Done... pieced together with little moments of time I've managed to grab for myself, a little longer and a little bit of Gruvia in this chapter as well.

Again thank you for all the lovely comments ^^

Natsu was being distant. Lucy couldn't think why but Natsu was spending a lot of time "out". He never said where he was going just kept saying out and looking distracted. He came home at night when she was already tucked up in bed and then left early in the morning; she pretended to sleep each time he came and left because although she wanted to talk to him about her concerns a part of her didn't want to know.

She just hoped it would pass.

At first she was happy to overlook it since at times he would come into the guild, hug her tight, kiss the top of her head before leaving immediately after. This continued on for two months and she was getting a bit frustrated. They barely talked anymore; she never wanted to pressure him since he always looked so tired but between the handfuls of jobs he did a week and his mysterious outings she was growing annoyed.

She trusted him completely, but this behaviour was started to make her worry.

Happy stayed with her but she was starting to suspect he was trying to distract her. Any time she tried to go to Natsu's home he would intervene and take her somewhere else. Happy knew what Natsu was doing but he was uncharacteristically tight-lipped about whatever was going on.

Her overactive imagination was driving her crazy, imagining up scenarios that just made her want to cry. Was he getting tired of her? Between her bouts of nausea and emotional upheavals she wasn't very decent company. Maybe he was growing less attracted to her?

She flattened her hands over her abdomen. Three months on and thankfully she still wasn't showing though pregnancy was making her breasts feel a little fuller and doing wonders for her hair and complexion, a few people had commented, saying she was glowing and all she could do was smile and give them her thanks.

Three months and she was beginning to think it was time to share the news. Only she couldn't get hold of Natsu for long enough to talk about it. It wouldn't be right to announce it to the guild without him.

She knew enough to know that he wasn't regretting her pregnancy since every time she saw him he would tenderly touch her belly and smile; at home he would drop to his knees and kiss it.

So then why? Why was he so far away and distracted?

Though it was probably a good thing that he wasn't around much these days otherwise he'd realise that Lucy had been secretly picking up small job requests around town while doing her best to avoid her teammates and Levy since they'd probably tell Natsu.

She was currently standing in front of the request board scanning over all the fliers, it was mostly made up of dangerous monster hunting or capture jobs but usually, if she looked carefully, she'd find jobs that no one else wanted because either they were too easy or not worth much but Lucy found if she did a handful of these requests a week she'd make enough for rent and for food. If Natsu insisted on helping her then his money could be saved to subsidise the baby things.

Naturally he would ask where she was getting her money from and then she'd tell him the truth since he was one person she'd never lie to, he'd be mad but she always made sure she wasn't doing anything dangerous.

She picked up a small job with a sigh, dog sitting. It was a little odd that people were sending menial jobs like these to a mage guild but she wasn't going to complain. Some of these jobs had a good outcome, a few weeks ago she had befriended an elderly client who had no family, all she had wanted was for someone to keep her company and make her dinner.

The old lady had been so happy that she had asked if Lucy could come back on a weekly basis, she had liked the old lady too so she agreed whole heartedly. Yolande, the old lady, had insisted that she pay Lucy though Lucy had protested – genuinely enjoying their time together – her response had simply been 'nonsense I've got no family to inherit my money and I haven't got many years left so what else am I supposed to do with it'. How could she say no?

Every Thursday afternoon she'd visit Yolande for afternoon tea and dinner.

Yolande was another person that knew about the baby though Lucy hadn't needed to tell her, the old woman had guessed and Lucy was happy to say yes, that she was.

Lucy ripped the request off the board but froze when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Oooh, I'm wondering if you were perhaps about to take a job?"

Lucy spun round so fast she made herself dizzy, she stumbled and Gray stepped closer and steadied her. "You alright?"

"Gray! Y-yeah I'm ok, you just surprised me." She tucked the flier behind her back and tried her best to seem innocent. Gray's half smile and cocked eyebrow told her he wasn't buying it. Even she knew she was a terrible actress. "What's up?" She squeaked. "I thought you were on a job."

"Just got back," Gray leaned to forward and looked behind, her fingers gripped the sheet but she knew it was ridiculous to hide it now. "Does Natsu know that you're taking jobs?"

"...No... no he doesn't now but these jobs are harmless, the most dangerous thing I've had to do was go shopping for someone on a Saturday morning rush hour on the high street." Lucy nervously side stepped him to walk around him. "I'm not using magic nor am I fighting so there's nothing to be worried about."

