!

I never saw Erza dance as energetic as she is in this video. She's dancing as if she's in a nightclub or performing live in a concert. At a moment like this where she's too hyped, I think she forgot she's currently inside my body. She's flicking my body as if I am a dancing woman. The way she makes my body dance is not how a male dancer moves. There are a lot of people around them, watching and taking pictures or videos of them.

We must kill this love (Yeah! Yeah!)

Yeah, it's sad but true

Gotta kill this love (Yeah! Yeah!)

Before it kills you too

Kill this love (Yeah! Yeah!)

Yeah, it's sad but true

Gotta kill this love (Yeah! Yeah!)

Gotta kill, let's kill this love!

If I was still being the jerk I am, maybe my first initial reaction would be Erza trying to ruin my image or embarrass me in public while she is using my body. But I couldn't even think about Erza like that at this point. Right now, I just want to see her enjoy and have fun even if it means making me look weird in front of my colleagues. This kind of enjoyment she is currently having is nothing compared from the happiness she truly deserved. No matter how odd I look in the video, I just want to see her having fun despite all the years she spent in the house taking care of me and Wendy.

Erza

We're currently at the Korean BBQ restaurant where they wanted to eat. Ah, Jellal, you really have to hit the gym after this body-switch ends. I'm gonna binge-eat all the foods I couldn't eat that much because I'm worried about gaining more weight. I missed eating out with other people at these kinds of restaurants. The last time I remember hanging out with friends is still back when I was in culinary school. Lucy also ordered one bottle of Soju for each one of us. I'm not really into drinking alcoholic drinks and I never drank a single drop since the night Kagura and I went out for a party.

Funny thing I noticed about some people when eating at restaurants like this is that they had to point fingers as to who will cook all the meat or how to take turns in cooking the meat. There are just really friends who just keep eating all the cooked pork and beef, while the friend who did the cooking will only have to eat a few leftovers. Good thing I'm into cooking, I don't know much about them, but I initiated to do all the grilling while talking to one another. Let it be my small token of appreciation for inviting me with them even though they aren't really that close to Jellal. Is he really that so busy at work and Minerva to have this less interaction with his other co-workers?

"Jellal...since when did you get so hooked into cooking? The last time we had BBQ I did all the cooking and all you do is just sit and eat." Ultear raised a brow on me with her arms folded. "You can't even fry a simple sunny-side up!" Yeah, she is right. Jellal is not really someone you could entrust inside the kitchen. Before leaving for culinary school, I was actually worried how he and Wendy will eat well knowing the fact he can't cook, not even a simple fried egg. Cooking is a survival skill, but Jellal grew up having a lot of servants in his family that will do all the work for him.

"Oh, Ultear, you don't have to be so hard at Jellal. Maybe he learned it from ERZA. You know, Erza went to a culinary school and maybe she taught him how to cook already." Meredy said as she looked me directly in the eye. The way Meredy looked at me felt like she could see my soul from the inside through my eyes.

"Y-yeah, Erza did. Just enjoy eating, girls, I can do the grilling." I smiled at them and added more beef strips on the grill.

"You know, Jellal. We never thought you were actually this nice and fun to be with." Lucy told me, while wrapping the pork with the lettuce. "You should try hanging out with the other guys from our department, I bet you'll enjoy hanging out with Gajeel and the others." Then, she took a bite from her pork.

"W-why not?" I asked curiously as I flipped the other pork and beef strips on the grill. It wouldn't hurt trying to get to know Jellal a bit more, especially in his work. "Am I really that busy at work?"

"Oh, well, you've been in the company for five years or more I think, but you rarely talk to us unless it's work-related events." Juvia answered. "It's just Ultear and Meredy who are your friends, and Natsu before who already resigned a year ago and...Ms. Minerva, the candidate as the next CEO of the company." She sounds as if she's having second thoughts to mention Minerva to 'Jellal'.

"Ah, Minerva? Nah, she's nothing but a controlling spoiled brat bitch who thinks she can manipulate everyone around her just because she's the daughter of the owner." I scoffed and rolled my eyes, shaking off the thought of how Minerva butted into our lives. "What a control-freak." I added and annoyingly flipped the beef strips. I'm trying to imagine the beef is Minerva and I'm cooking her alive, then I can feed her to some cannibals.

