After an exciting night of partying from Natsu and Erza's wedding. Both newly weds took off on a small vacation, much to the guild's joy knowing good and well they both needed a break from everything. Erza couldn't of been the been more happy than she ever was in her life. After a childhood of tragedy, pain and suffering that led her to Fairy Tail thanks to her grampa Rob. But, even with all of that she doesn't want a change a thing that happened. Natsu, a man she admired and loved was the flame in her heart that spakred, rejuvenated any hope she ever lost. Too think a knight would fall for a dragon, how taboo.

Natsu felt like the pieces of his world that was once shattered, were slowly coming back together. Who was at the middle of that puzzle? Erza Dragneel, his wife, his heart, his soul, his reason for living on in this world with a smile. After being left by Igneel in those very woods, forced to live and survive on his own with his wits and strength that the old lizard drilled into his brain. He wondered what would've happened if Makarov never found him, invited him back to Fairy Tail. Would he be alone for the rest of his life? Become a dark mage and avoid the path of light? Maybe in another reality he was at the end of Erza's blade, her terrifying glare that sent shivers down his spine. He might be stronger than her, but one look from the knight that spied her wrath had him running for the hills, Gray following right behind him.

He shook his head of those thoughts with a warm smile. It was fun to wonder of the alternative possibilities of where his life could've led him, but he had a future with a breathtakingly beauty scarlet woman who was currently carrying his child. Natsu had noticed in the coming months her stomach had grown in size, much to the knight's annoyance. But even annoyed, she couldn't wait to give birth to a child of Natsu Dragneel, the fire dragon slayer.

They had soon returned from their small honeymoon, their bodies practically attached to each other as they entered their guildhall, their home. Immediately they were welcome with cheers, laughs and smiles as Erza was drug off by an overly excited Mira who wanted every juicy detail of their trip. Erza sported a small blush, but her smile remained as she recounted the days they spent at Akane Resort, since their trip was rudely interrupted by her friends of the tower of heaven, even Jellal being in the middle of it.

~One Week Earlier~

When they had arrived at the resort, they made way to their room that they would stay for a week in. The host of the establishment gave the couple a knowing grin with a wink, offering them the honey moon suite. Natsu and Erza sported deep blushes, thanking for the lady before they made their way to their room. Natsu opened the door to a dim room, candles lit on the nightstand, the bed in the shape of a giant red heart with red velvet covers.

There was a basket with a multitude of different soaps, chocolate and alchol that Erza immediately declined, knowing it was foolish to drink when pregnant. Natsu looked down at his ring with a smile, before a hand covered his, he turned slightly to be met with his knight's lips. "Everything okay, Natsu?"

"Everything couldn't be more perfect," he replied to his worried wife with a smile that shined away any darkness. "Just... still processing the fact I'm married to the most beautiful woman Ishgar."

"I think I'm still trying to process the fact you know how to talk to a woman," Erza snickered to herself with a playful grin.

"Hey! I may be dense sometimes, but I know the right things to say to a woman. Thank Mira for that, I never want to go through another lesson about the human body again," he shuttered with a tingle going up his spine.

Erza patted the man on the head with a sympathetic smile. "You poor soul, now let's get of this room and go enjoy the beach!" She grabbed a hold of his hand, yanking the dragon slayer out of the dim room that followed along with a toothy grin.

Natsu and Erza walked out onto the sandy beach, both bare foot. Natsu was shirtless with orange swim drunks that had a flame pattern along them. Erza on the other hand, her outfit nearly making the poor slayer faint on the ground from a nose bleed. She wore a black two piece bikini with a drape around her waist, but underneath the bra and underwear had dark orange flame patterns. She blushed deeply at his reaction, shuffling her feet nervously. "I-I thought we could match somewhat, and I picked it to wear just for you."

"You'll be lucky if we get back to the room by the end of the night," Natsu growled softly, taking a hold of the blushing knight in his grasp, many men looking their way in pure jealousy of the perfect couple.

