"Is she finally asleep?"

"Ya. Only took about three songs and two bedtime stories, but she's asleep."

Gajeel threw himself onto the couch in his living room, resting his head on his wife's lap. Levy hummed, one hand running through his hair while the other lay on top of her swollen stomach.

"I can't tell if it's taking longer or shorter to put her to bed at night," the Solid Script mage wondered aloud, tangling her fingers around thick stranda of black hair. Gajeel snorted, and the vibration reverberated through her legs.

"It's gonna take forever when the next one comes."

Levy sighed, recognizing the truth in his words. "Two more months. Then we'll never get another minute of quiet again."

"We can always ask Mira to babysit. You've seen how she gets around kids," Gajeel said quietly, very obviously about to fall asleep within the next ten minutes. "It's a wonder she doesn't have a million kids herself."

"I think she and Laxus have been taking it slow. I mean, it's a lot of work to become a new guildmaster, especially at Fairy Tail."

Gajeel made a noise of agreement before shifting into a comfier position. Levy smiled, tucking her own loose hair behind her ear. "Ready for bed?"

Gajeel grunted. "I wanna wait until Lily gets back. Said he'd be home in a few."

"Remind me, why did he go to the store so late at night?"

"Something about kiwis."

"That's right, it's supposed to storm soon."

"The hell does kiwis have to do with a storm?"

"I think you're just too exhausted to remember, so I'm not going to answer that."

"Aw, come on Shrimp."

Levy continued to smile even as she moved her legs under his weight. "Nope. Now move yourself. I wanna get something from the kitchen."

Gajeel groaned even as he reluctantly pushed himself to his feet. "We just ate dinner an hour ago."

"And I'm very pregnant," Levy retorted. She started to stand, and Gajeel immediately offered his hand in support. He was rewarded with a kiss on the forehead before Levy started to waddle toward the kitchen, hands propped on her lower back. The Iron Dragon Slayer didn't bother to hide the soft smile that lifted his lips as he watched his wife go. Even after two years of marriage, he'd never get tired of looking at her.

While sitting on the couch and listening to the sounds of Levy rummaging around in the kitchen, Gajeel began to doze. His eyes drifted shut, the strength to open them again increasing with every blink.

He was pulled from his reverie by a knock at the door. He jerked and yawned hugely, standing up with the slowness of the exhausted. "I got it," he called to Levy, pitching his voice low to avoid anything that may wake the sleeping child upstairs. He heard her response, but his sleep-deprived brain didn't comprehend what was said.

Arriving at the door, he pulled it open, scratching the back of his neck as he did so. "The hell, Lily? Ya forget your key or sumthin'?"

"Good to see you too, Gajeel." His eyes shot open as the new voice and smells hit him straight on. He stared at the group of six standing on his doorstep, exhausted mind moving sluggishly and taking a lifetime to comprehend what he was seeing.

"Hallo? Earthland to metalhead?"

Gajeel blinked as the pink-haired man waved his hand in front of his face. "What?"

"Uh, is this a bad time?" He glanced over at the other Dragon Slayer, not quite processing that she had grown several inches and was now matching the still terrifying scarlet warrior in height.

"Er, no. Wasn't expecting you." He ran a hand across his face, trying to bring some sense of life back to his brain. "Uh, what're ya doing here?"

"I found them wandering around town," the strong voice of Panther Lily cut through the night, bringing some familiarity to the scenario. The Exceed hovered behind the group, arms crossed and smirking at the cogs burning in Gajeel's head.

The blonde wizard smiled, and Gajeel's attention was drawn to the hand she held in hers. He blinked again, wondering if all of this was just a hallucination after many sleepless hours. "We just got back tonight and were hoping for a place to stay?"

Gajeel stared at the group. He opened his mouth to respond before he closed it again, mind blanking.

"Dude, what's wrong with you?" The Fire Dragon Slayer tilted his head, puzzled expression crossing his face. "Are you like, sick, or something?"

"Gajeel? What's going on?" Levy appeared at Gajeel's side, a hand resting on his arm as she peered around him. Then she gasped, hand clenching around her husband's forearm in excitement. "Oh my god! Lu!"

"Levy!" Lucy cried, letting go of Natsu's hand. She held her arms out, and Levy pulled away from Gajeel. The two friends met in the middle, laughing and crying as they hugged for the first time in many long months. Natsu grinned, leaning his weight on one leg and crossing his arms as he watched his girlfriend reunite with her best friend.

"Levy, you're pregnant!" Erza gasped, eyes shining and hands clasped against her chest. "But, weren't you pregnant when we left?"

"Oh, Erza," Levy laughed tearfully, wiping her eyes with the heel of a hand. "This is our second kid. Gale was born two years ago. Oh, you missed her second birthday, just six days ago!"

"I wish we could have been here," Lucy said, sniffing and pulling away from Levy. "We've missed so much, I'm sorry."

