Chapter 2
They had made it back to Magnolia in one piece. How she'd survived that train journey with a crying newborn and a sickly dragon slayer, Lucy didn't know. But she was glad to be home, glad to see a semblance of normality as they walked towards the city.
She had offered to carry the baby back to the guild. She just couldn't take her eyes off of him, he was so cute and so tiny and when he was awake, he made the sweetest little noises. She felt drawn to him, not just because he was too adorable for words, but because she wanted to protect him, to keep him close to her so that he felt safe and wanted. She didn't even know if babies had that capacity, hell, she knew nothing about babies. Panic would settle in her chest every time he cried and she felt constantly anxious when he was asleep, she wondered if all new parents worried like this?
Her breath caught in her throat as reality dawned on her, she stopped walking and stared at the little guy in her arms. She wasn't his parent, no one was, not yet. He had been abandoned by his own father, and had no other known relatives that could claim him. This poor little innocent baby had nothing and if it hadn't been for Natsu choosing that mission in the first place, she didn't even want to imagine what would have happened to him. Tears sprung to her eyes as she wondered what would become of the small infant now, where would he go? She couldn't help the overwhelming feeling that came over her.
Natsu had been walking a little in front of Lucy when he heard her stop, caught in his own thoughts. He looked back to see if she was alright, about to ask, when his words caught in his throat as he stared into her glassy eyes. She looked so sad as she glanced down at the baby. He had an idea of what could be going on inside her head, because he felt the same. He'd had plenty of time since rescuing him yesterday to think about what could happen, what options they really had, and they didn't look promising.
He hadn't really understood what it meant when he promised to look after the little guy, he had assumed that the child would have a relative or father to take care of him, but that was no longer the case. The only adults the child had now was himself and Lucy, and as much he would jump at the chance to take the little one in, he wouldn't want to do it without his partner. He enjoyed watching her be so loving and motherly, it made his heart flutter and he wondered whether she would ever consider such a thing.
But in reality, their relationship was complicated. She was his best friend and along with Happy, she was his family and the closest person to him. He relied on her as much as she relied on him, and there had been many times where they had blurred that line of friendship when they were together. He knew that the feeling in his heart was different for Lucy, he knew what he wanted from her and so would purposely push the boundaries of their friendship, testing her, to see how far she would let him go and she was yet to push him away.
"Come on Luce, we need to get to the guild hall." He said trying to snap her out of whatever it was that was upsetting her. He hated seeing her so sad, he'd do anything to see that beautiful smile.
"Guild hall? Why're we going there? Actually, we never discussed what we were going to do. Do we even have a plan?" She asks, obviously worried about their next move. She shifts the baby in her arms and catches up to Natsu as they continue towards the guild hall.
"I thought we could talk to Gramps about this, I know it's not much of a plan but it's a start." He smiles at her, hoping that the suggestion might put her at some ease. Although, he was only going to tell them what they already knew, the support of their friends would be a great help right now.
As they reached the main door of the guild hall, they could hear some of their lively friends from inside. As soon as they walked in, the baby started to stir from all the ruckus and wailed loudly. The noise echoes through the large hall, silencing everyone as they look over to where the unfamiliar sound was coming from. All eyes had landed on Lucy as she tried to hush the baby to calm him down. She suddenly felt self-conscious from all the extra attention, attempting to hide behind Natsu, who had managed to remain completely calm. He took hold of Lucy's free hand and lead her towards the bar, ignoring all the unwelcome stares and lewd remarks he could hear people whisper about himself and his partner, relieved that he was the only one with impeccable hearing, Lucy would have been mortified.
As they reach the bar, Happy suddenly swoops in out of nowhere and lands on top of Natsu's head, looking over at the bundle on her chest, "Whatcha got there Lucy? Is it a big, yummy fish?" He drools into Natsu's hair, much to the fire breather's disgust.
"No Happy, it's not a big gross fish! It's obviously a tiny baby and 'it' is a he." Lucy barks defensively, annoyed that Happy could ever compare such a cute little face to a disgusting fish.
Natsu turns to the bar where he sees Mira eyeing them, she walks over to them with that ever present smile on her face, "Are you looking for the Master?" She asks, obviously reading the situation and wanting to help.
"Yes actually we are, where is he? We need to discuss some things with him." Natsu says gesturing to the baby, who had finally quietened down and had gone back to sleep, snuggled sweetly into Lucy's chest.
"He's in the infirmary at the moment with Porlyusica. You can go down there now if you want, I'm sure he won't mind." She says before going back to polishing some glasses, watching as Natsu and Lucy make their way down the stairs.
