Erza stepped closer, closing the distance between them until she stood close enough to see the individual lashes framing Fiona's hazel eyes.
For the first time since they had met, since the port, since the hospital, since every bitter interaction that had passed between them, Erza looked at Fiona and did not see a nasty human. Did not see a pathetic creature clinging to a man who had outgrown her. Did not see an obstacle to be removed or an enemy to be crushed.
She saw a woman. By human standards, a beautiful one. Strong jaw, clear skin, eyes that had seen battle and survived. A warrior's build, lean and capable, the body of someone who had spent years training to protect others. She could keep Yuuta safe. She could stand beside him in ways that Erza could not.
"You are a beautiful human," Erza said.