"But you're back now." Levy smiled, tears still pooling in her eyes. Then she set her shoulders, glancing back at her husband still leaning against the doorway. "Well don't just stand there, Gaj. Come on, everyone, let's go inside. It's cold out here."

Full of laughter and cheer, everyone piled into the Redfoxs' house. Levy had her arm wrapped around Gajeel's, appreciating the support as her weary feet screamed for relief from the heavy weight of the life growing inside her. She loved her daughter, and she'd love the next one just as much. Oops, she had to remember not to tell Gajeel that part. He still had no idea she'd learned from Porlyusica that she was expecting another daughter. She couldn't wait to surprise him.

They arrived in the living room, and the group immediately found places on the couches and chairs to sprawl out and relax. Gajeel helped Levy retake her spot on the couch before disappearing into the kitchen, the sounds of the coffee pot running spilling out of the door. She smiled, taking in the full group arranged in her house as Lily landed in her arms, his kiwis in a nearby bowl in preparation for the incoming thunderstorm.

Wendy sat curled in a chair, Carla and Happy on her lap and on the armrests. Erza had claimed the other chair, hands crossed primly in her lap and legs crossed. Lucy and Natsu sat on the last couch, his arm draped over the back of the couch. Levy narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to determine if the pose meant something. But they'd always been close, so she truly was in the dark. Although she desperately hoped that they were together. But not married. That was something she just had to be present for.

Then Levy frowned. "Wait, where's Gray?"

"Did ya lose him? What a shame, I still need to give him a beatdown." Gajeel reappeared in the doorway, a steaming mug of coffee dwarfed in his large hands.

"Back in the present?" Lily teased, the imperceptible change in his voice making it hard to tell. The Iron Dragon grunted, crossing the room to sit by his wife's side.

"You try having a kid. Then we can talk."

Levy shook her head with a smile. "But, really, where is Gray? Is he okay?"

Lily nodded. "Don't worry. I gave him directions to Juvia's house. He seemed very interested in finding her soon."

"Jellal gave him her letter," Lucy added, finding herself leaning against Natsu as the long day caught up with her. "He's been worried ever since."

"Do you know what happened?" Levy said, voice quiet.

Wendy nodded, hugging Carla tight against her. "He told us about it. It was definitely a shock for all of us, that's for sure."

Erza nodded in agreement, thinking of the many times Gray had fallen silent in the middle of a conversation or had disappeared to take a long walk. Then, inevitably, her thoughts turned to Jellal. I hope he made it back to Crime Sorciere okay.

"You're certainly smiling pretty wide there, Titania," Gajeel commented, wrapping his arm around Levy's shoulders. Erza blushed a deep crimson that almost matched her hair. "And what the hell's that supposed to mean?"

"She and Jellal got together before we left Coracre," Happy spoke up, snickering as he fluttered over to land in Natsu's lap. "And they were super annoying the entire boat ride home."

Levy exclaimed, happiness causing her face to glow. "You don't say! That's wonderful! I always knew you and Jellal would be perfect together! But where is Jellal now?"

Erza ducked her head, letting her hair block her eyes. "He had to go back to Crime Sorciere. He is the Master after all, and he's been away for too long already."

"So he's gone? He just, up and left ya? Sounds like what that ice punk did to Juvia."

"No, no!" Erza shook her head, calm once more. "He has his own life, and I can't expect him to put that on hold, just like he can't expect the same from me. Maybe someday, we'll be able to settle down together. But until then, I will settle for the days when he comes by Magnolia."

"Besides," Lucy spoke up, hand reaching up to wrap around her pendant. "Gray didn't know. Before he left, he told Juvia not to wait for him, and we lost contact before Juvia could tell him anything. It's not his fault," she said again, a little afraid that Gajeel was planning on beating Gray up. The Iron Dragon simply snorted, pulling Levy closer.

"That's a pretty necklace, Lu," Levy chimed in, wishing to steer the conversation away from dangerous waters.

To the Solid Script mage's surprise, Lucy blushed. "Oh, uh, thanks. Birthday present."

Though Levy longed to pry (and she certainly would), she figured now wouldn't be the time to push. Instead she clasped her hands together. "So, tell us everything! Well, are you even allowed to? I mean, we all bugged Gildarts and he really couldn't tell us anything, but you guys actually finished the quest! You did it! First people in a century to do it! Honestly, none of us were surprised when the reward showed up. Well, surprised when it showed up without you, but we always knew you would do it."

"You're rambling, Lev," Gajeel mumbled into his coffee as he fought back a yawn. Color rushed into Levy's cheeks as Wendy giggled.

"Sorry about that," she said as she rubbed the back of her neck. "It's been a very long day."

"We don't want to keep you up," Lucy rushed to say. "I know you're both exhausted right now."

