A week had passed since my first instance dungeon. In that time, I could feel it. The more daily quests I completed, the stronger I was becoming, physically and mentally. Erza was growing concerned about my condition. She would ask me questions about our mission and what happened after they had escaped. I always told her I didn't know, but I said not to worry about me. But I knew better that she wouldn't not worry.

Ever since we've become a couple. The stern, bossy Erza Scarlet was growing soft under my presence. Granted, if you interrupted her enjoyment of strawberry cake, you'll be leaving the guild in a cast. But not me, she would even offer me a slice which floored the whole guild, even I was flabbergasted by the offer. But I still love her, that wouldn't ever change, but I couldn't help but feel the longer this lie went on, the worse It was going to turn out when the truth comes out.

What would the guild say? Would I belived to be insane? An imposter of Natsu Dragneel. What... what would Erza say? She trusts me with her heart, something I know doesn't come lightly to most people. It took her years to put her trust in me and Gray. Would she be dissapointed? Upset I hid this from her? My heart throbbed at the thought, but I pushed it to the back of my mind at the time.

Over time I got a proper grasp on this power. The more monsters I killed, the more loot, the more levels I successfully achieved in my goal of becoming stronger. But with those levels came achievements, or titles as they were mentioned.

I had taken a solo mission to a small village north of Crocus. A pack of were beasts were terrorizing, slaughtering farmers' cattle. There wasn't much of a reward for the request, but I didn't care. Natsu Dragneel would never let anyone suffer in a situation he could possibly fix. The mayor had informed me that the beasts only struck at night, so I waited till nightfall. Being solo was pretty boring for the most part, I wondered how Erza did this constantly. When the beasts struck, I made my move. The beasts proved to be weak, only stronger in their packs. I barely had to use an ounce of my magic, which was surprising to the witnesses who saw me fight the beasts. It felt unreal to me to be this strong. I dreamed of being this strong since I was a kid, so I could find my father Igneel. But most importantly, I wanted, no, I needed to beat Erza. She became my biggest rival, no matter how many times I lost to her, I never stopped trying. I had to prove to her I was strong enough to take on any threat, then maybe she would notice me.

Her eyes were always elsewhere. On... him. Jellal was the distraction that always got in my way of winning Erza's heart. I truly believed she would always pick him, but to my surprise, she picked me.

When the beasts were slain, a window had appeared notifying me of a new title I aquired. Beast Hunter was my new title. According to what the screen showed me, I now did 20% more damage to beasts. This ability was constantly evolving in front of my eyes. It truly terrified me to think if someone else would've aquired this power. Especially one hungry for this never-ending flow of power. I wasn't sure if this was truly magic at play anymore.

This felt otherworldly. From the creatures, the weapons, the items I aquired. The leader of the village tearfully thanked me for my assistance. Those beasts had taken his precious daughter away from him, which only angered me. Those creatures deserved worse than what I did to them. Even if they were just broken corpses in a pile. He tried to give me my reward, but I refused, told him to take care of his villagers. They needed the jewel more than I did.

Since I was close to Crocus, I paid the new Queen a visit. Hisuei had done a great deal in her short time of being the new ruler. Peace had been restored with Fiore and Alvarez. It felt like so long ago since I fought my brother. Even if he was twisted by his curse, he was still my brother by blood. The only family I had, besides Igneel who I saw as my real father.

I was greeted by the guards with open arms and smiles. Even the queen herself made her presence known, thankful the rumors of my death were false. Too think I was believed to be dead, even in that short amount of time.

She invited me to dinner, but I kindly declined. Erza would have a fit if I wasn't back on time. But that's what I loved about her. Even if sometimes I felt she was coddling me, I wouldn't refuse her care and love. The queen was sad to see me go so soon, but I promised I'd visit again in the future. So I departed, walking through the calm streets of Crocus. My eyes glanced over to a clothing store, staring down at my ragged vest with a sigh.

Maybe it was time to change my wardrobe.

Erza took a bite of her strawberry cake, humming happily to herself. She couldn't help but feel like a beaming sunlight. Natsu was the best thing that ever happened to her. As much as she cared for Jellal, Natsu was the man of her heart. She remembered the conversation she shared with the Azure mage. He was happy for her, wishing her the best with Natsu. It made her happy to know life was becoming so much brighter when she's always known darkness.

"Someone is real chipper," Mira cooed with a giggle, taking a cloth to wipe off a glass before putting it away with a smile. "Any particular reason?"

Erza rolled her eyes at her rivals antics. "Is it a problem that I'm in a good mood?"

