Hello Lovelies!

I'm LittleMiss! This is my first time ever, writing a NaLu fanfic. I hope you like it and please feel free to tell me what you think about it.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Lots of love,

LittleMiss

xxx

Jude Heartfilia's POV

In my life there are many things that I regret. I know that I have made mistakes that I can't take back but I have done my best to overcome ever remembering them. My life is perfect as it is and I wouldn't ever change it for anything. I have a loving wife and precious daughter that I am unwilling to let go of. They are what make up my world- no, they are my world. Life itself is unimaginable without them.

I am content with so many aspects of my existence that I would never believe anything would ever go wrong. In fact, I didn't even begin to comprehend the concept of anything going out of place and therefore if things were to go amiss, I would be ineligible.

Every day, I wake up, hoping that nothing will go wrong. Though, those are the only few moments of my life where I am sceptical of the events of the day to become anything but bliss and joy. At this very moment, I am lying in bed, staring at my beautiful wife's angelic face.

She's so beautiful. Each fibre of her being is nothing but perfection. Speak of the flaws she owns is only myth, spoken upon by envious tongues. Of course, that's the only reason why other women would speak ill of her (my dearest Layla), she has the heart and soul of a caring sun; gentle and warm yet sometimes a blaze when people aren't careful around her. However, her perfection is somewhat a form of insufficiency. She's so perfect, I see other men having urges to confront her and when they do, I'm amazed at her response.

"I'm married to the man I shall continue to desire until my death. Please leave me be, I don't wish to hold a conversation for the moment, I am busy."

And with that, she'd walk off as I strode along side her. Naturally, as she talked, she would wrap her arms around my upper limb to show who I was to her and the expression the male pulled after her small speech would have made me burst into a fit of laughter every time. Once we were far enough away, I'd give her a kiss and finally allow a soft chuckle to slip past my lips.

I love her so much.

She is my everything, along with my daughter.

I would do anything to protect them. And if I fail...

I would never be able to forgive myself...

"Natsu! Push me!" my darling daughter squealed with delight at her salmon-pink haired friend. This boy is a complete mystery, whenever Layla and I ask to meet his parents his response is always an excuse of the fact that they're busy. It's quite dubious though Layla and I have kept from further questioning him, with the fact that it might be a sensitive topic to touch on. There's always that vague glint in his eyes whenever we ask for his parents.

In the earlier times we've had with Natsu, we asked about his mother and father a little too often but eventually held back on the questions. Even though it seems like Layla and I have shrugged off the topic, we're still quite worried about him. We've talked about his situation and excuses whenever we had some time before going to bed.

In all honesty, the first time I've seen the boy, I thought that he would have been raised in a stable and happy family as he was so cheerful and seemed so full of life, however, the more we got to know him (bit by bit) we find that his parents are hardly home and that they're too busy even to meet up with us. In fact, I got quite worried when we always see Natsu waiting at the Park, whenever a play date was set up between him and Lucy; as if he had nothing else to do. He seems quite lonesome in spite of his cheerful, outgoing nature.

"Yeah! Sure!" the grinning boy said, running over to stand behind Lucy and started pushing her on the swing.

Yes, today was another great day - like every other day. I had Layla leaning against my shoulder as I had an arm wrapped around her petite shoulders. If I were to think this would be my future from when I was still a teenage boy, I would have laughed since I believed that having a perfect life was beyond the bounds of possibility. My, was I proven - delightfully - wrong when I met Layla; the love of my life.

"Jude, darling..." her angelic, soft voice murmured. I closed my eyes to savour the music my ears picked up upon, that was her lovely voice and pretended to not hear her just to have her call out to me again. "Jude?"

"Yes Layla?" I asked, looking down to meet her gaze; her chocolate brown eyes, I could stare into those warm, enchanting orbs forever.

"I feel like something's going to go wrong..." her brows furrowed in anxiousness. The sight of her, somewhat, forlorn expression made me frown.