"Ooof..." Meredy exclaimed as she tried to hold her laugh. Ultear and the three girls' eyes widened in surprise. Wow, the expression from their faces, especially Ultear is just priceless. I wonder if Jellal often praises Minerva in front of other people for them to be surprised that I (as Jellal) suddenly said something negative about her.

"Say whaat?" Ultear gasped with her hand on her chest. "Jellal? Coming from you?"

"Oh...my...gosh!" Lucy exclaimed with her jaw dropped, surprised. "Did you just call Ms. Minerva a what?"

"A bitch." I repeated it for them, in case it's still not yet sinking into them. "A control-freak. A manipulative whatsoever? There are other shitty adjectives that fit Minerva, but there are too many to mention." Ah, it's so satisfying to talk shit about the woman who is the reason why Jellal and I are always fighting.

"Now, this is a tea." Levy added and took a sip from her soju. "Who would have thought that Minerva's so-called favorite and closest employee in the company is pissed at her as well. See, girls? Told you we're not the only one who's getting full at that girl."

"We never thought y-you, umm..." Juvia stuttered, probably still surprised I'd say that as Jellal, of course.

"What? I'd bad mouth about Minerva. Oh, well, I already did. Why? Don't you agree with me that she's such a bitch? She's a spoiled brat bitch who's so bossy who feels entitled to everything around her. Why, you girls have other tea to spill about Minerva?"

"Yeah, we never really expected that coming from you. I mean...you've always been so close to Minerva. We actually thought you were, ah you know..." Levy explained. "...sucking up to her for a good position." Then, they laughed a bit. Wow, they are too straight-forward, but yeah I thought of it as well. Maybe Jellal gave in to Minerva because he thinks it'll be beneficial being that close to the daughter of the company owner he's working at. I bet hooking up with Minerva gives him multiple benefits compared to a regular employee.

"When I just started working here a few months ago, I actually thought you two are a 'thing'. Don't get me wrong, I'm just new and I'm trying to observe the people around my workplace. I didn't know you were married already at that time. I thought you were her boyfriend, fiance, or the father of her kid." Lucy said. Her kid? Minerva has a child?

"I don't know if it's true or just really a rumor...but I heard some saying that Minerva was actually married to some guy from a lower-class family." Levy added and took a bite from her beef. Minerva is also married? What are other things I didn't know about Minerva? If it's true that she's married and has a kid, why is she coveting Jellal from me?

"Yeah, I heard about that, but I have no idea from whom. I just randomly heard it from some employees talking a long time ago. They say Mr. Orlando was so furious about it that he almost disowned his only daughter and heiress. Remember the time Minerva suddenly went AWOL in the company for almost a year?" Juvia added. "They say she ran away from home and lived with the guy despite her family's disapproval." Reminds me of Jellal and I back then. Jellal did the same for me, which is why until now we never heard a single word from his family after that. Thankfully, in my case, Jellal and I are still in touch with my family.

"But the guy is dead, right?" Lucy asked. "Minerva's a single mom for years already. We've never got to see a glimpse of her husband, not even at company events where her whole family is with her."

Levy continued, "Funny is that, there are theories or other rumors from the employees in the Finance Department that Mr. Orlando ordered someone to kill the guy to end its relationship with Minerva." Oh, how cruel would that be. I'm glad Jellal's family didn't have me assassinated that time we ran away and got married. "Based from what I heard, he died from a gunshot? After that, it's the only time Minerva came back home and started working in the company again. You know, employees who've been here for four or five years ago would know that Minerva used to be nice." Convince me how nice she is when she is the spoiled brat bitch who pushed me on a pile of pig poo when I was sixteen. "Well, she's got an attitude ever since, but there came a time when she suddenly became nice, calm, and kind to other people. Most of us are like, is this a miracle or something that Minerva suddenly changed?"

"Cana told me that Minerva was the time when she's having a secret affair with the guy. Maybe the guy changed the way she is or something.", says Juvia. "But after she gave birth, Minerva became times three the bitch she used to be."

Lucy turned to me again. "I don't know if you and Natsu are still in touch after he resigned and went abroad, but I'm actually his girlfriend." She said in a matter-of-fact tone. "But, giiirl...in case he didn't tell you the real reason why he resigned. He told me there was this one time when he's just going to hand Minerva some files. Out of the blue Minerva just suddenly kissed her like- oh my gosh. Of course, Natsu freaked out, especially when Minerva started calling him umm...Sieg? What was the name, again? Sting, probably?" I was surprised from what I heard. So, it isn't just Jellal whom Minerva tried to hook up with? "Natsu thought she was drunk while at work, but it turns out that she isn't. This one is definitely not a rumor because Natsu actually experienced it, but not a lot of people know about this part because Mr. Orlando strictly told him not to tell anyone about it before he resigned." Wow, I'm really surprised how there are a lot of rumors and speculations about Minerva in her own company. But it's kind of funny how much these girls know all about these gossips about Minerva. It feels like being at a lunch table in high school with your friends while gossiping about other people.

