Somewhere in the outskirts of Magnolia, in the middle of a forest, an old, rundown cabin which really needs a serious maintenance could be found. A wooden sign with a drawing of a person and a cat, along with the words written in almost intelligible writing that says 'Natsu and Happy's House' is right in front of it.

And right now, in the middle of the morning, a small, high pitched voice could be heard inside it.

"Natsu! Wake up! Hurry up! Were gonna be late!"

In response, a guy with messy, spiked pink hair grunted in response. After yawing and stretching his arms, he rose up from his bed and rubbed his half closed eyes.

"What do you want? It's too early. Jeez."

The owner of the small voice, Happy, jumped into his lap and grabbed his open vest with his small hands, paws, to be exact, and pulled Natsu towards him.

"Hurry up and get dressed! Erza is waiting for us!"

After hearing Happy's words, Natsu bolted awake, his face full of terror.

"Ahhh!! I forgot!! The mission!!"

He quickly jumped from the bed and grabbed a scarf hanging on the wall. He fanatically wrapped it around his neck before storming outside of the house with the cat, Happy, in his shoulders.

"Aren't you going to bring anything?"

"No need. I'm sure Erza will bring all the necessary things with her."

"Ahh.. You're right. Well, shall we go then? [Wings]!"

A pair of small, pure white wings sprouted off Happy's back. He flew towards Natsu's back and grabbed his clothes. Right when he was about to take off, Natsu interrupted.

"Wait!"

"Hmm? Did you forget something?"

"Should we bring the perfume?"

"Why? It should be in effect for 1 whole week, right? Today's the 3rd day. You still have 4 days."

"Jut as precaution. A monster could stumble upon our house and tear it down, breaking the potion along. It would be such a waste, right?"

"Heeeh. You're more concerned for that perfume than our house?"

"That's not what I'm saying. Of course I'm concerned for the house, but I-"

"Alright, alright. I'll bring it along. We have no time to argue."

After saying it, Happy flew back into the house. In just a few seconds, he came back, carrying a glass vial filled with a purple, sparkling liquid that gives out a suspicious purple glow. He flew towards Natsu and reached out his paw holding the vial.

"Here you go."

However, Natsu didn't take it from him. Instead, he asked Happy to hold it.

"I think it would be better if you held into that. I'm sure that there would be fighting. It might break if I fight with that."

To this, happy responded by lowering his head and sighing.

"Haaah... Alright. Jeez, you're more concerned to this potion more than you're to me."

"What are you talking about? Of course I'm more worried about you. You're my partner. Also, I trust you that why I leave that with you."

"I'm just kidding. I know. Just don't blame me if it breaks in my hands."

"I know it won't. Then, let's go! They're waiting for us!"

"Yeah!"

Happy slid the vial inside his little backpack. Then, he and Natsu took off towards the train station.

"This is bad, Happy. If she's already there while we still haven't arrived, we'll get punished."

"Haaaah.. If only she's a bit nicer. Why does she have to be that uptight?"

Erza is a strict person. She always abide the rules and agreements. And she also makes the others obey them, by force if necessary. Disobedient ones will be punishment. And those punishments are worse than you think. Just receiving a punch or a headbutt is lucky enough. Unlucky ones will suffer from trauma and body pains.

That's why, when anyone makes an agreement with Erza, they should abide the agreement. No, they MUST abide with the agreement. When she says to meet at this time, they must be there by that time, no, 10 minutes earlier than her. Letting her with for more than 5 minutes is enough to make you know what regret and suffering is. That's how fearsome the woman called Erza the Titania is.

Luckily for Natsu, he arrived minutes early. Happy used his full speed to scale down the mountain, exhausting his while body. After dropping down Natsu, he wiped off his forehead with his paws and landed on his head.

"Whew... I though that we won't make it."

"That was nerve wracking. Thanks, partner."

"Yeah. You better thank me. Or else you would've been punished for tardiness. And next time, wake up early. Look at us, we didn't have any breakfast yet."

"Sorry, sorry. Let's just buy whatever at the stalls over there."

Most train stations are built with proper travel accommodations. Restaurants, restrooms, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and many other kinds of stalls.

Natsu and Happy went to one of the stalls displaying foods and snacks. They were greeted by the female clerk on the other side of the stall.

"Good morning! What would you like to buy?"

"What would you like? Happy? I'll have six fried chicken leg."

"Hmm... I'll just have a salmon onigiri and a tuna onigiri."

After packing up the said orders in individual paper bags, the clerk handed it to them and Happy took it.

"Is that all you want?"

"Ah, please add two bottled water."

The clerk took two bottled water from the ice chest and handed it to Natsu.

"Six fried chicken leg, one salmon onigiri, one tuna onigiri, and two bottled water. That would be 4 300 jewels in total."

After rummaging his little backpack, Happy handed the exact amount to the clerk. She counted it and placed it inside her apron pocket.

"Thank you so much. Please come again!"

Natsu handed the onigiri to Happy and both of them went back the platform. Since Erza is coming anytime soon, they should be somewhere where they would easily be found.

Because he was busy walking while looking around the crowd, Natsu didn't notice that there's someone walking towards his direction. Coincidentally, he was also looking around and didn't notice Natsu. And thus, he crashed against the stranger. It wasn't that strong, since he was just walking. But the bag in his hands slipped, scattering his untouched meal.

"Aaahhh! My breakfast! Nooo!"

"Ah! Sorry! I wasn't looking so-"

Natsu raised his head and faced the speaker. Although he wasn't that upset, since he was also at fault, flames of anger blazed when he recognized him.

"Gray! What's re you doing here, you bastard!"

Recognizing Natsu, Gray slammed his forehead against Natsu's before shouting back.

"Ah?! You've got a problem with me being here, huh?"

"That's right! Look at what you've done! You made me drop my food!"

"Don't blame me! That must've been your fault for being an idiot!"

"What was that?! You want a fight, huh?!"

"Come on! Let's fight! I'm gonna wipe you in the floor, you idiot!"

Both of them began clobbering each other, right in the middle of the platform. People moved away from them in a hurry, scared that the might get dragged into the fight. Happy hovered above them and tried to stop the two but there's no avail.

"You two, stop it already! This is not the guild! The military will arrest you if you will continue!"

Without any reaction towards Happy's plead, the two are still fighting. Natsu got kicked in the stomach and was sent flying to a fruit stand. The shelf where different kinds of fruits were on display broke from the impact, scattering them all over the floor. Seeing his precious items being overthrown, the owner screamed.

Gray grabbed Natsu's scarf and was about to hit him again when Natsu slammed his face with a wooden crate that he grabbed beside him.

"Guwoh!"

The crate broke into splinters, knocking Gray back. Just after a moment, the two stood back up, ready for another round. They were about to charge into each other again when someone suddenly appeared between them. In a blink of an eye, Natsu felt something hard hit him on the head, slamming him hard facedown on the ground. At the same time, Gray wasn't able to dodge the uppercut of the figure who suddenly appeared. The power behind the punch was extraordinary, sending him flying before falling into the ground.

Both of them remained on the floor, groggy and dizzy due to the powerful attacks they received. After a few moments, they raised their head on the same time and looked at the figure. It turns out that it was actually Erza.

Natsu realize what had just happened, and an incredible ominous feeling ran throughout his body.

This is bad. She saw us fighting. Better prepare myself for some sore muscles and body pains. Maybe even bone fractures.

Since they were children, Natsu and Gray always fought. For some reasons, they never get along. Just by seeing each other's face would caused them to feel irritation all over their body. And because of that, they always end up fighting. They would fight whenever and wherever they are, even in public places. And thus, they would always cause trouble to others, just like what had happened.

That's why Erza forbid them to fight. And because they fear Erza and her strength, they obey her orders. But wherever she's not around, they would still fight to their heart's content. It became their tradition or something. As long as they were not seen by Erza.

But this time, they were caught red-handed. There's no excuse for it. Expecting to receive harsh punishment, Natsu closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.

However, no such thing happened. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked at Erza, expecting her to glare back at him angrily. Instead, Erza, with her eyes closed, put her sword back in it's scabbard in a relaxed manner, like an iai swordsman who had just cut down her foe. Bewildered, Natsu can't help but ask her.

"Eh? You're not angry?"

After a pause, Erza replied.

"I can't say I'm not. But I saw what happened before you started fighting so its understandable."

Hearing that, Natsu loudly exhaled in relief. Gray also did the same. Natsu was about to say something when he sensed that Erza wasn't done talking yet. She opened her eyes and glared at them coldly before delivering her critical blow.

"But you'll still be punished later. Be prepared for it."

For Natsu, who almost never feel cold except if he purposely do something to do so, he felt like a cold, icy Arctic wind just blew towards him. Even Gray whose resistance to cold temperatures is pretty high can't help but shiver.

