Chapter 3 - I still do not own Fairy Tail.


Natsu just couldn't look away from the breathtaking sight in front of him. He had spent probably the best part of the last half hour just staring at the gorgeous girl in front of him playing with the new tiny addition. She had been cooing and laughing at all the little noises he was making, she seemed so infatuated with him. It was so strange to think that only a few days ago, he had never really thought about having a family of his own, it's just something he always assumed would happen later on in life. But what he did know was that if he ever did think about wanting a family, Lucy would've been a part of it. He couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else, he wouldn't want to either. Even if they weren't together in that way right now, he could only hope that one day they might be, that maybe this would bring them even closer, if that were possible.

He hadn't realised before just how good she looked with a baby in her arms, but then again, he'd never seen her in this way, and now he didn't want to go a day without her being like this. He noticed just how bright her eyes would shine and her brilliant smile that never faltered, every time the young infant would kick his legs or flail his arms in response to what she was doing.

They had made the right decision, everything Lucy had said before was true. Natsu had bonded with the little guy in such a short time, there was no way that he could've ever given him to someone that they didn't know, and trusted them to raise this child when he and Lucy were more than capable of doing so. He understood how cruel people could be, he'd come across enough of them in his life time, especially in this line of work. He would make sure that the child would be safe and loved, so long as he remained with them. He knew they had a lot to sort through until everything became official, and he wasn't so stupid to think it was going to be easy. However, in this moment, watching Lucy be so tender and loving towards the little boy, it filled his heart with feelings he'd never felt before and couldn't wait to see what the future would bring.

"You're not usually this quiet Natsu, is something the matter?" Lucy asked, glancing briefly at the dragon slayer before returning her attention back to the baby. She had noticed him watching her, he had this glint in his eye that gave her butterflies.

"Nah Luce, nothings wrong. Everything's good actually!" He smirked at her. It was true, everything was good, it was great in fact! But it struck him abruptly that something seemed to be missing, and he just couldn't put his finger on it. His brows were furrowed and arms crossed over his chest, trying to muddle through his brain over what the hell it was that seemed to be amiss.

"That face you got there is telling me otherwise. Are you trying to think Natsu?" Lucy teased and poked her tongue out at him.

Not taking any notice, he was lost in his thoughts. She eyed him closely, finding it strange when he didn't bite at her comment, watching for the subtle changes in his strained expression. He seemed to be struggling with something, but what? He had just said everything was good, so why did he look so conflicted? Her thoughts unexpectedly took a dark twist and hit her straight in the gut. Panic bubbled in her chest and she felt her lungs constrict, unable to breathe.

"You haven't changed your mind have you?!" Unable to keep the dread from her voice as it raised in octaves, her heart sank at the very thought. What would she do if he had changed his mind? He seemed so sure just an hour ago but what if he was rethinking his decision. Where would that leave her and the baby? What if he no longer wanted to do this with her? Tears started to pool again in her eyes, threatening to spill, and she'd only just gotten rid of the last ones.

Natsu eyes opened like saucers, her words snapping him out of his stupor. His face becoming one of concern, where did that come from? He could tell just by looking at her frantic expression the direction in which her thoughts were going and he didn't like it.

"N-No wait Lucy! Don't cry please! Of course I haven't changed my mind, I would never do that!" He stuttered, totally taken aback by her sudden outburst. Emotions were running high today, but then he could understand it, Lucy tended to wear her heart on her sleeve.

He moved to sit next to her on the bed to reassure her, gazing straight in to her glassy brown eyes, "Lucy, I said we were in this together and I meant it. I never go back on my word, so please don't think things like that." He said as he wiped the few tears that managed to escape from her blotchy cheeks. She could kick herself. Of course Natsu hadn't changed his mind, he'd promised her and he never broke his promises. She leant her head against his shoulder, exhausted by all her turbulent feelings, his warmth bringing her comfort as he wrapped an arm around her.