As they walk into the infirmary, they notice Makarov sitting on one of the beds as Porlyusica busies herself with sorting through the medicine shelves, talking idly. Makarov smiles at them as they ask to come in and gestures to the bed opposite him for them to take a seat. He notices the baby straight away and his face becomes one of concern, he can feel the anxiety in both of the young mages, hoping that everything was alright.
"You've returned quicker than expected, how did your job go?" He asks, deciding to let them bring up what they've evidently come to see him about.
"It went well Master, only we now have a problem and was hoping for your advise on how to fix it." Not sure where to start, Lucy continues to explain everything that happened during their mission and the situation they now found themselves in, hoping the Master may be able to offer his guidance.
Makarov takes it all in, giving himself time to think of a response he looks over to Porlyusica, who had also been listening, she's the first to speak up. "Hand me the baby, he needs to be checked over. From what you've said, I doubt he's had any medical attention since he's been born." The old woman walks over to Lucy, who reluctantly hands the baby over, watching him like a hawk the entire time he's away from her. Sensing her distress, Natsu reaches down for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, feeling slightly apprehensive himself. They both watch anxiously as Porlyusica carries out her checks on the now squirming baby, waiting for the verdict.
"From what I can tell, he's perfectly healthy. He's definitely a fighter and has a good strong heart beat. I must say he's a little thinner than I'd like, but regular feeds will help with that. With the right care, he'll be thriving in no time." She smiles fondly over to Lucy, sensing her earlier dread fade at her words.
"Did you hear that Luce? No need to worry, he's doing just fine. What a tough little guy!" Natsu chirps, visibly pleased by the news himself, he looks at Lucy and gives her one of his trademark grins and she can't help but grin in return.
Porlyusica wraps the baby back up in the scarf and walks over to the bed. Standing briefly, Natsu takes the baby from her, sensing he needed changing and feeding while they resumed their discussion with Makarov.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there really aren't that many options available to him. It really depends on what you want for him that will make all the difference in making your final decision." Makarov explains, trying to convey the seriousness of it all.
"I want him to be loved and cared for, like any decent person would. I want him to have a family and for him to be happy." Lucy explains, "Is that so much to ask for?" her voice wavers. She can feel the tears building up again as she looks over to Natsu, who was currently feeding the poor little thing.
Natsu turns to her, "It's what I want too Lucy. Of course I want him to be happy and to have a family, but things just aren't that simple." He feels his heart constrict, saddened by the look on her face.
"Natsu's right. If that's what you truly want for the little one, then giving him to a children's home is out of the question." Makarov starts, watching as both mages nod their heads. Not even considering that as a possibility. "Then kids, you really do have one of two options; you either keep him until you can find a suitable family yourselves that will take him in." Makarov takes a deep breath in, preparing himself for their reaction, choosing his next words carefully, "Or you keep him permanently, the choice is up to you."
"Wait! Is that it? But Natsu and I aren't together like that, and even if we were… How would it work? Which house would he live in-?" Stopping abruptly, she's almost yelling at this point. Trying to calm her frantic heart from beating out of her chest, praying she hasn't disturbed the baby in her frenzy. She takes a few deep breaths, closing her eyes as she tries to think through what she's just been told.
"Woah Lucy, you don't need to overthink this. I know it's scary, it's a big decision to make, I get it. But whatever we both decide, we'll do it in the best interest of this little guy, because that's what matters." Natsu speaks calmly, trying to be strong for all of them. He watches as Lucy takes in what he says and visibly relaxes, sighing as she locks eyes with him.
"I know, I'm really sorry for my outburst, I didn't mean to overreact, it's all just a bit overwhelming. We're a team, we can handle this as long as you're by my side Natsu." She smiles genuinely at him, knowing now that it didn't matter what sort of relationship they had, or where they would live, they were all menial compared to the bond they shared. Natsu perks up at her words and smiles at her as she puts her hand on his shoulder, wanting to show her sincerity, before both return to look at Makarov again.
"I think there really is only one option where this child will have what you both want for him." He eyes both Natsu and Lucy, making sure they're listening closely to what he has to say next.
"You would become his mother and father, taking full responsibility for him and that's not an easy task, especially in your situation. You would have to adapt quicker than most new parents and there would be a lot change. But you wouldn't have to do it alone, you'd have the support of this entire guild. Bare that in mind children when you make, what'll be one of the biggest decisions of your lives. Porlyusica and I will leave you both to discuss this, I'll go and tell everyone else what's going on, or they're going to start asking questions." Makarov smiles at them, confident they'll make the right decision, before walking over to the door and leaving with Porlyusica in-tow.
