Embers of Fate

by HybridEclipse

An ancient realm, the first realm, everything ties back to it, everything returns to it. Natsu Dragneel -A Human? Not so much? A Dragon? Closer. A God? Closer. A Demon? Or a Devil? Ancient beings resurface after a small period of peace and quiet. Admit inferiority and perish? Or rise above?

2. Chapter 2

Chapter-2: Charming Secrets

Next Day

Early in the morning, Erza walked toward the guild hall, a calm smile on her face from the previous night's events. She opened the doors to the guild, only to find Mira already there. Makarov was probably in his office.

"Hey, Erza," Mira greeted her before adding a playful smile, "How was your date?"

"It was lovely," Erza responded with a smile.

"Details, Erza! I need all the juicy details!" Mira said, practically bouncing in her seat.

The corner of Erza's mouth twitched as she took a seat at the bar, trying to remain composed. "It was a simple evening, Mira," she said, her tone calm, but with an underlying warmth. "We went to dinner, talked, and watched the stars. There's not much more to it."

Mira raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with that answer. "Simple? A date with Natsu, and you're telling me it was just 'simple'? Come on, you have to give me more than that."

Erza paused, trying to find the right words. Her mind drifted back to last night, to the kiss they'd shared, and a small smile tugged at her lips despite her efforts to keep it controlled. "It was... nice. Different. I wasn't expecting it to feel that way."

Mira's eyes widened, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh, I see! It was that kind of date, huh? How was the kiss?"

Erza's cheeks flushed slightly as she picked up her mug, not meeting Mira's eyes. "I... I don't know. It felt natural. But I didn't expect it to happen."

Mira leaned in, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "So, are you two a thing now?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

Erza sighed, trying to hide the smile creeping onto her face. "I'm not sure. But it's... something I'm thinking about."

Mira clapped her hands together, thrilled. "Erza, this is so exciting! You two are gonna be adorable together! Just make sure to keep me updated, okay?"

Erza chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I will. But for now, let's focus on the guild and work. There's still a lot to be done."

Mira laughed and poured herself a drink. "Of course, of course. But I'm definitely going to need all the details later!"

Just then, the doors to the kitchen swung open, and Natsu walked in, looking slightly disheveled as usual, but his usual grin plastered on his face when he saw Erza. "Hey, Erza," he called, walking over to the bar.

Erza gave him a small smile. "Good morning, Natsu."

Mira leaned forward, eyeing the two of them. "Well, well, looks like the lovebirds are here. So, Natsu, how was your night?" she asked, her voice dripping with mischief.

Natsu blinked at her, clearly confused for a moment, before his face lit up in realization. "Oh, yeah! It was good! We talked a lot, and... well, it was fun." He scratched the back of his head, looking a little awkward.

Mira snickered. "You're so good at dodging questions, Natsu. But I'm sure Erza will fill me in on all the juicy details."

Natsu blinked, glancing at Erza, his face turning a little red. "Uh... what is she talking about, Erza?"

Erza just smiled, keeping her answer vague. "Nothing to worry about, Natsu." She shot a playful glance at Mira. "We'll see how things go."

Mira raised her glass in a mock toast. "I'm counting on you, Erza. You two make a great pair."

Natsu scratched his head, still a bit confused, but smiled back at Erza. "Right. Well, anyway, I'm gonna go raid Mira's kitchen for something to eat. I'll see you in a few!"

Erza nodded, her smile softening as she watched him head toward the kitchen.

"Oh, how cute—WAIT! RAID MY KITCHEN? STAY AWAY FROM MY KITCHEN, NATSU—oh, he's gone by now…" Mira groaned. "Could you like, stop him?"

"And how would I stop Natsu from eating?" Erza asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A make-out session?" Mira suggested with a wink.

Erza blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly at Mira's suggestion. "A make-out session?" she repeated, her voice almost a whisper. She quickly shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. "Mira, you can't be serious."

Mira leaned back in her chair, grinning mischievously. "Hey, you never know! Maybe it's the perfect way to distract him from raiding my kitchen. But seriously, you two make such a cute pair. I can see the chemistry."

Erza's smile softened, but her thoughts turned inward as she thought about the night before. "It's still... new," she said, her voice thoughtful. "We're just figuring things out."

Mira raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, yeah, but you like him, right? You don't have to say anything, but it's obvious."

Erza looked down at her drink for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I do. But I'm not sure where it's going yet. It was our first date."

"Then start planning the next one, girl!" Mira encouraged with a wide grin.

Erza glanced up at Mira, a hint of surprise in her eyes at the suggestion. "Planning the next one already?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement. "It's only been one date, Mira."

Mira waved her hand dismissively, grinning. "So? You can't just stop at one. Besides, the first date is just the beginning. The next one could be even better, right?"

Erza smiled softly, feeling a flutter in her chest at the thought. "I suppose you're right. It was... nice. But I'm not rushing anything."

"Of course not," Mira teased, "but you have to admit, there's something between you two. The way you look at each other? It's pretty obvious."

Erza's smile softened as she thought about the way Natsu had looked at her the night before, the warmth and sincerity in his eyes. She hadn't expected it, but it felt good, and it felt real.

"Maybe," she murmured. "But we'll see. I want to take my time and make sure it's something we both want."

Mira nodded, her playful grin fading into something a little more understanding. "Take your time, but don't wait too long. Life's short, Erza."

Erza's gaze lingered on her friend for a moment before she nodded, her thoughts turning inward. Maybe Mira was right. Maybe she had been too cautious, too focused on what she should do instead of what felt right. But for now, she was content to let things unfold naturally.

"Thanks, Mira," she said softly, her voice full of gratitude.

Mira gave her a wink. "No problem, girl. Just don't wait too long, or I might have to step in and give Natsu a little push."

