Hey Guys,

Signed here! Sorry that I'm a little late on the post. I had a family wedding this weekend and so I'm getting it to you now. This chapter picks our story up from Lucy and Natsu's point of view.

Hope you enjoy!

- Singed.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.

Lucy sighed in contentment as she watched the normal activities of the guild around her. Today was unusually busy, even with the absence of Natsu and the rest of her team, but that made it all the better. This was the way she liked it. She was also happy to have herself surrounded by fellow guild mates who found themselves in similar situations.

"Uh," a very pregnant Levy squirmed, "I hate this part." Lucy smiled and helped her friend reach her cup. Levy was eight months and she was ready for it to be over. She already had a son, Gavey, and now she was hoping for her girl. Lucy stroked her own protruding stomach. She herself was six months and still in her good time, as Levy called it. It was much better than her first three months for sure. She'd been sick through most of it but now she was feeling very good. The only part that was a complete downer was her inability to use her magic.

"Well, I think I'm done for now," Lisanna said, standing. She'd been sitting with the two dragon slayer mates to continue her research. About a year back, Lisanna had found her passion for writing. Luckily it was for research or articles which meant that Lucy didn't have too much competition. Lisanna's current project was writing the first in-depth book on dragon slayers, their mates, and the rituals that surrounded them. There were other books on the subject of course but many of them were old and had been dependent on legends rather than facts.

"You sure, Lisanna?" Levy asked, sipping through her straw. "We weren't even at it for half an hour."

"Yeah. I've been pushing off the actual writing and I need to finish the chapter I'm on before I collect any more information. I also need to start focusing more on the dragon slayers who aren't mated to get their point of view about certain things."

"Okay, well we'll see you around." Lucy smiled as Lisanna walked away. There had been some bad feelings between the two for awhile after Lucy and Natsu had returned from the whole master fiasco. It wasn't that Lisanna wanted Natsu anymore or anything, but being okay with the person who almost ruined your life took some time. However, all was forgiven now and Lucy was happy for the woman Lisanna was becoming. Lucy stretched happily and was thinking about ordering some food, when a commotion at the doors interrupted her thoughts.

"Lucy," Wendy called from the door. "I think you'd better come here. It looks like there are more reporters here to see you and Levy."

"Uhhh!" Both women sighed. Ever since the world found out that Levy and Lucy were pregnant with Gajeel and Natsu's children their lives were one interview after another. People were fascinated by the dragon slayers already and then the idea that they had found mates and were now procreating were driving people absolutely bonkers. Especially since these were the first dragon slayer matings in recent history. This meant that people could become an audience as the world learned new things about these unique individuals. For instance, until Gavey had been born no one knew that dragon slayers had to have a bonding time. Basically, Gajeel had forced everyone out of the room where Levy had just had their son. For two days, no one came in and no one went out. Levy had actually enjoyed the time, as had Gajeel. Unfortunately, it had been an instinct thing so they hadn't really been all that prepared. They were very hungry and thirsty by the end of it.

"Can you do something to get rid of them, Wendy?" Lucy asked. Wendy was about to reply when the reporter, Julius, came walking in. Lucy almost screamed in frustration. She hated that guy! He always made a pass at her and he always knew when Natsu wasn't around. Normally Lucy did not want her mate thrashing people who looked at her with desire, but she'd be fine if it were this guy.

"Lucy babe," he said sliding into the seat next to her. She promptly slid out and stood up, a feat rather impressive with her ever growing baby bump.

"For the last time Julius, you had your interview three months ago."

"True babe, true. But the fans just loved it and everyone wants a follow up piece on how your pregnancy is going. What's the baby's room look like, any possible names, how is the guy…"

"You mean Natsu."

"Yeah, Natspu, how he's handling the idea of being a father. Especially since he's so destructive and let's face it, a complete idiot."

Lucy's face fell in rage and she stormed up to him. "You take that back!" She screamed as she grabbed his collar and shook him a little.

The rest of the guild grew quiet, but no one stepped in. It had been a busy day with Erza, Gray, Natsu, and Gajeel out on a one day mission. Mira would step in though, as would Elfman, if they felt they had to.

Julius smiled and grabbed Lucy's hands. "If you wanted to get physical babe, you just had to say so."

"I'm not your babe, and I never will be. Natsu is ten times the man you'll ever be and if you ever thought I'd go for a guy like you, you're insane."

"Is there a problem here?" Elfman asked, walking up with Evergreen and Mira. Evergreen was sporting a pretty hefty ring, a sure sign of her and Elfman's engagement. It had been the big news about a month ago.