They were still in the infirmary, waiting for the Master to be done telling everyone the situation before they introduced the new addition to the guild. A light seemed to suddenly switch on in Natsu's head, finally realising what was missing.

"A name!" He blurted out unexpectedly, louder than he was meant to, making Lucy and the baby jump. He looked at her apologetically as she turned to stare at him in confusion, "Luce, he doesn't have a name. I thought something didn't seem right!" He exclaimed, punching his fist into his other hand, pleased with himself for pointing out the obvious.

"Oh yeah!" Realisation hitting her, "But what do we call him? It needs to be something good, he's going to be stuck with it for the rest of his life." Lucy chuckled, thinking of all the crazy names Natsu was bound to suggest. They sat there in silence for a few minutes, staring intently at the baby as they tried to come up with something, anything…

"Man, this is hard! It was easy naming Happy, it just suited him straight away. But naming a baby is a lot tougher, how do people do it?" Natsu wondered, feeling a little deflated about not coming up with a decent name. In fact, he hadn't thought of any, it seemed all the names he knew of had been taken by other people and he wanted this little boy to have the best name ever! If only he could think of one.

"People don't usually have babies sprung upon them Natsu. Most parents have nine months to think of a name before the baby is even born, some even longer than that if it's been planned. But we don't have nine months, we kinda skipped that part." Lucy replied, blushing at the implication of her words. Luckily Natsu hadn't picked up on it, or at least he'd kept it to himself if he had. She felt utterly overwhelmed by naming a child, this was something she'd never had to do before. He needed a strong, unique name that would become part of his identity, she never realised how daunting naming someone could be.

"Maybe the other's could help? They might come up with some good names." She suggested, regretting it instantly, maybe that wasn't such a good idea.

"I imagine that they'll be barging in here as soon as Gramps is done. There'll want to meet him and bombard us with a crap ton of questions." Natsu remarked, rolling his eyes at the jokes they were sure to make at his expense. Not that he really minded, he was itching to get rid of some pent up energy and a good brawl always helped with that.

And just like that, there was a knock at the door, as the rest of their team with the addition of Levy, had come to see them. As they entered the Infirmary, their eyes instantly locked on to the tiny little baby in Lucy's arms as they all quietly came over to get a closer look.

"Oh my goodness Lu, he is just the cutest!" Levy squealed with hearts in her eyes, as she stroked the little one's cheek. The other's, not wanting to disturb the baby too much, sat around the two new parents, making themselves comfortable.

"You know you're not supposed to steal other people's kids, Flame Brain!" Gray mocked, with the biggest smile on his face, giving away how glad he was to see that his team mates were doing just fine. Natsu locked eyes with him, raising an eyebrow, pretending to be offended, but he couldn't help but smile back at the raven haired mage.

"Shut it Popsicle, or I'll go tell Juvia you want one!" Natsu threatened, taking absolute pleasure in watching the colour drain from the Ice mages face.

"Master told everyone what had happened on your mission. It's so sad to hear that people can just abandon their own children like that, but he's a lucky little boy for having you two save him." Wendy said from the other bed, dampened by the idea that anyone could be so cruel.

"That's why I'm glad that Natsu and I found him when we did. He's so innocent and vulnerable, it's frightening just thinking about it all." Lucy uttered, as she stared at the little one. Not prepared to think any more into it, she didn't want to start crying again. She had to keep reminding herself that regardless of what could of happened, it didn't. He was there, safely tucked into her arms, sleeping soundly. He was safe.

"It appears you seem to have everything under control there, Lucy. He seems very content in your arms, what a precious little thing." Erza spoke up, trying to be encouraging towards the now sombre celestial mage. Her face was slightly flushed as she stared at the baby, she really did have a soft spot for cute things.

"I still think he looks kinda like a fish, I bet he would taste yummy, right Natsu?!" Happy said, trying to reach over and get a good look of the baby's face. Waiting for the dragon slayer to reply.