"But it was Gray who-"

"Shut up. I don't accept excuses. You're both at fault so both of you will receive punishment. Understand?"

"H-hai."

They both rose up and tidied themselves. Although they're both still angry with each other, they both shut their mouth. After that, Erza ordered them both to apologize to the store they wrecked. As an apology, Erza bought all the fruits that fell on the ground and paid for the broken shelf and wooden crate. Since they couldn't bring all of it along, they had a courier, people who carries the luggage of the passenger from the station to their desired locations for a certain amount. Erza addressed it to the guild and addressed it to Mirajane, along with a note. Of course, they all took some for their own and quickly ate it up.

After all of that, they all sat down in one of the many benches at the station. Since it was a long one, all three of them, with Happy on Natsu's head, were able to sit together in one bench, even leaving some breathing room between them all. That's when Natsu opened up a question.

"But still, why is Gray coming along? I thought it would be us four. Me, you, Happy and Lucy. And speaking of Lucy, she's late."

Gray was about to lash back on Natsu when Erza interrupted him.

"It's part of his punishment from yesterday. Also, our enemy is a whole dark guild. Although I'm confident that I alone could wipe them out, what bothers me is the one called Erigor. The Shinigami Erigor. He is definitely strong. He's infamous for assassination missions, with victims including strong and powerful mages."

Erza paused for awhile to make sure that they're listening. After seeing that they are still paying attention, she continued her briefing.

"Plus, I don't have any other information about this plan of theirs. It's too risky to go alone. They might've prepared some traps against intruders that might work even against me. All I'm certain is, they're going to cause something big. Since they're planning to unseal this 'Lullaby' thing, I'm sure it's gonna be dangerous. After all, most of the sealed things contain powerful magic."

"That's why, I want you to handle the other lackeys while I'll face Erigor myself. Could you do that?"

Natsu grinned after Erza's explanation and flexed his biceps.

"Hah! I could handle them all alone by myself, including Erigor. This ice princess could just sit in a corner and make a flower or something."

"What was that?! Who are you calling princess, huh?!"

Before Natsu could lash back, Erza chopped both of their heads forcefully with her hands. Along with the iron gauntlets, it was more painful, resulting the both of them groaning in pain.

Just then, Natsu smelled something familiar.

This smell. Finally, she's here.

As if on a cue, a figure of a blonde female is running towards them, her big breast bouncing up and down and making the male onlookers stare in awe. Slowly, her appearance became recognizable until she arrived at their location.

Breathing hard, Lucy apologized for her tardiness.

"Haah.. Haah.. Sorry for being late.. I overslept... Haah.. Haah.."

"Well, well. Calm down. I expected Natsu or Gray to come late so I set up the meeting time one hour in advance. Though, I never expected it that you'll be the late one."

"Ehehe. I was overwhelmed with yesterday's happenings that I wasn't able to sleep early last night."

"I see. Then, since we're all here, let's go. Perfect timing, the train is here."

The three of them stood up at the same time. For some reason, Gray was suddenly naked. But what's more surprising is the amount of luggage Erza brought along.

"Eh? That's you luggage?"

"I thought it was a wall."

She just ignored their surprised remarks and easily pulled it along, without eve breaking a sweat. After having the humongous amount of luggage stored inside the train and buying a ticket, they all went inside and chatted about random things such as Gray's magic and about Erza's ridiculous amount of luggage and so on. After awhile, the intercom went on and a male voice announced that the train is going to start up soon.

"I almost forgot. Are you going to be fine, Natsu? This is a train, you know. You'll surely get sick again."

Against the concerned Erza, Natsu just smirked at her and grinned proudly.

"Hah! Don't worry, I've finally got over my motion sickness! A nice old man gave me a perfume that caused it to disappear!"

Intrigued, Erza pried even further about this certain perfume Natsu talks about. After all, ever since they were children, Natsu would always get sick whenever he rides a vehicle. And the mention of perfume got Erza's interest, not because she's a female but because it reminds her of a certain individual.

"Hooh. That's interesting. What kind of perfume is it? Where did you get it?"

But instead of Natsu, Happy began to explain the events related to the source of perfume.

"Remember the mission me and Natsu took the other day? The one at port Harujion?"

"Yeah. I was the one who was supposed to take it but I wasn't around so Natsu was tasked to it instead."

"Yeah, yeah. That one. And since it was a huge mission, a mage from another guild was supposed to work together with us. It was from that guy who was sent by the other guild, Blue Pegasus. He has a magic that nullifies [Charm] that the enemy uses to kidnap their victims. And aside from that, he also had a magic, a perfume precisely, that removed Natsu's motion sickness."

"Man, that was a great help. I was losing the fight because it was on a ship but he rescued me just on time. The perfume he gave me erased my dizziness in an instant! It was amazing! Thanks to that, I won the battle. And it's effects is supposed to last for 4 more months! Amazing, right?"

"Natsu, it's 4 more days."

"Eh? That's fast!"

"Well, we still got a extra here so you shouldn't worry that much."

It can't be, right?

Although she feels that her assumption is getting nearer and nearer to the description, she decided to hear more. Who knows? It might be someone else with similar magic.

"So, what's his name?"

"Hmm? What was it again, Happy?"

"I don't know. You're the one who talked with him, not me. Remember the people who had helped you."

Natsu fell in deep thought. The longer time he takes, the more intense Erza's mind becomes. It's as if she's watching someone defuse a time bomb with only a little time left. The moment's getting more and more nauseating the longer time passes.

"I.. Ishi? No, it's Igi? That's wrong. Sishi? Hmmm... I'm getting close. I.. Ichi.. Iiii... Ah! Ichi-"

Just when Natsu was about to reveal the name of the person, the train started to move. Along with it, Natsu's face suddenly twisted into dizziness. The color drained from his face, making it very pale.

"H-huh?... W-why? Wasn't I s-supposed to- Ugh! W-why? I though that- Guh! I'm gonna p-puke!"

"Ehh? Wait, don't face here!"

Seeing that he looks like he was about to vomit, Lucy, who was sitting beside him, instinctively moved away.

"Aaaahhh... Everything's spinning... I won't... ride a -Urk!- train.. ever again.."

He presses his hands against his mouth to suppress himself from vomiting. Doing so, he lost his grip on the chair. At the same time, the train lurched forward, setting him off balanced and falling towards Erza.

What met him is her hard armor. The impact from it on his head plus his state of sickness instantly made him unconscious, and he slumped on Erza's lap.

Ehhh? Don't cut off in the middle of the speech, you idiot. Oh well, I'll just ask him later when he wakes up.

Seeing his adorable sleeping face, Erza felt a twinge in her heart.

Haaaah... I wonder till how long I should wait. Natsu. Hurry up already or I'll do it myself.

Natsu started snoring after some time, and he felt pity on his uncomfortable position.

"Haaaah.. How hopeless... Gray, could you move beside Lucy, where Natsu was seated? Also, lift his legs and lay it down on your seat."

"Tsk tsk tsk. This hopeless idiot."

Gray grabbed one of Natsu's leg and roughly pulled him to the seat, banging Natsu's head on the floor. However, Natsu stayed unconscious and didn't react on any way. Erza, seeing Gray's rough action, glared at him before pulling Natsu gently and lying his head on her lap. While Gray, shivering slightly for Erza's glare, sat down beside Lucy.

Happy, who jumped over Lucy's head after Natsu started to spin around, was puzzled. Natsu told him that the man had said that it was supposed to last longer, but it's obviously gone.

Should I have him try this one later? Will it show the same effect? Hmm.. Let's do it.

~Timeskip. Lullaby Defeated~

With the powerful explosion causes by Natsu's [Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame], along with Erza's destructive onslaught with her [Black Wing Armor], plus Gray's continuous barrage of his [Ice Make:Lance, the demon Lullaby's body crumbled, and he fell with a deafening crash to the house where the regular meeting between the guild masters are being held. With it's humongous size, the house completely collapsed, leaving not even a single pillar standing.

After successful escaping from the angered guild masters, Natsu, Erza, Lucy, Happy, Gray, and Master Makarov reached the train tracks of Clover, where the Magical Four Wheeled Vehicle Kageyama snatched from them was left behind.

Walking behind their guild master, Erza began apologizing for the destruction of the house, causing the other guild masters to direct their anger to him and to Fairy Tail.

"I'm so sorry, Master. If we had been cautious, it wouldn't have happened."

"Leave it be. You were able to exterminate that demon from the Book of Zeref. That should be enough for them to forgive us."

"But still-"

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. I'll handle the rest. Let's go home already so that the three of you could take a rest. You seem wasted. I'll drive so get on already."

"No, let me do it, Master. It should be enough for me to pay for the blunder I've caused."