"No," Julius said, wriggling out of Lucy's hold and slinging an arm around her shoulders. She stepped out from under it, slapping his hand away.

"Listen buddy, I think you must have a serious death wish or something."

"Why, you going to fight me?"

"I wouldn't be a man if I didn't, but it'd be Natsu I'd be worried about."

"He's not even here! Besides, you're ruining my fun." Lucy had taken this time to walk over to where Levy had retreated. Juvia was also standing there, helping the two of them glare down the intruder. While Lucy was his current target, Levy and Juvia had also felt Julius's unwanted attention. Juvia and Gray had married a year ago and Gray had seemed to take a page out of Natsu and Gajeel's book because he was just as protective of her as the dragon slayers were of their mates.

"Well look at that," Julius said, noticing them. "A trio of gorgeous women. My lucky day." He stood to approach them, when Mira got in his way and glared.

"You'd best leave."

"Hey there Mira, jealous?" Elfman growled and the girls all exclaimed in anger. It had been well known that before Julius showed his creepy side, Mira and him had gone out on a few dates. Mira had actually really liked the guy.

"No, but you should do as I say."

"Now darling, you sure are beautiful and tempting," he said looking at her breasts and actually having the gall to reach out and brush them. "But my focus has ... changed."

Suddenly, the sound of a mug slamming onto the wooden bar made everyone look at Laxus as he stood and cracked his neck. "Do as the lady says or you will be answering to me." Lucy sighed in relief. She hadn't noticed Laxus was there. He'd take care of this problem for sure.

"Yeah and you are?" Laxus smiled and leaned forward.

"Well now, that's an interesting question. About three months ago I gained a new title. You could call me the guild's new master after the old man finally decided to retire to some island." Makarov had retired, but to Tenroe Island to live out his retirement years in peace. He also loved coming up with new ways of torturing the S-class hopefuls. "However, the only thing you should know about me is this, I'm the guy who's going to give you a sound beating and not a burial like their mates would have." With that Laxus picked him up and carried him out the door. They heard distinct sounds of a fight and a few minutes later Laxus came in and sat back down.

"Glad that's over." Levy sighed and went to sit back down. Lucy nodded and started to follow with Juvia, when she caught a glimpse of Mira. She was staring at Laxus before she turned away and went back into the back room. Odd, but if Lucy hadn't known any better she would have sworn that Mira almost looked longingly at Laxus.

The guild got back to normal and soon the women found themselves being treated by Mira. She brought over their favorite dishes and sat down with them.

"Thanks again Mira," Lucy said, as she scooped up her ice cream. "That guy is such a creep."

"Yeah, I know." Mira sighed. "I can't believe I ever dated him. He was so different back then."

"Don't worry Mira," Levy said, dipping her pickles into some peanut butter, "we all know that if the Julius you'd met had been this version, you'd have never given him the time of day."

"True," Mira sighed and huffed a little. "I just wish I didn't have such rotten luck with men."

"What do you mean? Guys are always falling over themselves to get to know you."

"True, but they never stay. Either because they just want a one night stand and I won't. Others think I'm too nice or they become terrified of me when they realize the she devil isn't just a nickname." All of them nodded with sympathy, but Lucy once again saw the stray glance towards Laxus as he spoke with Bigslow. Perhaps Mira also fell for guys who didn't notice her. After all, Laxus was friendly towards Mira, but other than that he showed no real preference. In fact, he was a really big flirt so everyone who was currently single and female usually had a Laxus story or two. Though, he had calmed down a lot in the last year after Makarov had announced his retirement plans and began training Laxus in earnest. It was a badly hidden secret that Makarov had decided to finally retire after he'd had to write his thousandth letter of apology just for Natsu. Retiring on a nice round number suddenly sounded like a good idea.

"Hey Juvia," Levy said, turning to the water mage, "why aren't you eating?" Lucy and Mira turned to see, what appeared to be a sickened Juvia slowly pushing her food towards the center of the table.

"Oh, I'm just not hungry right now, that's all. In truth, I haven't been feeling well at all for the last week or so."

"Oh that's horrible Juvia!" Mira cried. "Do you think it's that stomach bug that's been going around?"

"Perhaps. It's persistent, whatever it is."

"Maybe you're pregnant," Levy said. She meant it as a joke because Gray had made it well known that while he wanted kids eventually, he wouldn't knock up his wife for at least a couple of years. Lucy was laughing along with the others, when suddenly she remembered something.