"I don't think so Happy. But instead of eating him, we've got something better to offer." Natsu's face lit up. He patted the little Exceed on the head, hoping that he wasn't going to be too upset about making this choice without him.

Natsu looked over to Lucy who smiled at him, knowing what he was about to tell everyone. Her heart started to beat a little faster as they were about to make it official, at least to their closest friends. There would be no going back after this, and she couldn't be any happier about it all. Their friends looked at Natsu, curious to know what he was about to say. He took the baby from Lucy's arms and unwrapped him slightly, so everyone could get a better look at his cute little face.

"I'd like you all to officially meet our son, say hi to your new baby brother Happy!" Natsu gave the biggest face splitting grin towards the Exceed. And all at once, there were cheers and smiles all over. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement over the news.

"I have a little brother now? That's so cool! I'm going to be the best big brother ever! I'm gonna teach him so many things, especially how to annoy Lucy!" He grinned mischievously towards the blonde, with Natsu chuckling beside him, feeling relieved that he had taken it so well. At the sound of her name, Lucy turned and scowled at the Exceed about to make a sarcastic retort, before being enveloped by a squealing body.

"Welcome to Motherhood Lucy! It's going to be the best thing you ever do, I promise!" Levy hugged Lucy tightly as she congratulated them both. She couldn't wait to get stuck in and help them out, and her twins were going to have a little friend to play with.

"Wow! I'm so happy for you both, you're going to make great parents!" Wendy said, smiling sweetly at the startled baby.

"I'm glad to hear it. I think you've both made the right decision. Your son is going to be adored by everyone, they're all going to be thrilled by the news. He's a very lucky little boy!" Erza leant over and put her hand on Natsu's shoulder, she smiled at him, admiration clear in her eyes.

"I hope you know what you're getting yourself in to Lucy. Soon you'll be dealing with two hot heads, there's no way that kid has a chance with Natsu as his father." Gray said in jest, Lucy giggled at his words though and looked to Natsu, who was just about ready to beat Gray into the ground.

"Hey Luce, you're supposed to be on my side!" Natsu whined before snapping his head to Gray, pointing accusingly, "And you're just jealous that I got there before you!" Gray just laughed, he was truly happy for his friends.

Lucy felt those familiar butterflies in her stomach as she watched the two of them squabble over who's kid would be better. She knew Gray was joking, but knowing that this child was going to grow up with a father like Natsu, filled her heart to the brim of exploding. She'd never felt anything like it before. She wanted Natsu to know that if the little boy did end up as fiery as him, then she would be more than fine with that.

"I wouldn't want it any other way." She whispered, knowing that he would hear her as she looked up at him through her lashes. His head snapped towards her, it sent shivers down his spine with the way she was looking at him. What the hell was she trying to do to him? In front of their friends of all places! He stared at her, a half smile forming on his lips and a slight blush on his cheeks.

"Are you both ready to go and introduce the little one to the guild? Honestly, I'm surprised they haven't all burst in here yet." Levy asked as she moved to stand, a hopeful look in her eyes. The rest of them followed, taking it as their cue to leave and head out. Natsu adjusted the baby in his arms, the little one seemed to be enjoying kicking his legs out the end of the scarf he was partially wrapped in. He looked back to Lucy, who had grabbed their things, and gave her his trademark grin, before holding her hand and walking out of the room and up the stairs.

When they reached the top of the stairs, Makarov was standing there. He was smiling at them through gritted teeth, sweat rolling down his face, looking like he was trying to hold back a mob with his enlarged hands. Allowing them time to sit at a table so that they could get comfortable, before the hoard swallowed them whole.

"So kids, have you decided?" He asked as he walked closer to them, straining as the guild pushed against him.

"Yes Master, we have." Lucy then looked to everyone behind him, directing her attention to the rest of the guild, "I'd like you all to meet the newest member of the Fairy Tail family." Lucy beamed, pride spilling out as she introduced the baby to all of their friends.

