Chapter Thirty-Seven: Next chapter in their lives

"Ooooooh fuck! Yes! Right there! Gr-Gray! Fucking give it to me!"

Natsu's hands fisted the sheets as he buried his face into the bed, trying but failing to cover his moans. Gray was behind him, his bruising grip on Natsu's hips as he thrust into him, driving his partner insane.

"Ahhhhhh! So fucking good!" Natsu moaned, tears threatening to spill as they collected in the corner of his eyes. He wanted to come, but he couldn't, the ring around his cock and balls preventing him from doing so. If the device wasn't on him, he knew he would have finished by then, Gray's long, slow strokes pleasuring the nerves in and around his ass.

He loved the way Gray spread him, letting out a choked sob every time Gray purposely pulled all the way out, only to tease his hole before pushing back in. He enjoyed feeling Gray thrusting through his ring of muscles, pleasure coursing through his body every time Gray moved in and out of his tight ass.

"You're so hot," Gray grunted, giving Natsu a hard thrust, making him gasp before he did it again, this time groaning at the sensation. "Fuck yeah. You feel so fucking good wrapped around me!"

Natsu closed his eyes when Gray leaned over, his pulse increasing when he felt lips pressing against his shoulder. Natsu arched his back, making it easier for Gray to kiss him, the pleasure spiking when Gray sunk his teeth in his skin, a ragged moan tearing from Natsu's throat in response.

Since his mouth wasn't pushed against the bed, Gray could hear every delicious sound Natsu made. He rewarded him with a spank, Natsu's ass clamping tighter around his cock while he continued to ram into him, pulling Natsu's hips back every time to make the thrusts deeper.

"Fuck! I love the way you squeeze me!"

Natsu moaned, purposely clenching to give Gray a treat. "Fuck me harder! Please!"

Gray gave him what he asked for, gripping his hips harder as he pounded him from behind, their sweaty bodies moving in sync with each other.

"Graaaay!" Natsu whined, body writhing as it tried to prepare itself for a release that wouldn't come. "Gray! I think I wanna take it off! Oh fuuuuck!"

"Does it hurt?" Gray asked, pulling his mouth from Natsu's shoulder before dragging his tongue against the bite, admiring the small indents in his skin.

"No," Natsu murmured, ass clenching again when Gray spanked him. "Gaaah!"

"Then why do you wanna take it off?" Gray asked, hands sliding over Natsu's body as he leaned back, feeling Natsu tighten when he left light scratches down his back, knowing Natsu wanted more but not giving it to him.

Natsu's body tensed as he pushed back, meeting Gray's thrusts. "I wanna come," he moaned, a growl reverberating in his chest when Gray reached around, fingers gripping his cock. "I need it!"

"If I take this off you're gonna come now. Are you sure you want that?" Gray's fingers toyed with the ring, ready to release him at any second.

Natsu nodded, his face burning with a flush as he whimpered. "Please! I-I want it so bad!"

Instead of teasing Natsu, Gray obeyed, unsnapping the cock ring to let it fall on the bed. Natsu's body went rigid as his head slumped forward, his walls clamping tightly around Gray's cock as his body pulsed.

"Oh god!" Natsu moaned, a rush of pleasure hitting him at full force. He came hard, his body surging with every mini release, the powerful sensation prolonged since Gray didn't stop, his hips still rolling, cock sliding in and out of Natsu's body.

"Damn," Gray groaned, pulling out of Natsu's ass. Before he could say anything, Natsu was thrusting backwards, whimpering as his hands clenched the sheets.

"No! I want you inside me!"

Gray chuckled, holding the base of his cock as his other hand landed on Natsu's ass, spreading one of his cheeks to see his hole. Gray teased him, sliding his cock against Natsu's twitching ring of muscles while the man whined, the sound making Gray's body shudder in pleasure.

"Graaaaaay! Please!"

Gray pushed into Natsu's ass, his hand coming up to fist that soft pink hair as he slammed into him, causing Natsu to cry out. "Yes! Ooooooh! Oh god yes!"

"I was going to ask if I could keep going anyways," Gray said, puffing out hot breaths as his hips snapped, giving Natsu what he wanted. "But I guess that answers my question."

