Author's Note: Hey everyone! Welcome back to another chapter! Ah yes, the time for Luna is just quickly approaching-probably the next chapter! I am glad everyone is liking my writing as I do making it! Thank you everyone who has reviewed and read my chapters! You guys are seriously the best and I hope I don't disappoint with the direction my writing is going! I appreciate each and every one of you as we are on this adventure together!

I have a request however: As you know Levy is going to have twins in this story and I have NO IDEA what to name them besides Gale; so if you all have some suggestions I will take them into consideration. I appreciate any suggestions you give regardless...but seriously though; lemme know cause' I will have to come up with something and quickly as this story is about to start another arc in a hot minute! Thank you all in advance!

Without any other further things to add, the song for this chapter is "Listen To Your Heart" by Roxette. An oldie, but a goodie. The lyrics really capture the essence of this chapter and the emotions going on through Lucy in her last bit of pregnancy. Please give it a listen and read to get the full effect. And while you are at it, let me know what you think in a review! I love connecting with you guys and love hearing your thoughts! See you all next chapter and enjoy!

Your Little Piece Of Heaven

~Chapter Thirty-Six~

There was a still pause. "Ex-excuse me..."

"You heard right. Your little one is getting ready to come into this world."

"But, that isn't right! In fact that is impossible! The doctor did a check right before we got here in only a few days ago! She told us that I had time; that we had a few more months. Natsu and I are not even close to being ready!" Lucy felt the panic bubble from the cold pit of her stomach, and felt it quickly work its way up to her chest. This couldn't be accurate; none of this could be right at all. Because if it was, then she would have to accept the very real reality that her and Natsu needed to quickly get their affairs in order.

"Don't tell me what you think is right little brat! I have been delivering young royal hatchlings well before your time. I know my trade better than you. Believe it or not, the hatchling is coming; this is happening-and the sooner you accept this, the sooner you can prepare yourselves." Parlyusica narrowed her glare at feeling insulted by the Celestial Princess.

"Granny! Watch it. That is my mate you are talking to." He growled at feeling the mother of his child's distress from the retaliation from the medicine woman.

"Oh you have no room to even begin to speak child. You should have went to me first instead of some stranger who has no idea of dragon births! Who knows if she was given any proper form treatment suitable for a hatchling; especially one of regal birth!"

"That makes no sense! What difference are there between a celestial child and a dragon one?"

"Advancement in growth and physical development. A typical gestation period in 6 months-which is unusual for this case considering that the hatchling should have been born sooner."

"Then maybe she is more like a celestial child then?" The shell shocked mother suggested quietly.

"No, between observing and the examination of you both, the hatchling will most definitely be born any day now. You were foolish not to seek proper help; much less even travel all this way. You could have caused real, irreversible damage to you both." The angry woman folded her arms while scolding the couple like naughty children disobeying their mother's rule.

"What are our options at this point?"

"Square your affairs and remain on bed rest to prolong your chances of not giving birth until you are ready. But, ultimately, the choice belongs to her. Be lucky she has been kind enough to remain where she has been. However, she will not be able to remain inside that womb for too much longer."

"So bed rest-got it. Is that it?" Lucy scoffed; dumbfounded by the lack of advice.

"What, ungrateful child? Just what exactly were you expecting? Magical fairy dust that makes this all miraculously go the way you want it to be? Get rid of your delusions. You need to make some very practical decisions from here on out because she is coming; and she is coming soon. So I suggest you stop wasting time here by nitpicking every little word I am saying, stop bantering what is fair and what isn't, and you focus on bringing in the next bloodline to both your houses."

Tears brimmed up the princess's eyes as the truthful words of the medical professional stung her watery eyes. "Enough Granny. If you are making my mate cry, then I think it is time we leave."

" Better that you sooner accept the truth of the matter. I expect to see you tomorrow. Every day you need to be examined to ensure the safety of your hatchling's wellbeing."

"You'll be lucky if we even show up!" Natsu snapped as he helped his mate to dress and quickly take her away from the infirmary. "Forget her Luce. We'll find someone else. Don't cry, okay? Granny is a jerk to everyone." He attempted to console is upset wife. He hadn't the slightest idea of how to make the situation any better, but he knew he needed to do something.

"B-but i-is sh-she wro-wrong?" Lucy sniffled as big tears fell down her cheeks and gazed at her mate so helplessly.

"Don't you worry about a thing." He wrapped a strong arm around her and allowed her to lean against him so she could cry in his embrace. There was only one place he could think of that maybe could help her relax a bit.

