AN: Chapter 38

A long reason why I have not updated is written below, read if you want to, if not, review replies are at the bottom (For those who read Centaur Paradise, this is the same explanation I gave so you don't have to reread it)

So, first off, I want to apologize for not updating this story in forever. I had been working on it in January, and I had planned on getting this chapter done early January but… I had received some bad news from my parents the day before my bday. My parents bought the family a puppy eleven years ago, and she was basically my baby. I know, that sounds weird, but for those who have pets, you know what I'm talking about. She was the love of my life and I basically put her first to anything or anyone in my life. My dad and I were the ones who trained her the most so she definitely looked up to us. She was perfect, and so sweet, and such a goofball. I had just moved out of my parents' house in July and I was torn because I would not be living with her anymore. But all was ok because I was literally 5 minutes away from them. I saw her on my days off or when I went to go visit my parents, and I would always receive the happiest expression a dog could give you. With a whole body shaking in excitement and a wrecking ball of a tail that would knock over anything in its path, and tons of kisses as I got down to see her on her level. Anyway, she was healthy, and very spoiled (prob the most spoiled thing on the earth!) until a couple years ago, I noticed she had bumps forming over her mammary gland area. I told my mom and she said if they aren't getting any bigger, I'm not taking her to the vet. And at the time, I didn't have money to have to get checked out, but I kept my eyes on it. Over time, they stayed the same until sometime last year, the glands had swelled up and started to change colors. So my parents finally took her to the vet and found out she had a really bad infection and her glands needed to be drained. I had already moved out and was always worrying about my pup, seeing her on my days off became a must because she was stuck with the cone of shame, but slowly began to become her old, happy self once the gland was drained. For a while, all seemed to be fine. She was acting like her crazy normal self, loving every second of everything. I guess one day, she got up too fast and ended up tearing a ligament in her back leg. Mind you she was a pure bred German shepherd, with no medical problems from her mother and father ( we got a full background on both when we got her from a breeder, papers, etc. ) so once again, she was taken to the vet. During this time, her other side of her mammary glands began to swell up like before. So while they were there, my parents had the vet take a look, they said it looked like it just needed drained once more, but decided to open her up. What they found was a tumor. I was devastated when my dad told me. All I could think about was… was it cancer? Or just a fatty tumor? Is she going to be ok now that they removed it? The vet had told my parents that they could have tested the tumor for cancer but it was going to be an extra $150 that my parents didn't have. The vet bills were already starting to rack up. I offered to help pay for anything that I could but my parents said they could manage. As time went on, my dog once again, started to act like herself, trying to climb over the couch to get up the blocked stairs even though she wasn't allowed to, because she had staples in her belly. A month had passed and she was able to go without the cone, but her back end was still limping. A trip back to the vet told my parents, it could still be the ligament or it could be what we feared when we took out the tumor. The tumor could have spread up to her spine and could be affecting her nerves, causing her to be unable to walk on that leg. So she got pain meds. And a lot of them. She was supposed to be on them for 6 weeks. Within 3 weeks, my parents could tell that things just weren't going well… she started sleeping standing up because she couldn't lay down, her legs and paws would swell from standing for 24+ hours, and when she laid down finally, she would be down for over a day, causing her good leg to swell and basically fall asleep. They would help her up, get her outside so she could go potty and what not, let her walk around and it got easier the longer she was up, but then she stopped eating. They tried everything to get her to eat, but nothing was helping. Every time I went to see her, she always had that happy and excited expression on her face, but sadly could no longer come to the door and greet me. All she could do was put her ears back and wag her tail as I went to her. I could feel her bones starting to poke out more, and I saw how much of a struggle it was to get her up. I had a feeling in my heart that it was close to being time to say goodbye. I have always been one to believe that if an animal is suffering, to just do the right thing and put it to rest. Don't let it suffer in pain if it can't be helped. In my dogs' case, nothing could be done. We found out that the tumors had spread and it got so bad to the point where she was just having accidents in the house, she would cry knowing she wanted to get outside and go out there, but she couldn't stand. No longer able to stand by herself or with assistance. So, January 5th, I was at work like usual, they called for a snow day and I volunteered to stay the whole day, keep an eye on the horses and then feed in the evening. Shortly after everyone had left, I got a text from my dad. He told me that they have to put Heidi down. My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. I just sat there staring at my phone. I had a feeling for a while that it was coming soon but getting that kind of news before your birthday is… just rough. It's worse than rough, I honestly don't have the words to describe it. I asked him if I could be there when it happens, and he told me that it will be done in a week basically. So every chance I got, I went to see her. And on the day we were going to put her down, my sisters who had also moved out, came back home to spend time with her with me. My parents were at work so when they came home, it was time. I tried to be strong the whole day, tried not to cry because that's all I was doing at home. I didn't want to let anyone see me upset. But when you have to help your dog onto a sled to get her into the car and into the vets' office, it's so hard not to be upset. We all were there as a family, petting her until the very end, talking to her. I told her before she went, how much I loved her, how much she meant to me, and that I wish it didn't have to be this way. But I know she was suffering and I didn't want that for her. I wanted her to be able to run around like she used to, I wanted her to be that happy, excited, loveable dog again. Seeing her in so much pain, was heartbreaking. I told her that I would see her again, and that she should be a good girl while she is up in heaven. She gave me kisses and I just continued to lose it. I just let the tears come. I didn't care how much I was hurting inside. I just wanted her suffering to end. She meant the world to me, and I know nothing can replace her.

