Woah, long time to update and a longish chap...Hope you like it, took me awhile to update as I was kinda unsure of the transition into the next part of the story. There is some very subtle nalu so don't kill me if you don't like it, it's like barely there so for any of you who are not a fan of the ship it shouldn't hinder with the story for you! Again, it's a long one but you mayyy want to stick through until the end of the chap for reasons..or one reason!

Warning: infrequent/mild language and adult issues discussed in this chapter but that's about it!

enjoy, my loves!

An Unavoidable Intervention

Another six weeks had passed since the big reveal, and soon the guild found that a restless Erza was, well pretty much the same Erza, but just on a whole new level.

For starters, her sleeping patterns were erratic, to the point where one could assume was she not expecting, she could very well be narcoleptic. In regards to her dietary needs, well no one even bothered to ask her what the craving of the day was (that is, unless they were being threatened to retrieve the current strange combinations of food for her).

Having nothing better to do, Titania spent her days carefully surveying the activities of the guild, taking every chance she could to reprimand her fellow guild mates on all matters she did not deem appropriate or acceptable.

While this was nothing new to the members of Fairy Tail, they had all cherished and relied on the time Erza spent on missions to take a break from the harsh judgment and punishment that often ensued.

But then there were moments of extreme kindness that one only assumed could be due to the hormones. When calm, there was something endearing and inviting about the woman that drew people in. One example being a day not too far back when, much to their surprise, Natsu, Gray, and Lucy found Erza curled up on a couch sleeping with an equally sedated Happy held tightly in her arms and close to her chest as if her were her own, lips pressed in a soft, tender smile as she dreamed.

The moment, while undoubtedly odd, had still been very heart warming and was almost picturesque - that is until Natsu began to laugh hysterically. With the flip of a switch, Erza jolted up and instantly begain screaming, flinging a very startled Happy out of her grasp in the process.

Erza's extreme behaviors were highly unpredicatable, and being only about three months into her pregnancy, the entire guild was starting to worry about their fate for the remaining six.

Today was no different than any other day.

"IT'S HAPPENED" Erza cried out, slamming open Lucy's bedroom door.

"Erza what?! what is it?!" The celestial mage screamed, immediately waking from her slumber.

"I can't, it's too sad to say..." Erza spoke, a look of terror on her face.

"Oh no, no no no, not the baby!" Lucy gasped, throwing her hands over her mouth.

"No no, the baby is quite fine actually." Erza stated, as if the extremely fragile fetus growing inside of her was a non-factor.

"Then what's wrong?!" Lucy yelled, her worry slowly dissolving into annoyance.

"I-I no longer am able to fit into my armor!" Erza wailed, causing Lucy's jaw to drop, and remain that way for quite some time.

A pregnant Erza also had proven to be an even more dramatic than usual Erza.

Suddenly, a muffed giggle was heard and two blue ears peaked out from under the covers. "So does that mean Erza's fat now?" Happy teased as the rest of his body emerged from the sea of blankets, two little paws concealing his mouth.

"WHAT THE -" Lucy started, whipping the top comforter off of her bed and revealing two uninvited guests. Kicking a groggy, half-awake Natsu off said bed, she continued to yell. "NATSU, HAPPY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

The fire dragon-slayer began to rub his eyes, looking up innocently at the girl. "Oh come on Luce, you act like this doesn't happen on a nightly basis." He spoke through a yawn.

"Nightly, huh?" Erza cocked a brow suggestively at the blonde, immediately causing her to become flustered.

"No! It's not what you think!" Lucy defended, a red flush creeping fast upon her cheeks.

Another exaggerated yawn came from the ground and the pink-haired male began to stretch. "Yeah besides, even if me and Luce were doin' it, I wouldn't be dumb enough to get her knocked up. I know better now!" He added, grinning at the two women.

"I see." Erza replied curtly. Though she hid it well, Lucy could tell Natsu using Erza's condition as a cautionary tale right in front of her had come across as an insult.

"Idiot!" Lucy yelled, hitting Natsu over the head for the insensitive comment.

"OWE! What?! it's true! You told me that's what happens!" Natsu argued, rubbing his head while glaring at the woman who attacked him for reasons he was too obvlious to understand.

"Don't listen to Natsu, he didn't mean it like that. We need to focus on the bigger issue at hand, getting you clothes that fit!" Lucy changed the subject

Titania sighed in defeat. "If we must.

"Erza's definitely getting fat." Happy snickered to Natsu, causing Lucy to throw the blue exceed out the window. "ENOUGH, CAT!"

The four had made their way downtown, ending up at a small boutique that specialized in maternity clothes.

"See Erza, these are cute! You'll look great in pretty much anything in here!" Lucy exclaimed, trying to cheer up the scarlet mage. "So...how have you been feeling lately?" She asked, trying to break the ice.