"Oh, girls, enough with the gossip and stuff about Minerva. If ever she finds out you're one of the people who are gossiping about her personal life, you all better start to pack and look for a new job." Ultear retorted and let out a sigh. "There's also a girl from the Logistics Department who almost got summoned by Mr. Orlando because she got caught red-handed talking about his daughter with the same rumor."

"But, if ever those rumors turn out to be true, I can't help to feel bad about Minerva. It's so tragic to lose her husband and raise her daughter all by herself." Lucy sighed and took a sip from her soju. As much as I hate Minerva, I wouldn't deny that I somehow agree with Lucy. It doesn't change the fact that she is still a spoiled brat home-wrecking bitch, but I believe no one deserves to lose their significant other that way and be left no choice to raise a child all alone. Even if I loathe Jellal for hurting me, I don't think I can take seeing him dead and raise Wendy all by myself and see her grow up without a father.

Jellal

It's almost eleven in the evening yet I haven't received any call or text from Erza. Right now, Wendy is already asleep and here I am on the couch waiting for her to arrive at the driveway. I wonder what she is doing with the girls this late? Are they on their way home already? Or are they still having fun at this time? Is she really okay? What if she is not and I have no idea because she isn't updating me through text or call? I don't know, or maybe I'm just being too paranoid, especially after what I found out. I cannot sleep soundly without Erza by my side and unsure if she's really okay. Maybe this is how she always felt whenever she waits for me almost every night.

I suddenly remembered the text I received from that Simon guy earlier. It says to meet up with him tonight at the street a few blocks away from here. Of course, I won't cooperate with him, it's probably a trap. The moment Wendy and I arrived home I immediately locked the windows and both back and front door in case he was planning to break inside our home. A few years ago when Erza was attending the culinary school, some guy already broke into our house and attempted to abduct Wendy. It was a good thing I managed to save Wendy from that guy, but unfortunately trying to get rid of the guy resulted in a bigger problem. That guy got away and the cops weren't able to trace him until now. After dinner, I called the Magnolia Police Station and received a text from an anonymous person who told me to meet up at Grove St. The cop who answered the call told me they'll send someone to check the place until midnight if ever they find someone suspicious.

While relaxing on the couch all alone, my hands (Erza's) crawled up to Erza's belly bump. I'm trying to feel if ever the baby is going to kick. "Hey, little guy...I don't know what to call you. Erza hasn't decided on a name yet." I tried speaking to him. Erza does this all the time, and I haven't really paid that much attention to her and the baby that much unlike when she was pregnant with Wendy. "I'll protect you and mama. I won't let Simon hurt your mama...and I won't let him take you from me. I'm your daddy, okay?" If ever Erza comes home, it'll be the first time I'll face her after finding out her past. I don't know the first thing I'll do, to be honest. I don't know if I should confront her, not in an angry way of course, or wait for her to confess instead? Should I embrace her tight and make her feel that what happened to her won't change the way I see her? "You're not Simon's, okay? You're my baby. I won't let Simon near you." I keep telling the baby inside Erza's womb as if he could actually hear and understand me.

I almost jumped from the couch when I finally heard a doorbell a few minutes later. When I reached the door, of course, I checked the peephole first if it was Erza just to ensure. It might be Simon or someone else. Thankfully, it's finally Erza, but I see Ultear and Meredy beside her. I unlocked the door and as I opened it, I found Erza in my own body clinging onto Meredy and Ultear' shoulders and could barely stand up. "H-hey, good evening, Erza." Ultear greeted me (Erza). "Sorry to disturb you this late. But we're just here to take Jellal home."

"Oh, no problem, thank you for driving her- I mean him safely." I told her. Then instead of letting them carry my body, I took my (Erza) arms and wrapped it on my shoulders. "I can take care of him, thank you so much."

"A-are you sure? Y-you're pregnant." Ultear worried with a surprised expression on her face. "H-he had four bottles of soju after dinner. We can help you take him upstairs." She offered.