"Please don't stop!" Natsu yelled, his body feeling like it was consumed with fire, heat flooding every nerve. "I'm not finished yet!"

Gray grinned, loving how insatiable Natsu could be in the bedroom. The man had already come, yet he was begging for more, literally. If Gray wanted, he could make Natsu really beg, but he didn't want to spend the time doing that. He would rather fuck Natsu's tight ass, his cock sliding in and out, covered in lube and his pre-cum.

Gray snarled, his voice dark as he said, "I want you to ride me."

Natsu tried nodding, but Gray's grip on his hair prevented him from doing so. Instead, he moaned out his response. "Fuck, that sounds good!"

Gray's thrusts slowed as he prepared himself to pull out, taking his time as his member slid out of Natsu's body. Natsu hated the empty feeling left behind, but it wouldn't be there for long, the two men shifting positions to get more comfortable.

After pushing the pillows on the floor and laying a towel down, Gray sat at the head of the bed, waiting for Natsu to make his move. Natsu eagerly climbed on Gray, straddling his hips.

He planted his feet on the bed, gripping the headboard behind him to use as leverage as he sat down, Gray's cock sliding into his ass since Gray held the base, holding it up so Natsu found it easily.

"Ooooooh! That's it!" Tight heat consumed Gray's dick, his hands moving to Natsu's ass to help him ride his cock, squeezing each cheek in his hand as he moved up and down, drawing out moans from both men.

Gray tossed his head back, eyes slamming shut as he grunted. "So goooood!"

Natsu nodded, gasping as he thrust downwards, feeling Gray's member filling him over and over again, the sensation building as pleasure racked his body. He felt his cock swell, his stamina returning for round two. He knew he wasn't finished earlier, needing a second release.

Natsu's erection bobbed with every thrust, neither man stopping it from moving as he continued fucking himself on Gray's cock. His mood changed with the position, taking on a more dominating role despite being on the receiving end. That didn't stop him from taking the lead, giving Gray a great show and even better fuck.

Natsu didn't hesitate to kiss Gray, his actions rough, driven by carnal desire. He bounced on that thick cock, taking him in deep, especially when Gray spread his ass more, allowing him to sink further down.

Natsu nipped at Gray's bottom lip, taking the flesh between his teeth before rolling it, earning a groan and spank to the ass. His walls clamped around Gray's length, a smirk pulling at Natsu's lips when his partner let out a cry of pleasure. Natsu increased his speed, pushing past the burn he felt in his thighs as he moved up and down, enjoying every inch of Gray's long, thick cock.

"Do you want," Gray started, pulling away from the kiss so he could moan in Natsu's ear, "to come with me inside you again, or in my mouth when I finish?"

Natsu squeezed around Gray's cock, his heart thrumming from the thought of filling Gray's throat with his hot seed. "Definitely your mouth," Natsu mumbled, not thinking straight as he dragged his tongue against Gray's throat, feeling the man shiver beneath him. "You taste so fucking good!"

Gray chuckled, his hips rocking to meet Natsu's downward thrusts. "How? I'm covered in sweat."

Natsu sucked Gray's earlobe into his mouth, tugging on it to make Gray moan. He darted his tongue into Gray's ear, knowing he was driving his partner crazy as he said, "Exactly. Tastes fucking amazing!"

"Fuck," Gray murmured before covering Natsu's mouth with his, forcing his tongue deep inside to swallow every moan Natsu offered. He returned the kiss with enthusiasm, spending a moment grinding on Gray's cock instead of riding it.

It didn't seem to matter what he did, Gray enjoyed all of it. He even encouraged it by digging his fingers into Natsu's ass, helping him move against him. The carnal desire left when Gray started kissing down Natsu's neck, lips sucking on his throat before moaning the three words that made Natsu's heart flutter and his chest warm. "I love you."

Natsu found himself smiling, using one hand to cradle Gray's head as he started riding him again, loving the way that long cock filled him with every thrust. "I love you too. Fuck!"

Gray gripped Natsu's ass, pushing him up to let him know he needed him off. Natsu reluctantly pulled up, feeling Gray's cock slip out of his hole. Before he could ask why he had to get off, Gray was moving, shifting down so he was lying on his back. "Okay, try that."