"Nah," Gajeel said, giving into his yawn. "Not tired at all."

"You couldn't even think straight like ten minutes ago," Natsu shot back, tugging at his scarf. Levy caught sight of a glint of gold, but she dismissed the thought before it could take hold. That's ridiculous. You're just tired and making stupid assumptions. Why in Earthland would Natsu have a matching bracelet with Lucy? He's definitely not a jewelry guy.

"You got a problem, flamebrain?"

"So what if I do? You probably couldn't hit me even if you tried."

"Wanna bet on that?"

"Can we not?" Lucy begged. "It's too late for the dramatics."

"And if a fight wakes up Gale, I wouldn't want to be either of you." **Both men were silenced by the glare from the pregnant woman, terrified of facing her wrath.

Erza smiled. "Seems as if you've become quite adept at handling the situations that rise in our guild."

Levy laughed, resting a hand on the swell in her stomach. "Well, growing up with you and Mira has taught me a thing or two. And with you and Lucy gone and Mira busy with helping Laxus half the time, someone had to step up to put these idiots in their place."

"Not to mention the mood swings," Gajeel muttered under his breath.

"What was that?" His wife asked sweetly.

"Nuthin'," he responded. Levy continued to eye him for a minute before returning her gaze to the newcomers.

"Sorry about that. Now, before we were so rudely interrupted, I think you were going to tell us about your travels? I'd love to write everything down, that would be just the coolest story, wouldn't it?"

Wendy giggled, resting her cheek on the top of Carla's head. "It didn't always seem cool when we were living it. I remember hating it a lot."

"Uh, Levy?" Happy interrupted before the Solid Script mage could question the young Dragon Slayer. "Can we give the whole story tomorrow when we see everyone? There's a lot to say."

"And Gray's not here to give his version of the story," Lucy added, leaning against Natsu with bright eyes.

Levy groaned. "Oh, why do you have to be such a writer?" She complained, oblivious to the fact that Lucy and Natsu were in the exact same pose as Gajeel and herself. "Not every story has to be perfect."

"When it's the last two years of our lives, I want it to be as accurate as possible." Lucy smiled, other hand slipping down to her waist to rest atop her keys.

"Just as we expect that you will fill us in on everything that occurred here at home," Carla added, stretching her tail and curling it around Wendy's arm. "I hate feeling uninformed."

"I guess I can wait," Levy sighed, holding Lily closer as a soft rumble rolled through the air. He buried himself against her side, covering his ears in fright. "It's alright," she murmured, reverting immediately into the calming mother she became when Gale woke from a nightmare. She had no idea if it helped the Exceed, but it made her feel better to help him.

"Nuthin's happened 'round here," Gajeel said, downing the rest of his coffee in one gulp. "It's been real boring without all of you causing trouble."

"I wouldn't say nothing," Lily got out, pretending his paws weren't trembling. "Many couples have gotten together or gotten married. Several children have been born as well."

"That's not as interesting." Gajeel grunted as Levy elbowed him in the side. "Not talking about my family, obviously."

Natsu grinned, turning his head to the side to take in a breath of Lucy's scent. He'd never admit it to anyone, even if his life depended on it, but he guessed he missed the back and forth he had with Gajeel. And everyone else in the guild. He could only fight with Gray for so long before he got bored.

Rolling her eyes, Levy raised her eyes in thought. "Well, it's too late now to recount everything, but I can give you the rundown. Uh, obviously we got married and had Gale, um, but Elfman and Evergreen tied the knot about a month later. She actually gave birth to a son last August; they named him Elwin, and he's so adorable, Mira's in love with him. Speaking of, Mira and Laxus got married about… I'll say a year and a half ago. Oh! I almost forgot! Lisanna actually got married last month!"

"What?!" Happy and Natsu cried out.

"Wait, like, Lisanna? Mira's sister Lisanna? My best friend Lisanna?"

Gajeel scoffed at the look of pure confusion and shock on Natsu's face. "Ya, we only know one Lisanna."

"But, but, what? Who asked her out?"

"Bickslow," Levy added. "He'd been flirting with her for a while before Evergreen finally made him take her out on a date." She looked over at Natsu with a sympathetic smile. "She really wanted you to be there. But we had no idea when you guys were going to be back, and-"

"Nah, it's whatever." Natsu shrugged, shock hiding behind his eyes. "I'm happy for her. Just, didn't expect it, I guess."

"Everyone grew up while we were gone," Erza sighed, rolling her shoulders with a yawn.

"You guys did too," Lily shot back. "Wendy's not a girl anymore."

The Sky Maiden blushed, tucking her feet tighter against her chest. "I'm seventeen now," she mumbled.

"And you were fourteen when you left," Levy reminded her. "All of us were younger. Now… well, the adventures of just three years prior feel like a lifetime ago sometimes."