"It's okay, I can manage. Drive home safely, girls. Thank you, again." I told them. Meredy placed a couple of paper bags inside beside the doorstep. Oh, so they went shopping? "No problem, Je- I mean...ERZA." Meredy smirked at me as she looked directly into my (Erza's) eyes before walking away from the doorstep with Ultear. I shut the door and locked it after they left. Okay? That's an unlikely encounter of Meredy towards Erza. She's looking at me as if she could actually see my soul inside Erza's body.

I wrapped my body's arms around Erza's properly so I could drag her behind me to the bedroom. I can carry her through a piggy-back ride but it's too risky with Erza's body being pregnant, so I just carefully dragged her upstairs. When we both reached the bedroom, I unclasped my body's arms from her body carefully before letting her lay on the bed. I noticed that Erza isn't wearing my formal corporate attire she wore when she went to my work. Did she shop clothes for me just because she feels so uncomfortable in my suit? I took off the white sneakers she also bought and wore instead of my black leather shoes.

I headed inside the bathroom in our bedroom to look for a plastic wash basin. I took a small towel from the shelf while I filled half of the basin with water. Then, I went back to the bed beside Erza and placed the basin filled with water on the nightstand. I lifted Erza's body to take off the sweatshirt along with the white collar shirt underneath it. I dipped the towel on the water and compressed it to extract the excess water. Erza mumbled as I wiped my face and torso with the wet towel. This is my first time taking care of Erza after getting drunk. Well, she doesn't really drink, unless it's with me and all she drinks is a glass of red wine or one bottle of beer. I'm not sure if she chose to get herself drunk with four bottles of soju or if the girls just made her do so because she does have low alcohol tolerance, but even so, I'm hoping she had a blast tonight. I pulled down the jogger pants she is wearing, leaving my boxer shorts only. I headed over to our closet to get her a loose t-shirt. I went back to her at the bed and lifted her a bit to slip the comfortable t-shirt on her. "Jellal..." She mumbled.

"Hey, honey..." I cupped my (her) face. "...just take a rest. Did you have fun?" I asked her.

"Jellal, I want..." She mumbled once again with her eyes half-opened.

"Yes, honey, what do you need?" I asked her once again.

"...make love with me." Wait, what? Did I hear her right? Make what?

"Huh-?" I wasn't able to say another word when she suddenly pulled me towards her and she pressed my lips onto hers. She started kissing me torridly. I can taste a bit of the soju's flavor and most likely everything she ate the whole day in my own tongue. What's more weird other than making out with your own body. I broke the kiss for a moment. "Erza, you're pregnant, remember? Y-you might squish the baby if we don't be careful." I told her.

"Why?" Then, she curled up on the other side and buried my (her) face on the bed. "You don't think I'm pretty anymore?" Why would she suddenly think of that?

"Erza, no, y-you're drunk and you're inside my body, remember?

"You're just saying that because you think I'm not pretty anymore!" She started kicking the mattress of the bed as if she's a kid throwing tantrums. Ah, Erza, if only you could remember. I doubt if you'd want to see yourself kissing your own lips or body. "You think I'm ugly and a lousy fat pregnant woman. You think I'm a dirty slut because Simon touched me..."

She brought it up unconsciously while drunk. Simon, the name of the man I will forever hold on a grudge to. It was a good thing I already knew, or else I would have been so confused right now as to who Simon is if I only found it out when she blurted it while drunk. I can already remember the times Erza didn't want me to touch her, not even kiss, cuddle, and make love. It was all because of Simon. Me touching her made her relive the time Simon was taking advantage of her. I'm just wondering why she wants to make love all of the sudden.

"N-no, no, Erza, you're beautiful, okay? I didn't mean to call you fat and lousy before. I will never think of you as a dirty slut, honey." I reached into her while she's curling up my body on the bed. I brushed my hair using her fingers to calm her down. I doubt if she remembers what she's doing right now the next day. But if I have to tell her every single day that she is beautiful and worthy of loving and that she will never be a dirty woman in my eyes, I would. I slowly uncurled my body and laid her on the bed to wipe the small tear that fell from my eye.

A/N: I hope you like this chapter. I made this chapter more fun compared from the previous one that is angsty. Please leave a review and let me know what you think :D

Songs mentioned and used in this chapter:

"As If It's Your Last" and "Kill This Love" by Blackpink