The other day as they had entered the guild hall, Natsu had passed Juvia and Gray on their way out. Natsu had suddenly gone still and watched them leave.

"Natsu, what is it?"

A slow smile had spread across his face and he turned back. "Nothing. Gray's just going to have a rather sudden surprise is all. Now let's eat, I'm starving."

Lucy was shaken out of the memory by Mira. "Lucy, what's wrong. You've gone pale."

"Nothing, just remembering something. Maybe you should go see the doctor Juvia. Or Wendy."

"Yes, perhaps you're right. I just hate asking Wendy for every little thing." The conversation took a turn after this and a few hours later, Lucy had to admit defeat.

"I guess their one day mission will be a two day mission." Lucy said stretching.

Levy answered slowly. "There's still time. Perhaps they're just running late." Levy wasn't really paying attention though. She was cradling her sleeping son who had returned with Wendy about an hour before. Wendy loved babysitting Gavey and would often take him on day trips to give Levy a day off. Today just happened to be one of those days.

"Yeah, maybe. I'm going home though. I want a good soak and some time to read. I'll see you all later."

"Want me to walk you home?" Mira asked as Kinana came to take her shift.

Lucy was about to accept, but she stalled. In all honesty, she just wanted some time alone. "No, Wendy already volunteered." Lucy lied, having seen Wendy and Carla leave about an hour ago. Lucy began to leave and when she crossed the guild's door without anyone calling her bluff, she sighed. Natsu had of course become very protective of her after she got pregnant, and he always insisted on someone walking Lucy home if he wasn't there. Tonight though Lucy was glad that no one had noticed her slip out. She'd lie and say that someone had walked her home when he asked.

She hummed to herself as she walked through town. Numerous people called out to her and she would always smile and wave back. The night walk did her some good and she could feel some of the tension from the day slipping away. As she approached the outskirts of town she heard a train whistle blow. Maybe Natsu was finally back. However, if he was and he caught her alone she was in big trouble. Time to pick up the pace and get home. She turned back towards the path and started up the hill. Pre-pregnancy, the extra incline wouldn't have hindered her in any way but now she had to quickly slow her pace.

"You know little one," she said as she made her way. "I love you, but you sure do make somethings harder. Like going on missions with your father. I do miss that you know. When my magic returns, I'll be happy to get some journeying back under my belt. Of course your father has insisted that we'll take you along. I've said no though, not until you can at least walk, run, and talk on your own. I agree with him though. You, your father, and myself, we're going to be one great missions team. And Happy of course, so long as he and Carla aren't a thing by then. Carla seems to be warming up to him so maybe by the time you're forty." Lucy smiled and looked up at the stars. She could see their cabin just ahead, when she heard a twig snap behind her.

Turning quickly, she saw the last person she wanted to. Julius stood there, writing something down on a pad and snapped a picture of her. "What are you doing?!"

"Well, you wouldn't give me a proper interview, and then that brute threw me out and beat me up." Lucy did notice him sporting some pretty impressive bruises and cuts. Good Laxus, very good.

"So you followed me?"

"I'd hoped that I could convince you to give me one when you weren't trying to impress your friends. I mean, babe, let's be real. A few years ago you'd die for this level of attention."

"I'm trying to impress no one and you have way over stepped your boundaries. I want you to leave now!"

"And who's going to make me babe? I mean, you can't use your magic right now, and you're too pregnant to fight me hand to hand. In fact," he took a step forward and grabbed her arm, pulling her close. "I could do pretty much anything right now and you couldn't stop me."

Lucy slapped him hard across the face. He was dazed enough to drop her wrist and she turned to run the other way. As she moved, she reached for her whip only to realize that it didn't hang from her waist. She'd stopped carrying it months ago when she could no longer go on missions. Sighing, she picked up her pace. It wasn't fast progress and he was faster. Lucy found herself falling forward, pushed angrily from behind.

Panic raced through her as she tried to turn to avoid falling on the baby. Suddenly, she landed in a pink cloud. "Sorry ma'am," Aries said from behind. "I came as fast as I could."

"You did very well Aries." Lucy stood and watched as Julius took a step back in fear.

"I thought you couldn't do magic?"

"I can't, but my spirits can come of their own will if I'm in enough danger."

"What do you want me to do with him ma'am?"

"Whatever you can Aries. Just make sure he doesn't reach the house."

"Okay, I'll try." Lucy turned to retreat back home. She knew that if she could get to the house, she could get her whip and then barricade the door until she could get real help. Next time Natsu didn't come home, she was just staying at Levy's.