Natsu felt Gray's tip teasing his hole, running over the crack of his ass a few times before he started pushing upwards, Natsu adjusting the position so he went in smoothly. He groaned when that cock entered him again, pleased by the new angle, even if it meant he couldn't kiss Gray since they were too far apart.

"So fucking gorgeous."

Natsu moved to rest on his shins, letting Gray do most of the work for a moment by bucking up, thrusting in and out of Natsu. Gray's hands roamed Natsu's firm chest and tight abs before finding purchase on his sides, holding him still as he fucked into him, the two moaning as he picked up the pace.

Neither touched Natsu's leaking cock, even after Natsu started riding Gray again. He couldn't wait to have that warm mouth around his dick, wanting to come by his mouth. He let that thought flow through his mind as he rode Gray hard and fast, their growls and moans mixing until Gray's voice grew strained, signalling he was near his end.

Sure enough, Gray tipped his head back, eyes slamming shut as he shouted, "Fuuuck! I'm almost there!"

Gray lifted his legs a bit, pushing Natsu forward. While Natsu was worried Gray's cock would slid out, Gray was busy reaching a hand up to cup Natsu's neck, pulling him in for a kiss as he sat up. Their lips moved fluidly as Natsu's hips rolled, feeling Gray's thighs moving as well to deepen the thrusts.

Natsu panted, sweat dripping down his body as he felt himself approaching the edge. He didn't want to come yet, holding out, needing Gray to finish before him. They kissed while Gray's hands groped at Natsu's body, touching every inch of skin he could reach except Natsu's throbbing member. He was glad, knowing he wouldn't last if Gray touched him there.

Natsu leaned back, resting his hands on Gray's chest, feeling that rapid heartbeat against his palm as he fucked him. "You like that?" Natsu teased, earning a prolonged moan from his partner.

"Fuuuuck! You know I do! Shit! Al-almost! Almost! Fuck! I'm c-coming! Nnngghhhh!"

Natsu felt Gray's cock pulsing as he came, filling his ass with that hot liquid. Natsu's eyes fluttered closed as he stilled his hips, wanting Gray to empty himself in him. "Fill me up!"

"Oh god!" Gray's nails dug into Natsu's sides as he came, pure pleasure shooting through every nerve of his body. He always loved coming inside Natsu's ass, the tight, hot space making everything feel that much hotter.

He gave short thrusts into Natsu as he finished, slowly letting go of his grip on Natsu's body, moaning when Natsu began pulling off his spent cock.

Despite wanting to rest after that amazing orgasm, he had something else he wanted to do far more. His hands grabbed Natsu's ass, pulling him up his body until Natsu was straddling his chest. His lips wrapped around Natsu's tip, ready to suck him off.

He gave him slow licks and gentle sucks, enjoying the desperation growing on Natsu's face as he took his time. He could do that for a while, but only two minutes passed by of Gray teasing Natsu before they heard a soft knock on the bedroom door, halting both of their movements.

Natsu looked over his shoulder as Gray resumed his ministrations, one finger dipping under Natsu's parted legs before finding his ass, ready to finger fuck him for the added fun.

"Yeah?" Natsu asked, failing to keep the need out of his voice. He panted, chest heaving as he felt Gray's tongue running over every inch of his thick, throbbing cock.

"Hey! Sorry if I'm interrupting," Lucy said, her voice muffled by the door separating them. "I couldn't help but hear Gray coming..."

Natsu chuckled, fingers weaving in that dark hair as he gave Gray's mouth a thrust, trying to stuff as much of his cock into him as possible without him gagging. "Yeah, he was pretty loud."

Gray narrowed his eyes at Natsu, but that didn't stop his devilish tongue from running up and down Natsu's shaft, sending jolts of pleasure throughout his body.

He heard Lucy laugh a little before asking, "Does that mean you two are available now? If not that's fine. I can come back later."

She was giving them time alone together to be intimate, all three knowing it was important to focus on the individual relationships inside their larger one. Over the past two months, the three had been spending more time together in bed, busy trying to increase their chances of starting their family sooner. They hadn't neglected the relationship between the two of them, still playing together here or there, but it was still important for them to get that time alone to focus on each other.