But that is the reason why I have been unable to write. After she had passed, I tried to keep myself busy with games, writing, drawing, hanging out with my friends. For the most part, I just felt numb. But then I would just have wave upon wave of emotion come over me and just cry. It's been almost 5 months now since she had to be put down and I've tried countless times to work on my stories. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was still upset. I still am now (Especially typing all this out) but I told myself that I needed to do this. But now of course I'm getting distracted by the pokemon games that came out and other things like animes that I've been watching with friends… and now I get to look forward to planning a wedding. My boyfriend of 10 years finally decided to purpose to me with the coolest pokemon engagement ring ever. (huge pokemon fan if you didn't know lol) so I've been trying to keep my mind on happier thoughts since then. I'm going to try to really keep my focus on fanfiction once more and try not to get so far behind on updating.

I'm sorry for telling such a sad story, but I owe it to you guys to tell you why I have been neglecting this story for so long. I also wanted to thank you for your patience and wanted to let you all know that I am very close to finishing Beautiful with You. I feel that is also another reason why I have slowed down the progress of the story as well, like my other two stories, once I neared the end, I didn't want to write because I knew that it was ending soon and it made me sad. I love all of my characters that I have created in this story and I'm definitely going to miss writing them once this is done. But like I said above, I'm going to try to do better. Finishing up this chapter made me happy that I got back into writing again. Seeing MsKtK writing has helped me out a lot as well! Her story is such a fantastic read and I can't wait for what is going to come up next! Anywhos! Enough of this sadness! Lets get down to the story! (also thank you so much to those who read all of this, it was a lot, and kinda depressing, and I promise not to post something this sad again unless it's in one of my stories!)

The suns warm rays shined through Leos' window, slowly waking the sleeping girl from her slumber. Rain shifted slightly as the suns warmth came over her pale cheeks and over her slowly opening eyes. She quickly shut them tight as the new light was still so bright to waking eyes. The blue haired girl buried her face into Leos' side, not knowing what time it was and not caring. All she wanted was to sleep just a little bit longer. Her body was sore from the night's events, and her eyes were still tired from what little sleep she acquired. Blue eyes opened half-way, her mind rethinking the night, replaying every scene that had happened.

'I can't believe I let him talk me into doing it again last night after the shower… not that I'm complaining in any way…' She thought with a smile. Her eyes shifted up to the sleeping boy beside her. Leo was completely passed out still, his expression was soft on his face as he continued to sleep, not caring about the annoying sunlight that was shining through onto them both. Rains' eyes went wide suddenly. 'Sunlight…?' The girl quickly sat up, her head snapping towards the window. Her hand came up quickly to shield her unprepared eyes from the bright light, allowing them to full adjust before moving her hand back down at her side. 'There's… sunlight outside…' The ice mage slowly got up from the bed, making her way to the window. She placed her hand upon the cool glass as she stared out to the morning sky and the sun that was shining brightly, greeting her with its warmth.

It had been so long since she felt this. Felt the suns warmth over her pale skin, let alone see clear skies. For years, gloom and stormy rain clouds have hidden the sun and blue, clear skies from her eyes. For once, it was peaceful. Rains' lips curled into a smile as a tear escaped her eye. 'This feels…. Amazing…. I can honestly say I don't remember the last time I've felt this way. I feel so… alive and happy….' The blue haired girl turned her head back to the bed, looking onto the sleeping blonde haired boy. 'It's because of Leo…' Blue eyes began to tear up as a hand reached up to her face, wiping her eyes lightly. 'He's made me this happy. He was the one who made the sun appear for me…'

The new warmth falling upon her gave her a sudden burst of energy as she giggled and quickly went back to the bed, jumping onto it like a small child would waking its parents early in the morning. Her hands fell in front of her, close to Leo's body as she spoke excitedly. "Leo! Wake up!"