Just as Lucy reached the door, she heard a cry behind her. Turning she saw Aries disappear with a knife in her gut and a calm, but crazed Julius turn his gaze towards her. Crap. This guy was totally insane. Was there just one time she wasn't the damsel in distress? How was it that she was always the target? It always seemed that when they came she was always powerless to do anything about it. It wasn't like she'd gone around and tried to get into this kind of trouble.

"Now be a good girl, and let's play mates for a while."

"You're sick!" Lucy said, trying to open the door. It was locked. Right, she'd done that this morning and her keys were in her pocket. She grabbed them quickly as he continued to stock forward. If she turned her back to insert the key, she'd be done. She'd just have to do it. Going as fast as she could, she got as far as turning the key when he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her back.

"Ahh!"

"Shhh, darling. I'm not going to hurt you," he said tracing the outline of her chest, "I just want to play."

"Well, I don't!" She stomped on his foot and he howled and knocked her down, thankfully on her butt. That was going to hurt later.

"Why you …" Then, he was gone. It took Lucy a moment to realize why. Another, very familiar figure took his place and stood over her protectively. Natsu didn't say a word. He just continued to stand completely still, a sure sign of his rage. Lucy slowly rose and brushed herself off.

"You okay," he growled out, as he watched the other guy slowly come to and stand as well. For the first time, Lucy saw true fear in Julius's eyes. This he'd not been expecting.

"A little bruised, but fine," Lucy answered.

"Get into the house. No arguing either. You can't save him from this."

"Believe me, with this one, I don't want to." Lucy passed him on her way to the door. As she did so, she kissed his cheek and said. "Just don't kill him Natsu. I don't want the baby's first memory of their father to be in a prison cell."

Natsu growled his agreement and Lucy disappeared in the house. As soon as the door closed, she heard Natsu go in. Considerate of him this time to not beat the guy in front of her. However, she still didn't want to hear it. She moved quickly to the bathroom and started her nightly routine. She had been soaking for perhaps a half hour, when Natsu came in. He was sweating, which meant he'd really beat Julius to a pulp. She saw blood on his clothes, but she knew it wasn't his.

"You didn't kill him did you?"

"No," he said in a clipped tone, as he stripped off his own clothes. Lucy watched, pleased at the view as he climbed into the large tube with her. They had built the tub for this purpose. They loved to just soak their day away and talk most nights. "I should have killed him though. In the old days I could have without being charged for murder." Lucy laughed as she moved towards him and washed his back. He sighed and allowed her to do it.

"Well, I'm glad you didn't," she said, hugging him from behind. "I'd miss you in jail."

He turned and held her close, burying his head in her hair. She felt him shiver from his still unspent rage and concern for her. She wasn't sure how long he'd held her, but the water had begun to cool by the time he sighed and began his repayment for the back washing. He took her shampoo and began washing her long hair. As he did so, she felt the water begin to warm again. He was always making sure she wasn't cold.

"Why were you alone?" Oh, and Lucy had hoped he'd missed that little detail.

"Because I walked home alone."

"Lucy!" Some of his anger had transferred to her now.

"Natsu, I was tired and I just wanted to come home. But trust me, I learned my lesson. No more solo walks for me." Lucy had said this as chipper as possible, but Natsu heard the bitter undertone.

"What's wrong, Lucy?"

"I just hate how I'm always dependent on others, Natsu! I mean, how many times has this been that you've had to come save me? I've actually lost count."

Natsu was silent for a moment, before he rose and helped her up. He handed her a towel and he took one himself. "Well Luce, it seems to me that we're all dependent on each other a lot. I mean, I've saved you a lot, sure, but you've saved me and Gray, and a bunch of other people a lot of times too."

"Yeah, I guess. But, for some reason, I just feel like I have more than my fair share of being targeted."

"True," Natsu said, coming up and wrapping her robe around her, and keeping his arms there. "But that doesn't mean anything to me Lucy. I love you, and you and that baby are the most precious things to me. You are no more and no less valuable because of any of this." Lucy turned in his arms and laid her head on her chest. He held her and then led her to bed when she started yawning.

He ran his fingers through her hair as she drifted off, but she heard him complain in a sigh. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'd just had other, much more desirable plans for tonight." Smiling, Lucy snuggled closer.

"Tell you what Natsu, if you let me sleep now, I'll make it worth your while tomorrow morning." She heard his heart speed up at the suggestion and he tightened his hold.

"Deal," he murmured as he too drifted off, placing his hand on her stomach as a good night to their baby and a kiss on her forehead for her.