Natsu figured he was near his end anyway, so there was no harm in letting her come in. She could watch as he face-fucked Gray to completion. He looked down at Gray, waiting to see if he would have any protests. When Gray kept eagerly sucking on Natsu's cock without saying a word, Natsu decided it was okay.

"We're not done, but you can come in."

"Oh, that's okay. I can wait," Lucy said, but Natsu wasn't having it.

"Come in. It's fiiine!" Natsu tipped his head back just as Gray sunk a finger into his ass, the digit well lubricated from Gray's cum. He growled, loving the sensations crashing over him. "Lucy?"

A long moment went by before Natsu heard the door open, soft footsteps padding against the floor towards the bed. Natsu cast Lucy a glance, smiling when he saw the flush spreading over her face. He knew she got off on watching them together. He couldn't blame her. He got off watching her and Gray go at it, so he understood enjoying a good show.

However, Natsu had to stop thrusting when he noticed something off about Lucy, his chest clenching when he made out her watery eyes, immediately assuming something was wrong.

"Shit, are you okay?" Natsu pulled away from Gray's mouth, causing the man beneath him to withdraw his finger. As soon as he was clear, Natsu climbed off Gray so he could walk around the bed, needing to make sure Lucy was alright.

Gray sat up, eyes widening when he saw how puffy and red Lucy's eyes were, the same thoughts crossing his mind. "What happened?"

Both men reached out to her, Gray holding her hands while Natsu rubbed her arm, trying to figure out why she looked like she had been crying. His assumptions were proven correct when she sniffled, her cheeks a rosy red, her bottom lip trembling a bit as she held herself together.

They thought something bad happened, but they couldn't be more wrong.

Lucy swallowed, rubbing at her eyes as she said, "I don't know if telling you guys now is the best idea." She looked over their bodies, her flush spreading down her neck to her chest. "Maybe you should get dressed first?"

"What is it?" Gray asked, squeezing her hands.

Natsu nodded in agreement. He didn't care about getting dressed. He just wanted to know why his partner was upset. He needed to know if he should comfort her or go kick someone's ass, his protectiveness flaring as he moved to rub her back. His hand went a little too low, accidentally bumping something that stuck out of her back pocket. He was about to discount it as unimportant, but that would be a mistake.

Lucy reached behind her, grabbing whatever was in her pocket before bringing it in front of her. She held her hands out, revealing the small white stick with a pink tip. Natsu's eyes flitted down, examining the stick before he froze, needing a second to fully comprehend what he was seeing and what it meant.

The little plus sign captured every shred of his attention. For a moment his whole world went blank until he realized what that truly meant, reality hitting him like a ton of bricks.

Gray was the first to react, grinning wide as he placed his hand on her stomach, dark blue eyes glinting with excitement. "You're pregnant?"

Lucy nodded, biting at her lower lip. "Yeah," she started, barely holding back her own happiness as more joyful tears formed. "I'm pregnant."

"We're gonna be fathers?" Natsu whispered, his heart beating faster than he ever thought possible. When Lucy nodded again, he swore his mind was going to explode from all the racing thoughts. Endless questions popped into his head, everything from how far along was she to when they needed to start baby-proofing the house.

However, only one question escaped his parted lips, earning a smile from his partners. "When'd you find out?"

"A few minutes ago," Lucy said, her hands shaking a bit as she gripped the pregnancy test, her eyes filling with more tears. "I thought it was going to be negative again, but... but it wasn't." Her watery smile made Natsu's heart flip as he leaned in, wrapping an arm around both Lucy and Gray.

They hugged him back, Lucy not bothering to hold back her tears as she cried in happiness, stunned and relieved she was carrying their baby. It was scary knowing the three of them hadn't been together for too long, coming up on three years next month. Despite that, they were having a baby together and they couldn't be happier.

The thing that soothed Lucy's nerves was knowing she had been with Natsu for four years and ten months while she had been married to Gray for over eight and a half years. Though, considering how much she loved and trusted them, time didn't seem to be that important.

Lucy knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with them, and now they could all work together to raise their child, the three of them acting as equals when it came to the baby. As far as she was concerned, the baby was just as much Natsu and Gray's as it was hers. Love mattered more than DNA.

"I'm so fucking happy," Gray said, squeezing both his partners tighter.

Natsu nodded, feeling his heart flood with warmth, imaging what their life was going to be like when the baby was born. "I thought I'd be scared, but I'm not."