"Shouldn't you be, like, resting or something?" Gray asked, his eyes dropping down to her belly.

"I'm with child not an invalid." She snapped in a hushed voice.

"Alright, ok, but if you need any help let me know." He patted her arm softly, reassuringly.

"Thanks Gray." She smiled, allowing her gratitude to show. He gestured towards one of the vacant tables at the back of the guild, inviting her to sit with him. She nodded before following him over, she slid into the bench while he went to the bar to buy them a drink. When he got back he placed a drink in front of her and slid into the bench opposite her.

"So what job are you taking?" Gray asked. Lucy took a sip of her juice before answering, the request which had been clutched in her hand was now flattened on the surface of the table, she glanced down to remind herself.

"Dog-walking, the owner has broken their ankle and can't walk their dogs; they need someone to walk their dogs in the morning and afternoon for the next couple of weeks until they're back on their feet." Simple enough.

"We take those kinds of requests." He sounded genuinely surprised.

"Not everyone requires magical help besides we're the closest guild without having to travel to the next town over." Lucy folded the flier up and tucked it inside her shirt behind one of the straps of her bra. "You wouldn't notice because you and Natsu look for the toughest looking requests." Gray laughed.

"Toughest? If you say so."

"Tough for normal people, you two are monsters."

"Has Mira questioned your choice of jobs, I know she has some crazy sixth sense about personal stuff."

Mira... always looking at her with a critical eye, Lucy wouldn't be surprised if the barmaid knew her secret, she hadn't missed the way Mira had given her once over nor the following smile and the suspicious gleam in her bright blue eyes. Everyone else seemed none the wiser which meant if Mira suspected, she'd kept it to herself.

"I told her I was taking a therapeutic break from team Natsu for mental and physical wellbeing." She aimed a grin at Gray. "Putting aside the real reason, you guys would probably drive me insane."

"I'm surprised Natsu hasn't found out yet." She wasn't.

"Natsu hasn't exactly been spending a lot of the time in the guild, at my place or anywhere." Lucy sagged against her seat, a sigh telling Gray that something was bothering Lucy. "Have you noticed that Natsu's been a bit... distant lately?"

Gray made a face of understanding, relaxing in his seat before shrugging, though there was something in the way he tried to hide his smile that made Lucy suspicious. Hiding something?

"He's been doing a lot of jobs lately; he's probably just a little tired."

"I know but I've barely seen him the last two months, I'm worried he's avoiding me." Lucy watched Gray, he shifted in his seat, he was frowning but he didn't look worried. Gray's usual indifference made him hard to read at times and she knew he liked it like that but right now he was an open book, he knew what Natsu was up to.

"You're being silly, Natsu's not avoiding you, he takes any moment he can to spend time with you but he's got a lot going on at the moment."

"What is he doing Gray? I know you know." Gray snapped his eyes up to meet hers and he smiled nervously when he met with her glare.

"I have no idea what you mean," Gray averted his gaze... he was lying but before she could call him on it he met her glare head on and held his hands up between them in a gesture of peace. "Whatever you think he's doing or whatever's going through that writer's mind of yours stop thinking it, Natsu working really hard so please just stop prying, you trust Natsu don't you?"

"With my life." Was her instant response. Gray inclined his head and smiled, he picked up his beer and took a sip.

"Then you've got nothing to worry about."

Gray knew what Natsu was up to, he seemed to think it was ok, was even defending him which in itself was unusual, so maybe she should stop worrying and face the fact that she was just missing him.

"You're right, I'm being silly, I seem to be doing that a lot lately."

"It's understandable." He smiled sympathetically. "But for once that Flame head is doing something worthwhile, trust me on that."

"I do..." She rushed out, she settled and smiled. "I do." She repeated, softly. They sat in companionable silence, each finishing off their own drinks before Gray shifted, catching Lucy's attention.

"So do you want any help with that request of yours?" He offered. She smiled, tempting to accept his offer, the request had stated dogs, suggesting that there were two or more, having Gray there might prove useful if the dogs are on the big side or are numerous. But even as she contemplated it she felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck, an ominous feeling of being watching quite intently, giving her the shivers.

She had wondered where Juvia had been hiding this entire time, it was odd that Lucy had been talking to Gray for an extended length of time and the smitten woman hadn't been throwing threatening glares her way. Perhaps she hadn't felt threatened until Gray offered his help on her job.