The wife of the Dragon Prince did not question where he was taking her. Her mind was consumed by finding out that any moment her child could be born, and maybe this whole time she wasn't taking the best care of her baby. 'What if I had damaged her? Deformed her? What if she wasn't healthy and now she is in danger because of what I have done so far? This is all my fault...'

"Luce...Luce...hey c'mon! Talk to me here?" He stood in front of her. The princess hadn't realized they stopped walking, nor their new surroundings. She was so wrapped up in her weeping and berating thoughts that she hadn't noticed that she stood before her concerned husband. "Oh Luce..." He wrapped her into an enveloped hug-well the best her belly bump would allow. Trembling, she weakly wrapped her arms around him. "I got ya Luce. It's gonna be okay hunny. I'm right here." He kissed the top of her head and resolved to being her safe place as she continued to break down.

"M-my...m-my...fa-fault..." Is what he could make out from her heavy sobbing.

"No, no sweetheart. No, not your fault. Hey, is that why are you are freaking out hun? C'mon Luce, look at me would ya? Ain't none of this your fault. Our egg is fine and she is going to be better than fine when she arrives. She's a Dragneel." He cupped her face with his palms and used his thumbs to wipe away her endless tears. While she looked at him with such a sad expression. It broke his heart to even think that those tears were from her self-blaming.

"Sh-she's go-gonna be-be si-sick o-or di-die!" The celestial mother hiccupped while she struggled to breathe.

"Shh, shh none of that. Our egg is not sick and she isn't going to die either. She just cooked a little fast is all. You did everything fine Luce. Seriously, you did everything as it should be. Calm down sweetheart. No more tears; that's it. Breathe. I got you." He comforted her more, and helped her to return her breathing to normal while she got her crying under control.

"W-why are we b-by my par-parents?"

"Heh, took you long enough Weirdo. Figured you wanted to see them next."

"N-not like th-this..." She whimpered softly. He wrapped her tighter and felt her rest her head on his shoulder. They looked onto the graves. During the remodeling, the new plot of land was set up to look like a welcoming resting spot with a few new added benches on the side. Beautiful rainbow sakura blossom trees were planted; as well as stunning flower bushes. The headstones had been repaired and cleaned, so that it had a new bright glow. Lucy felt Natsu lead her to sit down while she began to realize why he had brought her here in the first place.

The stars and moon were already out in the evening sky. Already she felt her energy heighten as it always does every night when she was under those same stars. Her belly was alive with movement from the return of the starlight energy. Natsu was by her side, still holding onto her best he could. "You do believe me when I tell you that everything is going to be alright?" He whispered into her hair.

"I have greater fear..."

"Shh, let me handle that fear." She felt him idly stroke her locks while she found herself curling to his side while on-looking to her parent's final resting place.

"You know, I think this is the first time they've seen you fully pregnant."

"I wonder how disappointed they would be to see me like this?"

"Hey, don't say that. Our little egg is a wonderful thing, remember? I'd like to think your mom would be asking a thousand questions while your dad be begrudgingly acting all civil towards me since you wrapped him around your little finger." He chuckled.

"...what if we lose her..."

"Never gonna happen. Don't you even go to that place. She is gonna be safe and sound. I'll make sure of that."

"Promise?"

"Since the moment we knew she was in our lives." The worried mother let out a few more sniffles before attempting to wipe her stray tears with the back of her hand before recapturing his attention.

"A-and what do you think your dad might think?" She watched her mate's stilled expression suddenly turning into surprise one, and then his expression rippled to resemble between sadness and fondness.

"I'd like to think he'd tease me at any chance he could get. Probably make any excuse to be close to you just so he could touch your belly. Above all else, my hope would be that he was proud of the man I have become and happy that I married the most beautiful woman in the world." He nuzzled her affectionately.

"I hope that wherever our parents are that they are smiling down on us; that they too are happy about the little joy we are bringing into this world."

"Well said Luce." He stole a kiss from her while they cuddled under the open starlit skies.

By the next morning, Lucy had awoken to find herself back in the warmth and comfort of her bed. She hadn't realized that she had fallen asleep out by her parent's graves, and instantly she regretted it as a snarl from her stomach reminded her that she had missed out on a large meal and several snacks in-between. Fortunately the door to their bedroom opened up to reveal Natsu entering with a cart filled with food. Instantly her eyes lit up as she smelled what he had brought in. Normally she was used to the northern type of meals, but nothing really beat the kind that were from her home country.