"Why would you be scared?" Lucy asked, chuckling as she nuzzled Natsu's neck. "You're not the one that's going to be pushing them out of you."

Natsu and Gray laughed, the three slowly untangling from each other so they could see their faces. Natsu didn't know if Lucy was actually asking him or not, but when Gray gave him a curious look, he decided to voice what was on his mind.

"I don't know why, but I just assumed I'd be scared, like I wouldn't be ready since it's a lot of responsibility, but, but this feels so much better than that." He smiled, feeling as though things in their life were falling into place. "It's... it's a great feeling."

"We've come a long way," Gray said, bringing Natsu and Lucy's hands towards his mouth, placing two gentle kisses to each of their knuckles. He looked at Natsu, grinning as he squeezed his hand. "Seems like a lifetime ago when you showed up to see if you could bang my wife."

Natsu snorted while Lucy shook her head, their eyes full of amusement. "I swear, I think I thought you were gonna punch me in the throat or something like that."

Gray barked out a laugh, fingers intertwining with theirs. "I can see why you'd think that. It's not an everyday request."

"Glad you didn't punch me though," Natsu said, earning a soft chuckle from Gray.

"Nah, the thought never crossed my mind. I'm glad you stuck around. It might sound cliche, but I feel like you were the missing puzzle piece in our lives."

Lucy nodded, offering a dazzling smile that made Natsu's heart skip a beat. "It's true. We're so happy we invited you in."

Natsu couldn't help but agree. He was happier too with the two of them by his sides. Together they made a great team, even if it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows. They had their problems just like any other relationship, but the open line of communication and trust between them helped keep them strong. Together, they were unstoppable.

Lucy looked down at her partners' bodies, making Natsu aware that he was naked. He glanced at his softened cock, a small frown tugging at his lips, but he didn't let it win. He was too happy, not letting his lack of a second release bug him.

However, Gray and Lucy had other ideas, both sharing a look and a nod before they turned on him, using that teamwork to their advantage.

Lucy let go of her men before pushing Natsu towards the bed, sliding between his legs when he was seated. She rested her hands on his inner thighs, spreading his legs so she could have better access.

Natsu didn't have to ask what they were doing, picking up the obvious hints they were dropping. Gray moved next to Natsu, hand trailing down his stomach, inching closer to his growing arousal. Just when Natsu thought Gray was going to grab his hardening cock, Gray moved his hand back up, earning a soft groan in response.

Lucy made sure he didn't get too frustrated, her hands slowly cupping Natsu's balls, giving them a gentle massage while her lips pressed against his thighs, leaving open-mouthed kisses on his sensitive skin.

Natsu moaned when Gray's lips latched onto his throat, Natsu's head tilting to the side to give him all the room he needed. He felt fire licking at his skin where they touched him, the two working him up, all without touching his cock. He was rock hard within minutes, his member throbbing with need.

Despite the changed circumstances, Natsu still wanted to finish in Gray's mouth. He made sure his desires were known, mouth brushing against Gray's ear as he whispered in a low, rough voice, his hot breath fanning over Gray's skin. "Get on your knees."

Gray did as he was told, a smile resting on his lips as he scooted next to Lucy, the two eager to please their partner. "Is it okay if I join?" Lucy asked, leaning in to kiss Gray's neck, earning a breathy moan and a nod.

"Yeah. I don't mind sharing him with you."

Natsu threw his head back as warm lips engulfed his cock, his eyes sliding shut as he let the fire burn within him. He felt delicate hands rubbing at his thighs and balls while a larger hand stroked his length, getting what Gray's mouth didn't reach.

Natsu bit his lower lip when Lucy took one of his balls in her mouth, tongue lapping over it while Gray's tongue swirled around his tip, the two making that fire spread throughout his body, his breathing turning labored as their mouths moved on his body.

Hazy green eyes looked down as Natsu's lips parted, watching his partners working together to service him. Lucy ran her tongue up his cock, Gray pulling his mouth off so the two could take turns licking Natsu's arousal, causing him to puff out hot breaths as they drove him wild.

"Fuck, that's so sexy," he mumbled, placing one hand on each of their heads before sifting his fingers in their hair, tugging harder on Gray's than he did on Lucy's, knowing Gray was like him, preferring things a little rougher.