Erza couldn't help but laugh at the thought, her heart feeling lighter. "I'll keep that in mind."

Just then, the doors of the kitchen swung open, and Natsu walked in, a huge grin on his face as he spotted Erza. "Hey! You two talking about me again?"

Mira leaned back in her chair, her mischievous smile returning. "Not at all. We were just planning your next date with Erza."

"Oh? I know a nice waterfall, if you want to have a picnic. I was gonna ask you later?" Natsu said, his grin widening.

Mira put her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her excitement. "How cute! See? He was already planning the next date!"

Erza blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat at Natsu's suggestion. She hadn't expected him to be thinking about it so soon. She looked at him, her expression softening. "A waterfall? That sounds... nice. I'd like that."

Mira let out a dramatic sigh, her tone teasing. "Aww, you two are adorable. I'm loving this!" She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. "I'm starting to think I might need to step back and let you two figure this out on your own. But if you need any advice, just let me know!"

Erza smiled at Natsu, feeling a warmth in her chest at his thoughtfulness. "That sounds lovely," she said, her voice soft but sincere. "I'd love to go."

Mira clapped her hands in excitement. "See? Told you! You two are practically already there. Just don't keep us waiting too long for the next adventure!"

Natsu nodded eagerly, looking relieved at Erza's response. "Great! I'll make sure it's a good one. No raiding the kitchen this time, I promise!"

Erza chuckled, feeling her heart lighten further. "I'll hold you to that."

With that, the conversation drifted back to other matters, but the warmth between Erza and Natsu remained, their unspoken understanding growing stronger. As the day went on, Erza couldn't help but smile, looking forward to whatever the future held for them. She had never expected this kind of connection with Natsu, but now that it was here, she found herself more than willing to see where it would take them.

As the day continued, Erza couldn't help but find herself distracted, her thoughts drifting back to Natsu and the idea of their next date. The peaceful waterfall, the picnic... it felt like a small dream come true. But, at the same time, she knew she didn't want to rush into anything. She had always valued her independence, and she wanted to make sure that what was blossoming between them was real and something they both wanted.

Meanwhile, Natsu was in the kitchen, as usual, rummaging through the cabinets for food. Erza could hear the faint sound of clattering pots and pans as she sat at the bar, trying to focus on the guild's tasks for the day. Mira's teasing remarks kept replaying in her mind, making her smile to herself. She could still feel the warmth of last night's kiss lingering, and the thought of it made her heart flutter.

Mira, ever observant, caught the look on Erza's face and grinned. "You're still thinking about him, aren't you?"

Erza blinked, startled by Mira's comment. "I... I'm just trying to figure things out," she replied, her voice steady, though there was a soft vulnerability in her eyes.

Mira leaned forward, her playful grin softening into something more sincere. "Erza, you deserve to be happy. And if Natsu makes you happy, then go for it. You two already have this... connection. Don't ignore it just because you're unsure of what it means."

Erza took a deep breath, glancing at the kitchen where Natsu was still fumbling around. She knew Mira was right. She couldn't keep holding back forever. It wasn't about rushing into something; it was about letting herself experience what was right in front of her. The uncertainty she had felt before began to fade, replaced by a quiet resolve.

"I'll think about it," Erza said softly, her gaze returning to Mira. "But I won't let it distract me from my responsibilities."

Mira chuckled, her teasing tone returning. "That's the Erza I know. But remember, a little distraction can be a good thing every now and then."

Erza smirked, shaking her head. "I'll keep that in mind."

Just then, Natsu emerged from the kitchen, a large plate of food in hand. "Aha! I found some leftovers!" he said, beaming with pride as he set the plate down in front of Erza.

She raised an eyebrow. "Leftovers, huh? You raided Mira's kitchen again, didn't you?"

"Yeah… I was hungry?"

"I can't understand how you can eat so much."

"Faster metabolism. My Fire Dragon Slayer magic gives me more than just Dragon Fire. A Fire Dragon physiology means my body burns calories and fat, and all other stuff, much, much faster, so I need to eat more. Meat is the best in all categories, so that's why I eat it the most."

Erza blinked, her curiosity piqued. "So that's why you're always eating? Your body burns through everything so quickly?" She took a moment to study him, amused by his explanation.

Natsu nodded eagerly, not at all bothered by his food obsession. "Yep! It's like I'm constantly running on empty, so I have to keep eating to keep up. Plus, meat's the best. I can never get enough of it." He grinned widely, as if he had just revealed the greatest secret of the universe.

Mira, who had been listening in from behind the bar, snickered. "Well, that explains a lot. No wonder you're always raiding my kitchen."

Natsu grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry about that. I'll try to be more subtle next time."

Erza chuckled, shaking her head. "I don't think 'subtle' is really in your vocabulary, Natsu."

He shot her a playful smile. "Hey, at least I'm not setting things on fire in there anymore."

"That's a relief," Mira said dryly, crossing her arms. "But next time, maybe try cooking your own meals?"

"I do... how do you think I survive? I live in a forest; I can't order food every time I'm hungry."

Mira blinked, clearly surprised. "You can cook? I honestly didn't think you had it in you, Natsu."

Natsu shrugged nonchalantly, clearly proud of his abilities. "Well, yeah. It's not rocket science. I mean, I don't need to be a gourmet chef or anything, but I know how to make a good meal when I'm out in the wild. Grilled meat's usually my go-to."

Erza raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Grilled meat? Sounds about right for you."

"Well, it is the healthiest," Natsu added with a grin.

Mira snorted, clearly amused. "Never thought I'd hear you talk about eating healthy, Natsu."

Natsu chuckled. "How else am I supposed to maintain this bod?" He gave a playful gesture toward himself, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Mira raised an eyebrow, clearly ready to tease him. "What bod?" she asked, her grin widening.