"N-natsu! Not in public!" She said in a scolding manner, but on the inside her dirty mind from reading all those smut novels in her room spoke a different story. Erza was more than willing to enact her deepest fantasies right here and now, but to her surprise she was scooped off the sand in a bridal carry. Before she could say a thing he made a full sprint towards the ocean water, leaping Into the air as Erza let out a shriek, both mages submerging into the cold waters.

Natsu emerged, his hair losing it's spikey appeal, matted down by the water. He bursted out laughing as Erza too emerged, blowing the locks from her face with a cute glare, crossing her arms over her chest. "That was a dirty trick Natsu Dragneel," she huffed with a small giggle.

"A trick that worked quite well if you ask me," The dragon slayer puffed out his chest with a toothy grin, beaming in triumphant glory. "The perfect plan!"

"You dork!" Erza threw her hand against the water to splash Natsu who squeaked from the surprise attack.

Natsu slicked back his hair with his hands, smirking as he crossed his arms over his chest with a fierce playful glare. "Are you challenging me Erza Dragneel?"

"So what if I am? What will you do dragon boy?" Erza replied in a cocky tone, matching her lover's gaze with a big smirk. "Water isn't good against fire."

Natsu gave off a feral grin that made Erza pale, scared to know what idea had been conjured up in that idiot's brain. Immediately wings sprouted from the slayers back to shoot up into the sky, many on lookers watching in shock as did Erza with narrowed eyes. Her shot wide open when a flaming ball in the sky came sky rocketing down at a speed that not even she could run away from.

Fire Dragon's Cannonball!

Before the knight could react Natsu hit the ocean water with so much force, a giant tidal wave was sent towards Erza who shrieked, being sent flying to the beach. Luckily the wave was immediately evaporated from Natsu before it made it to shore. He wasn't about to get his ear torn off by his angry wide. Natsu landed next to the dazed knight with a smirk. "So, can you top that Erza?"

Immediately he regretted his words, feeling an all too familiar aura of killer intent. Natsu looked into the eyes of a demon he had just royally pissed off, with sweat running down his head with a shaky breath. "I-I should be running shouldn't I?"

"What do you think?" Erza asked with an edge to her tone, her hair shadowing her eyes with clenched knuckles. "Five seconds is all you have before I MAIM YOU!"

"EEP!" Natsu took off across the beach, kicking up dust.

"GET BACK HERE NATSU DRAGNEEL AND TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT LIKE A MAN!"

Needless to say Natsu's screams could be heard all over fiore after Erza was done with him.

~Back To The Present~

Many of the members burst out laughing at the tale, Natsu groaning rubbing his butt. "It still stings after a whole damn week..." he grumbled to himself, his wife giggling at her husband's misfortune. "What did we learn?"

"Never to piss you off, or pull a stupid stunt like that," Natsu replied with a groan.

"Correct," Erza pulled him to her chest, running her hands through his pink locks, lifting him in a bridal carry that surprised Natsu greatly with a deep blush. "Come, let your knight soothe your wounds~" she purred against his ear, carrying her blushing husband out of the guild.

Many of the members just watched with slack jaws.

"Erza has gotten so bold!" Mira giggled with a mischievous smirk. "Why can't you be like that with me Laxus?!"

Said Lightning Dragon Slayer sported a deep blush, scratching his chin. "You never asked..."

"I shouldn't have to ask you idiot!" She smacked Laxus upside the head before kissing the man's cheek with a giggle. "I still love youuuuu~"

"Yeah, yeah..." Laxus grumbled, rubbing the back of his head as many of the other members chuckled.

Lucy sighed softly with a smile, watching the door for a moment. "I'm glad I made such a happy couple in the end of all this."

"Speaking of which," Gray plopped down next to her in the booth with a smirk that rivaled Miras. "How are you and heaven boy?"