She scratched the back of her neck, rolling her eyes with a slight exasperation. Even with her relationship with Natsu exposed she was still subjected to Juvia's irrational jealousies. Six years on and Gray was still pretending and Juvia was still madly in love with him... poor girl, all Lucy wanted to do was knock him round the back of the head and pummel some sense into his head.

"Thanks but maybe that's not a good idea, the last thing I need is a drenching right now."

He cocked an eyebrow and looked behind her, years of practise and his Juvia senses had improved, no doubt she was hiding behind a pillar, emanating waves of hostility towards her, Lucy was just grateful that Juvia didn't attack her anymore for being anywhere near her beloved Gray-sama. But she might if Lucy accepts his offer.

She wondered idly if she told everyone she was pregnant if Juvia would finally accept that she was Natsu's and his alone.

"Out of interest Gray, you and Juvia–"

"Lucy..." He warned. "Don't go there; I've already got Mira sticking her nose in."

"I know and I'm sorry but do you really not have any feeling for her, at all?" Gray narrowed his eyes, clearly growing annoyed, he took a deep breath, a calming breath, topics of Juvia always seemed to rile him up and maybe after so many years she should just accept that he had no feelings for Juvia. After all it's not something you can force.

"Not that it's anyone's business but Juvia knows how I feel yet she still chases after me, it's her choice, I've tried."

"Maybe because you've always been so half-hearted about it, tell her clearly and with finality, she'll finally be able to move on, find someone else that loves her back." Lucy sipped on her drink and peeked up at Gray. His expression was unreadable as he gazed at his drink, but what his face didn't give away his body did, waves of tension rolled off of him, his hands tightening into fists and loosening only to tighten again in a repetitive motion. Lucy suspected she knew what was going through his mind; as much as he claimed he had no feelings for Juvia, he was just lying to himself, it was quite apparent to everyone but him.

"She's free to do that now." He bit out, his voice quiet... unsure of himself?

"Not while she has the hope that you'll return her feelings."

What Gray needed was to face reality and accept that Juvia was his, as much as he wanted to deny it, to push her away, so that he could preserve himself from opening up to another person intimately. And if using his own jealously against him was the way to go then Lucy would be the one to stoop that low.

Gray's possessiveness over the bluenette was just as strong as Juvia's over him, Gray just hid it better, his half hearted rejections kept Juvia hooked and he knew that, everyone had seen the underlying fury in Gray when ever Lyon presented himself to Juvia.

"I know it's not my place Gray, the choice is yours, but I think you don't really want Juvia to move on because truthfully you have feelings for her." He looked tense still, he was scowling at her but she refused to be intimidated by him. "I like Juvia, she's sweet, she's beautiful and only ever thinks of you and I just can't understand why you're so adamant to keep her at arm's length." He looked over Lucy's shoulder, his gaze riveted to where he knew Juvia was hiding and for a moment his eyes softened. If she hadn't been watching him she might have missed it.

"It's hard, I'm not good at..." He stopped and ran a hand through his hair, raking through it in frustration. "What if I can't make her happy?" He muttered in a hushed voice, his face turned away slightly in embarrassment.

She wanted to cheer at the progress; finally getting him to open up about his feelings for Juvia was a feat she wouldn't take lightly. She suspected though that if she made too much of a deal about it he'd clam up again so she did her best to keep a straight face and simply offered him a sympathetic smile.

"You can make her happy, it's you she's chosen and continued to choose despite your constant rejection, love like Juvia's is hard to find so please don't throw it away because of a little insecurity."

He suddenly looked quite vulnerable and lost, not used to opening up to people on such a level but he quickly schooled his expression and sighed.

"I'm supposed to take advice from someone who chose Flame brain as a boyfriend." She feigned offense; she clicked her tongue and shook her head.

"Don't get unpleasant just because you don't want to face the truth, Natsu has his moments but I wouldn't have chosen anyone else. I love him."

"Ok, ok... I'll consider what you're saying." Sweet Mavis! Finally. It had only taken six years, she just hoped that he wasn't saying it just to placate her so that she would leave him alone. She mentally patted herself on the back for being the one to coax Gray into confronting his feelings for the water mage.

"Lucy!" Lucy jumped, startled into an upright position before turning to register the one calling her name. Natsu was running through the hall, coming to a halt at her and Gray's table, he was out of breath as if he'd run a good distance and she frowned when she noted how filthy he looked.