A groan escaped the boys' throat as he rolled over onto his side, pulling the blanket over his head. "It's still so early… why do I need to get up?"

"Because, silly! The sun is out! It's so beautiful outside!" Rain explained as she rolled Leo back over, pulling the cover away from his head. "You should come see it too!"

Leo cracked open an eye as he looked at her. "It's just the sun, Rain… what's the big deal?"

Rain smiled as she pushed off from the bed, rushing back to the window to look out it once more. "I haven't seen this in so long... for years, all I've had around me is rain, and gloomy grey clouds. Can't you feel it?" Rain asked softly as she closed her eyes. "The suns warmth? It feels so amazing… how can you not enjoy this? Doesn't this sight make you want to just run out there and just soak up more of the sun?"

Blue eyes opened softly as she felt arms wrap around her shoulders. Leo breathed her in deeply as he rested his chin on her shoulder, hiding her naked body from the window with the blanket from the bed. "The only thing that can get me out of bed, is you. So if you want to go running outside and soak up the sun, I'd gladly join you… but first I think it would be best if we got some clothes on."

Rain brought her own hands up to Leo's arms, gripping them lightly as she giggled. "You mean to tell me you wouldn't want to run around out there naked?"

Leo smirked as he spoke. "Only if that means we get to do it out there."

Rain rolled her eyes, her lips curling into a soft smile. "You're such a goon."

Leo squeezed the girl tighter in his arms, nuzzling his face into her neck. "You love me."

Rain blushed slightly as she closed her eyes lightly. "I do."

The two stood there in silence for a while, letting the bright rays shine over them a little while longer. Leo was first to speak, his words sounding sad and slightly disappointed. "Do I have to take you back home today?"

The ice mage let out a sigh. "Yes. You do. I want to be home when my mom and dad get back. As much as I would love to just stay here with you… I want to see them."

"I know. But with our parents coming back home, I don't know when the next time it'll just be you and me."

Rain smiled as she turned herself around in his arms, wrapping her own around his neck. Her blue eyes locked onto olive-green as she continued to smile. "We can make time for us. Trust me… I don't want to be away from the one person who brings me the sun for long, but I really do want to see my parents…."

Leo half grinned as he lowered his arms, wrapping them around her waist as he pulled her in closer. "I know." He leaned in slightly, planting a soft kiss on her lips before standing back up straight. "I guess I've just been so used to having someone else here in the house with me finally. But seeing your parents is more important and I know we'll have more time to be together… I just feel like these past few nights haven't been long enough. And that's why… I'ma do this. So you have a little reminder that we are together now." Leo shifted his head down to her neck, his lips brushing over her pale skin lightly. He could hear her soft sigh at his gentle touch of his lips, causing his lips to curl into a smile.

The blonde haired boy picked a soft spot on her neck and planted his lips down on it, kissing it lightly at first. Rain gasped a few seconds later as she realized what Leo had planned on doing. "No… please… not on my neck again. It's going to be hard enough to hide the first mark you made on me from my family."

Leo smirked. "Alright then… I'll just have to do this where they won't be able to see it." Leo knelt down some, his lips trailing down her pale skin to her bare chest. One of his hands came up and lifted her left breast slightly as his warm lips quickly picked a new spot on her soft skin. Rain blushed as she looked down at blonde hair. She could feel her body beginning to heat up just like the night before. The blue haired girl bit down on her lip from the sharp pain on her breast as Leo sucked on her pale skin. A minute later, Leo released his lips from her breast, eyeing his newly made mark with a grin. He moved back in and kissed it gently. "There. Now you can go get ready."

Rain pushed the blonde haired boy away, her hands stealing away the blanket as she made her way to the bed. "I hope you're not going to get used to doing that to me all the time."

Leo shrugged his shoulders as he watched her kneel down for her bag. She brought it up to the bed and began to search through it for clean clothes. "What? You mean to tell me you don't like it?"

Rain shot him a sideways glance. "I'm not saying I don't like it… I just don't feel like trying to hide all of these marks that you're planning on putting on me. I don't mind it once in a while. Besides, there are other ways that you can show me that you love me."