The blond immediately sported a deep blush, biting her lip as she rubbed her arm with a thoughtful smile, looking away from the ice mage sheepishly as she parted some of her hair behind her hear. "Really good actually... we haven't been able to see each other much do to his work with Crime Sorciere, but he calls me every chance he can get. He's so sweet and kind, it's hard to believe he was once our enemy. I could see what Erza saw in him."

"Man, you really are head over heels for him," Gray chuckled softly, resting his hands behind his head.

Now it was Lucy's turn to embarass the poor ice mage. "How are you and Juvia?" She asked with a deep smirk, watching the pale man become beat red as a tomato. "Hmmmm~?"

"I-its complicated," Gray stuttered out, facing away from the blond who giggled. His eyes were set on the rain woman who was giggling along with Gajeel. 'Soon Juvia, just wait a little longer for me till I get my head on straight.'

Some more months passed since Natsu and Erza became a couple, along with getting married. It was finally time for Erza to give birth to a beautiful baby girl. Natsu on the other hand was a groveling mess on the floor, trying to get any sort of blood flow back into his hand that his wife squeezed the life out of with a death grip. The knight looked down at the bundle in her arms with a warm smile, lifting her finger to which the baby took in it's small hand, gripping it tightly. Their daughter had a small head of pink hair, some would believe it was a spitting image of a female Natsu, but Erza could see their daughter shared some of her looks.

Natsu had finally lifted himself off the floor with a small groan, his mate giving him an apologetic smile to which he dismissed with a smile of his own. His eyes landed on the bundle wrapped tightly in a blanket. "Come on Natsu," Erza gestured him over with a smile. "Come meet your daughter."

The dragon slayer gave a nod, walking over to his wife's bedside. He leaned over to meet his daughters gaze, onyx looking into onyx. He smiled softly, reaching out his finger to which the baby happily took. "She's... she's beautiful Erza. May I?"

"Of course," Erza reached over to gently place the little bundle in his arms as his hand supported her head. "Be careful with her, she's very fragile," his wife chided softly with a small tired grin.Natsu's eyes lowered to the bundle in his arms, grinning ear to ear, showing off his fangs. "Hi there.. I'm your daddy, I'll take good care of you," he leaned his head down to gently press it against her head with a smile. "And protect you from anything that dares bring you or your mother harm."

Erza's eyes shone, tearing up heavily at Natsu's words. 'He's grown up so much...'

"What are we going to name her?" Natsu asked, turning his attention towards his wife with a warm smile.

Erza sat back in her cot, putting a finger to her chin in pensive thought. A smile made it's way across her lips. "How do you feel about Irene? Irene Igneel Dragneel."

Natsu's eyes widened for a moment, before replacing the shock with a bright grin. "Your mother would feel honored to share our daughters name. Along with Igneel, thank you," he turned his attention back to the small bundle in his arms. With a large toothy grin, he leaned down to kiss the top of his daughter's head.

"Welcome to the family Irene Dragneel."

A couple years passed by. In that time Natsu passed the S-Class trials with flying colors. In no time, he was going on S-Class quests, his team except for Erza joining. She had to stay back and take care of their daughter Irene. Natsu promised he'd take care of her and their daughter, that's a promise a father and a husband never breaks. As much as she wanted to go on adventures with Natsu like they once did, she didn't regret the life she lived now. Irene was her whole world, and more. Natsu and Erza were not the worst first timer parents, having many people give them as much advice they could possibly have. Erza absorbed everything, unlike Natsu who's brain short circuited.

But, with all bright days there will be dark. When prosperity comes, so does tragedy. Natsu had just returned from his S-Class quest with his team. Everyone welcomed them back with smiles, including Erza who gave her husband a quick peck on the lips. Natsu noticed his daughter, kneeling down with a large grin. "Come to papa!"

Irene ran over to her daddy as fast as her little legs could take her, giggling and laughing happily as she bounded into her father's arms. She babbled on with no coherent words, until she found the right words. "Dada dada!"

