Having trudged across the water step by step made him quite exhausted. He just witnessed the explosion of a giant crystal tower, so much magic energy tired him out.

No- it didn't explode, but having been exposed to so much magic climbing up into the sky didn't help his already drained condition. He expended too much magic energy fighting Jellal, and his stomach wasn't in the right mood having consumed so many other elements than his own. The ethernano was slowly poisoning his system the further he walked.

He could feel his body growing weak as he walked through the knee-deep water toward the shore. He couldn't drop her now, he had to get to the shore. She was weaker than he was, unconscious and scarred for life once again. She had to watch as her friend perished to protect her. He didn't yet know who else she saw that did the same, but he was certain that Simon was not the only one. How she was even alive after sending the magic into the sky was still boggling his mind. He had to push it back... Erza needed him now.

His arms started to shake, just slightly. He was getting weaker by the second. His legs started to go numb. Surely, he could stop, just for a second. He stood there, the beautiful red-head still in his arms. His messy salmon-coloured hair had drooped down an over his eyes, only a slim light from the starlight reflecting off the water managed to break through.

Erza stirred in her quiet sleep. He didn't look at her. He wouldn't dare look at her in such a weak state, that's not what she'd want. Her eyes slowly fluttered open as he felt her turn uncomfortably in his arms. Thank goodness she was alive, he was getting worried, her breathing was awfully weak until now. She shuffled around in his arms, staring out at the open sea.

He didn't look down, no matter how tempting or how heavy his head was, he stared straight ahead. The more she moved around, the more he was reminded of the events. She sacrificed herself even though she knew how important she was to Fairy Tail. Did she? Was she unaware of how important she was to the guild? Did they not say it enough? No, that wasn't possible. She was given the title Titania, Queen of The Fairies by her fans, not to mention how much the guild itself needed her. One fake arrest and the entire guild turned still as a statue. He had even gone after her to save her, actually ending up in a prison cell because of it.

Then, she looked up at him, shock clearly splattered her face. Somehow, feeling her gaze gave him a feeling of betrayal. Those same eyes were the ones that smiled sadly at him as she disappeared into the blue lacrima tower. She even had the audacity to tell him to live on without her, to continue living without her. A life without Erza was like a rose bush with no roses or thorns. Only vulnerable vines. No beauty, no protection.

Through his peripheral vision, he could see the glisten of her tears gently rolling down her cheek. A feeling of sadness passed through his chest quickly and throughout his entire body, making his knees too weak to hold them both as he fell to the sandy ground, setting Erza down gently. He could hear the splashing as their friends came running to them I the water.

"Erza," he finally spoke, "I feel the same way you do. And I'm sure everyone else does too," A life without Fairy Tail was nothing they could possibly imagine, "Promise me you won't do something like that again." His voice was hoarse, and he still refused to look up at her.

"I won't-"

"PROMISE!" He could feel the tears rolling down his face, dripping into the abyss of dark salt water. His heart pounded so quickly, he could barely even breathe.

"I promise," she said, her voice so tender, so quiet. She placed her hand softly against the side of his face, cupping his cheek as she brought their foreheads together, "thank you, Natsu."

His cheek felt cold as her hand left its place. She got up, smiling as her friends came running, embracing her with tears and relieved smiles. Thank God she's alive. Although the promise did lift the tension clenching his heart, he was still slightly upset at her. How couldn't she realize the most important fact of a guild? You don't die for your friends,

You live for them...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Natsu was welcomed by blinding light, and distant voices.

"Natsu," said the faint voice. Erza?

"Natsu~?" The voice was getting louder.

"Hey Natsu! You okay?" He finally opened his eyes to see his blond friend and blue cat standing over him.

"Natsu, you were crying in your sleep, are you okay?" His blue friend asked. He lifted a heavy hand, wiping his slightly wet eyes. The shine of the water almost shimmered in the light.

Lucy repeated his name. He finally nodded and grinned up at her. He swiftly jumped out of the pink bed and fell out Lucy's window who cried out to him, something about a door. Oh well, he just wanted to go to the guild. Happy cheerfully flew next to him as he ran to the guild.

He crashed through the doors, excited as ever, "Yo!" He greeted with his adorable grin. Everyone called back, laughing and happy as ever.

"You seem cheerful today, did something happen, Natsu?" Said a powerful, yet somehow playful voice. He turned his gaze to the scarlet-haired woman. Seeing her pretty face warmed his already burning heart.

"Nothin' in particular," he laughed, and Erza smiled with him.

You don't die for your friends, you live for them...