"Haaaah... You're really stubborn aren't you, Erza. I'll do it. From the look of yours, I'm sure that you're almost out of magical power, right?"

Erza gritted her teeth. Just as their master had said, she's almost out of magical power for today. After all the magical power she used on the carriage, plus all those battles, she could barely keep her consciousness. Even though she's hiding it well, it seems that her master saw through it. With no other arguments to use, Erza exhaled tiredly, as if she gave up.

"Then, please take us home, Master. This vehicle was taken from Oshibana Station so we should return it there. We cold just take a train home to Magnolia."

With a light tap of his feet, Master Makarov smoothly jumped into the driver's seat and fastened the SE Plug into his wrist. However, even after adjusting the chair to rise, his arms barely reach the directing rod. With the use of his magic, he lengthened his arms until it he could grab it properly.

"Got it. You brats, ride on. Let's go home."

"Hai!"

Led by Erza, all of them went inside the carriage. After they all got inside, Master Makarov began to drive it. Since all of them are exhausted, they slept peacefully during the journey. Except Natsu, who is barely holding himself back from jumping out of the carriage. The carriage peacefully rolled all the way to Oshibana.

Since the disturbance caused by Eisenwald had just happened recently, the train activities were halted. Or more accurately, the damage caused by the battle, mostly by Natsu, keeps the station from resuming their operations. Without any other choice, they decided to just rent another carriage at home. So Master Makarov proceeded to the renting shop and had them wait for his return.

"Then, you brats wait here while I'll go fetch our ride. Don't make a fuss."

Lucy laid the unconscious Natsu down on the ground and stretches her sore arms.

"Haaaah... Natsu is so heavy. Someone, switch with me. My arms are going to fall off."

Acting our of her goodwill, Erza proposed herself to do it.

"It can't be helped. Since I've already recovered a little, I'll do it."

"Really? Thanks, Erza!"

"It's fine. And Gray."

Gray, who is halfway from stripping off all of his clothes, lurched back when Erza called him.

"Eh? Ah, shit! I'm doing it again! Sorry, sorry."

He frantically picked up all of his clothes on the ground and wore them. Erza exhaled tiredly while looking at him do it.

"On our way back, well pass by Onibas. I'll take my luggage that I left at Hotel Chili. I want you to come along and help me carry them., or more precisely, pull them."

Gray, now fully dressed again, turned to Erza with a posting face.

"Eh? Do I really have to come along?"

"You don't want to?"

Erza glared back at him, making Gray stand with his back straightened and shivering slightly.

"Y-yes! I'll gladly come along!"

Uwah. She won't take a no for an answer, will she?

Lucy gulped a mouthful of air before making a mental note not to offend Erza in any way.

~Natsu's Point of View~

"Ugh. Where am I?"

Natsu groggily opened his eyes and looked around. Happy, who is sitting g beside him, cheerfully greeted him.

"Oh, you're awake. We're almost home. Jiichan went and fetched a ride home. Just wait for awhile."

Hearing the word 'ride', Natsu grimaced. He can't take it anymore. He already rode too much vehicles today. He had far exceeded his limits, more than how much he could think of. One more and hell surely throw up.

Not good. I can't go any longer. I need to do something or I'll be forced to ride again. Shit, why isn't that perfume working?

As if a light bulb lighted up in his head, Natsu's eyes went wide.

That's right, the perfume! I just need to smell it, right? Good thing I had Happy brought it.

"Happy, come here."

"Hmm? Why?"

"Where's the perfume?"

"Ah, perfect timing. I'm just about to have you try it. For some reasons, the perfume lost it's effects, even though it was supposed to last longer. That's why, I was wondering if this one would have an effect."

Happy took his little backpack and looked for the perfume. After rummaging his hand inside it, he finally pulled the potion out.

"Ah, there it is. Here."

Natsu received the perfume from Happy's little paws and brought it near his eyes. Inside the glass vial, the sparkling purple perfume emits a dim, purplish glow.

Huh? Did it look like this? Isn't it supposed to be greenish or bluish? Hmmm... Well, whatever. It doesn't matter what color it is, as long as the effect is there.

Without hesitation, Natsu started to uncap the vial. However, the cork would hardly budge no matter how hard he pull. And since the cork is so little, it always slips from his fingers. He repeated the process for a few times, resting for awhile and starting up again. But it always ends up the same. Annoyed, he bit the cork and tugged it forcefully.

As a result, the cork snapped out, spraying some of it's contents inside Natsu's mouth.

"Hack! Cough! Gah! Hack!"

Natsu corked back the vial to avoid spilling it while spatting out the small amount of perfume from his mouth. Even though it was tasteless, he felt gross for having something aside from food inside his mouth.

Oh shit. Am I going to be alright? It's not poisonous, is it?

He inserted the vial into his breast pocket and held out his palm before his mouth. He exhaled softly and sniffed the gas he breathed out.

Mmmm... Sweet... Vanilla? No, it's sweeter than vanilla. What's this?

Suddenly, his chest began to tighten. His chest feels hot. No, his whole body is hot. For a Fire Dragonslayer like him, even the hottest kind of flames can't burn him. Boiling water feels like just normal water. He might get blinded by the bright sun rays but he never feels hot from it.

That's why, Natsu got really confused to what's happening right now. The heat doesn't she to be from outside, but inside. And that confuses him more. He always eats fire. Breathes it out. Surrounds himself with it. But he never felt this kind of heat before.

His world, no, his vision began to spin. It seems that he's not get fully recovered from the hellish rides he has been today. His chest tightened more and the heat on his whole body made him sweat heavily. His vision began to blur and dance, until it completely blackened out and his consciousness slowly faded until it's gone.

~Third Person's Point Of View~

The first one to notice it was Happy. After handing Natsu the vial, he silently watched him struggle to open it. That's when a familiar scent caught his attention. His mouth began to water from the smell of fresh fish being roasted and he frantically looked around to find it. Finding it's location, he flew towards the stall located just right in front of them and quickly bought one. While savouring it's delicious freshness, he flew back to Natsu and the others. That's when he saw Natsu fell down into the ground.

Alarmed and panicking, he flew back towards Natsu and landed on his chest.

"Natsu! Natsu! What's the matter? Hey! Are you alright? Natsu!"

Erza, Gray and Lucy hurriedly turned around when they heard Happy's panicking voice. Seeing Natsu on the ground, Erza quickly conducted Vital Signs Check, checking his breathing and feeling the pulse on Natsu's wrist. Sensing that it's all normal, she sighed in relief and patted Happy's head.

"It's alright. It seems that he just fainted. Maybe he got worn out today and fainted from exhaustion. So don't panic."

"R-really? That's great! Jeez, Natsu you idiot! Making me worry."

Happy wiped the tear from the corner of his eyes and angrily stomped on Natsu's chest. Since he's so small, there wasn't much force behind it.

Just in time, Master Makarov arrived driving another carriage that's slightly bigger and in better condition than the one they used earlier.

"Huh? What's with Natsu?

"Ah, he's just unconscious. He fainted. He must be exhausted."

"I see. Then, we should go home faster. So that he could get a nice rest. And so are the rest of you."

Erza picked Natsu up and carried him towards the carriage. After laying him down in the soft cushion seat, she sat down beside him and places his head on top of her legs. The rest also went in and took their respective seats.

"Did you check if you forget anything? If you wanna take a toilet break, hurry up and do it. There's still three stations before we reach Magnolia so do whatever you have to do."

"Then, I'll have a toilet break for awhile."

"Wait, Gray. I'll go with you and let's buy some food and drinks on the way back. Then, please excuse us for awhile, Master."

"Wait, bring me along, too!"

"Them come, Happy."

"Mmm. Just don't stay too long. The sun is going to set soon. Driving during the night is dangerous."

"Haaai."

With that, Gray and Lucy, with Happy hovering above them, went towards their respective location.

"How about you, Erza? Do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine, Master. However, if you would please listen to my request, I'll be grateful."

"Fine. What is it?"

"I left some luggage in a certain hotel at the Onibas station. When we reach the said station, could you please give me some time so that I could take it and bring it back?"

"No problem. Just remind me cause I might forget, okay?"

"Yes! Thank you so much!"

"Haaaah.. You never change, do you? Good grief."

While waiting for the three to return, Natsu twisted slightly while lying on Erza's lap. Seeing his adorable sleeping face once more, Erza began to stroke his hair gently and carefully while admiring his facial features. While she's busy stroking his hair, Master Makarov startled her with his question.

"Why won't you going to confess already? Waiting for him to confess first would be just wasting time when the two of you could be together instead."

"W-w-w-wh-what are you saying, Master?! What would I c-co-confess!?"