"Not at all! It's nice to see you so happy, Erza. I truly mean that," the bar maid smirked gently, crossing her arms over her bountiful chest. "Doesn't mean I won't tease you just a little bit."

"I suppose that's fair," the knight replied with a small chuckle, slipping the last piece of her cake into her mouth, dabbing away the excess icing that was on her lips. "Natsu just makes me so happy, nothing more I can say than that," Erza let out a dreamy sigh. "He just makes my heart feel so full."

Mira giggled with a small smile, gracing her lips. "My, my, you are head over heels for Natsu. It's beyond adorable!"

"That flame breather better make it back soon," Gray scoffed with an irritated sigh. "It's been forever since we've been on a mission. I'm itching for a fight."

"I'm gonna need rent soon," Lucy wined, rubbing her face with a deep sigh. Her land lady had "kindly" informed her of her rent being due soon. The poor blond had to be heavily scolded for being so irresponsible with her jewels.

Wendy chuckled at the depressing aura surrounding Lucy, gently patting the blond on the head. "I'm sure he'll be back soon, Lucy. Don't worry too much."

"What was the request Natsu took again, Mira?" Erza, out of curiosity, feeling impatient, her boyfriend had yet arrived back home.

Mira pulled out a large book, flipping through the pages with a small hum till she stopped, grazing her finger along the paper with narrowed eyes. "Let's see... ah! There it is. He took a request from a small village north of Crocus. Says they had issues with some werebeasts. Ranked B, the reward was pretty small too for the task.

"Why would he take such an easy job?" The young scarlet knight frowned in pensive thought. "Usually, he picks the most challenging ones."

Mira could only shrug, closing the book before putting it away. "Maybe he just wanted to help the villagers. They seemed pretty desperate, according to the details from the villages' leader."

"Well, he better hurry his ass up," Gray grumbled under his breath.

Just then, the doors to the guild opened up to reveal Natsu, who stood with a small grin on his face. "I'm back!"

Erza turned towards the sound swiftly. Her cheeks grew as red as his hair at his new appearance. Mira herself couldn't help but blush herself. Both women had to admit he looked absolutely handsome.

Natsu stood there with a confused look on his face, noticing the lack of sound from anyone. Their eyes were planted on the dragon slayer who grew nervous from their gawking eyes. He now wore a skin-tight black sweater that showed off his abs perfectly, along with a pair of black pants and boots. His signature scaley scarf was tightly wrapped around his neck, flowing from behind him. His spiky hair had grown flatter, more matted down like it would if he was caught out in the rain. But what caught them most off guard about his appearance is the fact he had grown much taller, not significantly by any means, but a big noticeable difference. Uh... is everyone okay?" He asked, his voice much deeper, less gravel in his tone.

Macao whistled in approval, a big grin on the older man's face. "Looking good, Natsu! Trying to impress a certain scarlet beauty?" He shot the confused a knowing wink.

"Oh... heh," Natsu chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Just thought it was time for a change, is all."

Erza stood up from her seat at the bar, walking over towards Natsu with a warm smile he returned in kind. "I think I quite like it. You look much more fierce. Black suits you well," she wrapped her arms around him, giving his lips a small peck, but she had to lean on her tippy toes to reach his lips.

"W-well as long as you approve..." The dragon slayer responded with a small mumble, his cheeks partly tinted pink.

"What happened to you, pinky?" Gray asked with a raised brow, joining the couple. "What happened to your hair and height, but why is your voice deeper?"

Natsu shrugged at his rivals question, holding his girlfriend close to his chest with a smirk. "Maybe it's from all my training. I'm growing up compared to you stripper."

"I will kick your ass flame-breath. Doesn't matter what changes about you, I'll beat your ass into the ground."

The ice mage froze, feeling a familiar knight's icy cold glare that promised death. "You lay a finger on my boyfriend, Gray. And you will face a punishment worse than master could ever give... are we understood?"

"C-crystal clear, mam!"

"Good," Erza's smile returned before she turned to Natsu, interlocking her hand with his. "Now that you've returned, we can go on a mission together, all of us as a team. It's been a while since our last."

Natsu couldn't help but grin, shining his fangs that reflected off the light. "Sounds good to me. Guessing Lucy desperately needs rent?"

"How did he know?!" The blonde screeched with comical tears. "Am I really that predictable?!"

Erza giggled in response, covering her mouth with her gauntlet. "You could say that."

"Well, I'm ready when you all are," Natsu replied, giving his girlfriend a kiss on the top of the head. "I'll meet you all at the train station," he let go of Erza to turn around to walk out, before feeling his hand be snatched by the same girl he had let go of.