Natsu's eyes shot wide open, becoming slightly slack jawed as he eyed his wife. "Did she just?"

"She did," Erza puffed her chest out with a prideful smile. "She's been saying mama and Dada all day. My baby girl is growing up so fast!" She then cried, wiping her tears. "Time is flying by..."

"Heh... yeah," Natsu scratched under his slight stubble that had made it's way on his baby face. His hair was slightly longer, but still maintained that spikey look Erza adored.

"Guys!" Mira pushed out of the infirmary, running down the steps before stopping in front of the huge group. "It's master! H-he doesn't have much longer!"

Without more words to be said Natsu bounded the second floor steps, holding tightly onto his daughter, Erza following right behind him along with Gray, Lucy, Happy and Laxus, being Makarov was his grandfather. The small group of mages entered the infirmary with deep frowns, some already close to tearing up. In all honesty they saw this coming. Makarov's health had begun to decline over the years to the point he was put on permanent bed rest per Porlyusica's order.

The dragon woman herself gestured them over, nearly on the brink of tears herself. It may of never seemed like it, but she cared deeply for the old fool of a man that was Makarov Dreyer. "Come children, he doesn't have much more time..."

Laxus made front of the group, getting down on one knee in front of his bed, tearing up as he noticed his pale grandfather. He could barely keep his eyes open. Through ragged breaths, he spoke in a small whisper. "M-my grandson..."

"I'm here grampa..." The lightning dragon slayers clenched his hand firmly, choking back sobs that threatened to spill out. "I'm here..."

Makarov smiled weakly towards his grandson. "I'm.. I'm so proud of the man you've become. From a cocky, arrogant brat you were, to a strong, confident, headstrong young man... I was happy to see you got your own lady... treat Mira right, ya hear me?"

Even in the darkest moment of this situation Laxus let out a small chuckle. "You can count on that Gramps. Mira would rip my soul out otherwise."

"I.. I don't doubt that..." The frail old man responded before being racked by a coughing fit that concerned all mages present. His half lidded eyes pointed towards Natsu, before he lifted his hand, weakly gesturing the slayer over. Natsu obliged as Laxus moved out of the way. The dragon slayer got down on one knee, haven given Erza their daughter, but she was right behind him. "Y-yeah... gramps?"

Makarov reached from behind him to grab onto a black book, one familiar to many. A rite that came to all guildmasters and those before them. He turned around to place the book on the table with a serious expression, even in his frail condition, Natsu could tell there was something important to be said. "Natsu, I have seen you grow so much within these past few years. Especially stepping up as a parent should for his own children... Irene is one lucky lady to have a wonderful father like you..."

Natsu rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin, a small tint to his cheeks. "I appreciate your words Gramps, more than you possibly know, but why do you have the book for guild masters?"

The old man let out a work chortle, placing his hand on the black book. "Because I have a very important favor I must ask of you, so please entertain this dying old man..."

Almost everyone had tears in their eyes, but none of them dared wipe a single drop from his statement. They knew Makarov couldn't live forever no matter how much they wished for the idea to be true.

Natsu stifled a sob that threatened to leak out of his body. He lowered himself a bit more to the old man's level, nodding his head. "O-of course gramps."

Makarov pushed the book towards Natsu, still having his hand placed on it. "Natsu... as a dying old man's wish I ask you become the next guild master of Fairy Tail..."

Everyone's eyes shot wide open at this statement, becoming completely slack jawed at the idea of Natsu running the guild. As for Erza, she had a sad smile on her face, knowing this was the toughest thing Natsu was going to face. Erza knew he wouldn't say no, it was their masters last wish.

"A-are you serious Gramps? Me?! Why not Laxus?" Natsu frowned softly, trying to reason with the old man. The dragon slayer didn't know the first thing to running a guild.

Makarov shook his head gently, reaching over to grab Natsu's hand with a firm enough grip. "Laxus has his own things to sort out, but you Natsu have excelled so much in life... from an idiotic destructive kid to a kind spirited, firey man who would be the best choice. You're the heart of the guild Natsu..."