"I'm actually feeling fine lately." Erza stated as she eyes the clothes on the rack, so far unimpressed with everything she had seen.

"Really? Just fine? Nothing different or strange you've noticed?" Lucy asked.

"Well I have noticed that I have the urge to urinate very frequently actually, it's quite frustrating." Erza remarked casually.

Lucy sighed internally. Of all the things changed that have happened, that's only one she's noticed?!

"Woah, this thing's HUGE! It's bigger than the ones you have in your house Luce!" Natsu's voice reached the girls, and to Lucy's horror there he was holding a bra.

"WILL YOU PUT THAT DOWN?!" Lucy Heartfillia was an extremely health young woman, but something told her that if her blood pressure were to be taken at any moment she was around Natsu, her results would be of extreme medical concern.

"It's just so big, and why does it look like something a grandma would wear? Not like yours at all Luce, yours usually will have lace, and bows, and sometimes the fabric is see through!" Natsu continued, listing off Lucy's lingerie collection in public as she stood there, mortified.

She could see the headlines now. "Beautiful, young woman dies tragically of a heart attack." Yup, it was only a matter of time.

Other customers in the store, particualarly pregnant women with their families were now starting to stare over at the duo. "Will you keep it down!" Lucy hissed through gritted teeth "People are going to get the wrong idea!"

"Jeesh, fine! Anyways, why does this one look so frumpy?" Natsu asked.

"Well, usually when a woman is pregnant, her, uh - " Lucy whispered, failing to find the most appopriate word to draw less attention.

"Tits?" Natsu stated bluntly, and of course, out loud.

"I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" Lucy screamed, beginning to strangle the pink-haired man.

"Will you two knock it off." Erza spoke, shooting the two a glare from the corner of her eyes.

"Yes, m'am!" They both gulped.

"Anyways, her breasts, that being the actual appropriate and not at all derogatory word for them..." Lucy continued quietly, causing Natsu to roll his eyes. "..tend to grow during pregnancy, so this is more for support, not so much appearance." She finished, thanking Mavis she was done with the second most painful conversation she had ever had with the man.

"They do?" Was all he responded with, sporting a half curious, half suggestive look on his face.

Oh for fucks sake, do I really need to now explain to him the concept of breast feeding? Lucy thought, holding her tounge before yelling at him once more. She looked back at the man once more, still wearing that stupid look.

Nope, not even going there. She decided.

"Give me that, we came here to help Erza, not have me be your sex ed teacher!" She exclaimed., snatching the current garment out of his hands and approaching Erza.

"Hey Erza, is your current bra feeling too tight?" Lucy asked, investigating the tag to see if the size she had would work as a replacement for the expecting woman.

"I stopped wearing a bra weeks ago, they havent fit since." Erza responded, still searching through the array of clothes.

"Ok then...well that explains why a majority of the male members of the guild have been oogling you creepily...well more than usual." Lucy sighed.

"Here take this, it should fit. It may not be the most enticing choice, but it's not like you have to worry about impressing anyone anyways!" Lucy exclaimed innocently, not realizing the extent of her words until after they left her mouth.

Oh no. Lucy cried inside.

"Sure, thank you." Erza replied, unable to make eye contact with the girl as she took the article of clothing and made her way to the register.

"Way to go Lucy, even I knew that was stupid." Natsu mocked, with Happy, currently wearing a bra with the cups over each ear, nodding in agreement.

What have I done?! Lucy panicked.

"I'm going to head out now I still have to stop by the guild hall quickly, then I'm heading home as I'm feeling a bit nauseous. Thank you for all your help." Erza spoke politely, but kept it short.

Lucy watched the girl make her way out of the shop and she felt terrible. Erza.

"Come on guys, we better go make sure she's alrigh-LEAVE THAT WOMAN ALONE!" Lucy yelled over at Natsu and Happy, who were currently interrogating a woman who looked very far along in her pregnancy.

"So you're telling me when that thing is born, you feed it with those?" Natsu's asked, pointing from her stomach up to her chest.

"Mhm." The woman was clearly very kind and patient, as she just smiled and answered all of Natsu's questions.

"Mhh, I see." Natsu seemed deep in thought, as if he wasn't sure what to make of the whole phenomenon. "Cool! I mean I eat fire, so I guess that's not that weird!" He continued, causing the woman to chuckle.

"So one more question, what happens when the baby finishes it all? Does it just suck up everything in there? And then what? What's the baby gonna eat when it's all gone?!" Natsu was now frantic, genuinely concerned about this strange sitaution and the well-being of this woman's unborn child.

"ALRIGHT! Time to leave the nice, respecatable lady alone! we need to go, NOW!" Lucy laughed nervously, pushing Natsu out the door.