In an instant, Natsu yanked off his jacket and threw it aside. His usual loose attire hid his muscular frame, so the reveal was unexpected. Beneath his clothes, Natsu's physique was impressive. His body was lean, but with clearly defined muscles, the result of his Fire Dragon Slayer magic and intense training.

Erza's cheeks flushed as she quickly looked away, trying to hide the slight embarrassment.

Mira, on the other hand, stared at him, wide-eyed. "Wow, I expected some muscles, but not this," she said, her voice full of surprise. "Gods damn, Natsu, you look… how do I even say this?"

Natsu gave a confident smirk, not the least bit self-conscious about the attention. "I know, right? Fire Dragon physiology does wonders." He flexed slightly, giving Mira and Erza a teasing look.

Mira's eyes scanned Natsu's abs, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Oh, you could probably grill meat on those," she joked, laughing at her own comment. Then, she looked him over more thoroughly, her grin widening. "Elfman and Laxus are big, but you? You look like you were carved out of stone. Goddamn it, Natsu, how'd you manage to hide that?"

Natsu smirked, clearly enjoying the attention, but shrugged casually. "Well, I don't exactly wear tight clothes. Don't want to distract you all too much," he said, giving Mira a teasing look. "But you'd be surprised what Fire Dragon Slayer magic does for a guy."

Mira laughed and raised her glass. "Yeah, I guess I didn't expect this when I saw you in your usual baggy outfit." She took a sip from her drink and looked him over again, still impressed. "Honestly, you could probably make a career as a model or something with that body."

Erza, her cheeks still a little flushed, finally took a deep breath and looked back at Natsu. "You really should wear more fitted clothes," she said softly, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "It's not fair to keep that hidden."

Mira grinned. "And that's a third date idea for you! You take Natsu shopping! When Lisanna and I took him for your date, we didn't get to see that, unfortunately."

Erza's cheeks deepened in color as she glanced at Mira, who was practically glowing with mischief.

Erza cleared her throat and tried to regain her composure. "I—I'll consider it," she said, though the teasing smile she couldn't suppress made it clear she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea.

Mira's grin widened, clearly delighted with herself. "Oh, I'm sure Natsu would love to see you pick out clothes for him. Maybe even something... a bit more fitting for those muscles," she added with a wink.

Natsu chuckled. "Maybe, but if it's a date, I should get to pick something for you as well?"

Erza blinked in surprise, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh? You want to pick something for me?" she asked, her tone both teasing and intrigued. "What would you choose for me, Natsu?"

"Who knows? Not me," Natsu said as he finally put his jacket on. "Well, this was fun." He sat down. "Soooo, if the picnic date is on, what till then?"

Erza raised an eyebrow, still smiling at the playful banter. "Well, Natsu, we still have plenty of time before the picnic date. Why don't we focus on getting some work done around the guild for now?" she suggested. "That way we can enjoy the date without worrying about unfinished tasks."

Mira leaned back in her chair, grinning. "I like that idea. Keep things simple for now, right? But, seriously, I'm looking forward to seeing how this all plays out." She winked at Erza, clearly enjoying the idea of the two of them spending more time together.

Natsu nodded enthusiastically, though he didn't look thrilled about the idea of more work. "Yeah, yeah, work first, fun later. But I gotta say, I'm really looking forward to that picnic." His grin widened, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "You better not cancel on me, Erza."

Erza smiled back at him, her expression softening. "I won't. You've got a date with me, Natsu. But don't go getting too ahead of yourself," she teased, her tone playful.

Mira leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sounds like someone's already planning the next date after the picnic," she said with a grin. "You two are definitely gonna be the talk of the guild."

"And pretty sure that's your fault," added Natsu with a chuckle.

"Guilty!" said Mira.

Erza rolled her eyes, though the smile on her face betrayed her amusement. "Mira, you're the one stirring the pot," she said, her voice light but filled with playful exasperation. "But I guess you're right, we're probably going to be the talk of the guild for a while."

Mira shrugged with a grin, unbothered. "Hey, you two make a great couple. Who wouldn't want to talk about it?" She leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying the teasing. "I'm just making sure you don't miss out on anything. You know, a little nudge here and there."

Natsu laughed, shaking his head. "I swear, Mira, you're the biggest troublemaker in this guild. But I guess I can't complain. You got us here, didn't you?" He gave Erza a playful wink.

Erza couldn't help but laugh softly, her gaze shifting to Natsu. "It's not like you're helping," she teased, though her smile softened. "You've got your own way of making things interesting."

"Yes, Natsu Dragneel, the greatest thing since sliced bread, at your service."

Erza raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a smile. "Sliced bread, huh?" she teased, crossing her arms. "I'm not sure if I'm impressed or concerned."

Natsu grinned widely, clearly proud of his self-proclaimed title. "Well, someone has to keep things exciting around here," he said, puffing out his chest in mock seriousness. "And who better than me?"

Mira laughed. "Oh, you two are like a match made in heaven, a Knight and a Dragon."

"Pretty sure the knight is supposed to slay the dragon," added Erza with a smile.

Natsu raised his hand. "Don't know about made in heaven, if anything, I crawled out of hell."

Mira raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Crawled out of hell, huh? That's quite the way to put it, Natsu. I mean, I always knew you were a handful, but that's next level. What? You'll turn into a demon next?"

"A devil, maybe."

"Ah yes, a handsome devil for dear old Erza, eh?" said Mira.

Natsu chuckled at Mira's teasing, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Well, I wouldn't mind being a handsome devil for Erza..." he said with a grin, glancing over at her. "But I'm pretty sure I'm already enough trouble as it is."

Erza's cheeks flushed slightly, but she raised an eyebrow, her expression playful. "A devil, huh? I can handle trouble," she said, her smile growing. "Besides, I think a little chaos makes things interesting."