Leo grinned as he quickly made his way up to the girl. He wrapped his arms around her tightly as he pressed his naked form into her. "Oh yeah? Can I show you another way right now?"

Rain was quick to answer. "No."

Leo's arms fell to his sides as his head hung down. "Oh…" He replied disappointedly. His head quickly snapped up as he raced around her and jumped up onto the bed. He laid on his side and propped an arm up, letting his head rest on his closed fist as he spread out one leg and lifted the other, presenting his naked body to the girl. "How about now?" He asked seductively while raising a brow. "I know you can't resist all of this…" He said as he ran his free hand over his body.

Rain raised her own brow as she stared at the blonde haired boy on the bed, her lips half curling into a smile. "Um, answer is still no. Now quit playing around and go get dressed." The girl threw the blanket that was wrapped around her over to Leo, covering up his nudity and pouty face.

Leo pulled the blanket away from his face and watched her get dressed. "You're such a party pooper…"

Rain smiled as she pulled her shirt over her head, her blue eyes moving to olive-green. "You love me."

Leo closed his eyes happily and smiled brightly. "I do."

Gray set down a small plate in front of Juvia as he eyed the TV in the living room from the kitchen. The news was reporting on a very familiar man they had encountered days ago. The ice mage walked back to the stove to finish cooking the pancakes he was making. Juvia bit into a piece of toast Gray had just given to her as her solid blue eyes stared at the screen in the other room.

The news reporter held up her papers in front of her as she spoke. A picture of Bora appeared next to her head. "And in recent news, Bora of Prominence, has been arrested. He was widely known for his trading business, along with his fondness for throwing extravagant parties. He also was known to make out large donations throughout the year to various fundraisers, charities, or even well-known academies. He was found a few days ago from an anonymous tip, encased in solid ice. Although he was still unable to be thawed out, he was placed in jail while awaiting his trial with no bail."

Juvia raised a brow as she continued to listen to the TV. "Encased in solid ice… unable to thaw…"

Gray brought over another small plate covered in pancakes for Juvia. "I wonder who could have done that." Juvia reached out and gripped his wrist, her solid blue eyes looking up to his dark ones. Gray half smiled as he closed his eyes, speaking coolly. "Don't worry, Juvia. They can't trace it back to me. And even if they did, I would just say it was out of self-defense. We will have the doctor bills to prove what he did to you and if we need to, we can take pictures of the bruises he left me."

"Gray… I'm not worried about them tracing the ice back to you. What I'm worried about is if he gets out. What if they find him not guilty? He'll come looking for us." She said worriedly.

Gray placed a hand over her blue hair. "I won't let him get you. Any of you. If that freak manages to get out, I'll just have to put him back in there myself. Try not to think about him too much. You're back home with me and your kids. All I want for you to do is to be happy. Just go back to the Juvia before all the fighting. Be my happy wife again."

Juvia smiled as tears began to fill her eyes. "Ok."

Finn yawned as he walked into the kitchen, his eyes instantly widening as he cut off his own yawn as he saw his parents together. "Dad! Mom! Wha… what are you guys doing here?! I thought you both weren't going to be back until later today?"

"Why do sound so surprised?" Gray asked as he looked to Finn. "The doctors released your mom early and so we just decided to come home last night. I think we both were just ready to come home."

"Well… it's just… um…" Finn started as she began rubbing the back of his head.

A heavenly, cheerful voice came from behind Finn. "Good morning!" Serena smiled as she walked up beside Finn, wrapping her arm around his own. "Oh! Hello! Finn didn't tell me you both were going to be home so early! I was going to help him get the house cleaned up a bit for you both."

Juvia stood from her seat as she walked over to Serena, a smile still across her lips. "It's alright, Serena. And we decided to come home early, and please, there's no need for you to help get this place cleaned up. But it is nice to see you again. It's been too long."

Serena let go of Finns arm and greeted Juvia with a hug. Finn slipped away from the two as they began to catch up, making his way over to his father who was giving him a questioning look with his arms crossed over his chest. As soon as Finn was close enough, Gray spoke softly. "So care to tell me who that is?"

Finn brought a hand to the back of his head once more, his own blue eyes shifting away from his father. "Well… that's Serena. My girlfriend that I mentioned before." Solid blue eyes glanced back to his father next to him. "And before you ask, she came by yesterday because she was worried about me. It was before I found out that you guys were coming home and since it's such a long drive back home for her, I just told her she could stay the night. She really was going to help me clean up the house before you guys got home. That's why I was so surprised when I saw you both."