Nice to meet you! Have fun with your new baby! I hope your boobs don't deflate completely!" Natsu yelled across the store, a large grin on his face. Lucy was about ready to cry.

She turned around and mouthed "I'm so sorry." To the woman, who just stood smiling and waving at the two.

"Hey Erz." A familiar voice approached Titania as she collected some papers in the guild hall.

"Yes, Natsu?" She replied, trying everything in her power not to vomit in between words.

"We're gonna get you through this, alright? You're not gonna go through this thing alone." He reassured her, surprising her with an embrace.

"I'm aware of this, you've already told me, remember?" She spoke, forcing a smile even though she felt violently ill.

"You say that, but sometimes I get the feeling you think you're alone in this still." He started, to which she didn't reply, nor make eye contact.

"That's not the case. Whatever happens, I'm here, ok? And if you need me to kick the crap out of that blue-haired bastar-"

Erza shot Natsu a deathly glare that instantly put the fear of Mavis in him.

"Alright, I get it, hey I like the guy now, don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is one wrong move on his part and he's done, whether you like it or not. Plus, it's not like I haven't beaten the guy before." Natsu grinned smugly.

"Thank you, for always looking out for me." She replied, placing a hand on his face gently and smiling.

"You'll be fine, Erza, promise. You're with family, so no matter what ends up happening, we've got your back! And that goes for you too, newest little buddy! Uncle Natsu's gonna teach you how to be the strongest mage ever!" Nastu spoke, kneeling down to Erza's stomach and giving it a soft pat.

Erza raised a brow, looking down at her comrade.

"Oh sorry, you're right...the strongest, after me that is!" He revised, still receiving the same look from Titania.

"Oh yeah, and then after your mom of course, so third. Can you settle for that little buddy?" He mocked, causing Erza to shake her head.

"I look forward to the the day I'm able to witness my child kick your ass." Erza stated with a smirk.

"You wish." Natsu huffed, laughing at such a foolish thought.

"No, I'm feeling pretty confident on this one. I'm thinking it'll be accomplished around six." Erza stated boldly.

"Six? As in six years old?! You gotta be kidding me Erza." Natsu snorted.

"I'm gonna bet on five!" Happy chimmed in, adding fuel to the fire. Erza just nodded in approval, and the three of them laughed, followed shortly by Erza running off to relieve herself of her morning sickness.

"Mira, I think we need to put the plan into play a bit sooner, I think Erza's really having a tough time." Lucy whispered from across the bar, looking over frequently to see if Erza had looked their way at all.

"Already on it!" Mira sang as she wiped down the counter.

"You mean?" Lucy started, impressed at the pace Mira worked at.

"It's done! In fact it should be happening now." She exclaimed, placing the towel down and preparing to leave the bar.

"Now? As in today?!" Lucy was shocked, and totally unprepared.

"Yup!" The silver-haired woman replied.

"Way to warn a girl! Ok, I'm heading to Erza's now she should almost be home, see you in a bit?" Lucy, whispered before hurrying out the door, to which mira just winked back.

"Hey Erza, it's Lucy, can I come in?" Lucy knocked on Titania's door, praying her timing had been right and the scarlet mage was in fact already residing in her room.

"Yes Lucy, come in." Erza's voice called from the other side.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better, thank you. The nausea still comes and goes. Come, sit down." She spoke, patting the open spot next to her on the bed.

"For you." Lucy smiled, pulling out a gift bag and handing it to the girl. Erza looked up, confused at the blonde, but Lucy simply nodded at the bag, suggesting she open it.

"What is this?" She asked, still hesitant.

"I picked you out something! I know you can't wear it every single day, but it's a start!" The blonde beamed, satisfied in her choice.

Erza removed the tissue paper concealing the gift and pulled out a dress.

It was simple, a soft ivory color with intricate floral stitching, impressive yet subtle detail that Erza admired. The sleeves were three-quarter, so appropriate for almost all seasons, and the hemline appeared to fall right above the knee. The neckline dipped low, just enough to show off a tasteful amount of cleavage, but what she liked the most was the location of the waistline, cinching right under the chest and allowing the fabric to flow outward as to flatter the stomach of a pregnant woman.

It was practical with a touch of femininity, exactly Erza's style, and she was touched knowing that Lucy had put a lot of thought picking it out.

"I know it's been cold out but you can layer it and you should be fine! And then in the spring- Oh Erza, you'll look so pretty in it! Especially with a pregnant glow!" Lucy exclaimed.

"I love it. Thank you, Lucy." Erza smiled at her friend, and Lucy felt relieved knowing things were ok between the two of them.