Mira let out a dramatic sigh, fanning herself with her hand. "Oh, you two are just too cute. I can't stand it. A knight, a dragon, and now a devil? It's like something out of a romance novel."

Natsu looked at Mira with mock horror. "Please, not a romance novel. I'd rather not be stuck in one of those."

Erza chuckled, her tone softening. "Yeah, no romantic clichés for us. We're more... unpredictable."

Mira leaned forward, her mischievous grin returning. "Unpredictable? You two are just like fire and steel—perfectly matched. And maybe just a little bit dangerous."

Natsu laughed, throwing his hands behind his head in that usual carefree way. "Dangerous, huh? I guess that makes things more fun."

Erza glanced at Natsu, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Maybe so. But I think we'll be just fine."

Mira shook her head, her grin widening. "You two are a handful, I swear. But I think you'll figure it out." She raised her glass in a mock toast. "To the devilish duo."

Later,

Later, Laxus, Gajeel, Gray, Elfman, Freed, Bickslow, and even Gildarts, who had happened to be in town and was now overseeing the date, were all gathered in one of the guild's private booths. The other male members, along with Natsu, were the center of attention as he sat on the couch, looking back at them.

"What do you want? What's the point of dragging me here?" Natsu asked, his expression a mix of confusion and annoyance.

"How was the date?" Gray asked, leaning forward with interest.

"The date? It was good," Natsu replied nonchalantly.

"Good? Describe 'good.' Was she angry at you? Did she try to stab you?" Gray pressed, teasing.

"No? We went to dinner, then walked around a bit, went outside Magnolia, and watched the stars. So no, I didn't mess it up," Natsu explained.

"Was she smiling the whole time?" Laxus asked, his tone skeptical.

"Yeah," Natsu confirmed.

"Interesting," Laxus said, his eyes narrowing. "Are you absolutely certain nothing weird happened?"

"...yes," Natsu said, hesitating slightly.

"HE HESITATED! SOMETHING DID HAPPEN!" Gray exclaimed, pointing dramatically at Natsu.

"TAKE YOUR FINGER OUT OF MY FACE OR I'LL ROAST YOU, ICE BRAINS!" Natsu shot back, his fiery temper flaring up.

The guildmates in the booth burst into laughter, with Gray quickly retracting his finger, still grinning mischievously. "Alright, alright, no need to get all fiery, Natsu. I'm just asking questions," Gray teased.

Gajeel chuckled from his corner, crossing his arms. "You're lucky, Ice Brain. If he roasted you every time you pissed him off, you'd be a pile of ash by now."

Bickslow, who had been quietly observing, leaned in with a grin. "But seriously, Natsu, did anything out of the ordinary happen? Did you... kiss her?" he asked, his voice laced with playful curiosity.

Natsu's cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of Erza, and he quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact. "Perchance~," he muttered under his breath.

Gildarts grinned widely. "Atta boy! And was that all? Nothing more? No clothes missing—"

"I know where you live, and I will set your house on fire. I've done it before, and you know it," Natsu threatened, his tone playful yet serious.

Gildarts raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I get it! No need to burn my house down again." He paused, enjoying the teasing before a mischievous grin appeared on his face. "Speaking of my house on fire, you could show off your talents, Natsu."

Natsu narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I may have mentioned it... we talked about hobbies outside of magic," he said, trying to shift the focus away from his past destructive habits.

"Hobbies outside of magic? You?" Gray snickered, clearly intrigued. "What hobbies could you possibly have, flame brain?"

Gildarts chuckled and gave Natsu a knowing grin. "That's what you get for threatening my house, kid." He turned back to the rest of the group, enjoying their reactions. "A few years ago, Natsu set my house on fire, so I decided to help him find something a little less... explosive."

"More like forced," Natsu added, rolling his eyes.

Gildarts shrugged, unaffected. "I contacted a friend of mine who owns a studio and took Natsu there to try some instruments."

Laxus and Gray both grinned widely, while Gajeel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Instruments, huh?"

Gray burst out laughing. "Natsu? Singing?"

Gildarts chuckled, shaking his head. "The best part is... the brat's actually a fantastic singer, and he's great with all kinds of instruments. I just had to drag him there for the first few weeks until he started liking it."

The room fell silent for a moment as the group absorbed this unexpected revelation. The teasing shifted, now mixed with genuine surprise.

"Guess we all have hidden talents," Laxus muttered with a smirk.

"Who knew, Natsu?" Gray added, still grinning. "Maybe we'll get a little concert next time."

Natsu groaned, clearly embarrassed. "Not happening," he muttered, but deep down, he couldn't help but feel a little proud.

Bickslow, grinning ear to ear, leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh come on, Natsu! A private concert wouldn't hurt. Think of the crowd!" he teased. "You could be the next big thing in the guild—Natsu Dragneel, the Singing Flame."

Natsu sighed dramatically, clearly embarrassed but unable to hide the slight smile tugging at his lips. "I'm not some kind of entertainer," he grumbled, but the playful energy in the room was contagious.

Gildarts clapped him on the back, his grin wide. "You never know, Natsu. You could give me a run for my money in the talent department."

"Not a chance, old man," Natsu shot back, matching Gildarts' grin. "But maybe I could show you a few things. Fire-related, of course."

Freed, who had been quietly observing, now spoke up. "It's good to see you trying something new, Natsu. Expanding your horizons outside of… well, setting things on fire."

Gray raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "So, what else? What other hobbies have you picked up? Maybe you'll start knitting next?" he teased.

"Knitting?" Natsu groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sticking to the music. It's way cooler."

Gajeel, always the one to keep things grounded, grunted. "Honestly, though, it's good you're getting into something productive. You're good at making noise, might as well turn it into something worthwhile."

The group laughed, their teasing filled with camaraderie, but there was a sense of genuine pride for Natsu's growth. Even Gildarts seemed to soften, the rough edges of his persona giving way to a hint of approval.