"A-actually Natsu, could you help me pack?"

Natsu raised his brow in confusion. Erza had never needed assistance in packing. She would typically pack quite literally everything on a large cart she pulled along with her. He always found the idea silly, but nobody would dare question Erza's ways unless they want put in the infirmary for a week. "Sure, I'll help you out!"

"Wonderful! Let us go then," before the rose hair colored mage could react, his arm was snatched in a death grip, being drug out the guild doors, his shouts of protest falling on deaf ears.

"Hah! He's whipped already," Gray snickered before being smacked upside the head by Mira. "Ow! What the hell was that for?!"

"At least he has a girl unlike you. Juvia is waiting patiently for a certain someone to accept her affections," she pointed towards Juvia, whose head dipped behind one of the pillars with a deep blush.

Gray could only grumble, turning his attention elsewhere. "Yeah.. yeah.. let's get ready for the mission, Lucy, Wendy!" He called out to his teammates, who immediately stood up from their seats, following him out of the guild. Happy and Carla were the last to follow the group, snickering to themselves.

"That ice boy is so stubborn!" Mira mouth curved into a pout as her siblings could only laugh at the poor match making bar maid.

"Erza, slow down! What's the rush in packing?" Natsu questioned in protest, noticing the woman's cheeks grow really flushed from his comments. Suddenly, she stopped to turn towards him, her cheeks becoming red as a tomato as she sheepishly looked away from him.

"I... I just want to spend some alone time with you before we go on our mission. I-is there an issue with that?" Erza asked, rubbing her shoulder, biting her lip with a nervous blush.

Natsu smiled softly, taking a hold of her hand. 'She must've been really lonely without me. I have been taking a lot of missions on my own lately. Can't be helped, though.' His other hand gently caressed her cheek. "Of course, there isn't an issue with that, Erza. You are my girlfriend after all, you have a right to alone time with me. Just ask me, you know I'll gladly accept your company always."

Erza couldn't help but smile at his reassuring words. A gentle sigh escaped her lips as she leaned up to capture his lips. "You always know what to say to calm my nerves. I'm sorry... I'm just not used to feeling this.. vulnerable around anyone."

Feeling a hand slip under her chin, he tilted her head to meet his loving, warm, passionate gaze that made her heart practically skip a beat. "I know it's a strange feeling for you. You've always hidden behind that armor, but the only thing I want you to hide behind is me, Erza. I will protect your heart with everything I have. I won't take it for granted, I won't bring harm to it. You deserve nothing but love in this world. I just hope I can accomplish that task for you..."

"Natsu..."

"I love you, Erza, so damn much. I know I've been nothing but a childish pain in the ass in the past," he chuckled at that comment, running a hand through his hair. "But I'm trying to be more mature, especially for you."

Erza cupped his cheeks with the biggest smile on her lips. The sunlight beamed off her body, which made her practically glow, leaving Natsu breathless. She was the most beautiful woman he's ever known. His heart belonged to her, and her heart for him.

"As much as I appreciate you trying to grow, please don't change every part of you. I want to be with that childish man I've grown to love all these years, but some self growth would do you some good. I'm so proud of you, Natsu. So proud of the man you've become. You've made me the happiest woman in Fiore," Erza spoke softly, leaning up to him, her arms wrapped around his neck. "I can't wait to spend more years with you."

Natsu gently cupped her cheek, capturing her lips. There wasn't anything he could say left. His actions spoke louder than words. His arms wrapped around her waist, feeling the gleaming armor she once wore disappear. Her body pressed into his, melting into his embrace, humming happily into the kiss. Even with this unknown power that had its small control over him. As long as he had Erza in his life, supporting him with her never-ending love. He knew one thing, no matter what happens in the future.

He will love this woman for the rest of his life. As long as there was breath in his lungs, he would never stop fighting. Using this power, just maybe. A happy ending could be in his reach.

So as long as he keeps leveling up.

Natsu Dragneel Level: 15

STR: 58

AGIL: 24

VIT: 34

SENS: 30

INT: 25

I know this chapter probably feels lackluster content wise, probably boring even. I'm sorry, my heart just wasn't in it today like it usually is. But I hope you enjoyed it regardless. Next time, Natsu's team takes on a mission. Just how much has Natsu grown in strength compared to the beginning? Let's just say you won't be disappointed. Gray will be pissed, Erza and the others will be left in awe.

For now that's all I have for now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you in the next one. Later :)