"I've lived for a long time already. And I've seen all sorts of people. Even though you don't admit it, I can feel that you're always glancing at Natsu as if you're expecting something. And seeing you like this, I could finally confirm it. You love him, don't you? And I'm sure you're aware that he loves you back. So why don't you confess to him?"

Erza hurriedly turned her head around to keep herself from revealing her face flushed with embarrassment. Her secret, the secret that she's been hiding spanning for a few years, is easily found out by her master.

"W-well. I do l-love him. But I don't plan on c-confessing yet. There's still something that I have to do before doing it. B-but if he c-confesses first, well, I might consider it."

"Oh, well. If that's what you decide, do as you please. This old man shouldn't meddle with the affairs of these young brats. Just remember that whatever happens, you shouldn't make any decisions that would cause you regret in the end."

"Thank you, Master."

"Oh, and also. I want a girl granddaughter, alright?"

"M-master! Jeez!"

Master Makarov laughed heartily from Erza's reaction and kept on teasing her the whole time during their wait. He just shut his mouth up when Erza finally drew her sword and poured her killing intent onto him.

After some time, Gray, Happy and Lucy returned, with Gray on his boxers. It seemed that he had unconsciously undressed again. Because of that, Gray hurriedly went back to the toilet where he undressed to take his clothes and use it again before returning back to the carriage.

With that, Makarov drove the carriage back to Magnolia with the sunset behind them, along with their memories of today's events deeply engraved within their hearts and minds. The bonds of Strongest Team in Fairy Tail (named by Mirajane) had just began.

~Icniya's Point Of View~

In the meantime, inside the Blue Pegasus's headquarters, Ichiya is deep in thought while staring at the vials filled with perfumes varying in color clamped between his fingers.

Hmmm. This might be dangerous. I have to be more on guard from now on, at least until I could find a way to keep others from activating these little darling's effects. Or else a big trouble might happen if someone misuses these.

Especially that perfume. Hopefully no one finds it. Haaaah... If only I've been more careful and disposed it properly, this won't happen.

While Ichiya is busy pondering his thoughts, he didn't notice a certain someone who is slowly approaching him.

"Oh, my. This is rare. For Ichiya-chan to look serious and problematic. Is something wrong, Ichiya-chan?"

Ichiya was startled when he heard someone suddenly speaking out of nowhere that he almost dropped the vials from his hands. After securing them, he exhales in relief and turned towards the owner of the voice.

"Good grief, Master Bob. Please don't startle me. I almost dropped my little babies."

"Oh, sorry, Ichiya-chan. I didn't mean to."

"No, no. It's fine. I'm not blaming you or anything. It's my fault for not paying attention. Anyway, welcome back, Master. I thought you'll come home tomorrow. Did something bad happen at the meeting?

"Nothing bad happened. Some of Makarov's children just paid a visit and livened things up. Because of that, the meeting was dispatched early, even though we were supposed to go on until tonight."

"Is that so? I see. If you had allowed me, I would've accompanied you."

"There you go again. I told you you can't come along. Only masters were allowed. Anyway, back to the main topic, is something bothering you?"

Ichiya fell back into deep thought. He's debating whether he would consult his master or handle it alone. After pondering for awhile, he decided to ask Master Bob for some help.

Master Bob is a kind person. He will surely help me in the best way he could.

"Actually, Master Bob, my perfumes were acting strange recently. Or more accurately, there are abnormalities occurring with my [Perfume Magic]. A few days ago, I had a certain special individual with an amazing sense of smell to try my perfume. And surprisingly, it worked. I thought that it worked because of the said individual's sharp sense of smell. And I decided to leave it at that and pry no longer."

"However, an accident occurred here in the guild earlier, while you were at the meeting. A vial of [Sleepiness Perfume] slipped from my pocket and fell into the floor, resulting it to break into pieces and spreading the perfume all over the guild building. Since the magic only activates after some specific conditions that could be done only by myself, I didn't lose my composure and stayed calm and gentlemanly"

"Then suddenly, everyone inside the guild began to get sleepy until they all fell asleep. Even I got sleepy and was about to sleep. However, I pulled my consciousness back and released it's counterpart potion, the [Awakening Perfume] and wiped off the drowsiness within all of us."

"What I'm worried about, Master Bob, is if all of my perfumes would also act that way. Cause if that happens, then I would have to hide all of them, especially the dangerous ones, from everyone who might accidentally misuse it."

After Ichiya's revelation, Master Bob paused for awhile and pondered on what he should say.

"That is indeed quite worrying, particularly towards the other perfumes such as the [Power Perfume] and other dangerous ones. For now, I think you should be more wary of the safety of the perfume vials you always carry around. Avoid bringing along those dangerous types when not necessary. And properly hide the dangerous ones, where no one could accidentally stumble upon them."

"Also, try to find the cause or any hints to why this is happening. If possible, try to solve it entirely. And don't forget to keep anyone else from knowing about it. The information might accidentally find their way to the wrong hands and cause us more problems. And hide the production procedures of the perfumes. If the effects activate even without the use of your magic, then it might also mean that by making the potion alone, anyone could use it's effects."

"In the meanwhile, I'll try to find out more about it with the council's help or through my trusted connections. Just do as I said and we should be safe for awhile."

Ichiya bowed deeply to express his gratitude towards Master Bob.

"Yes! Thank you so much for your guidance! I deeply appreciate it!"

"Ufufu. Don't worry about it. It's my duty as a master to assist my children. And don't be so formal. You're embarrassing me."

"Ah, yes. Well then, if you'll excuse me. I would like to start executing the necessary tasks that you have gave me."

"Alright, then. Be careful, okay?"

"Yes, I will. Thank you again, Master Bob!"

Ichiya jumped off his seat and started to walk towards the doors of the guild. He's heading home to do as his master had instructed.

Though the other perfumes are certainly dangerous, that one really bothers me the most. If only I wasn't careless and didn't lose it. Too late for regrets. Tsk tsk tsk.

The doors opened, and Ichiya stepped outside of the guild

~Erza's Point of View~

"At last! We're back in Magnolia!"

Lucy and Happy cheerfully declared when they reached Magnolia. Due to the distance and because Master Makarov dislike driving fast, their travel home took more time than they expected. The sun is completely gone and the moon is proudly giving off it's light through the darkness of the night. As soon as the carriage stopped at the station, Lucy jumped out and stretched her limbs that became stiff due to the long hours of just sitting.

"Then, I'll return this carriage back to the shop. You brats should go home already."

"Understood! Thanks, Master!"

The party dispersed to their specific locations. Gray went home. While Lucy, followed by Happy, went to the guild to have dinner. Master Makarov drove the carriage to the shop.

Meanwhile, Erza was left behind with all her luggage and the unconscious Natsu clinging on her shoulders.

Hmm.. What should I do? I have Natsu. My luggage needs to be brought back home. Since there's a security here in the station, I could just ask them to look out for my luggage for awhile while I bring Natsu home. Umu. Let's do that.

Erza took three steps while dragging Natsu on her arms when she got struck with realization.

Where was Natsu's house again?

Even after thinking deeply, she can't remember where he lives. Or more correctly, she doesn't know in the first place.

"Happy, where do you live again?"

No one responded. She looked around. Happy's nowhere to be seen.

Oh, that's right. He went with Lucy. Haaaah...

Erza lifted her free hand and face palmed herself.

Aaaaaah... I don't care anymore. I'll just bring them all home.

With that, Erza chucked Natsu at the trolley she places her luggage at and pulled them all to her apartment, to Fairy Hills.

~Natsu's Point of View~

Nat...

Hey, N...tsu..

..ake up, Na...u...

Natsu heard a voice. A female voice, calling out on him. He knows that voice, the owner of that voice. He could never mistaken that for anyone else's. Then Natsu felt something on his shoulders. It felt smooth and nice, gently rocking him side to side. He felt someone's gaze on him. Curious on whose gaze it is, he slowly opened his eyes.

He saw a figure staring down at him. Although his vision is blurry at first, it slowly adjusted and began to clear up. After blinking twice, he could slowly recognize a face. A woman's face. He can never mistaken this face for anyone else's. This face belongs to one of the people he cares for more than anything in his world. Lovestruck, he stared at the woman's face.

As if a trigger had been pressed, his chest began to tighten again, this time, tighter than the one earlier. His breathing became ragged, and he started panting. His body temperature began to rise up again, until he felt his sweat forming up all around his body. He feels hot. Very hot. And his chest feels tight. He can't breathe properly. He was panting hard.

But more than that, he felt something crawl onto his whole body, sending shivers everywhere. Excitement. Eagerness. Desire. Uncontrollable desire to touch the woman before him. To fall into her deep embrace. To hug her. To feel her lips. To touch her. To claim her. To have her.