"He's right you know," Erza placed a hand on his shoulder with a smile, securing Irene against her hip. "When you dissapeared and left the guild, it's like the guild just fell apart completely at the seams.. most people didn't want to go on missions, do anything, there were no brawls, no laughs, no smiles. We lost our firey dragon slayer."

Natsu let out a deep sigh, lowering his head. His hair shadowed his vision. "I still regret doing that to all of you, I've tried everything in my power to make it up to all of you..."

"And you have Natsu," Makarov reached out to touch his shoulder with a weak smile, but there was still warmth left in the frail old man. "So.. I'll ask again. Will you become the next master of Fairy Tail?..."

Natsu raised his head, clenching his fist tightly before he lifted his hand to place it on the book. "I would never go against your wishes master... yes.. I will take on the role of guild master..."

The old man nodded his head with a small weak grin. "T-then follow my words... I.. m-Makarov Dreyer... relinquish title of guild master to the ninth in place... Natsu Dragneel..."

"I-I... Natsu Dragneel.." Natsu gritted his teeth tightly together, tears flowing from his eyes, taking a deep breath before continuing. "H-humbly accept the title of guildmaster.. I promise to protect this very guild with my own life... I will lead them out of the darkness.. into the light! That's a promise gramps..." he choked on his sobs. "T-thats a God damn promise..."

Makarov chuckled weakly, handing the book to Natsu before laying back in his bed with a deep breath. "Finally... I can retire... I love you children.. do not weep tears of sadness, but of joy for all the years we spent together. If I could live forever to look after you brats I would, but life dictates different on the matter..." The old man slowly closed his eyes, uttering his very last words. "Let the spirit of Fairy Tail live on in all of you... always..." his grip completely loosened from Natu's as his breathing completely stopped.

The whole room burst into sobs. Wendy clutched onto Lucy who hugged the sky dragon slayer tight to her chest. Gray completely lost it, gripping his hand tightly on the bed, nearly bending the metal. Erza stood next to Natsu, letting her tears flow as Irene whimpered against her mother. Natsu stared at the lifeless form of someone that was a parent, a teacher of guidance that always looked after all of them through their darkest days. "Thank you Gramps..." he stood up off the floor, resting the old man's hands against his chest in a cross. "May you rest in piece... tell Mavis we said hi... tell everyone that has passed into the beyond that we can't wait to see them again..." even in a soft spoken voice, Natsu was breaking slowly but shortly.

The dragon slayer lifted the small old man into his arms with an unreadable expression. He turned around and slowly walked out of the infirmary, the others following his lead. As soon as his feet at the end of the steps everyone sharply gasped at the lifeless form in Natsu's grasp.

"I-is he?" Mira was about to ask, but when Natsu nodded his head she broke down almost immediately, sobbing away the pain that they feared would come eventually.

"I have an announcement to make..." Natsu spoke, looking over the entirety of his guild with a deep sigh. "Gramps.. gramps had one dying wish... and it's that I become the ninth guild master of Fairy Tail."

Everyone's eyes shot wide open at the last statement, gawking at Natsu who couldn't look them all in the eye. "I-if you you an issue with this decision then say it now..."

"I don't have an issue with it," Gajeel spoke, standing up from his spot. "If it was the old man's last wish then we better respect his final decision. I put my faith in Natsu as you all should."

Cana stepped up with a sad smile. "I don't have a problem with it either. We await your orders... master."

Natsu stood there, staring at all of the guild members who stood up, pledging their undying allegiance to their new guild master. Mira had done the same as did the group standing behind him. He couldn't help but smile at all of them, tears flowing from his eyes as Erza stood next to his side. Laxus stepped away to face him with a sad smile. "What's your first order master?"

"We give this old man in my arms a proper burial, fitting of a Fairy Tail wizard," Natsu said as he slowly walked towards the exit, many following right behind him. He knew this wouldn't be easy for anyone, especially him. But he made a promise to his parent.