"Please tell me that is all for me?" Her eyes hungrily took in the mouth watering meal from the cart.

"What? Oh no, this is all for me." Her husband's joke died on his lips as his adoring mate shifted quickly from hungry to the bringer of death by her facial expression. "J-just kidding..." He made the swift decision of placing the first plate in her hands as she wasted no time in devouring the meal almost entirely. "Slow down there hungry; you gonna make you and the baby sick."

"I'm starving. Hand me another?"

"Don't say that I didn't warn ya. How are you feeling by the way?" He asked as he exchanged the plates of food.

"Achy, but better now that I have something in my stomach."

"Aches?"

"Yeah, my legs feel swollen, my stomach is bigger than a few days ago, and I'm starving..."

"Sounds like we really are getting close. Is she still moving?"

"Not as much. I can feel her, but it feels different than the other times..." Lucy shown her mate the positioning of where the baby was compared to where she is now.

"Hmm, guess we will have some questions for Parlyusica later today."

"Do we have to go back and see that awful woman again?"

"Granny will grow on you. She isn't all that bad, and believe it or not, she does actually care."

"Do you trust her?"

"Yeah, she helped Mom birth Zeref and me. Kinda excited for her to help bring in the next member of my family."

"So this is important to you?"

Natsu moved to sit on the bed and hold the hand of the mother of his child, "It's whatever you feel comfortable with Lucy. Listen, you carried her and you have to bring her into this world. Not me, not our friends; you. So this is whatever you want this to be. I am here to help support you every step of the way. I only want you happy and healthy. If that means we don't have Granny Parlyusica to help deliver her; then we will find someone else. But this isn't something that has to happen for me. All I want is for our child to be born healthy and safe. Does that makes sense?" He watched his mate stare their joined hands in deep thought. He half smiled as he continued to watch the inner workings of her mind try to figure something out. She really was adorable the way she furrowed her eyebrows and her lips purse in her thoughts.

Finally she locked her eyes with his. Something within her warm amber pools made his stomach clench and his heart unsettle. An emotion of regret, but definite resolve stared back at him. "What if I make a decision that I know you are going to be upset with?"

"Then that is something we will have to discuss until we compromise. What is going on in that head of yours Luce?"

"You may not be ready to handle it..."

"Doesn't matter now. You brought it up and we should at least talk about it?"

"Do you promise to keep an open mind and hear me out?"

"I'll try really hard."

"And hear my reasoning objectively?"

"Luce, if this is about having our baby in a bathtub or something; I'm all up for it."

"It's not about the birthing plan or even Parlyusica..." Natsu couldn't shake the look in her eyes gazing back towards him. He felt the sudden urge to not want to hear the reasoning for whatever was responsible for these emotions stirring between them; it was unsettling.

"Luce, you are scaring me here..."

"Natsu, please, if you want to know my thoughts, I need you to be open and honest with mere as I am going to try to be with you. Do you promise to hear me out?" He took a deep breath. Something didn't sit well , but what other options did he have?

"I promise."

Lucy let out a heavy sigh that she had been holding back with baited breath. Her nerves were shaken and she even questioned her sanity in this moment; but she had to at least talk about it, if nothing else. With her husband's promise, it did little to comforted her emotions that were whirling inside her. She wasn't entirely sure what brought on this line of thinking, but it needed to at least be discussed at the very least. She looked back down at his hand holding onto hers, "Stay with me on this, okay?"

"Sure. Now will you stop drawing this out? You are making me nervous here. Just spit it out if you can?" She did not misheard the desperate tone in his voice.

"What do you think would happen if Zeref discovered Luna?"

"He'll never know her." Natsu narrowed his eyes almost dangerously.

"Humor me and just venture on that thought process okay?" Lucy regained her wavering strength to force herself to give her attention back to him.

"I don't even like where this train of thought is going."

"Answer my question."

"You already know what will happen. Don't make me think, let along say it."

"But I am not wrong to have that kind of fear. If Luna is found out by your brother, he will kill her, or at the very least put her in the mines, or make her have a life I don't even want to imagine."

"Luce-"

"Don't Natsu. You can't deny what will happen and...and we have to consider keeping herself as safe as possible..."

"And what are you even suggesting? What plan did you cook up just now?"

"You are going to hate me..."

"I could never hate my wife." He kissed her hand that he brought to his lips and moved closer to her.

"I...I think we will have to keep this charade up until Luna is much older and farther away when I confront Zeref..."