"Don't worry," I assured her, putting on a benevolent smile, "everything that's happened in our lives ever since we've met each other, has been nothing but perfect. What could go wrong?" I dare challenge her suspicions and as a result, she pulls away and stands, staring off into the distance before laying her eyes on Lucy and Natsu playing together (though, I could tell that her main focus was upon her almost identical daughter).

"That's all the more reason to be worried...Jude, I wouldn't know what to do if anything happened to you or Lucy..." she uttered, her attempted speech being a whisper that barely won against the contesting sounds of the faint breeze. Scarcely any moments drew past and I made sure that I was instantly by her side, ready to reassure her uncertainty.

"Layla." I called in a hushed, tender tone. She didn't respond and continued to keep her eyes on our daughter. Wisps of her golden hair blew upon her face at the command of the gentle wind as she didn't voice a response. Grasping her shoulders, I gently turned her to face me and tucked her stray strands behind her dainty ears. "There's nothing to worry about, I will be sure of it. I shall protect you with my life." hoping my words would have rest her assured, I was let down when her countenance contorted into one of more apprehension and alarm.

"Don't say that! Didn't you hear me?! I wouldn't know what to do without you or Lucy. You're both too important for me to loose!" with that, she pushed her face into my chest and embraced my build. From the corner of my eye, I saw the looks she attracted from Lucy and Natsu. Sending them a small gesture, they continued on playing, leaving me to reassuringly pat my beloved's back. A smile pulled at the edges of my lips when I thought back to her statement.

"Alright, I take it back..." her tense muscles visibly relaxed against me as we were still embracing each other, "though, deep down, I will be true to that. I won't let any harm come to you." she didn't respond and continued to hold me close, as I, her.

We eventually pulled away and shared a quick peck on the lips before looking back at the children. Their gaze was fixed on us with shocked (Lucy) and disgusted (Natsu) expressions. Layla and I locked eyes before laughing at them. However, I was sure that her laugh was only half hearted but I ignored it. I'll confront her about it more later. I wouldn't want to worry Lucy or get Natsu involved.

Later on that night, we had just tucked Lucy into bed and separately gave her a kiss on the forehead. The smile that was softly etched upon her face as she fell into her slumber brought a smile onto my own lips. I could tell that it was also having the same effect on my wife.

"Goodnight Sweetheart. Mommy loves you." Layla whispered once she pulled away from gently pecking Lucy's brow.

"Daddy loves you too." I announced softly, so as not to wake her. If she was awake, I know what her instant response would be, of course, she says it all the time whenever we exchange words that express the mutual love we share together as a family.

'I love you both more!'

Once out of Lucy's room, I gently took Layla's hand and made my way to our bedroom. We proceeded to do our nighttime routines before settling in bed together. I had some papers to read through so I kept my bedside lamp on.

"I'm sorry dear. You go straight to sleep. I won't take long, I promise." I lovingly stroked the apple of her cheeks before turning my attention to the documents that needed to be read.

"It's quite alright, my love. I'm finding it hard to sleep myself..." not knowing how to respond, I simply nodded before continuing to read through the papers. Layla, from the corner of my eye, looked down upon her hands and started twiddling her fingers together. It was odd but it indicated that something was on her mind.

Time passed and I had almost gotten through all of the papers, Layla had laid down several minutes ago though her eyes were still open. The sting of my eyes eventually got to me and I left the remaining papers for the following morning. I stacked the remaining number of paperwork into my bedside drawers as the documents I had already read were placed upon my desk - I had to get out of bed for that. The moment I had tucked myself beneath the covers again (with my head on the pillow and not with my back against the head board of the bed), I turned to Layla and pulled her close.

"What is it that's on your mind?" I asked, the light of the lamp still left on.

"You already know the answer to that. I-I'm just not fully assured." a deafening silence took over after her declaration as I thought upon what I could do to persuade her into knowing that there was nothing to worry about.