"So, you're a secret musician now, huh?" Laxus said, crossing his arms and smirking. "What's next? Demon hunting?"

Natsu grinned, clearly unbothered by the teasing. "Demon hunting, huh?" he said, tapping his chin as if considering the idea. "Yeah, and I'll start blasting music while styling on the demons and shouting 'jackpot!'"

"Hey, that would be awesome," Gildarts laughed, clearly entertained by the idea.

Natsu's grin widened at the thought. "Exactly! I'd just waltz in, play my song, and leave a trail of defeated demons behind me. And every time I take one down, I'll yell 'Jackpot!' like I'm on a winning streak." He struck a dramatic pose, imagining the scene.

Gajeel chuckled, crossing his arms. "I can't even picture it, but yeah, sounds like something Natsu would do."

Gray laughed. "Yeah, you'd probably get them to explode in a burst of fire and music."

Laxus snorted. "Could be a good show, actually. Who knew Natsu had a flair for drama?"

Bickslow, who had been unusually quiet, grinned. "He'd probably set the demons on fire just with his style alone."

Freed raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "I can already imagine the legend: Natsu Dragneel, Demon Slayer, the Flame-Tune Master."

Natsu gave a mock bow, playing along. "Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week. Just remember to get your tickets for the hottest show in town." He winked, clearly enjoying the banter.

The guildmates laughed, teasing Natsu with more jabs about his "Demon Slayer" alter-ego. Even Gildarts, who had been quietly watching the exchange, chuckled to himself. It was clear that Natsu had earned the respect of everyone in the room—even if he was still the guild's lovable troublemaker.

"All right, all right, enough about demon-slaying Natsu," Gildarts said with a grin. "Now, back to you and Erza. Got a second date set?"

Natsu scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile crossing his face. "Yeah… something simple. A picnic at this waterfall I know."

"Atta boy," Gildarts chuckled, giving Natsu a thumbs-up. "That sounds good. But—" He leaned forward, a more serious look crossing his face. "Try bringing your guitar. And if you do, maybe play something a little softer this time. You know, something romantic."

Natsu's eyes widened slightly, clearly caught off guard by the idea of a "romantic" song. "Romantic, huh? My repertoire's mostly adrenaline-pumping rock songs, but maybe I'll give it a shot. I could try something... softer. You know, for Erza."

Gajeel raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "So, you're actually gonna serenade her? That's gonna be a sight to see."

Gray snickered, shaking his head. "If Natsu starts singing love songs, I'll have to run for cover."

"Oh, if Natsu were to sing publicly, I assure you, he'd charm all the girls without even trying," Gildarts said with a chuckle. "He's that good, even though he doesn't want to admit it."

Gray raised an eyebrow, looking at Natsu with a smirk. "You've gotta be kidding me. You? Charming all the girls? That's a new one."

Gildarts chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Oh, it's true. Trust me, Natsu's got a certain... charm about him. He just doesn't notice it." He gave Natsu an exaggerated wink. "He might not want to admit it, but the ladies love him. He's got that raw, fiery energy."

Natsu groaned and rubbed his temples. "Can we not talk about this, please? I'm not some kind of heartthrob."

"Right," Gray snickered. "I'm sure the number of girls who've tried to get his attention is just a coincidence."

Bickslow laughed, leaning in with a mischievous grin. "Hey, he did manage to charm Erza, didn't he?"

Natsu's cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of Erza, and he quickly glanced away, trying to hide his discomfort. "She asked me out."

"That's even better," Bickslow said with a grin. "If you got her attention without even trying, and we all know you have no idea how to flirt, imagine how it would be if you did know how!"

Natsu scratched the back of his head, looking even more uncomfortable. "I'm not trying to flirt or anything. She just... asked me out. I didn't do anything special."

Bickslow raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh. Sure, Natsu. You're telling me Erza—the woman who's not easily swayed by anyone—just happened to ask you out for no reason? Nah, man. You've got something going on."

Gray smirked, leaning in. "Honestly, if you did know how to flirt, you'd probably have a whole fan club by now. But then again, maybe that's for the best. We all know how much you hate attention."

Natsu groaned and flopped back into the couch, burying his face in his hands. "Can we drop it already?"

Freed chuckled, shaking his head. "If you only knew, Natsu. You're a natural at this, even if you don't realize it."

"Yeah," Gajeel added, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. "You've got that 'I don't know I'm hot' thing going for you. Girls like that."

Natsu groaned louder. "This is ridiculous. You guys are turning me into some kind of... of... heartthrob or something!"

Bickslow grinned widely, clearly enjoying every moment. "If the shoe fits…"

Gildarts chuckled softly, giving Natsu a pat on the back. "You're doing fine, kid. Just don't overthink it. Sometimes it's the simple stuff that matters the most."

Natsu let out a long breath, still embarrassed but thankful for the support. "Alright, alright. Enough with the teasing, okay? I'll try not to mess it up."

Laxus raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, just don't burn anything down on the date. Or—" he grinned mischievously, "—burn her."

"Are you by any chance looking for a rematch? 'Cause I'd gladly beat the shit out of you, Sparks."

Laxus scoffed, clearly amused. "You barely won."

"I did though."

"Barely."

"Did though."

"Barely won!"

"Cry about it, bitch!" Natsu shot back with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

The guild burst into laughter, the playful banter between Natsu and Laxus filling the room as everyone enjoyed the back-and-forth. Even Laxus couldn't hide his amusement, despite the insults flying.

"Fine! Next week, you and me. I'll let you go free this week for your date," Laxus grinned, his voice dripping with challenge. "But next week, you're ON, Salamander."

Natsu smirked, accepting the challenge with enthusiasm. "You're on, Sparkles. Just don't cry when I win again."