The room becomes deadly silent for a few long moments, giving them time to think. Lucy moves to sit opposite Natsu and finds herself staring at the baby in his arms, he really was good with children. But then she shouldn't be surprised, he'd proven that time and time again. He'd raised Happy from just an egg, and the little Exceed had turned out fine, no matter how bothersome he was sometimes. Then there was Kemo Kemo, he loved and nurtured that weird little thing, he didn't have to but he chose to. It was a shame about what happened to him though, but that wasn't Natsu's fault. He would volunteer to babysit Asuka for Alzack and Bisca, he enjoyed spending time with her, even if he liked to pretend otherwise. He was great with Romeo, always asking after him and he treated Wendy like a little sister. Then when Levy and Gajeel had the twins, he was one of the first one's to get in there and hold them. Lucy remembered that day well, he had looked so content with little Yaje in his arms.
So, when it came down to finding suitable parents, Natsu really was the perfect choice, he was totally capable and selfless. There was nothing to make her think Natsu wouldn't give it his all and be the best damn father he could be for the tiny baby, Lucy was sure of that. What was stopping her from taking the plunge into motherhood was just that, being a mother. Not because she didn't want to, it was clear to her and everyone else that she wanted him, but she wasn't like Natsu. She'd had no experience with children, she didn't know the first thing about raising a child and that scared her. What if something went wrong? What if something happened to him in her care? She would never be able to forgive herself. She was so sure of herself in every other part of her life, but this had truly thrown her through a loop.
But then she also knew what she wanted for the little one, she wanted him to be happy, to have a good upbringing and to have a loving family that would provide and care for him. She wanted him to have a network of support should he need it, to make friends and maybe have siblings that he could play with as he got bigger.
She knew in her heart that there really was only one option if she wanted him to have all of that. Fairy Tail had become so important to her and she knew that the Master was right. All of their friends would support them in any decision they made, and they would gladly welcome a new addition to the family. She had made up her mind, there never really was any other choice and as long as Natsu agreed and stood by her, she knew she could do anything.
"Natsu…" She whispers, trying to figure out the right words to say. He looks away from the child who he had been pulling silly faces at and smiles at her knowingly. He had wanted to give her time to process everything before they began to discuss anything. He knew that she was unsure of herself and needed time to go over it in her head. He had made up his mind ages ago, he just needed Lucy to be on side. "Have you had time to think about what you'd like to do Natsu?" she asks, wanting to reassure herself.
"I think you know my answer already Lucy. But it's not just my choice, I want us to be in this together, like always." Natsu replies simply, giving her the encouragement she needed, but trying not to give too much of his emotions away in case she decided against it, which would leave him heartbroken. He eyes her, suddenly anxious to hear what she has to say.
"Then there's nothing else to discuss. I want to keep the baby. I couldn't bare to leave him with someone else, knowing they might not give him what he deserves, and we'd never be able to see him again. Just the thought of it makes me feel sick!" Tears stream down her face as she looks at the baby and then back to Natsu, desperately trying to keep her voice in check, but failing, "He deserves a chance at a happy life and we can give him that. The first few days of his existence were filled with pain and he had been left for dead by his own blood. He deserves to be wanted and I want him more than anything Natsu! I want him so badly it's making my heart hurt." The flood gates open as she finally relieves herself of all her pent up feelings she'd been trying to bury. Unable to control her sobbing, she puts her hands over her face and cries into them.
He can barely believe his ears, she wanted to keep the baby and for them to be a family. His excitement bubbled beneath his skin and he couldn't contain just how ecstatic he was now that he was going to be a father. Words failing him and being a man of action anyway, he laid the baby down on the bed, putting cushions around him so he couldn't fall and flew over to Lucy, embracing her tightly, knocking her back so she was laying down with Natsu on top of her. She giggled at his sudden reaction and held onto him close. She relished in his warmth, her earlier sadness disappearing and being replaced by sheer joy at being able to give the baby a life filled with love and happiness.
Natsu pulled back slightly, his forehead resting on hers, their breath mingling together. Natsu's gaze locked on her own and said the only thing he could, "Thank you Lucy!" he whispered softly against her skin, giving her goosebumps. Her words got caught as she stared at the intense look in his eyes, his beautiful green eyes that seemed to show his emotions even when he was unable to speak them.
They seemed lost in each other for a moment, before they heard squirming coming from the bed behind Natsu and that's when they smelt it, the offensive smell of a baby pooping and as gross as it was, they found themselves chuckling and smiling at it. Natsu flicks his nose up against Lucy's making her gasp, "It's your turn." He murmurs with a smirk, as he stands up and gently hands the baby to a flustered Lucy.
Hi again. Thanks to everyone that showed interest in this story. I know where I want it to go and it may get a little angsty but it's still going to be cute and full of fluff between Natsu and Lucy. Also, I've changed the way I paragraph as someone mentioned that chapter 1 was a bit hard to follow as the speech wasn't separated. So I've reuploaded chapter 1 to make it easier to follow, but otherwise it's exactly the same. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy!