"Tomorrow, I'll take you out - with Lucy, of course - and we can have a nice dinner and fun day of activities together. Would that help you realise it's safe and that nothing will go wrong?" I asked gently, tilting her chin up to lock eyes with her.

"I-I'm not sure." I sighed but smiled and pecked her soft lips.

"Lets try anyway. You'll have to spend some time with Lucy for the duration of the first half of the day though, I must deal with some work before we head out. I hope that's okay." her only response was a curt nod. It really hurt me to see her in such a distressed state. I will do everything I can to certify that everything is and will be, alright. "Goodnight then, my love." I uttered, turning off my bedside lamp.

"Pleasant dreams." her tired voice uttered before her breathing finally slowed and I knew that she had fallen asleep. Smiling faintly, I stared at her face within the dark before stifling a yawn and closing my eyes for the night as well.

Layla Heartfilia's POV

The next day went about how Jude had suggested (with my consent) the night before. While he was working on his papers, I spent time with Lucy, after breakfast.

"Mum! What was it like to be in a guild?!" Lucy questioned enthusiastically.

"Oh it was great. I went on many adventures with close friends."

"And with Dad?" I smiled at her query.

"Yes, and with your father."

"Did he save you like a princess when you got into trouble." her eyes brightened at the concept of mine and Jude's romance. It was adorable and sweet for her to admire the love Jude and I deeply shared.

"Yes, he did, many times, but I could have easily saved myself." I stated, which was true.

"Of course! Mommy is really powerful and pretty!" I suppressed a blush and smiled at her.

"You think so?" I asked in a playful tone with a raised brow.

"Yeah!" giggling, we unconsciously started walking around the garden.

"What magic did you have Mum?" Lucy asked as I looked down at her.

"I summoned Celestial Spirits." smiling softly, we stopped to sit amongst a circle of rose bushes.

"Celestial Spirits? What are those?"

"They're magical beings that belong in their own separate universe. I summon them using a key that opens a gate. They have magical powers that they use to help me. I am someone they follow but I treat them as close friends. Remember Lucy, you must treat others with kindness and never think yourself higher than anyone, that's bad. Everyone is at equal terms with each other. People that think themselves high though, aren't all bad. It's their actions that determine who they truly are at heart."

"Oh! Okay! I promise I will Mama!" she swore.

"Pinkie promise?" I suggested, holding up my pinkie finger for her to wrap her own one around.

"Pinkie promise!" we laughed and continued to talk. I told her about all the celestial spirits that I had the pleasure of woking with. The glint in her eyes showed great fascination and gleamed with delight. Every time I end a sentence, she insists upon wanting to hear more. I wanted to tell her everything but time flew by quickly and I found my husband calling out for us, unknowing of our whereabouts.

"Shhhh~" I hushed with a finger placed over my lips as Lucy covered her mouth, stifling her giggles, already getting an idea of what was to happen. "We jump out and attack Daddy with hugs when I say, yeah?" I whispered with a wide smile, only to have Lucy nod her head enthusiastically.

Soon enough, Jude came into view and was about to pass by, calling for us when I gave the signal for the 'attack'.

"AHHHHHH!" Lucy and I shouted, pouncing on the unsuspecting blonde. He was so caught off guard that he fell to the ground with Lucy and I on top. Lucy was nuzzling into his chest, her small arms hardly able to wrap themselves around his large torso whilst I had wrapped my arms around his neck and laid upon his side so as not to collide with my daughter.

"Surprise Daddy!" Lucy cheered, looking up at her father, who chuckled.

"And what a lovely surprise it is!" he answered, ruffling her hair. "So, are the two of you ready?" Jude asked. I was about to shake my head, no, as we have yet to change, when Lucy spoke up.

"Ready for what?" she asked with a tilt of her head.

"Your father and I planned on going out for dinner today." in an instant, she was up on her feet and tugging at our hands.