Gray, who had been watching the exchange, snorted with laughter. "This is gonna be interesting. One of you's gonna end up with a bruise or two, and I'm betting it's gonna be Laxus."

Laxus glared at him but didn't say anything, his eyes still sparkling with amusement. The guildmates exchanged knowing looks, clearly excited about the upcoming battle between the two.

"Next week then," Natsu said, leaning back confidently. "But for now, I've got a date to focus on." He grinned, clearly proud of himself for getting under Laxus' skin while still keeping his eyes on the prize.

Later at the night

Natsu arrived early, setting up a simple picnic blanket by the waterfall he had promised. It was a peaceful spot, secluded enough to avoid the bustling crowds of Magnolia, but still beautiful with the sound of the water cascading over the rocks.

Natsu was carefully trying to arrange the food Gildarts had insisted on bringing, despite Natsu's protests. The older man had insisted on making sure the date went smoothly, even if Natsu had tried to brush it off. The food wasn't the important part of the date for him; it was more about the time spent with Erza, and of course, the guitar he had brought along.

He plopped down on the blanket, still fidgeting with the setup as he kept glancing at the path Erza would be taking to get here. He had picked out a softer, more mellow song to try on the guitar, but the idea of playing it in front of Erza made him feel a little nervous, despite the tough exterior he usually showed.

Finally, he spotted Erza coming toward him, looking as composed as ever. She was dressed casually today, a rare sight for the Scarlet Knight, wearing a simple white dress that complimented her red hair. Her eyes softened when she saw the setup and Natsu's awkward movements.

"You really went all out for this," Erza said with a smile, looking around. "I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful, Natsu."

"It's nothing. Just wanted to pick a nice spot. You like it?"

Erza nodded, taking a seat next to him on the blanket. "I love it. It's peaceful here. Perfect for a quiet day."

They sat together for a few moments, enjoying the sound of the waterfall, the cool breeze, and the tranquility of the setting.

Erza caught him looking at the guitar and raised an eyebrow. "You brought it, didn't you?"

"Yeah. Gildarts said I should play something. Thought I'd give it a shot."

Erza smiled warmly at him. "You're really going to play for me?"

"If you promise to show me how you dance next time." Natsu teased.

Erza smiled, "Deal. I'll take you dancing."

Natsu's eyes lit up at her response, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Alright, I'll hold you to that," he said, his tone a mix of excitement and challenge.

Erza, still smiling, nodded confidently. "Don't worry, Natsu. I'll make sure you won't be able to keep up." Her voice was teasing, but there was a spark of amusement in her eyes, a rare moment where the usually composed knight let her playful side show.

Natsu let out a mock sigh, adjusting the guitar in his hands. "I'm pretty sure I can keep up. But for now, I guess I'll focus on this," he said, strumming the guitar again, a little more confidently this time.

He started playing the melody again, his fingers finding the strings with more ease than before. The tension in his shoulders relaxed as the familiar rhythm settled in, his voice joining the music as he sang the soft lyrics. He tried to focus entirely on the song, but his thoughts kept drifting to Erza, who was sitting so close, her eyes fixed on him with that encouraging smile.

Erza sat quietly, absorbing the melody with a thoughtful look. There was something almost magical about hearing Natsu play, something raw and heartfelt in every note he played. She'd always seen him as the reckless, lovable, impulsive dragon slayer, but today, she was seeing a different side of him. It was a side of him that was genuine and unguarded, and it made her appreciate him even more.

When he finished the song, he let out a deep breath and set the guitar down beside him. "How was that?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness despite his usual confidence.

Erza's smile was soft and sincere as she looked at him. "It was beautiful, Natsu."

"Thanks." said Natsu with a smile,

"Wanna try?"

"Me?"

"Who else?" Erza chuckled, "If you're willing to show me?"

"Course."

Erza raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Alright then," she said, sitting up and looking at the guitar. "But I'm warning you, I'm not exactly musically inclined."

Natsu chuckled, waving off her concern. "It's not about being perfect. Just have fun with it."

With a hesitant breath, Erza picked up the guitar, her fingers hesitating over the strings at first. She strummed a few uncertain notes, her brows furrowing slightly as she tried to find a rhythm.

Natsu watched her closely, offering her a reassuring smile. "You're doing fine. Just relax and let it flow."

Erza paused, her fingers stilling on the strings as she glanced up at him. "You really think so?"

"Yeah," Natsu said confidently. "No pressure. Just play what feels right."

Erza smiled, her nerves slowly easing as she strummed a few more notes, this time more confidently. The sound wasn't perfect, but it was endearing, and Natsu couldn't help but smile at the sight of her giving it a try.

"See?" Natsu said with a grin. "You're doing it!"

Erza laughed lightly, clearly feeling more comfortable now. "I'm not sure about this, but..." She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Here goes."

She strummed a simple melody, not much more than a few chords, but it was enough. Natsu watched her with admiration, feeling proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone. It wasn't about skill; it was about the effort, and the moment was more meaningful because of it.

When she finished, Erza set the guitar down gently and turned to face him, a slightly embarrassed blush on her cheeks. "I told you I wasn't very good."

Natsu shook his head, still smiling. "You did great, Erza. It doesn't have to be perfect, you know? It's the thought that counts."

Erza met his gaze, her smile genuine. "Thanks, Natsu. You make it look easy."

"It's because I've had some practice," he said with a wink. "But hey, you tried, and that's what matters."

Erza chuckled, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment, despite her nerves. "Maybe I'll try again sometime, when I'm not so out of practice."

"Anytime," Natsu replied, his voice sincere. "And next time, I'll even help you improve. We can make a duet out of it."

"That sounds... interesting," Erza said, a playful glint in her eyes. "I'll hold you to that."