Gajeel nodded, hair pulling as it got stuck between his back and the couch. "Time got fucked up when Gale was born."

"Oh my goodness!" Levy exclaimed, sitting up straight. "I almost forgot! A year ago, Yukino and Sting got married! Oh, and Rogue's expecting a child, if my memory is right."

"Wait, like Rogue is…?"

"No, you idiot." Gajeel scoffed again, rolling his shoulders. "Rogue met a woman, I can't remember her name. She's pregnant, don't know how far."

"Really." Erza shook her head slowly, brushing loose strands of her hair over her shoulder. "Just when I thought the world had changed enough already."

"It's never going to stop," Carla agreed.

Somehow, they stayed up for the next two hours. Gajeel and Levy found their second wind for a while, yet now Levy was asleep on the couch, Lily still hiding in her side from the raging storm outside. As was everyone else. Wendy remained curled on the chair with Carla in her lap, and Erza lay awkwardly in her armchair, head tipped back with quiet snores. And Natsu and Lucy slept on their couch, Happy resting atop Natsu's hip. The Dragon Slayer's face was pressed against her neck as he lay sandwiched against the back of the couch and Lucy, his arms locked tightly around her waist and keeping her against his chest.

Gajeel raised an eyebrow as he took them in. Then he groaned, pushing himself to his feet and scouring for the extra blankets Levy stashed somewhere. Finding them, he draped them across the sleeping forms in his living room, not bothering to hide the lift to his lips. Done providing for his guests, Gajeel shook his wife awake gently, smiling down with a softness he shared with no one but his family. "Come on, let's get ya to bed, shorty." She blinked sleepily before letting him pull her to her feet, and together the two of them left the living room, Lily following on tired wings.

XXX

Juvia collapsed at the kitchen table, groaning into her arms. All was quiet in the house as of now, but she knew that it was only a few minutes until she was dragged back upstairs. The quiet was beginning to lull her to sleep, something she had been severely lacking in the past couple months. Sighing, she forced herself to sit up, rubbing her eyes as she crossed the kitchen and stood before the sink, letting the cold water run. She inhaled deeply even as she manipulated the liquid, splashing herself in the face and trying to bring energy back into her bones.

Her miniature communication lacrima began to ring violently. She jerked away from the sink, cursing as water splashed down her front, soaking through the wrinkled dress she wore. When the long-sleeve dress was clean, it was a pretty piece of clothing, purple fabric with white dots that clung to her figure and hit her mid-thighs, the rest of her legs covered by white tights. However at the moment, the dress was dirty and wrinkled, her tights in no better shape. Sighing again, she grabbed a towel even as she answered the lacrima. "Hello?"

"You sound like shit," Cana's voice responded, making Juvia laugh tiredly.

"I'm okay, just exhausted."

"Alright, well you've just answered my question. I'm coming over."

"Cana, you don't have to do that," Juvia argued, attempting to dry her clothes with the towel, too tired to pull the water from the fabric with her powers. "Fairy Hills is on the other side of town."

"You need to rest. You can't go on a job with Lisanna tomorrow if you're falling over from exhaustion. I'm coming over, and that's final. See you soon." The connection went dead, leaving Juvia smiling at the lacrima while shaking her head. What would I do without Cana?

Juvia busied herself for the next five minutes, cleaning the mess that her kitchen had become. Plates were piled in the sink, half-opened buckets of food from dinner lay strewn across the counter, and pots and pans were stacked on top of each other atop of the stove. She got to work, trying to be as quiet as possible to not disturb the silence of the house. Her gaze drifted towards the lacrima every twenty seconds or so, her thoughts on the man she still worried about. I still need to call tonight, probably before Cana gets here.

Her work was disrupted by a knock on the door. She jumped, dropping a bowl into the sink full of soapy water. Her magic kicked in enough to keep the wave away from her face, yet water still splashed against her forearms and hair, soap clinging to the bare skin of her chest and causing her to shiver. She wiped her hands on her dress and ran her arm across her forehead, trying to make herself as presentable as possible in the few seconds it took to get to the front door.

"That was fast, Cana," she said, opening the door as she straightened the hem of her dress so it fell straight across her legs.

"You know, I think that's the first time I've ever been mistaken for Cana."

Juvia froze in the doorway, fingers clenched around the fabric of her dress. She looked up with tears already pooling in her eyes, forgetting for a minute how much of a mess she was as her hand covered her mouth and she fell against the doorframe. "Gray?"

They're back! They finally made it back! And next chapter is going to be all about Gray and Juvia. Any guesses as to what's going on with her?

I hoped you all enjoyed this chapter. I wanted to introduce the characters to what has changed while they've been gone, but no one just wants a giant paragraph of text, so I hope this worked like I wanted it to. I had a lot of fun writing domestic Levy and Gajeel. They're just so cute together.

Anyway, until next time!