Dark combat trousers and a black vest covered in... paint? Even his hair was dotted with flecks of white all of which explained the feint scent of decorating paint. A job maybe? His scarf was absent, probably so he wouldn't get it dirty.

He was hopping from one foot to the other, his body literally vibrating with excitement and a grin so big she was worried his face would split. Briefly she wondered if he'd eaten too many sweets again.

"Finished it then." Gray leant back and grinned. Lucy looked from Natsu to Gray then back before narrowing her eyes. Was this what Natsu had been disappearing to do for the last two months? But what was it?

"Finished what?" She asked.

"Surprise, whatever you have planned cancel it I've got something to show you." He was seconds away from giggling like a little kid before Christmas, his excitement was a little contagious, and she found herself slowly smiling, unsure why but still doing it anyway.

She thought about the little dog walking request she'd picked up but quickly dismissed it, Natsu wanted to take her somewhere, she'd be stupid to say no, she'd barely seen after all and it looked as if she was going to find out what he's been doing beside jobs.

Before she answered he grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled her out from behind the table and into his arms, she was taken by surprise when he planted his lips against her in a toe curling kiss, but just as she was growing into it he pulled away, leaving her flushed and wanting. His grin turned salacious but as if remembering something he shook his head, mumbled something about later and started to pull her towards the guild entrance.

"Calm down Natsu." She snapped though it lacked vehemence since his excitement was tangible and she found herself very eager to follow. Remembering himself he slowed down and smiled apologetically over his shoulder.

"Sorry," he murmured, "there's something I really want you to see."

"What is it?" She asked. But he didn't answer just smiled cryptically and lead her through the town.

She let him lead her by the hand, for the moment not really caring where he was taking her just happy that he was here with her.

It was as they headed out of town that she realised they were on the path towards Natsu and Happy's house, she hadn't been in some time, preferring her home over theirs. Were they finally going to be spending some alone time together after so long? She had missed him desperately, in every way.

They rounded the corner, trees parting to give her a view of Natsu's hut, the sign at the front read Natsu, Happy and... she halted, pulling Natsu to a stop. He looked over at her, brows pulled together in confusion and concern but Lucy was too focused on the sign to address him.

The sign read Natsu, Happy, Lucy and... there was a space after that, she guessed for once they decided on a name for their child, she was touched but Natsu couldn't still think she was going to move in to this hut with him and their baby, it just wasn't suitable, she thought she'd made that clear but before she could question she finally looked over the sign and looked at the hut... except it wasn't a hut anymore.

It was bigger then she last remembered. Trees and bushes on either side had been removed to make room for more building and the hut... rather cottage, now looked like a home. Oh my... She placed a hand over her mouth and her eyes widened with realization. At the doctors he had asked her for time but she had never imagined that this was what he needed it for; she just thought he needed time to make a decision but this...

"Natsu..." She breathed in awe. It looked so pretty and quaint, nestled neatly between trees and flora, the sound of the river that run behind the house now sounded enchanting when coupled with this scene.

"Do you like it?" He sounded nervous, his smile faltering when she didn't say anything else. Like it? She loved it, it was beautiful. She nodded her head unable to form words to properly describe how she felt, she was utterly speechless. "Do you want to see the inside?"Again she nodded.

He took her hand in his again and gently pulled her towards the cottage, he kept his eyes locked on her, trying to gauge how she was feeling; she smiled weakly in an attempt to reassure him, she was afraid that if she spoke she'd start crying, her eyes were already stinging from unshed tears but she did all she could to hold them in.

He pushed open the door, the same scent of paint that had lingered on Natsu assaulted her nose, it was strong and fresh, he must have only recently finished, coming straight to the guild to find her in his excitement. The first room was the original room, the board of complete requests was still on the wall, over flowing with fliers and hand written notes pinned randomly throughout the mess of papers. His couch was up against the opposite wall, his low coffee table in front of it on top of a circular rug.

"I separated the kitchen and the living room and added a proper bathroom and two bedrooms." He showed her through the cottage and she silently took it all in. The kitchen was expanded leaving enough room for a kitchen table and chairs, along the back wall there was an aga with two of metallic hot plates on the top, a stone basin for a sink, there was a pantry off to the side of the kitchen and plenty of cupboards. A window had been added, overlooking the river and the forest beyond it.

He ushered her out back into the living room and showed her the bathroom. Toilet, sink and at the far end of the room a large stone bath that easily fit two, there was a shower curtain, new, with a what seemed like a newly installed shower head. That bath did look awfully inviting.