"Oh yeah, there may be something else in there too." Lucy laughed, giving Erza a sneaky look. Confused, and partially frightened, Erza pulled out another garment that was residing at the bottom of the bag.

"W-WHAT IS T-THIS?" Titania cried out, holding up a very lacy, practically transparent bra.

"Well after I did some searching around the store, I found something a little sexier, you know for special occasions." Lucy suggested with a wink.

"S-Special o-ocassions.." Erza stuttered.

"Come on Erza, just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you and Jellal still can't have a little fun." Lucy teased, causing Erza to hide her face behind the pillow sitting in her lap.

"For someone who lacks modesty when it comes to her armor and costumes, you sure are strange when it comes to intimate clothing items!" Lucy teased further. "You shouldn't be embarrassed! I'm sure you could wear a potato sack and Jellal would find you irresistible!"

Erza placed the pillow concealing her face back down. She was still sporting a light blush, but her expression was changing back to that of sadness.

"I see what this is, you're trying to make me feel better about earlier."

"Erza I-" Lucy started, but she was cut off.

"No, it's fine I promise. You were right. Realistically, I don't have anyone to impress." She stated, reminded of the fact that a normal, consistent relationship with Jellal was out the cards.

"But Erza, you know you're going to have to talk to him about it, right?" The blonde spoke.

"Our interactions are either brief and/or chaotic and complicated, not too mention rare. To tell him he's going to be a father and for him to stay and raise this child with me? It's a lovely fantasy, at most, but that is all." She spoke sadly, causing Lucy to feel sympathy, but also frustration.

"Well, saying the situation is complicated would definitely be an understatement, but Erza, Jellal needs to know, he deserves to know." Lucy argued. "I know you're terrified of how he'll react. I know it's been a long and grueling road getting to the place where you two are now, and I get that you don't want to ruin any chances of keeping that, but either you tell him and take the risk, or you alienate him and keep this secret for the rest of your life. It's not fair, for either of you."

Erza simply nodded, her eyes beginning to water. Lucy held her hand, watching the scarlet warrior bite her lip in order to stop the tears from falling.

"But you know what, we can worry about that later! How about you go try that dress on?" Lucy pepped up, trying to change to subject as well as the atmosphere.

"Sure." Erza faked a smile and proceeded into the bathroom to wash up quickly and try on the new article of clothing.

Lucy sat on the edge of the bed, fidgeting in anticipation. Any minute now. She thought.

The blonde jumped slightly when she heard a few knocks on the door, and quickly she bolted towards the other end of the room.

"Is someone at the door?" Erza question, her voice traveling from the half-opened bathroom door.

"Uh, I didn't hear anything, but let me check!" Lucy lied, opening the door and greeting the expected visitors with a smile.

"Uh, hey Erza?" Lucy called out, drawing nearer to the bathroom again. "Remember when I said we would figure things out later?"

Erza opened the door to inquire about Lucy's words, lips parted slightly as she prepared to talk, but she was muted due to what was before her. There stood three bodies before her, an anxious Lucy, a smug Mira, and the last being the heartbreaking sight of a man whom she only saw in her dreams as of late.

"...It's later." Lucy grinned nervously, quickly making her way behind MiraJane who she deemed a viable shield at that moment.

"J-Jellal." Erza's voice cracked. Tears began to form again, and she knew no amount of lip biting or any other self-inflicted pain for that matter would cease them from falling this time.

There he stood, greeting her with that devastating smile of his and she felt lightheaded. She was unable to speak, simply enchanted by his actual, physical presence before her.

Her gaze fixated on his, and suddenly she felt everything from love, to lust, to fear, and even angst. She was overwhelmed with emotion, but that smile paralyzed her, filled her with comfort above all else, and she would have given anything, no everything to freeze the moment and live in it forever.

Reality broke through though once she watched his warm expression change. Suddenly, that smile was gone, replaced by a look of terror she hadn't seen him wear in a long while.

"Erza..." His voice trembled, staring at the lower half of her body.

She looked down, horrified to find trail of blood trickling down her leg and forming a small puddle at her feet. She looked back up at him, her fearful countenance matching his own.

She heard the voices of her friends, frantic and yelling, but just barely behind the loud ringing that filled her ears. Her heart pounded heavily, and her breaths became shorter and harder to obtain.

"Erza!" She saw Jellal yell, but his voice never reached her.

She tried to focus on his face, praying for that smile to come back to welcome her, to haunt her, to save her.

She reached her hand out as her sense of vision began to abandon her, hoping for the chance to feel his touch once again. She used every ounce of strength she had to try and grab hold to him, but right before he was able to catch her hand, her eyes rolled towards the back of her head and her body plummeted towards the ground.

All senses shut off immediately, but before the total black out, she was positive she heard his voice call out for just a split second.

"ERZA!"