"...Wait, let me get this straight: You want Erza and me to stay away until Luna is older?"

"Yes...no...I don't know...just...if Zeref ever found out about her, could we really take him on? Do we want to risk that when she is so young and defenseless? My hands are tied at the moment and I won't be able to go back to training as much until she is a bit older..."

"No. Luce, I am not going to stay away. No way in hell. Besides, Erza and I are moving back to the Celestial Palace so that we can stay close."

"What if your brother comes to visit huh? What if he finds her and he tricks her into telling him who you are and who she is? What if he shows up unannounced or puts his spies back here because you haven't been around or visiting him as much? Could you take that risk? Could you risk my life and the life of our daughter on the type of man we both know Zeref is?"

"And do what? Live at the capital? Not have Luna get to know me at all?" Lucy could only look away. Natsu felt his heart drop-she was really considering this an option!

"Wow...unbelievable..."

"It's not forever!"

"No, just how many years you think until we can go ahead and take out my brother! What if you get pregnant again? Then what? When will there ever be a right time because the way I see it: all this time has been wrong for us!"

"...I am sorry, you're right. Maybe it's these stupid hormones talking. I'm not thinking right..."

"I don't think so...Luce, I've never seen you like this." The couple pulled away from each other; unable to meet the eye of the other. "Is this what you really want Luce?"

"No, but could you risk her life? Could you take that chance?"

"How about we think about it and we cross that bridge when we cross that bridge should it even pop up?"

"Are you...do you hate me?"

"Luce, how could you even ask that?" He re-took her hand and nestled his temple atop hers while she found herself against his chest in a crushing hug. "Never, in a bajillion years could I ever hate you. I understand where this is coming from. The future is a scary situation we are going to have to face and we can't consider what is best for us. Luna is now our future and we have to give her, her best chance. But I don't believe it is that-me staying away that is. Right now, let's just worry about getting her into this world safely. We'll revisit this option when we both have clearer mindsets." A sniffled 'yes' from the terrified mother only made her appear that much more endearing in the prince's eyes. He couldn't help himself from another comforting kiss as she snuggled deeper into his arms. "And never be afraid to come talk to me about anything Luce. You have every right to come to me about any concerns or ideas; no matter what they are. You are my wife and I am your husband. If we can't rely on each other, than that is a sorry excuse."

"Why are you so good to me?"

"Because you are more than good to me for all the crap I have been putting you through. I love you Lucy Dragneel; crazy hormonally pregnant and all."

"I'm not crazy." She playfully slapped him.

"Oh you are-absolutely bonkers." He chuckled while he got her smiling again while she attempted to half heartedly struggle to get out of his arms. They were going to be alright.

~Afternoon~

Shortly after breakfast and cleaning up, a knock came at the door. An annoyed Erza with Juvia stood before Natsu in fluffy, pink bathrobes. Lucy was in their bed with her feet prodded up. They weren't due to see the good doctor until later that evening when the Dragon Prince answered the hasty knocked that came from their suite entrance. He had answered the door with a confused expression, "Can I help you guys?"

"Where is Lucy? You both missed dinner last night and ruined the surprise we had planned." Erza had folded her arms and gave a pointed glare.

"We had something come up. What do you need Luc for?"

"It's a surprise that we were going to have last night if Lucy had come to dinner." Juvia explained.

"Well Luce needed to take it easy. We have another appointment tonight."

"Parlyusica will be with us. Besides, you will be meeting up with Gray and Jellal in a few for your surprise." By now the large bellied celestial mother had made herself get out of bed and head over towards the door.

"What is going on over here?"

"Good, Lucy, change into this and come with us. Everyone has been waiting!" Juvia held out an extra robe with slippers.

Hesitantly, Lucy took them with a quizzical look, "What did you guys plan?"

"Never mind any of that, change and come with us. We've all been planning this and now have been waiting!" Lucy looked to her mate and he gave a nod.

"Humor them Luce. If anything happens, I am sure I'll come running." He encouraged her.

"Are you sure?"

"Knowing that I am also going to be kidnapped by what sounds like the guys, makes me think we are gonna be in for some fun. Don't worry Lucy, our friends probably have something pretty great up their sleeves." He grinned.

With Natsu's reassurance and quick wardrobe change, the Princess of Stars found herself waddling in escort by the warrior queen and the goddess of water to the infirmary. Expecting the place to be the medical facility that it was last night, the princess found herself shocked to see the changes that were made to look like a spa. "W-what is all this..." Instead of joy, Lucy had a look of fear.