"Well what are we waiting for! Come on!" after Jude and I shared a laugh, we stood up and followed a hyper-active Lucy back into the mansion.

"I'll let you girls get ready." Jude stated after stopping and watching us go.

"Okay! See you later Dad!" Lucy waved and when Jude waved back, started running off to her room, ecstatic.

"Goodness, where do you get all this energy from?" I asked in an amused tone, once I had made it into her room to find her wardrobe door wide open.

"I don't know really." laughing at her response, I made my way over to her.

"Alright, well, what do you want to wear?"

"Hmm, something nice." she seemed really thoughtful about it but anything she wore was nice so I helped her choose.

"Okay then..." I hummed in delight, scanning my vision through the many clothes she owned before pulling out a cute sky blue dress that would reach all the way down to her knees, had a silky white ribbon around the waist, which tied into a bow, it didn't fit around her torso though, and only attached itself to the loose, shapeless dress. It also, only had thick - in terms of width - straps so I pulled out a white, long-sleeved scooped necked shirt for Lucy to wear underneath. "Change into these while I find you some socks, okay dear?"

"Okay!" she started undressing while I searched through her drawers and eventually found a pair of bellow the knee, white socks. Turning around, I found her trying (and failing) to put the dress on, which made me laugh. "D-Don't laugh, this is harder than it looks."

"Of course, I'm sorry dearest. Here, let me help you." I helped her put on the dress, over her long sleeved shirt, and let her slip her socks on. "Go and sit over there and I'll style your hair for you." I pointed towards the elegant stool that was placed before her vanity table, where she kept all of her hair ribbons, bracelets, necklaces, hair clips, hair ties and her hair brush. Without another word, her small feet pitter-pattered over to the stool, where she proceeded to seat herself upon.

Standing behind her, I took her comb and undid the small ribbon in her hair, which was holding it up in a half-up half-down, do. I then began to comb through her hair and style it. By the end, she had a small section of hair tied up at the side of her head, held by a hair tie and a length of blue ribbon, which was laced into a bow.

"You look adorable." I complimented, hugging her small frame from behind after crouching down to her height.

"Thank you Mommy!" we shared a smile before I pulled away.

"Now meet your father in the living room, I'll go get dressed as well.

"Okay!"

Lucy's POV

We were having a really good time! First of all, we went to the park, where I got to play with Natsu for bit before he had to leave. It was sad that he always had to leave at a certain time but I always had an excitement for when we would meet again. Mum and Dad just held hands and talked while smiling at each other. It was really nice. Natsu and I talked about it. He said that he wants to grow up and have a family of his own and be as happy as my Daddy was. When he said that, I felt an overwhelming pride for my Mum and Dad.

Even though I'm just a child, I can still tell that other grown ups were jealous of the strong relationship my Mum and Dad had. At first, I didn't know why exactly, but then I found out that there was often a disagreement that grown up couples had with each other which led to their break ups. It's very sad to think of stuff like that so I instantly changed the subject and announced that I would help him.

~Mini Flashback~

"You'd help me? You really would?" Natsu's eyes gleamed as bright as his toothy grin. I tried to smile as big as he did but my cheeks ended up hurting so I stuck with as big a smile as I could pull, without hurting my cheeks.

"Yeah! I'll be there for you all the way!" we continued to smile at each other whilst on the swing, until Natsu frowned and shifted his gaze on the floor.

"But I heard that sometimes, people like us end up going away from each other and never meet each other again." I frowned too when he said that. It never crossed my mind - until now - that there was a chance that Natsu and I could end up growing up without being at each other's side. It was a horrible thought, he's my only true friend. The other kids just like me because my Dad makes a lot of money, so they expect me to buy them lots of presents for their birthdays.

"We'll think of something!" I encouraged, taking his hand in mine to reassure him. A small tint of pink was evident in his cheeks as warmth blossomed in mine when we locked eyes again.