"Oooooh fuck! Yes!" Natsu's heels dug into the ground as he spread his legs as far as they would go, loving the feeling of them sucking on each side of his cock. They looked up at him while they did it, increasing the sensation while the fire inside him burned hotter.

Gray moved to Natsu's inner thigh while Lucy took his cock into her mouth, lips spread wide as she thrust up and down, her tongue running along his length while her hand massaged his balls, making sure he was taken care of there.

Natsu yelped as Gray's teeth sank into his sensitive skin, the pain blending deliciously with the pleasure, his teeth clenching as he felt Gray bite him harder. He loved leaving love bites and receiving them, especially when they left a mark behind.

Gray knew this, working his tongue, teeth, and mouth to turn the tan flesh a dark red, wanting a lasting mark for Natsu to admire later. He was rewarded with a throaty moan, lust laced in Natsu's voice. "Fuck yes, Gray! Harder!"

Gray didn't bite him too much harder, knowing it could be dangerous if he wasn't careful. However, he applied enough pressure to achieve the desired effect, Natsu panting as he placed several bites along Natsu's thigh, each one a different size than the last.

While Natsu enjoyed that treatment, he also indulged in the feeling of Lucy's mouth wrapped around his cock, humming as she took him in her throat, having to experiment with the angle to do so.

"Damn! So fucking good!"

Natsu loved watching the saliva drip down Lucy's mouth as she sucked on his cock, groaning when she pulled off him, but he wasn't left alone for long. Gray's mouth surrounding him, his wet tongue lapping over the head of his cock while he focused on the tip for a good minute.

"Fuuuck!" he moaned, head falling back again as he let his partners switch, their mouths replacing each others so often he started forgetting whose mouth belonged to whom. "I love the way you suck my dick!"

"Which one?" Lucy teased, already knowing the answer.

"Both. Fucking hell that feels awesome! Please don't stop!"

Natsu's back arched when he was rewarded with a hand on his chest, his teeth abusing his lower lip as Lucy pinched his nipple, rolling the small bud in her fingers. His cock surged, his eyes falling to see which one had him in their mouth.

The answer was Gray, his lips pulling off Natsu to allow Lucy to take over while he sucked on the base of Natsu's cock. It looked crowded down there, but the two made it work, giving Natsu's body and eyes pleasure, loving the way his partners worked together.

"Shit! Ngnggh!"

Natsu's hips jumped when they both moved to his tip, the two kissing and licking his cock, his heart racing as his pulse jumped. He tightened his grip in their hair, his chest heaving as he neared his end. He didn't try to stop it, swearing as he felt fire coursing through his body, his endurance snapping when Gray gave a playful bite to the side of his cock, the visual stimulation enough to trigger his release.

"Oooooooh fuck! I-I'm c—" Natsu's voice cut out as he came, his body pulsing as his cock twitched. His hot cum coated their faces, the sticky fluid dripping down Lucy and Gray's lips while some of it covered Lucy's closed eye and the rest coated Gray's cheek. He didn't bother hiding what he was thinking, fingers brushing through their hair as he praised them.

"Fuck, that's sexy as hell." He wished he had his phone near him, wanting to capture the image forever. His memory would have to do. "You should see your faces. I made a mess."

Natsu gave them a sheepish grin, but it quickly vanished when his partners looked at each other, devious glints flashing in their eyes before they turned back to him.

Natsu jolted when they rose to their feet, Lucy grabbing Natsu's arms while Gray attempted to kiss him with his cum-covered lips. Natsu laughed as he tried to dodge, his efforts futile when Gray pressed his face against his, smearing Natsu's cum on his heated skin.

He wasn't able to recover before Lucy was doing the same, stopping halfway through to kiss Natsu, allowing him to taste his essence. Gray joined in, Lucy pulling back a few inches to let him kiss him, pushing more of his seed into his mouth. Natsu didn't mind the salty flavor too much. Over the years he had gotten used to the taste of male semen, having sampled Gray's more times than he could count.

Natsu switched between kissing Lucy and Gray, then sat back while they kissed each other. As much as he wanted the moment to last forever, it had to end, the cum dripping down their faces and drying where it was spread too thin.