He led her through to the other side of the house. On either side of his board of memories were two doors. The first door, closest to the front of the cottage lead to a smaller room, it was a undecorated and unfurnished, a window giving them a view of the front garden, she'd have to work on making it look pretty to look at.

"I was thinking that this could be the baby's room, it's furthest away from the kitchen and right next to our room." Natsu sounded nervous still, shifting from one foot to another while wringing his hands together. She blinked up at him before slowly smiling. Yeah this could be their child's room. She pictured how it would look, a cotbed in the far corner, a changing table under the window, lovely light curtains, a soft rug... oh yes she could see it so clearly. "Let me show you the last room." He pulled her through back into the living room then to the other side of the board to the second door. He opened it up and gestured for her to move in.

There was no bed but his hammock was up for his benefit, his clothes littered the floor –she would have to train him to clean up after himself if they were going to live together – several books lined the wall, ones she'd left over when she'd visited, some of her spare clothes and sleep wear folded up near his.

"So what do you think?" He finally asked when she didn't say anything. She didn't know what to say, she was just so overwhelmed by what Natsu had done for her, for them. Before her eyes everything came to life and she could picture it, they'd lounge around in bed, their child cuddled up between them. A small child running through the house, laughing and happy while Natsu or herself chased him with the threat of tickles, breakfast together at the kitchen table, reading him stories as they cuddled up in the sofa with a gentle fire in the fire place.

She turned to Natsu, her wonderful, sweet and thoughtful Natsu, and slowly closed the distance between them. He was still nervous and he looked desperate to hear her thoughts, hoping she accented to living with him, no doubt.

She flattened her hands against his chest and he looked down confused, concern flitting through his dark eyes. She closed her hands around his vest and pulled him down so that they were eye level, on closer inspection tiny flecks of paint marred his face but it did little to distract her from how much she wanted to kiss him right now.

She moved forwards and gently pushed her lips against his, he seemed to sag in what she could only assume was relief before responding to her kiss. She kept it languid, slowly moving her lips against his as meaningfully as possible, she wanted him to know how much she loved him, how much she appreciated him by putting as much feeling into this kiss.

"I love it." She whispered against his lips. "It's perfect." Natsu's hands moved to her hips, pulling her flush against him.

"So you'll move in with me?" He asked, a small smile playing on his lips which grew into a face splitting smile when she nodded her head. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up against him, with a jubilant laugh he spun her round on the spot. Lucy found herself squealing in surprise before falling into a fit of giggles.

"Did you do all of this by yourself?" She asked when he finally settled her back on her feet.

"No I had some help, Gray, Gajeel, Elfman and some of the other guys popped over whenever they could to help."

"I had no idea." She breathed looking around the room in awe.

"That was the point; I wanted it to be a surprise."

"I missed you, you know." She rested her face against his chest and wrapped her arms around him, he reciprocated her hug, squeezing her tightly against him.

"I missed you too." He pulled away a little so he could duck down and kiss her mouth. Very quickly it turned hot, his tongue stroking her lips in bid for entrance. Immediately she parted her lips and he plunged in to meet her tongue.

Her hands moved up to bury themselves in his hair while his hands moved down to cup her behind and pull her up off her feet. Like a dance they'd practised a thousand times she wrapped her legs around his hips and began moving backwards until her back hit the wall. He was so hot, his body hard and ready, the plains of his chest flattened her chest and rubbed against her sensitive tips in an erotic manner.

Using the wall to hold her up, he pulled and tugged at his shirt until he was yanking it over his head and chucking it to the side. Her hands immediately moved to his body to trail over his broad back and over his shoulders. She loved the feel of him and after so long it felt so good to be able to touch him again, to feel every cord of muscle that shaped him and rippled with every movement.

She threw her head back, a moan of pleasure falling from her mouth when he trailed his lips down her neck, nipping the sensitised skin below her left ear. He worked the buttons of her shirt, roughly wrenching it open once he got the last one undone.

His hands immediately cupped her aching breasts, the pressure on her nipples making her groan with need. But then he stilled, she moaned in complaint until she heard the rustle of paper as he pulled the request she'd tucked away in the strap of her bra. She'd completely forgotten it was there and he was pulling it open with a confused frown.

When he got it open his eyes shot up to meet hers, a frown present on his face, his lust momentarily forgotten. Her body cried with need but her mind screamed in alarm when he pulled away to look at her clearly.

Crap... double crap.

"It's not what it looks like."