And he intended on keeping it.

Ten long years had long since passed. Makarov's funeral had taken place a day after his death, Natsu taking the lead on the whole thing. He built a tombstone that was engraved with the Fairy Tail symbol along with the wizard saints. To his surprise, members of the council attended, paying their respects to the old man before Natsu received news he never thought to be humanly possible.

Natus was given the title of wizard saint due to defeating Jura in their duel, on top of losing Makarov. He wasn't given a choice but to accept the title. Gray wasn't even jealous like he would be that Natsu acquired all of these titles. He was proud of him, beyond it. Natsu really stepped up as guild master, much to many people's surprise. But even with all the titles in the world, came the stress of it all.

Erza barely seen the dragon slayer due to his work with the council, and the guild. But Natsu always tried his best to make time, especially at night when Irene would sleep. They would lay on their couch, snuggled up to each other, enjoying each other's presence and warmth. But she could see the toll it was taking on her husband. He barely slept, barely ate. Some part of her could be led to believe that he was swallowed in guilt from everything.

Irene was worried about her father as well. She knew he had a huge responsibility as guild master, but she could see it was affecting her mom. Even with the smiles given, she could see sadness in her mother's eyes. But with enough talking Erza perked up when it came to her daughter.

Laxus tried his best to alleviate the stress the best he could off of Natsu, with the help of Mira and Levy. But they could see Natsu was going down the same path as Makarov. The once firey expression in his eyes was dwindling, but he always found reasons to give them his signature grin. Natsu told them not to worry about him, but they couldn't help but do so.

The morning rose over the horizon, highlighting a woman with scarlet hair who laid in bed. A white scaley scarf was wrapped around her neck as her face was nestled into it, the scent of her lover being the comfort she desperately needed. Her door cracked open to reveal a small little girl with long flowing pink hair. She wore a black vest similar to her father, letting a small toothy grin grace her lips. Irene walked up to her mother's bed, reaching out to gently shake the woman who groaned in annoyance. "Mommy, it's time to get up."

Erza groaned softly in her slumber, slowly sitting up to rub her eyes. She had grown out her hair slightly, bangs covering her right eye. With a yawn, stretching out her limbs, her attention went to her daughter with a warm smile. "Good morning Irene, how did my little girl sleep?"

"I slept good mommy!" The little girl beamed bright with a toothy grin. "Let's get ready and go see daddy! I'm sure he's waiting on us."

Erza smiled softly, ruffling her daughter's pink locks that elicited a giggle from the child. "Of course, can't have daddy waiting too long. We must be on time."

Erza slowly got out of bed, walking out of the room towards the kitchen with a yawn. A lot had changed with Natsu and Erza's home in the years. It was no longer a small hut that looked like an amateur carpenter had attempted to make it. The floors were replaced with a solid wooden foundation, new furniture was bought, along with a remodeling to the kitchen, bedroom and living room, Including a spare room that was created for Irene.

After finishing breakfast and brushing both of their hairs. Erza re-quipped into her silver heart kreuz armor as her daughter sheathed a tiny blade on her side that was given to her by her mother. The duo slowly made their way to the guild, waving at many civilians that greeted them with smiles. Erza noticed the guildhall up ahead with a nostalgic smile. The hall had not changed much, other than replacing old wood, or the banner.

They stopped in front of the large wooden door. Erza turned to her daughter with a small grin. "Go ahead sweety, just like daddy used to."

Irene couldn't help but giggle in excitement, lifting her foot to kick open the guild door. "We're here!" She announced with a happy giggle, many of the members cheering for their arrival.

"Irene!" A boy about her age ran up to her to tackle her in a hug. His hair was short, the royal blue locks covering part of his face with a grin. Irene sported a deep blush, hugging the boy back. "H-hey Simon."

Erza smiled softly at the little kids, patting her daughters head. "Go off and play sweety, mommy is gonna go talk to aunty Mira."