The three made their way to the bathrooms, Natsu taking the master one while his partners occupied the one down the hall. He still had cum in his ass from his earlier activities with Gray and therefore needed more cleaning than them. He went ahead and took a shower after using the bathroom, scrubbing every inch of his body before getting out, excited to see Gray and Lucy again despite having just seen them.

He found them in the kitchen, Lucy starting on dinner while Gray got the table set. Natsu walked up to Gray, giving him a lingering kiss before padding his way towards Lucy, wrapping his arms around her stomach.

He couldn't describe the happiness he felt touching her belly, still in awe over the fact that their child was in her. He knew Gray and him would do their best to be good dads, knowing the kid would never lack a loving parent.

"What do we need to get to start preparing for the baby?" Natsu asked, pulling away from Lucy so he could help Gray.

"We can get a crib today," Gray suggested, making Lucy chuckle.

"I think you two are jumping the gun. We have a while." She hummed to herself as she poured some ingredients in a bowl, preparing to mix them together. "I still need to go to the doctor to confirm."

Natsu and Gray carried on as if Lucy hadn't said anything, talking amongst themselves in hushed whispers. Lucy heard them, casting a glance over her shoulder before rolling her eyes. "What are you two saying?"

"Nothing!" they shouted too quickly, letting her know they were lying.

"Come on, tell me."

Gray and Natsu shared a look, sighing before they walked back to the kitchen. "I was asking what he was hoping it was, a girl or a boy," Natsu explained, leaning on the counter. "But he says he doesn't care. What about you?"

Lucy blinked, bringing her finger up to her chin as she tipped her head back. "Hmmm, I think I want a girl first."

"Why's that?" Natsu asked, cocking his head.

Lucy laughed, stirring the contents in her bowl as she said, "That way I can have more women in this house. There's too much testosterone."

Gray and Natsu snickered, sharing a fist bump when Lucy wasn't looking. Natsu grinned at Gray, dragging his tongue against the back of his teeth as he nodded towards him. "You really don't care what gender they are?"

Gray shook his head, offering a casual shrug. "As long as they're healthy, I don't mind either way."

"Oh come on," Lucy started, smiling when she turned back to her husband. "You have to have a preference?"

Gray twisted his lips as he thought. "Well, I wouldn't mind either way, but if I got to chose, I'd say a girl." He looked at Natsu. "What about you?"

"A boy," he said, not bothering to hide his real thoughts. "But I'll be happy with a girl too. Or whatever they prefer. Just as long as I get to teach 'em all the cool stuff, like fighting and starting fires!"

Gray shook his head as he sighed while Lucy quickly dismissed the idea of teaching the child how to burn things. In an effort to change the subject, Gray grinned at Lucy. "I hope they have your eyes."

Natsu walked up to Gray, setting his hands on his hips before leaning in, pressing the side of his face against Gray's chest. "I hope they have your hair." He reached up, feeling that soft, dark hair between his fingers.

"I hope they have both of your sense of humors," Lucy added, causing them to nod.

"And your smarts."

"No matter what though, we'll all love them unconditionally," Gray said, earning a nod from Natsu and Lucy.

Natsu closed his eyes, smiling when he felt Gray wrap his arms around him. He melted against his body, thankful he got to be with two amazing, generous, caring people.

"I'm so happy," Natsu murmured, feeling like his life was coming together in the best of ways. This was just the beginning. The next chapter of their lives was about to begin, and there was no one else he would rather go on that adventure with than Lucy and Gray.

They were they people he loved, the people he cherished, and the people he wanted to be with until he drew his last breath, and even beyond that, if it was possible.


As always, thank you so much for every favorite, follow, and review! Shout out to those amazing people who reviewed last time: NatsuHeartfilia0628(x2), BukakkeGirl, shadow31802, poodlekin500, CatPeach, Pein's number 1 Girl, Stellar, Guest, Anna5949, Lizxcliff11, GeminiS2, Weevilcat, Random-Gaurdian, toohappytosmile, Satyrykal, Mili, clarelovesnalu514, misslovely144, Guest, Lodemai04, Tantan, Guest, Guest, aislyn98, xxdelightfullxx, Tsuki, and mautrino!

Up next, Chapter Thirty-Eight: Winter