They shared a laugh, both of them feeling more at ease now. The simplicity of the moment, with no expectations or pressures, made everything feel right. The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft golden glow over the water, and for once, everything felt peaceful.

As the conversation shifted from music to their skills, Natsu leaned back against the blanket, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "You know… the fact that you like dancing isn't so weird. Your fighting style is kind of like dancing, now that I think about it."

"You think so?" Erza asked, her curiosity piqued.

Natsu nodded, his eyes still focused on the sunset. "Yeah. The way you switch between armors and adjust your movements—it's almost like you're following a rhythm. Every fight seems like a new kind of dance for you. You've got your own flow."

Erza raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "That's an interesting perspective. I've always thought of it as adapting to the situation, but I suppose it does resemble dancing in a way. Each step, each movement, has its purpose."

Natsu grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Exactly! It's like you're in sync with your surroundings, moving to the beat of the battle. Sometimes, it's about grace and precision, other times it's about power and speed. Just like in dance, you need to know when to step lightly and when to strike hard."

Erza's smile softened, her eyes reflecting both amusement and thoughtfulness. "I never thought about it that way. But now that you mention it, I can see how the fight becomes a rhythm. It's not just about brute force—it's about knowing when to act, when to hold back, when to go all in."

Natsu nodded in agreement, his voice warm with admiration. "Yeah, it's beautiful, really."

Erza chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Your fighting style isn't too bad either… when you're not blowing up mountains, that is." She smiled playfully.

Natsu laughed heartily. "Hey, I try my best. But I can't hold back too much; it's in my nature, you know?"

Erza raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Really? You can't hold back? You said your fire is different—how exactly?"

Natsu turned more serious, his gaze turning distant as he spoke. "My fire… it's special. Blue Fire is usually the hottest, but mine? It's way hotter. It's not just the temperature, though. My fire is old. Primal. Trying to control it, to hold it back… it's like trying to stop a river with your bare hands. It doesn't work. The power is just too much."

Erza's expression shifted, her interest deepening. "Primal fire? That sounds… dangerous."

Natsu gave a half-smile, his expression growing serious for a moment. "It is. My fire's not like normal flames. It's the kind of fire that's been around since ancient times, the kind that can burn through anything. And the more I try to control it, the harder it becomes to hold back. It's not about being reckless; it's just that… well, it's a part of me."

Erza's expression softened, her eyes understanding. "That sounds like a heavy burden, Natsu. But at least you're aware of it. It's not easy to manage such a force, especially when you're using it in battle."

"Yeah," Natsu said, leaning back slightly, "I do like it, but I guess it's annoying that I can't use weapons because of it."

Erza tilted her head, curious. "You can't use weapons because of your fire?" she asked, her voice gentle but filled with genuine concern. "Why's that?"

Natsu ran a hand through his hair, a slight frown on his face. "Well, I'm not sure if it's the fire itself, but when I try to use weapons, most of them break before I can even use them. Some can handle a few attacks, but they still snap."

Erza's brow furrowed, clearly concerned. "That sounds incredibly frustrating."

"It is! AHH! Swords are so cool! And guns! I would love to use guns and swords!" Natsu whined, his voice light and playful.

Erza smiled, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Well, let's try something. I'll give you one of my blades. Push your magic into it, and let's see what level of durability a sword needs to handle your fire."

"You sure? It might break."

"Yes, I'm sure." She said as she summoned a blade from her Re-Equip Space. "Here."

Natsu grabbed the sword and began to channel his magic into it. The blade started to vibrate, the pressure building until it cracked under the force.

"See?" Natsu said, holding up the broken weapon with a wry grin.

"Hm…" Erza murmured, inspecting the shattered blade. "That was one of the Durability-Based Swords. Maybe it's the metal? Either way, you've got a powerful fire, Natsu." She paused thoughtfully. "Tell you what, I'll find you some weapons that can handle your power. You deserve a blade worthy of you."

Natsu looked at the broken sword, a mix of disappointment and curiosity on his face. "Guess I've still got a ways to go, huh?" He rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin forming.

Erza smiled reassuringly, her gaze warm but determined. "Don't worry, Natsu. We'll figure this out. It's not about whether you can use weapons, it's about finding the right ones for your unique fire. I believe there's a way."

"Thanks, Erza," Natsu said, his voice softer, grateful. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Erza chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, genocide probably."

Natsu raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Am I really that crazy?" He smirked. "Hmm… probably, on someone who pissed me off, or on minorities."

Erza laughed, shaking her head. "Ah, casual racism, how lovely."

Natsu grinned mischievously. "…If there's 'casual racism,' does that mean there's ranked racism?"

Erza raised an eyebrow, the look on her face a mix of amusement and slight disbelief. "I think you're taking it a bit far there, Natsu," she said, shaking her head with a smile.

Natsu chuckled, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth. "Hey, I just speak the truth!" he teased.

Erza sighed dramatically, placing a hand on her forehead in mock exasperation. "Honestly, you're impossible sometimes. But I'll take it as a compliment that you trust me enough to joke around with me like this."

Natsu's grin softened, his tone growing more sincere. "Of course I trust you, Erza. You're one of the only people who doesn't make me feel like a total disaster… most of the time."

Erza's smile deepened, her gaze softening as she placed her hand gently on Natsu's cheek. "That's because you're not a disaster, Natsu," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "You're just… you. And that's enough."

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them, the air quiet and peaceful. Natsu's heart raced a bit, the closeness between them making him feel oddly vulnerable. He shifted slightly, unsure whether to break the silence or leave it.

After a moment, Natsu finally spoke, his voice a little hesitant. "Soo… I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, but is this gonna end like yesterday? I wouldn't mind—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Erza smiled and leaned in, pressing her lips gently to his in a soft kiss.

Natsu's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly relaxed into the kiss, his hand instinctively reaching for hers. Erza pulled back just slightly, her lips curving into a playful smile.