And that's when things went crazy, everyone swarmed them in an instant. It felt like there was an electricity in the air from the amount of smiles, laughs and cheers, compliments and jokes flying everywhere. Lucy, for a moment allowed herself to be consumed by the energy of her friends, solidifying everything she knew and had come to love. She adored her guild, her friends, her team, they meant so much to her, but there would always be one person that held a special place in her heart. The man that had made this all possible. Natsu was the one that had not only given her everything she'd ever needed by bringing her to Fairy Tail, but he was now giving her a family of her own, one she never knew she wanted until now.

She watched as everyone congratulated them, and gave them their best wishes. The baby found his way into the arms of nearly every guild member that was desperate to hold him and fuss over what a cutie he was. Lucy found it so endearing that Natsu refused to take his eyes off the little one until he returned to his safe haven, which apparently was Lucy's chest. The crowd slowly got smaller as the day went on, wanting not to intrude on the new family too much.

She breathed a sigh of relief, now that it was just her and Natsu at the table again. Thank god it was all over, it was finally out in the open now and she was overjoyed by the kindness of her friends. But now came another obstacle, where do they go from here? Where would they live? Totally unprepared for a newborn baby, all they had for him was what had been given to them on the mission. She didn't even know what babies needed, now that the initial excitement was wearing off, the reality of it all was starting to work it's way into her brain.

Natsu had been keeping his eye on her, knowing that regardless of how pleased she was by their friends being so supportive, he could see she was tired. They hadn't had any proper rest since returning from the mission, and now with the baby to look after, he imagined sleep was going to be a bit harder to come by.

"Do you wanna head out Luce? You look exhausted." He asked, worried that she was going to fall asleep where she sat, as she rocked the little one back and forth, kissing his head tenderly.

"I'm fine Natsu, I was just thinking about stuff that's all." she said quietly, trying not to rouse the sleeping baby, who she had only just managed to get back to sleep after all the excitement.

He knew that look, that was the expression she made when she was trying to figure things out, to come up with a plan. Her hand was splayed out on the table in front of her as she leaned back on the bench, she smiled briefly before going back to her thoughts. Natsu knew something was bothering her and with a stroke of her hand, she sighed.

"I was just thinking about how unprepared we are. Where are we even going to go? My apartment or your house? Where's he going to sleep? He's run out of clean clothes now and down to the last drop of milk. I don't even know what babies need, what are the essential items for a newborn? I'm completely out of my depth here." She stopped to take in some much needed air before she pressed on, "Plus there are loads of other things we really need to discuss and they can't wait for too long, we need to prepare ourselves, we need a plan." she stopped, wanting to continue further but just not having the energy to do so, all she wanted to do right now was go home, have a bath and relax.

Natsu looked sheepishly at her, like he was up to something. It was probably some stupid prank him and Happy had thought up, "Come on Lucy, let's all head back to your place. Some fresh air might do you good." And with that, Natsu, Lucy, Happy and the baby said their good nights and left.

It had started to get dark and the air had a chill to it. Natsu had decided to take the baby from Lucy so that he could keep the little one warm as they made their way to Lucy's apartment. It had been a long couple of days that seemed to blur into one. They walked most of the way in silence, too tired to make conversation. Lucy was worried though, what she had said was a concern, there was just so much that needed to be done.

They reached the little apartment building and went inside. As Lucy walked into her main room, just about ready to collapse on the couch, she was stunned into silence.

"What's all this?" She asked, looking at all the bags and boxes laying on her floor. Had someone broken into her house? But don't burglars usually steal things? Natsu walked up behind her, that sheepish smile back on his face. She turned to him and studied him closely, not liking the way he was looking at her, "What have you done Natsu? Why is all this in my house?"