It doesn't make sense. Nothing makes sense. Everything is in slow motion. His head is spinning. He feels hot. His chest feels tight. He can't hear anything properly. All he knows right now is he wants to have the woman before him. He can't control himself. He wants her. And he wants her now.

Erza, I like you.

He swiftly grabbed her hand and pulled her down to the bed beside him. After that, he smoothly lifted his body and mounted her. Her red, beautiful hair is scattered on top of the bed, making it look like a flower in full bloom, with her beautiful face in the middle. She saw her mouth open and close. She must be saying something. But he can't hear anything. All he sees right now is her beautiful face. Her beautiful eyes. And her pretty, pinkish lips. Oh, how much he wants to taste those lips. To touch it with his. To crush it against his. To feel it on his. Without further ado, he proceeded to do his objective.

Seriously, you're really pretty. I just can't keep my eyes off you.

Slowly, he inched his face forward, closing the distance between his and her lips while admiring her eyes. However, he felt something on his mouth that blocks him from getting nearer to her. He grabbed it and took a look at it. It was a hand. Her smooth, soft hand. He gently pulled it towards his hand before lovingly kissed every inch of it. His lips traveled all around it, from her palm down to her wrist. He also kissed every single fingers of hers. Oh, how he love those fingers. He played with it, one by one, smoothly caressing it with his lips and kissing it again and again while nibbling and sucking it's tips, leisurely taking his time with each individual. When he finally filled it with his loving touch, he pinned it with his hand above her head.

After he was done with it, he turned back to her and lovingly stared to her beautiful face. Slowly, he closed the gap between his and her faces again. He was about to claim those lovely lips of hers when he saw another obstacle. Her other hand is covering her lips, keeping him from claiming it. He thought of pulling it back and treat it with the same, loving care he did with it's other pair. But he had another idea.

He he he. You will never be able to stop me with that.

He closed the gap between their lips and forcefully planted his lips on top of her hand. Again and again, he repeatedly placed his vicious kisses on those lovely hand of hers. He could hear her muffled moans escaping from her mouth, making him more eager. He also kissed, nibbled, and sucked those fingers of hers while softly tugging it with his teeth.

Haah.. Haah.. Not good. I wanna kiss her already. I wanna taste those lips. Erza.

He was about to remove her hand and claim her lips when he saw that it's gone. Wondering where it went, he felt something smooth caress his cheeks. It was her hand. She ran her fingers on his nose, eyes, ears and cheeks, sending jolts of electricity all over his body. She played with his hair, softly tugging it and messing it up. Natsu liked that feeling. He loves it. He loves feeling her loving touch on him. He wants her to touch him more.

She trailed her hand down to his lips and played with it. She gently traced his lips, tugging it and pinching it softly. He would kiss it and nibble her fingers from time to time while looking at her beautiful face glistening with sweat.

Natsu checked his senses. after confirming that they're all present, he was struck with realization.

There's no doubt. This is real. This is not a dream, nor an illusion. This is really real.

After inhaling deeply, Natsu forced himself to regain his senses. After confirming that he could think properly, he fell into deep thought.

Though my memories are a bit hazy, I've already come this far. This is the perfect time for me to say it. It might violate my goal to defeat her before saying this, but this is the perfect chance for me to say it. Whether I'll succeed or fail, this is the only chance I can find out. Because I'm sure things might get awkward if I don't say it now.

After swallowing a mouthful of air, he gently caressed her cheeks while calling out her name.

"Erza. Are you there?"

She didn't respond right away. He saw her eyes widen in surprise before he fell into deep thought.

I knew it. She's also under this thing, whatever this may be.

He gently caressed her cheeks once more before asking her once more.

"Erza, can you hear me?"

She saw her pause for awhile before smiling at him and nodding her head.

"Listen up, I'm going to say something crazy, so I want you to listen to me properly."

Her eyes widened once more and the corners of her lips twisted before she gave her reply.

"I'm listening. Go on."

Here I go. Wish me luck, father.

"Erza, I like you. I really like you. I want you to be mine."

~Erza's Point Of View~

After arranging back her luggage to where it belongs, Erza pulled Natsu inside her bedroom and tossed him on top of her bed.

"Haaaah. Just how could someone whose brain is empty be so heavy?

She unequipped her armor, changed into a simple white blouse and the same, blue skirt. After stretching her limbs and muscles until she felt something popped, she exhaled in relief.

My muscles are getting stiff. I have to workout as soon as I can before it worsens.

"Now then, time to wake this sleepyhead and have him go home on his own. Seriously, causing me trouble all they way until my house."

She sat down on the corner of her bed and stared at him. His spike, pink hair slightly covers his forehead. His sleeping face looks really gentle and vulnerable, very different from the face he makes when he's angry and when he's fighting. The contrast makes him look really cute and adorable.

She gently brushed the hair on his forehead upwards and stared at him more. Slowly, her gaze moved downwards, down to his chin, passing through his exposed chest, and stopping on his abs. After staring at it, Erza gulped a mouthful of air.

He had seen them more than a hundred of times already, since Natsu always uses that sleeveless vest of his and leaves it open. But seeing them like this, and up close, somehow tingles something inside her.

They look really hard and strong. I wonder what it feels like to touch them.

She slowly extended her hand towards it, towards those abs of his when she regained her senses and pulled back her arm.

Ack! What in the world am I doing? I'm becoming a pervert! Not good, better have him leave the house now or else I'll do something regretful.

She grabbed both of his shoulders and gently rocked him awake.

"Natsu, we're back on Magnolia already. Wake up. And go back to your home already."

Natsu slowly opened his eyes halfway, just staring right at her without saying anything.

"What, you're still half asleep? Seriously, even though you did nothing but sleep the whole ride back home. Hurry up and go home so that you could sleep better. And so that I could also sleep, too."

However, Natsu didn't respond. Instead, he suddenly started to sweat. His breathing became ragged and he started panting. Seeing this, Erza became alarmed.

"Erza, I li..."

She saw hip lips move and she heard him call her name but it was too weak for her to understand.

"Eh? What are you trying to say? Hey Natsu, what's happening? Are you alright? Are you hurt somew-"

Before she could even finish her question, she saw her vision spin. In an instant, when she was just looking at Natsu, she saw the ceiling of her room. Then, it changed back to Natsu again. But this time, he's not lying in the bed. He's mounted on top of her, staring right into her eyes while panting hard, his sweat glistening on his forehead.

She felt shivers crawl onto her spine from those eyes of his. She felt uneasy. The straightforward and honest Natsu won't make this kind of eyes, full of hunger and desire. She felt like she's being targeted by a hungry beast, ready to pounce anytime and rip her to shreds.

Eh? What's happening? Is he dreaming or something? No, he's awake. But not quite. Sleepwalking? Or it's his battle instinct acting as a defense or something?

She felt Natsu's face getting closer to hers, with his hot breath touching her cheeks. That's where she had caught a whiff from the breath he's exhaling.

What's this smell? Sweet. No, fragrant. And somehow, it has traces of magical power. Hmmm.. Is it mental-related magic? Not good! This might be bad! I have to stop inhaling this!

She quickly covered his mouth and forcefully pushed him back. But because she's still exhausted from pulling the luggage and plus she can't use her body weight due to her lying position, there's not much force behind it. Especially since Natsu is very strong himself. Natsu grabbed her hand and stare at it for awhile. Then, she saw his eyes soften, as if he's looking at something beautiful and admired it.

However, while looking at his eyes, she found something out. No, she felt something wrong, something unusual. After intensely observing his body conditions, his eyes and his ragged breathing, she arrived at a possible conclusion.

That smell, whatever it is, must've caused Natsu to become like this. I have to fix him up right away, since I don't know what kind of effects it results into. This might be harmful when left for long.

Suddenly, she felt something strange happening on her face. No, it's happening all over her body. Her temperature steadily rose until she started sweating. Her head's feeling hazy. She's getting dizzy. But most of all, she started feeling horny.

Haaaah... Haaaah... What's this? What's happening to me? My head's fuzzy. My body's hot. And th-this p-perverted feeling of excitement. Is this that smell? Are these the effects of it? W-wait, does that mean that Natsu is feeling this to?! D-d-don't tell me, Natsu will-

While she's panicking after she realized what could happen to her, she suddenly felt something soft and warm touch her hands. When she saw what is it, much to her bewilderment, was Natsu's lips gently touching her hand again and again. A bolt of electricity seemed to hit her body, making her ticklish all over. She wants to resist, to pull her hands back or to push him away but she can't. She's getting more and more panicked. It seems that she's also getting a affected by the scent earlier. Everything's getting blurry and hazy. She can't think properly anymore. She can't resist the temptation. She's losing herself.

The jolts of electricity keeps jumping all over whenever Natsu gently lays his lips on her hand. Slowly, he trained down his kisses to the tips of her fingers.