"I was waiting for something like that," she said with a soft giggle, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Natsu grinned, a little sheepish but clearly enjoying the moment. "Guess I'm a little slow sometimes, huh?"

Erza chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "You're not slow, Natsu. You just needed the right push."

"Well, I'm glad you gave it to me." Natsu smiled, his voice softer now, as he leaned in to kiss her again, this time more confidently.

As their lips met again, the world around them seemed to disappear. The gentle breeze, the sound of the waterfall in the distance, and the warmth of the setting sun faded into the background. It was just the two of them, wrapped in the quiet comfort of the moment.

When they finally pulled away, Natsu rested his forehead against hers, eyes still closed as he caught his breath. "You know, I never thought a picnic could turn out like this," he said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Erza chuckled softly, her hands still gently resting on his arms. "You know... when I asked you out, I was scared you might refuse me."

"Why?" Natsu asked, genuinely curious.

"I... thought that if you did like someone, it would be Lucy or Lisanna, not me." Erza's voice was soft, almost uncertain.

Natsu blinked, surprised by her admission. His expression softened as he processed her words. "Lucy? Lisanna?" he repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. "Erza, I'll admit, I never really thought about romance. I always said if it happens, it happens. Lucy and Lisanna? They're great girls, beautiful, but... fragile? I'm not sure how to put it."

Erza looked at him, a curious expression crossing her face. "Fragile?" she asked quietly, genuinely intrigued by his words.

Natsu scratched the back of his head, looking a little uncomfortable but pressing on. "I mean... I don't know. I just don't see them like that. When I thought about romance, I always imagined someone like me. A warrior, someone who can fight for themselves."

Erza blinked, processing his words, her gaze softening. "Someone like you?" she repeated, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

Natsu nodded, his gaze dropping to the ground for a moment before looking back at her. "Yeah... I don't want someone who's just settling. I want someone who wants to improve, someone who pushes themselves like I do. Lucy and Lisanna, they're great, but they're more... like damsels in distress. When I thought about who in the guild I might try something with, I did think of you. But I never thought you would think of me that way."

Erza's expression softened, and she took a slow, steady breath as she listened. There was something vulnerable in the way he spoke—raw and honest. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking.

"You... thought of me?" Erza said quietly, her heart giving a flutter at the idea.

Natsu nodded, giving her a slightly sheepish smile. "Yeah, I mean, you're strong, smart, and you're always pushing yourself to be better. It's the same way I want to be. But I wasn't sure if you'd ever look at me the same way, especially with how I am sometimes."

Erza tilted her head slightly, her eyes softening as she regarded him. She could see the sincerity in his gaze, the way he opened up to her in a way that was rare for him. It made something warm stir inside her, something she hadn't expected to feel.

"You think you're intense?" Erza asked with a small smile, her voice gentle. "You may be reckless, but you're not the only one who pushes their limits, Natsu." She paused, stepping a little closer to him. "And as for whether I'd ever think of you that way..." She hesitated for only a moment before continuing, her voice soft but teasing. "Well, you're a bit more charming than you think, for someone who doesn't like the whole 'Hero' thing, you pull it off perfectly."

Natsu blinked, a surprised laugh escaping him. "Charming?" he repeated, looking at her with a mix of amusement and disbelief. "I don't know if I'd call myself charming. More like... a walking disaster."

Erza smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with playful affection. "Hey, I'm serious. I wasn't just talking about your looks—which you've definitely got, by the way. You pull off that pink hair perfectly, and with that ripped body... Mira and Cana once referred to you as 'exotic,' I think?" She chuckled. "Well anyway, you don't try to be a hero, but you always end up saving the day. That's more than charming. That's real."

Natsu's eyes widened slightly, his cheeks flushing at the compliment. "Mira and Cana said that?" he asked, trying to hide his embarrassment with a grin. "Guess they have good taste then."

Erza chuckled softly, her gaze never leaving his face. "Oh, they definitely do," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "But more than that, you have this way of inspiring people. You don't even realize it half the time. It's like you just being yourself makes everyone else feel like they can do anything too. You're... unique, in a beautiful way."

Natsu blinked, his face turning a bit pink at Erza's words. "Me? Unique?" he repeated, scratching the back of his neck in slight embarrassment. "Now who's the one doing the 'charming'?"

Erza gave him a sly grin. "Guess I have a way with words myself."

Natsu laughed, a light-hearted, carefree sound. "I suppose so," he said, his grin widening.

Erza tilted her head and smiled, "You're special, I mean it."

"Well, so are you."

Erza's smile softened, her eyes warm as she looked at him. "You're really something, Natsu," she said quietly, her voice filled with sincerity.

Natsu chuckled, feeling the warmth of her words settle in his chest. "I guess we're both a little something, huh?" he said, his tone light and playful but with an underlying tenderness.

Erza stepped a bit closer, her gaze never leaving his. "Yeah," she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. "We are."

For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their little bubble of shared understanding. No more words were needed—they both knew how they felt.

Natsu leaned down and kissed her, Erza leaned into the kiss, her arms wrapping softly around his shoulders. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if they were both savoring the moment, testing the waters. But soon, it deepened, and everything else seemed to disappear. Natsu's hand gently cupped the back of Erza's head, pulling her a little closer, while she responded with equal warmth, her fingers threading through his hair.

For a brief moment, it felt like time had stopped, and nothing else mattered but the way they fit together in that moment, the way their hearts beat in sync. The kiss was a promise—a silent understanding that this connection was real, and it wasn't going anywhere.

When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested together, both of them breathing a little heavier, their smiles soft but genuine. Natsu looked into Erza's eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. "I think this is just the beginning."

Erza's smile mirrored his, her arms still loosely around him. "I think so, too."

And for a moment, neither of them needed anything else. Just being there, together, was enough.