"It's baby stuff." He said simply, like that was enough of an explanation. He walked over and placed the baby on the bed and sat down next to him, with a big shit eating grin on his face. He noticed after a few moments that she hadn't said anything, she was staring at him, brows furrowed and mouth agape. He sighed, he was going to have to spell it out for her, "Luce, it's all for the baby. Why don't you stop being weird and come take a look." He teased, enjoying her dumbstruck expression, hoping she understood now.

Happy was the first to jump in, wanting to show her what the bags and boxes contained. Lucy still unsure, walked over and sat on her couch, bringing one of the smaller bags up onto her lap that Happy had passed to her. Peering inside she took a quick inhale, pulling out the cutest little baby clothes. In awe, she dug deeper, finding more clothes along with blankets, hats, mittens and shoes. She looked through the other bags which held all sorts of sweet little baby things. Then she moved onto the boxes. Her and Happy made quick work of emptying the contents of every bag and box so that it was all laid out in front of them. There was a small crib, a changer, baby books, bottles and diapers, baby powder and medicine, and so much else, it filled her small apartment. She couldn't believe how much stuff there was, she looked up to Natsu, who had remained quiet with that same smile on his face. She knew that this was his doing somehow, who else could it have been?

"Where…? How did you…?" She couldn't get the words out, astonished by just how he'd managed to do this, and yet having absolutely no idea where it had all come from. Natsu simply shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal.

"I wanted to surprise you. I thought this would make everything easier for us." remaining nonchalant, he continued, "I can't take all the credit, it was Levy and Metal Head's idea. They had loads of baby stuff that they no longer needed and offered it to us. So Happy went with Lily and brought it all here. Although, I didn't realise it was gonna take over the place." He chuckled, eyes remaining locked with Lucy's as she took in what he's saying.

She stood abruptly, stumbling slightly in her haste as she tried not to tread on any of the things they had been kindly given and made her way over to Natsu. Without a single word, she wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him in to her, firmly wedged between her breasts. She didn't care though, she was speechless. He had yet again shown how capable he was and she couldn't hide the happiness she felt. This was going to make things so much easier, it was one less thing to worry about. She sighed in contentment whilst Natsu held her close, relishing in her scent for as long as he could.

"Thank you so much Natsu! This is amazing!" She smiled sweetly down at him, trying to convey just how thankful she was. He snuggled further into her embrace, smiling mischievously at what he was about so say, he did enjoy winding her up and catching her off guard, he couldn't help himself.

"Now, I can see why the little guy likes this spot so much!" He smirked against her skin, bracing himself for the inevitable 'Lucy kick'. But to his surprise it never comes. She squeaked in embarrassment and pulled away quickly, watching as Natsu and Happy snickered and high-fived each other.

"I need a bath, I stink and I still have ash in my hair and I think the little man needs one too." She picked up the baby who stirred slightly then made her way to the bathroom. She looked back to Natsu who had attempted to start clearing some of the baby stuff away with Happy. "Er, Natsu? Do you think you could give me a hand, please?" Feeling a little blush creep onto her cheeks.

"Sure Luce, I'll be back in a while Happy." He stood up, patting the cat on the head before following Lucy into the bathroom. "What do you want me to do?" He asked as she handed him a very awake, wriggling baby.

"Well, I thought that maybe for his first bath, it would be better if he got in with me. And I kinda felt nervous about doing it on my own." she blushed, not meeting the dragon slayers eyes.

She turned to the bath tub to run the hot water and unashamedly started to take off her clothes. Natsu just stood there, ogling at her, trying his hardest to look away but failing miserably.

"Hey! No peeking! I asked you in here to help me, not be a pervert!" she raised her voice a little, "Be useful and start undressing the baby."

"Aye!" Natsu yelped, snapping out of his haze and began busying himself with the little one.