"Okay!" Irene ran off with the boy Simon, meeting up with the other kids. There were two others. A skinny boy with raven black hair like his father, but had the eyes of his rain woman mother. He wore a black t-shirt with black pants, but like his father he developed a bad habit of stripping his clothes off. His name was Cole Fullbuster. The other was a little girl with blue spikey long hair, wearing a small black dress with sandles that showed her white pristine fangs, and her blood red irises with black pupils. Her name was Amelia.

Erza slowly made her way over to the bar top with a smile, taking a seat. "Good morning Mira."

The barmaid that had her long grown out hair tied in the back, wearing a long yellow dress. She had a small bump on her stomach with a beaming smile. "Good morning Erza! The usual?"

"Yes please," her eyes focused onto the second floor with a deep frown. "Has he left the office at all?"

Mira immediately frowned at the question, shaking her head with a sigh. "He's been up there all morning. I'm really starting to worry what this is all doing to him."

"It was a huge responsibility to take on all by himself, even with all of your help," The knight ran a hand through her scarlet hair, rubbing her tired eyes. "I just hope he's okay..."

The sound of glass breaking caught all of their attention. Erza turned to see Irene with her fists ignited into flames, Cole in a familiar stance, radiating ice off of his body. In a pure accident Irene dodged an ice lance from Cole that flew straight into... the masters office. Everyone froze on contact with wide eyes.

"We're so dead..." Cole paled as a familiar heat crept onto his skin.

Many members of the guild began to sweat under the pressure, fanning their faces. Mira nervously chuckled. "Oh dear..."

Erza turned her head up to the second floor. The master's office flew open, flames escaping the room as a man with long pink locks walked out. A bit of stubble decorated his face. There were dark circles under his eyes, but the glare he had made every take a mental step back out of pure fear. Hell even Gray was scared that Natsu's glare rivaled Erza's. "Who... the hell sent the ice attack Into my office?!" Natsu's voice boomed around the room, his flames becoming much brighter and stronger, whirling around his body.

His eyes landed on Cole who immediately grew pale at the sight. Natsu leaped off the balcony, landing on the main floor. Many members backed away from his wrath, even Erza knew to step aside. Punishment must be dealt to trouble makers. Natsu slowly walked up to Cole who looked at his dad for any sort of help.

"You did it buddy, own up to it," Gray stated simply.

Natsu stopped in front of Cole, glaring daggers down at the poor boy who could nearly faint at the amount of power surging off his master. "Cole... what did I fucking say about fighting with my daughter?" He asked calmly, but there was edge to it.

"I-im sorry Master! We were just horsing around and Irene dodged my attack!" Cole exclaimed, trying to make reason that it wasn't just his fault.

"But you were the one who threw the attack, am I wrong Cole?"

Irene stepped up next to Cole, bowing her head in respect to her father. "It's my fault for moving daddy... if I didn't move then we wouldn't of damaged your office. Please forgive our behavior."

Erza beamed in pride that her daughter followed by her example of respect to their master. Her eyes landed on Natsu who's eyes softened to his little girl. With a exasperated sigh, he released his aura, the temperature returning back to normal. "Thank you for being an adult about it, and owning up to your mistakes. But Cole you're on thin ice. One more brawl with my daughter and you don't want to find out. I may have done the same with your dad, but there must be balance in this guild to maintain it."

'You're already starting to sound like him' Many of the members thought with smiles.

"Yes master... I promise if we brawl it'll be outside the guild, and in an area we won't do any property damage," Cole bowed his head to Natsu who gentle ruffled the boys hair with a small toothy grin. "Good, now run along and play."

Cole took off towards his parents, leaving Irene in front of her father. Natsu lowered his body to her height with a smile, gently ruffling her pink locks with a smile. "You remind me so much of your mother Irene. Strong, kind, determined and a woman with the heart of a warrior, bleeding with conviction. I'm so proud of you sweety."