"Lucy?" Juvia instantly went to her side. She felt the princess tremble slightly.

"Lucy, what is wrong?" Erza gently consoled her friend by holding her hand and supporting her. In the Princess of Stars mind's eye she was back to ripening day in the mines.

"Lu-chan?!" Levy called over concerned. By now, everyone stopped what they were doing at the various stations to come to the sight of the young mother hunched over and holding her chest; her breathing was labored and quick. Her eyes were wide, frightened, and unfocused as she could only whimper out that her chest was hurting-that it was hard to breathe. Her mind was racing with thoughts of flashbacks of that horrible day.

"Out of the way! Get me water and bring her to a chair!" Came the commanding voice of Parlyusica as she pushed past the crowding women. She carried in her hand her medical bag as she began to assess the abnormal woman's behavior.

"I have the water!" Wendy squeaked as she appeared aside the medical professional.

"Wendy, begin using your healing abilities to get the baby out of distress. Lucy, look at me. I want you to match your breathing with mine." The woman had knelt down to the mother's level and firmly gripped the trembling hand of the shaking princess. Lucy's wild eyes was barely focused on the pink haired elder's; but they were able to be focused on at the very least. The others could only stand and watch helplessly at the scene before them. It had taken a little bit of time, but Lucy had managed her breathing and pulled her troubled thoughts back together. She began to realize her eyes were wet, her chest burned, and her stomach hurt from what Parlyusica explained were 'fake' contractions.

"You are at the Celestial Palace child. You are safe. No one here is going to hurt you." The medicine woman repeated for possibly the umpteenth time until Lucy had managed to give a weak nod of her head in acknowledgment to what was being said. By now a unison sigh of relief echoed throughout the gathered group.

"W-what happened?" She whispered out.

"You had a panic attack. Have you ever experienced anything like this before?"

"Maybe...don't know...is the baby-"

"Will be fine. You are experiencing some labored pains; but not to worry, your child isn't come yet anyway. Sip some water now." Parlyusica brought the cup to the pregnant woman's lip as she began to drink.

"What caused this?" Erza asked now that the danger seemed to pass.

"An unpleasant memory I'm sure." The medical woman replied.

"The-the day I met N-Natsu...Ripening Day..." She hiccupped.

Realization hit the group, "Sorry Lucy, we didn't mean to upset you." Carla apologized first.

"Oh Lu-chan, we didn't think..."

"Juvia is confused?"

"Lucy had to go through getting cleaned up before she was made to meet Zeref and then Natsu. It wasn't a pleasant experience." Levy quietly explained.

"What happened?" Wendy couldn't help her curiosity.

"Hush girl, such things little ones needn't be worried about." Parlyusica ended the talk before Lucy put herself through another panic attack.

"The past is the past for a reason. Lucy, we apologize for not properly warning you, but we wanted to throw you a baby shower." Erza explained.

"B-baby shower?"

"Yes, it's a baby shower in the theme of a baby moon!" Levy cheered back up.

"What's that?"

"A party to celebrate the upcoming baby and a spa to pamper ourselves; so when the baby comes, you will be well rested and prepared." Wendy smiled brightly.

"Everyone..." Lucy's eyes refilled with tears, but these were tears of gratitude.

"If Lucy is feeling better and Parlyusica says she can attend, may we get back to the festivities?" Juvia requested.

"After an examination."

"Ooh! Can we see the baby?" Levy jumped at the chance.

"Up to the mother."

"If you all want to...I'm sure Luna won't mind."

"Luna!" The group of women exclaimed.

"Luna is a beautiful name!"

"Juvia adores it!"

"Luna huh? Kinda fits her. Clever you both mixed your names."

"Aww, I bet she will love it! Right Carla?"

"I suppose. So I guess the theme really does go with her name. So are we going to be able to see her now?" Carla asked. Lucy gave a nod. A machine was brought out and Lucy was helped into a chair so that the wand would have better access to project a better picture for all to see the little life inside her. Once on the screen, the whole room was filled with 'oohs' and 'ahhs', as well as compliments.

"Luna will be a perfect bride for Storm!"

"She looks so sweet Lucy!"

"Lu-chan, Luna is beautiful! She looks just like you!"

"I'd say and look how big she is! She looks ready to come out!"

"That's because she will be in a few days from what I can see." Parlyusica confirmed. The group went still and all eyes were on the doctor with all sharing the same shocked expressions.