Laid on the dresser, Natsu leant over and started to gently take his clothes off. He took his time, wanting to get a good look at him. Frowning, he realised that the little one did look thin, just like Porlyusica had said, he was so small and fragile looking, he never remembered the twins being this tiny. Natsu could hold him in just one hand, and he weighed next to nothing. But he was feeding well, in fact he didn't stop, it seemed like he was constantly hungry. Natsu chuckled to himself, this little guy was going to eat them out of house and home and it was only going to get worse as he grew bigger. Natsu had worried at first, that maybe he wasn't going to make it, but this kid had beaten the odds and he couldn't be prouder.

"Hey there little guy!" The little one cooed when Natsu spoke to him, reaching up to his face with his tiny hands. Natsu smiled at him, not entirely sure whether the boy wanted to grab his face or just stretch out his arms, but it didn't matter. Natsu let the baby touch his skin, amusing himself at the uncoordinated movements of his arms and legs. The infant worked his way up to the wild pink hair atop Natsu's head and curled his little fingers around a few strands before yanking it hard.

"Ow! You gotta strong grip on you!" Natsu winced, surprised by the strength of the little ones pull. He carefully unwound his hair from the baby's grasp and replaced it with his finger, which the infant instantly put in his mouth and started sucking, "Hungry already huh?" The dragon slayer smirked.

Once the little one had finished his gummy attack, Natsu used his magic to warm his hands to pick him up, walking over to a fully submerged Lucy.

"What a lucky little guy you are, getting to have a bath with mama." He spoke softly towards the baby as he handed him to Lucy. She felt a blush slowly make its way up her chest and neck at Natsu's choice of words. He had called her 'mama' he hadn't done that yet and she had to admit she liked the sound of it. The dragon slayer just smiled at her, very much aware of her reddening skin.

Lucy held the infant in the water so that his head was the only thing above the surface. Natsu knelt down beside the bath so that he could clearly see the baby, trying his best not to look at a very naked Lucy. They watched intently as the baby splashed the water with his jerky movements and made little noises. He was so sweet and so lively, he seemed to really like the warm water and his eyes would go wide every time he sprayed it on his own face.

"You are such a little cutie!" Lucy just couldn't hide her giggles, she was fascinated by this child.

"You got that right!" Natsu couldn't look away, how had he managed to become so smitten? They spent a little longer laughing and smiling at the little one. Before Natsu broke the silence.

"So, what was it you wanted to talk about?" His eyes trained on her face. Not wanting to push it by ogling elsewhere.

"Oh, I was just really tired earlier and allowed things to get on top of me. There's still so much we need to do, and it's a little mind-boggling." Lucy remembered as she looks to Natsu, a slight blush on her face as his eyes bore into her own.

"I know Luce, but we'll take it just one step at a time, we don't have to rush do we?" He said trying to comfort her. His fingers idly playing in the water, keeping it warm whilst they spoke. Lucy nodded at him and returned her focus to the sweet baby in front of her.

Lucy reached over, using her hand, she cupped the water and poured it gently over his head to wash out the bits of gunk still in his hair. She noticed as the remaining dirt came off of his skin, that he had a few red marks around his head under his thin coat of hair, she frowned. Where did they come from? She hadn't noticed them before.

"Look at you, acting all cool with your battle scars!" Natsu chuckled at the baby, gauging Lucy from the corner of his eye. Lucy instantly felt her worries fade. Natsu was right, those little marks were proof of what a strong boy he was.

"Have you thought any more about names, Natsu?"

"Luigi!" He cheered, then laughed out loud as her face turned into one of disgust, "Luce, I'm joking! I wouldn't call him that!" Waving his hands dismissively at the unamused blonde.

"Well, I like the name Haru, it means Spring or born in Spring and I thought it was fitting because we found him in the Spring." She felt a little embarrassed but she persisted, "Your name is a season too, it means Summer right? It works perfectly! I-I also like the way it sounds with, er, your last name..." She drifted off at the end, bothered by the crazy butterflies in her stomach. She chanced a glance at his face to see if he'd heard her, before jolting her head away trying to hide her blush.