"Ahh!"

A moan of pleasure unconsciously escaped from her lips when he bit and sucked on her fingers. Startled, she covered her mouth with her other hand to keep herself from releasing another embarrassing sound.

She kept her gaze to Natsu while he lovingly attends her hand. The jolts of electricity is now gone, replaced with something else, something good and pleasant. Something she can't resist wanting to feel more. She wants more. More of this ecstatic feeling.

Ahhh.. Natsu. More. Make me fell good. Make me yours, Natsu.

When he was finally done, he pinned her hand above her head and stares back at him. Slowly, he closed the gap between their faces once more. And then he paused for awhile, grinning evilly, before forcefully crushing his lips on her hand that's covering her lips. Again and again, he planted his lips on top of it, which his getting gentler an gentler by every kiss. For some reason, her whole hand, no, her whole body, had become really sensitive. Even his kisses alone causes jolts of pleasure to spread all over her body.

She could feel his hot breath. She could see his eyes looking at her full of passion and desire. He could feel the warmth of his body pressing against hers.

"Mmmm!"

He started nibbling and tugging the fingers on her hand. The pleasurable feeling keeps jolting like crazy all over her body. She felt weak. Her body won't listen to her. Her hand is losing it's strength. Until it gave up, letting Natsu have his way.

If it had come to this, I should also do something.

She removed her hand that's covering her lips and started to caress Natsu's face lovingly. She ran her fingers around his handsome features, his eyes, his nose, his ears, and the one she likes the most, his hair. She lovingly caressed his messy, pink hair down for some time.

Then, she ran down her hands to his lips, caressing it, gently tugging it, feeing it's softness. Natsu would kiss her fingers from time to time, nibbling it, sucking it while looking at her passionately. She bit her lip from the sensation on her fingers caused by his actions.

It's so soft. And warm. I wonder what it feels like? Aaaahhh... I wanna taste it. I want it against mine. Finally, we've come this far. Finally. Natsu. Hurry up.

While her head's filled with nothing but ecstasy, she felt Natsu's hand on her cheeks, gently caressing it while calling out her name.

"Erza. Are you there?"

With those mere words alone, Erza regained herself. It seems that she had lost herself for awhile due to the effects of that sweet smell. When she realized what's happening, her eyes widened in surprise.

Eh? T-this is-?! Ahhh... That smell. Those kisses. I thought it's all some kind of a strange dream. But it seems that it's not. Everything's really happening.

She felt Natsu's hand caress his cheeks once more before questioning her.

"Erza. Can you hear me?"

She just stared at him for a moment, analysing those words, before smiling at him and nodding her head.

"Listen up, I'm going to say something crazy, so I want you to listen to me properly."

Eh? Ehhh?! Seriously?! Is this really happening?! Not good, not good! I shouldn't lose my composure. Calm down, Erza. It's here. It's finally here! Don't miss a single word and seal this moment deeply in your memory.

"I'm listening. Go on."

Here it comes. Come on, say it, Natsu. Hurry up.

After a long pause, Natsu opened his mouth and spoke up.

"Erza, I like you. I really like you. I want you to be mine."

She felt the world stopped after hearing those words. Intense feeling of happiness flooded her heart. Natsu, that idiot, troublesome, and annoying childhood friend of hers had finally confessed to her after years of waiting. She waited. For a long, long time, she waited. For him to admit it. And now, he finally did. She could finally admit it, too. That love she's been hiding all this time. Love for him. Love for Natsu.

She still remembers when she started to fell in love with Natsu. Those precious memories from those days won't disappear from her heart until the day she dies.

~Flashback~

It happened just a few days after she had joined Fairy Tail. After getting the freedom she had longed for, with the lives of her comrades on her back, she enclosed herself with an armor. She believed that as long as she's using armor, she is safe. She did her best to keep herself from thinking of her past, to move forward, to start anew. But she can't. He comrades that she abandoned in exchange for freedom keeps haunting in her mind. The guilt is drowning her in despair. She can't sleep properly at night. She always isolates herself from others, scared to get attached to someone and lose them eventually, just like her past comrades. She's always crying, all on her own, with no one to rely to.

On a particular day, she went deep into the forest, in her favorite place, and isolated herself once more. After confirming that she's all alone, she was about to cry again to relieve her problems. She sat down and leaned on a tree and was about to cry when she had heard someone talking from above the tree.

"Are you going to cry again?"

Startled, she looked above. There, she saw a kid, about the same age as her, with pink hair and a scarf lying down on a tree branch.

"Who are you?"

The strange kid hopped down to the ground and turned to her. Then, he smiled widely and introduced himself.

"I'm Natsu. I'm also from Fairy Tail, like you."

"Eh? How did you know I'm from Fairy Tail?"

"I heard about you from the others, of course. Especially about your exploits of beating up that idiot Gray. Not bad."

The young Erza got embarrassed when she was praised and turns her head around.

"I don't beat him up. I'm just defending myself."

"But that's the same, right? You still beat him up."

"Ah, you're annoying. Why are you even here? Are you following me around? Do you wanna fight, too?"

"Oh? That's not bad. I wanna try fighting you too, cause I wanna see your strength for myself. Fight me with all of your strength. I don't hold back even against women. And the loser has to do one thing the winner asks for."

"Heh. I don't plan to hold back. I'll make sure you'll get beaten up so badly so you won't disturb me again."

The two of them fought hard in the middle of the forest. Natsu, who is being expected to be one of the strongest in the Fairy Tail when he grows up, is indeed strong. However, Erza is stronger than him. With her real life experiences of life and death battles, she completely defeated Natsu while sustaining only minor injuries, mostly scalds from Natsu's flames.

Both of them laid down on the ground, exhausted and with their bodies in pain from their battle. Erza unequipped her armor so that she could recover properly while Natsu removed his vest and felt the cool of the ground on his back.

"Haaaah... Haaaah... You're strong indeed. Seems like I've got another rival from being Fairy Tail's strongest."

"Fairy Tail's strongest? I'm not interested. I don't have to be strong. As long as I could protect my comrades, I'm contented in being the weakest."

"Comrades? Protect? Who? I'm sure you're not talking about us in the Fairy Tail."

Erza turned her body around from him and angrily refused him.

"You don't have to know. You can't do anything about it."

"Eh? Why not? I can listen, you know. That's better than pathetically crying here all on you own."

Hearing his nonchalant reply, Erza lost her cool before rising up and angrily lashed out on him.

"You don't know anything! You don't know how hard my life has been! So don't you call me pathetic! You don't know anything!"

After lashing out on him, she wasn't able to hold in anymore the tears she's been holding back. Like a broken dam, her tears started to freely flow out from her eyes. She fell on her knees, sobbing hard and letting out all the bitterness she's holding inside her.

While she's crying her heart out, Natsu grabbed her onto his chest and hugged her tightly. Startled, she stopped crying for awhile and just stayed there, like a stone statue.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to say it like that. I didn't mean to call you pathetic. I am an idiot, you know. I have poor choice in words. I just wanted you to tell me your problem so that I could help you. Sorry if I offended you. In exchange, I'll help you on anything you want so tell me what I could do for you. Okay?"

She felt her body quiver. After all what happened to her, her emotional stress is on it's limits. And to relieve it, she always cry her heart out on her own. But just from hearing Natsu's kind words, she felt her heart tremble. Those gentle words of his soothed her wounded heart, and the arms that were wrapping her gives her a sense of security she can't feel on her armor. She felt safe. That feeling which she desired for so long could be found within his arms. She can't help herself from crying out even more.

After quite some time, she finally settled down and stayed on his arms motionlessly. Feeling embarrassed, she tried to squirm out but Natsu kept his tight hug around her.

"Let me go."

She tried to squirm out once more but Natsu tightened his hug around her.

"Do you really want me to? You might want to cry more, you know."

Erza just shut her mouth and didn't respond at him. They just stayed like that for awhile, with her in his embrace.

After she time, she spoke up.

"Why do you insist on knowing about me? You jut knew me recently. You don't know me at all. I might be a bad person, you know."

"That's because I'm you're comrade, after all. Everyone in Fairy Tail is you're comrade. And as a comrade, we all want to help each other whenever we can. Also, an armor couldn't provide the warmth a scarf or a real hug could."

She felt her heart quiver once more. She felt that if she told him, she could indeed give him safety and protect her from her past. However, he has nothing to do with her. She's the one who wanted freedom. This is the weight she have to carry on her heart, in exchange for her freedom. Her curse. She doesn't want to involve others on her problems. So she tried to change the subject and escape on any moment she could.

"How did you find out about the armor, anyway?"

He gently smiled at her and rubbed his cheeks on the scarf around his neck, as if he's gesturing towards it.