"W-well, how are your Mum and Dad still really close?" Natsu asked as I pulled my hand away to grip onto the steel chain of the swing. He did the same as there was nothing else for him to do with his hand, though I could've sworn I saw a disappointed glint that shone in his eyes, disappearing as quickly as it came.

"There's this sort of contract they have with each other along with many other couples around the world." I said aloud, remembering what Mama told me when I asked the same questions. I had seen a grown up couple split up and I got curious as to why my Mum and Dad were able to stay together (not that I was going to complain. I would never wish them apart).

"What's it called?"

"It's called Marriage! They have a wedding ceremony where they give each other rings that they wear on their finger. It's a symbol of their belonging to each other. It's a bond that can't be broken and they will live happily ever after!" I cheered, finding that I had started swinging softly without me knowing.

"Then we can have a wedding ceremony and give each other rings! We can be happy together!"

"Really?! We could?" I asked, smiling brightly.

"Sure we can! I just have to find you a ring." I nodded along.

"And I'll find you a ring too!" the excitement was getting to us and we started jumping around until I realised something, "But Papa said that it's only until we're older, should we be able to get married."

"How come?" Natsu pouted, arms crossed, annoyed by that factor.

"Because it isn't ap-...appropriate for kids to get married, only grown ups can." I inwardly smiled, pride overwhelming me because I had said a really big word. Mum and Dad would be so proud.

"Oh..." Natsu mused with frowned but started grinning again shortly after, "It doesn't matter! We'll just get married when we've grown up! Pinkie Promise?" he held out his pinkie, smiling toothily with his eyes closed.

"Pinkie Promise!" I wrapped my pinkie around his before we shared a hug.

~End of Flashback~

After that, we decided on keeping it a surprise for Mum and Dad; we would tell them when we can finally get married.

"Where are we going now?" I asked, slightly breathless since Natsu and I spent some time playing tag not too long ago. Daddy was carrying me so my legs wouldn't get anymore tired.

"Well, are you hungry?" Dad asked and I was about to answer but my stomach made the gurgling noises because it was angry at me for not eating. "I'm taking that as a yes." he laughed and so did Mommy as I pouted with my arms crossed. It wasn't funny. "Sorry Princess." my Dad apologised after seeing my face, he then lightly squeezing my nose with his thumb and finger.

"Daddd!" I whined but giggled.

"To the restaurant!" my mother cheered as I started cheering with her.

Mum and Dad had their meals and I had mine. It was really yummy but not as good as Mama's cooking. Mum made better food, in my opinion.

"Don't you think Mum makes better food Dad?" I asked before taking a sip of my lemonade.

"I can't agree with you more." Mum's face turned red before she playfully shoved Dad's shoulder.

I giggled at her face, "Mommy's face is a tomato!" I laughed before stifling it behind my hands.

"Oh shush Lucy." Mum gently scolded before covering her face.

"Sorry Mama." I apologised, looking down.

"I-It's okay my dear, j-just don't do it again." her face was less red now and I was almost tempted to say no because her face was really funny but I wouldn't do that to her.

"Okay!" we continued to eat until I was full and leaned back, patting my stomach.

"Is something wrong Princess?" Dad asked.

"Full..." was my only reply. He got a good laugh out of the expression I pulled and so did Mum, which made me frown.

I couldn't remember what happened after that but I woke up to the familiar ceiling of my bedroom. I guess I must have fallen asleep. Looking down on myself, I saw that I was wearing my Pyjamas. It was the pink one with the white polka dots. Yawning, I decided to go back to sleep and dreamt about my future wedding with Natsu.

Jude Heartfilia's POV

"See? There's nothing for you to worry about." I concluded, once Layla and I had tucked Lucy into her bed and left for out rooms.

"I guess you're right. Thank you Jude." she leant into my side and I instinctively wrapped my arms around her shoulders.

"Of course, anything for you Layla." smiling at each other, we leant in for a kiss before preparing and going to bed. I wonder what things will come tomorrow.