She felt so flustered, she knew that the child didn't actually have to take the fathers name but she wanted him to. It was old fashioned, sure, and no, they weren't married but it meant a lot to her, and she thought that Natsu would appreciate the sentiment.

Natsu was shocked, when she said about naming him, he had only thought of the first name, not the last name as well, that hadn't even crossed his mind. He reached his hand across to her cheek, clutching it softly. Swiftly bringing her face back to look at him, he smiled at her whilst she remained nervous and very flushed. His face only mere inches away from hers, he spoke.

"You mean it, Lucy?" He studied her face intently, brows furrowed, "We don't have t-"

She brought her forehead to his, stopping him mid sentence, and rested it there, smiling back at him. Trying to portray her utmost sincerity.

"Yes, Natsu. I mean it. I want him to take your last name, you're now his daddy." She whispered, her breath mingling with his. His heart clenched and threatened to beat right out of his chest with every word that came out of her mouth.

"Then Lucy, Haru Dragneel it is!" He whispered back to her, feeling a blush dusting his own face as he stared into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes, totally entranced by them.

Had she always been this pretty? He dipped his eyes down to her lips, her plump, pink lips, what he wouldn't give just to touch them, taste them with his own. Lucy felt herself being drawn in by Natsu's gaze, she needed to pull away so she could get herself and the baby out of the bath, but she couldn't bring herself to do it, he was hypnotising. They slowly moved their faces closer, in perfect synchronicity, lips about to touch, when there was a knock on the door.

Jumping out of their skin, they both immediately separate, blushes both prevalent on their faces, as Happy casually flew in and perched down on the edge of the bath tub, totally unaware of what was just about to go down.

"You guys have been in here for ages! I'm bored waiting for you all, and he now looks all shrivelled!" Happy whined whilst pointing at the baby.

"We're sorry buddy, we were just... talking about names for the baby." Natsu stammered, still trying to hide his pink cheeks from the oblivious Exceed. "But we finally managed to come up with one. His name is Haru Dragneel, what do ya think?" Natsu grinned at the cat.

"Haru as in Spring? It's like your name Natsu! I like it!" Happy exclaimed, looking back at the child, saying the name again and again to see if it suited him.

"Well, now that's settled and another thing ticked off the list..." Lucy looks at the baby directly, "Haru, you can go with daddy, while mama gets herself ready for bed" She lifted the slippery baby up, kissing his forehead before handing him back to Natsu. He wrapped Haru in a towel and held him close, walking out of the bathroom to go get him ready.

By the time Lucy had finished in the bathroom, she made her way into the main room of her apartment, stopping as she closed the door. The picture in front of her was one that made her heart soar, it was so precious. There was Natsu sprawled out on the bed snoring lightly with Haru sleeping peacefully on his chest and Happy snuggled up against his head. She sighed in contentment, they all looked so peaceful, it was hard to believe that the rambunctious dragon slayer could look so innocent whilst asleep, same goes for that pesky blue feline too, and then there was little Haru and what a sweetheart he was awake or asleep.

She walked over her still cluttered room and ever so gently picked Haru up to place him in his crib. She quietly got into bed beside Natsu, trying not to disturb them. It didn't bother her like it use to that he would sleep next to her, it was such a regular occurrence now, she just got use to his presence. And now she found it hard to sleep without his warmth, he made her feel safe and his scent was comforting.

She rolled over to face the sleeping fire breather, relishing in his warmth as he sleepily enveloped her with his arms, mumbling something in his sleep.

"Good night boys!" Lucy whispered, smiling into the slayer's solid chest, as she slowly drifted off into a well deserved slumber.


Hi again, I hope you enjoyed chapter 3. This one turned out to be quite long, but I thought it was super cute and necessary to Natsu and Lucy's development. And the best part is the baby finally has a name. Please don't hate on it, I thought it was sweet! Chapter 4 will be coming soon! Thank you for all your support!