"This scarf is the last memento of my father before he left me. When he left me, I felt so sad, so weak. I was so scared by then. But whenever I wrap my scarf around me, I could smell his scent on it. It's like he's still embracing me. That way, I could feel that he's still somewhere close to me. I feel safe as long as it's around me, wrapping me in it's gentle warmth. When I saw you, I felt that you're seeking safety and protection inside your armor. That's why I know."

So he also experienced something horrible, just like me.

"I see."

"Then, now that I've told you about me, will you tell me about you?"

She paused for awhile, pondering whether she would tell him or not. After debating inside her head, she decided to warn him beforehand.

"I don't want to get you involved."

"But I'm already involved. We're comrades, after all."

Erza finally gave up. He can feel sincerity in his voice, so she felt that she could trust him with her problems. After exhaling softly, she shifted her body and lifted her head to meet his gaze.

"Lie down."

"Eh?"

Without giving him any time to say anything more, she pushed her body against him and they both fell into the ground, with her on top of him and still wrapped with his warm embrace.

"W-what are you doing?!"

"Shut up. This is going to be long so let me lie down. I'm tired."

"Should I let you go?"

"But you told me you won't let go until I won't tell you about me. Idiot."

She gently blushed as she said those words. However, because it was so low that it was barely a mumble, Natsu didn't catch it.

"Eh? What did you say?"

"N-nothing! Shut up!"

She banged her head on his chin, making him grimace in pain. But he still didn't let go.

"Don't say anything. I'm going to start already. So listen up."

Erza told him everything about her past. She told him how she became a slave when she was just a kid, how Jellal saved him, how they fought back for their freedom, about how a member of Fairy Tail, the old man Rob, sacrificed himself to protect her life, and how it caused her to awaken her magic power. She also told him how Jellal had changed by the time she had reached him and how he had killed the people who had been torturing him. And finally, she told him how Jellal kicked her away, all on her own, while threatening to kill everyone if she comes back, which lead to her coming to Fairy Tail as a promise with the old man who saved her.

By the time she had finished, she had started crying again. Big tears streamed down from her face while wails of sorrows escapes from her mouth. Natsu just stayed still, wrapping her with his warm embrace until she settled down once more. When she did, he let her go and wiped her tears with his scarf.

After wiping off her tears, Natsu spoke up while staring at the canopy of leaves blocking the sunlight.

"If I am in your position, I would've done the same thing. Cause if I try to save them, some of them may indeed get killed by that Jellal. But more than that, I would've held back if I would fight my comrade whom I have shared hardships and sorrows with."

He started to gently caress her hair before he continued.

"However, because you didn't fight, they were spared. They weren't killed. Because you ran away, they're still alive. The sacrifice you made by running away kept them alive."

"And because you ran away, you're alive. That means that you could make yourself stronger from this point on, strong enough so that you could finally defeat Jellal and save your comrades. That's why, don't waste you're life all alone, since you've finally gained the freedom you have dreamed for. It may be hard, living a life while carrying the burden of the lives of others on you back. But it's also an insult to those who were left behind if you don't enjoy the freedom all of you wished for. You had finally gained it so you should enjoy it instead of wasting it."

"Oh, and if you're not making friends because you're worried that you might lose them again, don't worry about us all here in Fairy Tail. All of us here treasures each and everyone of our comrades more than how we treasure our own lives. We won't abandon you, nor will we hate you. We will always be connected, whenever and whenever we may be. Our hearts will always be one, and it will forever be until our last breaths."

Erza wiped the tears that accumulated at the corners of his eyes

After doing so, she snorted, much to Natsu's bewilderment.

"Eh? Why? Did I say something funny?"

"You're talking really cool at the last part, and here I though that you were amazing or something when I realized that you jut quoted the third rule of the Fairy Tail's Send-off Rules."

"Huh? Am I found out already?"

She gently laughed from his reply before rising up from his chest.

"So you really were, huh. But still, you were right. I just have to became stronger from now on. Stronger than Jellal, at least. So that I could defeat him and free my comrades from that tower. Thank you, Natsu. Thank you for making me realize that."

He also rose up and wiped off the dust on his clothes.

"Heh. No problem. In exchange, promise me one thing."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"When you feel like crying again, look for me and we could do pranks against Gray instead. What about that?"

"Sorry to disappoint you but I won't cry anymore. I'll be busy enjoying my life and getting stronger."

"Ah! That's unfair! I will be the number 1! I'll be the strongest in Fairy Tail! I'll be stronger than you and defeat Jellal all by myself. Mark my words! I'll defeat him and I'll have you bow down to my greatness!'

"Don't be stupid. You lost to me. I'm obviously stronger. Also, you can't win against Jellal. It might be only for a moment but I felt that his magic is really strong. It reeks of danger and destruction."

"Who are you calling weak?! I'm a Fire Dragonslayer! My flames will burn you all! I demand for a rematch! I'll show you that I'm really strong!"

"Oh, want me to beat you up again? Why not? Come at me anytime you like."

"RUOOOOH!!!"

~Flashback Ends~

After that, she and Natsu began fighting each other again, which also ends in Natsu's loss. And from then on, she had started to like Natsu. She always wanted to be wrapped on his arms again. To be safe within his arms again. To feel his heart beating from his chest. To feel the hardness of his muscles with her skin.

However, she never told him about it. After knowing more about Natsu and his childishness, she became uneasy that she might be rejected or her confession might be take for a joke. So she kept it well hidden without the knowledge of anyone about it.

Years later, she had observed that Natsu has been kinda awkward towards her. He always tries to avoid her, acts shy around her, and blushes whenever she makes eye contact towards him. When she realized what it means, that Natsu also likes him back, she felt really really, happy. She even thought of confessing on her own.

But she held herself back. All because of what she realized from Mirajane's words to her. Apparently, Natsu had been training hard in order to surpass her, to defeat her. At first she felt quite annoyed. But then, she remembered the words he had said that night. His declaration that he would defeat Jellal by himself. Even without asking him, she realized that he's not after being the stromgest just for himself but also for others. For her. And all of their comrades. So that he could protect them.

She thought of explaining to Natsu that she should be the one who would do that. That she would be the one who would fight Jellal and unshackle herself from her past. But knowing Natsu, he wouldn't listen. He is someone who would finish what he had started, who would fulfill any promises he had made. And thus, she's aware that she wouldn't be able to convince him to forget about his promise when they were still children.

So she decided that she would either finish up her business against Jellal and her past before she would confess to Natsu. Or if Natsu somehow gathers up his courage and confesses to her, she would accept him right away. That's the conditions that she had set on herself regarding her feelings towards Natsu.

And after waiting for years for one of the conditions to be fulfilled, it has finally come. She can't help her tears from streaming down her eyes. But this time, they are tears of happiness, not sadness.

Seeing this, Natsu got alarmed and panicked due to Erza's sudden waterworks.

"Eh? Is something wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?"

Against the panicking Natsu who is clumsily wiping down her tears, she just gently caressed her hand on his cheeks. Feeling this, Natsu stopped and stared at her.

"Took you long enough."

"Eh? W-what do you mean?"

"I love you too, Natsu."

His eyes widened in surprise and happiness before instantly dropping down into sadness and disappointment.

"A-are you really fine with me? I mean, I'm not an impressive person. I have a lot of flaws. Are you really alright with me?"

Against Natsu whose face is twisted into disappointment directed towards himself, Erza just grinned and complained about his hesitant attitude.

"Ah, jeez. You're being annoying again. Hurry up and just kiss me already. I've waited for too long for this, you know."

Saying that, she forcefully jerked her other hand that he's pinning down with his hand and wrapped her arms around his neck, before locking the gaze against Natsu. At first, Natsu's eyes widened in surprise, before slowly settling down. He smiled at her and locked his gaze with hers.

"Erza, I'll do it."

"Yeah. Be gentle on my first kiss."

"Don't worry, I intended to do that. I love you, Erza."

"Me too. I love you too, Natsu."

With their gaze still locked against each other, Natsu slowly brought down his face close to Erza's and gently planted his lips on hers. Erza responded back by caressing his hair and deeply kissing him back. Natsu began to move his lips against hers and she also did against him. For a few moments, they passionately shared their first kiss together, full of love and happiness. When they finally ram out of air, they both pulled back and inhaled deeply, replenishing their oxygen.

"That was amazing, Natsu. I want more."

"You don't have to tell me."

Without further ado, Natsu once again passionately met his lips against hers. They both aggressively crushed their lips together, full of hunger and desire. After awhile, Natsu felt Erza's mouth open up and her tongue pushing itself through the gap of his lips. He welcomed it with his own tongue and they both rolled their tongues against each other's, leaving their drools pouring out from their mouths.