Irene beamed in praise of her fathers words, walking over to hug the man who returned it in kind.

"Can I join that hug?"

Natsu and Irene turned their heads towards Erza who smiled warmly at the two. "Of course honey, come here," he pulled his wife into the hug, holding his precious family dearly to his chest. "I'm sorry I've been so absent and busy. I promise I'll try to do better..."

"It's a lot of work being a guild master huh?" Erza asked with a teasing grin to which her husband chuckled softly in response. "That it is."

Natsu stood back up, facing his guild with a toothy grin. "Thank you all for supporting me in being your master. Without it, I don't think I would've made it this far."

"It was no problem Natsu. Makarov wished this, we weren't gonna let him down," Gray replied with a wide grin. "You've done a good job man, but try to take it easy before you end up in the same position gramps was."

"They're right Natsu. I know this whole thing has been stressful for you. If you need time away, don't hesitate to ask, even a master deserves time off," Laxus crossed his arms over his chest with a joyful grin. "My gramps would be proud of you. We all are."

Natsu stared at all of his family with slight tears, immediediately wiping them away. "You guys... I love this family. But as your guild master," he pulled out a big stack of papers from his coat, slapping them down on the bar counter. "Can we try to to limit property destruction! This guild isn't made of jewels!"

The whole guild burst out laughing at his comment, commencing a daily brawl. "That won't ever happen Natsu!" Elfman roared, throwing a member onto a table that cracked under the pressure. "This is the most destructive guild, that's why we're number one!"

"I-im gonna die at an early age!" Natsu cried as the guild continued to roar in cheers and laughter. The dragon slayer took a seat at the bar, face planting with a groan. "Now I know exactly how gramps felt... I wanna retire," he wined as the two women next to him giggled.

"Sorry Natsu, but thirty is too early to retire," Mira patted the man on the shoulder in sympathy, causing the man to groan.

Erza affectionately rubbed up and down his back, kissing his cheek. "If you need a break, just say so Natsu. They'd understand. But," she lifted his head to meet her gaze that he immediately melted under. "Don't think you gotta take the whole world on your shoulders. We're here to support you in this. Look around you."

Natsu turned his head around to look at the ongoing brawl. All members had nothing but smiles, and grins along with the children. "Look at what you've done thus far. You've kept Fairy Tail prospering for this long. That's something to be proud of, take pride in it and know you're doing an amazing job."

Natsu turned to his wife, placing a gentle kiss on her lips with a grin. "What could I ever do without you?"

"A question best left unanswered."

Natsu turned his attention to the guildhall with a smile. Maybe they were right, maybe just maybe.

He was doing a good job.

I struggled so damn hard on finding a perfect time to end the story. I know I could've just time skipped the events and got to this, but this was much more fitting. You could honestly say a sequel could come out of this fic. But you know not every story needs another. I'll leave it up to you guys. Please leave reviews if that honestly interests you, and I'll consider it.

I really hope you guys loved this story as much as I liked writing it. But my work is always far from done ;). As always I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you guys in the next one. Later :)

Ultra Side Note: Here are some stories that are in the works, or being planned. I'd like you guys opinion.

Natsu and the gang stumble upon a cave during a job. What becomes a simple job, becomes life and death as their beloved dragon slayer is killed, or so they thought. Now recovered from the incident Natsu begins changing, mentioning a system that he must level up and become stronger. (Solo Leveling Fairy Tail Crossover)

Natsu is taken by the magic council under the crimes of mass genocide. The guild is distraught by this news, especially Erza. But the saying goes. "Everything is not what it appears." Team Natsu comes together with Crime Sorciere to uncover the truth. Natsu's life is on the line, and time is running out. Will they uncover the real truth? Or will Natsu be meeting an early grave? Find out.

The summaries need slight tweaks, but overall that's what I have. For Natza One-Shots for The Forks In Our Path I have a really cute one-shot that involves kid Erza and Natsu. Stay tuned for it.

Peace out