Due to the sensation, Erza can't help herself from tugging his hair and pulling him closer to her. Feeling this, Natsu got distracted for awhile and stopped his tongue from moving. Erza seized the chance and slid her tongue inside his mouth. She explored every single corner she could reach before she felt Natsu forcing her out and sliding his own tongue before doing the same thing she did. Erza tried to moan from the ecstasy caused by his tongue but it was muffled. After a few seconds, they both pulled back and replenished their breaths once more. After awhile, Natsu dive into her once more.

"Aaahh!"

Erza can't help but moan when Natsu started to lick her ear, sending jolts of electricity throughout her body. He nibbled, sucked and tugged her ears lovingly, making her feel crazy from the sensation. After some time, his lips crawled lower and he started to kiss and suck her neck, making her moan even more with every bite he takes. Erza would tug his hair every time he takes a nibble, making him more excited and more passionate.

After filling up her left side of the neck with love bites down to her shoulders, he went and did the same on the other side of it. When he was finally done, he went back to her lips and kissed it lovingly once more.

"Erza, I'm going to remove your blouse. Lift your hands."

Although she could just use her magic and make her clothes disappear, Erza obeyed and he tugged her blouse upwards, revealing her smooth, creamy white skin and her ample, well nurtured breasts. Natsu expected a six-pack abs to be present but surprisingly, there is none, since Erza's physical strength could be compared to his, even quite stronger in actuality. Another thing that surprised him is there is no scars or any kind of foreign marks despite her getting wounded frequently during a battle.

"D-don't stare too intensely. It's embarrassing."

Raising his head, he saw Erza blushing hard while looking at him with her embarrassed expression.

"You don't have anything to be embarrassed with. You're very pretty, you know. I'm falling in love all over again."

Natsu started to kiss her chest, just right under her cleavage and filled it up with red, round marks. After that, he gently touched her bra and took a glance at Erza, as if he's asking permission. After he saw her nod, he swiftly lifted up her black laced bras and bared herself before him.

Before him, her supple, creamy white breast jiggled softly after her removed the bra. He couldn't help admiring those two, big mounds that he always dreamt of. Her pinkish, pretty nipples are erect, probably caused by his doings earlier. Gently, he tugged one of it, resulting in a moan from Erza.

He tried touching one of it. He was amazed by it's softness and smoothness. Passionately, he began sucking and nibbling the nipples of her left breast while massaging the other with his hand. He gleefully took his time before proceeding to the other and doing the same.

Meanwhile, Erza can't stop her moans whenever Natsu would nibble her nipples. The jolts of electricity keeps sending her pleasure from all over her body. She could feel something building up inside her, a sense of pleasure she never felt before. Every time he forcefully sucks her nipples, she would tug Natsu's hair while moaning.

"Haaaah.. Haaaah... No more. Take me already, Natsu. Make me climax. Hurry up."

"As you wish."

Natsu lowered himself and positioned himself between her thighs. Without removing her black laced panties, which matched the color of her bra, he started licking Erza's nether region. Loud moans of pleasure erupted from Erza's mouth while her back arched from the sensation.

"Amazing! Ahh! Natsu, more! Ahh! Natsu!!"

Natsu kept licking her pussy through her panties while Erza keeps moaning hard from the pleasure. Seeing that she's about to climax, he swiftly draped her legs on his shoulders and tugged the drenched underwear, causing white sticky liquids to drip down from her precious place. After he had finally removed it, he passionately admired it and slowly brought his face close to it. Gently, he licked it again and again, while Erza's keeps moaning and tugging his hair.

"Ahhh!!! Yes!! Right there!! More!!"

With his fingers, he gently spread it out, exposing it's pinkish skin inside and starts licking it. He elevated his mouth a little and started to suck her clitoris. When he did it, Erza's back lurched upwards, moaning louder than before.

It's about time I let her climax.

Gently, he slid a finger inside her and started to thrust it slowly and tugging it out, while licking and pinching her clitoris at the same time. He did this repeatedly, with each thrust getting a little faster and faster with every thrust. He could feel her body twitch with every thrust and her grip on his hair get tighter. But he doesn't mind. All he wants to do right now is to pleasure the woman before her.

Slowly, he slid in another finger in and explored her insides. Sticky, clear juices is spilling out from her pussy, causing his fingers to produce a sloshing sound. Erza's moans are getting faster and louder, and her twitch is getting more and more violent.

Just a little more. Let's do it in one shot.

He slid another finger in and sucked her clitorismore vigorously. He sped up the rhythm of his fingers until the sloshing sound seems to blend into one single sound. And then, he gently nibbled and tugged her clitoris with his teeth, sending Erza's body to twitch up while screaming his name.

"It's coming! It's coming! Ahhh!! Ahhh!! Ahhhh!! Natsu, I'm coming! AHHH!! NATSUU!!"

Like a puppet whose strings has been cut, Erza slumped down on the bed, twitching slightly after climaxing. Her face is full of ecstasy and pleasure while panting hard, her face full of sweat.

Natsu rose up and caressed her face, wiping out the sweat on her face. He gently kissed her lips while she's stroking his hair lovingly.

"Haaaah... Haaaah... That was amazing... You're amazing, Natsu... You're really amazing..."

They kissed each other passionately once more, fighting for dominance with their tongues and explored the insides of each other's mouths.

After kissing each other a little more, Natsu pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers, their gazes locked with each other's. After pausing for awhile, Natsu spoke up and asked for permission.

"Can I... Do it now?"

Erza gently grabbed his face and pulled him for another deep kiss before pulling back and smiled at him.

"Take me. Make me yours. I love you, Natsu."

Natsu kissed her once more, rose up and started to remove his clothes. He removed everything and tossed in on the floor, along with Erza's clothes. After that, he positioned himself between her legs and rubbed the tip of his manhood against Erza's pussy, causing Erza to become more wet. Slowly, he pushed the tip inside before pausing and kiss Erza again.

"Here I go, Erza."

"Yeah. Claim me, Natsu. Make me yours."

Slowly, he pushed his manhood deeper inside her incredibly tight pussy while Erza dug her nails on his back. He could feel his skin being torn and he could smell blood oozing out from it but he didn't mind. With one last push, he felt something pop inside her before thrusting his everything inside her.

Erza bit the edge of her lips from the pain and tears accumulated at the corners of her eyes. Seeing this, Natsu lovingly comforted her by kissing her gently while caressing her head. For a moment, he kept kissing her without moving his hips even for a bit, letting herself adjust on him and for the pain to subside. After awhile, he felt Erza's hand stroking his head before she pulled back from the kiss while smiling at him.

"I'm already fine. You can move now."

Natsu started to thrust himself inside her, slowly and gently while he kisses her lips. At first, all she felt were sharp pains, and she had to dig her nails onto Natsu's back while her moans were muffled by Natsu's lips. But eventually, the pain subsided and it turned into pleasure. Her moans matched the rhythm of his thrust, with each thrust sending jolts of pleasure to her whole body.

"Ahh! Ahh! Natsu! Natsu! I love you! Natsu! I love you!"

Natsu quickened his movement while he began to play with one of her breasts, pulling and pinching her nipple and sending more pleasure throughout her body. He also started to suck her neck, forming more love bites and adding the pleasure.

"Erza. Haah... I'm close. I'm gonna cum soon. Haah... Erza."

Hearing those words, she pulled him for a kiss and wrapped her arms around him.

"Me too, Natsu! I'm almost there! Ahhhh... Together! Let's climax together! Natsu! Faster! I'm almost cumming! Natsu!"

Natsu started to roughly thrust himself onto her, producing sloshing sound and the sound of their skin slapping against each other. While Erza can't lower her moans anymore and she started moaning louder as she tightened her embrace on Natsu. She felt something really good accumulating inside her, slowly getting bigger and feeling better. Finally, with a few more thrust from Natsu, she felt it erupt inside her, feeling her up with ecstasy and pleasure. At the same time, Natsu had also climaxed and she felt something warm fill up her insides, sending more pleasure throughout her.

With that, Natsu exhaustedly collapsed on top of her, both of them panting hard and their sweat dripping out of their bodies. However, their faces were twisted with pleasure and satisfaction, happiness seen all over them.

After resting a little, Natsu pulled out his manhood and he saw his white, sticky seeds spill outside of Erza, along with some blood. He gently lifted himself and laid down on the bed, exhausted. Erza rolled towards him and laid her head on his shoulders while looking at him expectantly. Understanding what she wanted, he pulled her into a hug and kissed her deeply once more. With his feet, he pulled up the blanket at the edge of the bed and covered their bodies with it.

"I love you, Natsu."

"I love you too, Erza."

The both of them dozed off to sleep, their arms intertwined between each other and their faces full of happiness they gained by being with each other's company.

And thus, the hectic day they had gone through had finally ended.

To be continued...