Gray closed his eyes lightly as he sighed. "Well… I guess I can't be mad about that. After all…" Gray smiled as he opened his eyes. "She is very pretty, and if she makes you happy, then she is welcome in this house."

Finn looked away from his father. 'Yeah… she makes me happy… but… I still feel like someone could make me happier…. But I've come to terms with that… I know that she doesn't want to be with me and so I'm just going to be happy with Serena.'

"Is something wrong?" Gray asked after a minute of silence from this son. Finn's head shot up quickly.

"What? No. I'm fine. Just thinking is all." Finn responded.

The older ice mage put a hand over Finns blue hair, ruffling his hair as he grinned. "Thanks for holding down the fort for me while I was gone. Did your sister ever come home? I would really like to see her too."

Finn lightly pushed away Grays hand away from his head, smirking at his father. "She should be home soon. I told her you both were coming home later today. I could give her a call if you want."

"Yeah that would be great. I really would like to see her." Gray said as he turned around, going back to making more breakfast for the rest of them.

"I'll just go grab my phone and give her a call." Finn said as he started back for his room.

Leo put his forehead to Rains' as he closed his eyes lightly. He let out a sigh as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close as they stood just outside her parents' house. "I wish I could come in with you… hell I wish we could have just stayed at my place."

Rain smiled as she wrapped her own arms around Leo's neck. "You act as though we'll never get to see each other ever again."

"We might as well not see each other for days now that everyone's parents are gonna be back! How am I going to survive without you?!" Leo asked dramatically.

Rain pushed the blonde haired boy away lightly. "Oh stop being so dramatic."

Leo quickly grabbed her arms as she pushed him away and pulled her back in lightly. "Ok, ok… I'm done being so dramatic."

Rain smirked as she eyed olive-green eyes. "Good. Because if you were going to continue being dramatic, I would have made you wait longer to be alone with me."

Leo gasped as he brought a hand to his chest, clenching his shirt lightly. "You… you wouldn't!"

Rain continued to smirk as she spoke. "Care to test me?"

"Rain! How have you become so cold?! Have you been talking with Lily this whole time?! Please tell me you're joking!" Leo's eyes began to swell with tears.

Rain rolled her eyes and pulled Leo in close, putting her arms around him to hold him close. "Come on, Leo… you know I'm joking. Why would I want to push away the person who brings me so much joy?"

Leo laughed lightly as he took a step back away from the ice mage. "I know you could never do that to me. And I need to quit stalling and get back home myself. So I'll stop being dramatic and let you go see your parents."

Finn searched around his room for his phone with no luck. He scratched his head as he scanned the room. He looked up to the door to see Serena walking inside. "Hey, have you seen my phone around here?"

"Did you leave it in my car last night? It was late when we got home after all." The blonde haired girl grabbed her keys off the nightstand and handed them to Finn, planting a kiss on his cheek before she spoke. "Here, you can go check my car. I'm going to go take a quick shower."

Finn smiled as he walked past Serena after receiving her car keys. "Alright, I'll be right back." The ice mage made his way to the front door with keys in hand.

Rain smiled as she brought her hands up to his blonde hair behind his head, gripping the short blonde hair lightly. "How about one more kiss before I go inside?"

Leo grinned as he spoke. "I'd have to say I'm perfectly ok with that." A hand came up to the girls' pale cheek, tilting her head up slightly as he leaned in close, his lips inches away from hers. His eyes widened as his body stopped all movement instantly as he heard the front door beginning to open. He quickly took a step back and brought his arms down to his sides just as Finn came into sight of the two. Olive-green eyes stayed glued on Rain as she turned to face her brother.

Finn was surprised to see them both standing before the door. "Hey! I was just about to go find my phone to call you."

Leo spoke loudly and nervously as he kept his rigid form. "Hi Finn! Yeah, I just happened to come by and drop off your sister! I wasn't touching her or trying anything else! I guess I'll be heading out now! See you later!" Finn's mouth fell open as Leo quickly made his way to his car.

"Uh… ok?" Finn looked back to his sister. "What was that all about?"

Rain smiled as she watched the blonde haired boy speed away. "He's just being a goon. As usual."

"Yeah I guess… but that was really weird… even for Leo…" The ice mage moved a hand up and motioned over his shoulder. "By the way, mom and dad are home now. I guess they came home last night."

Rains eyes widened as she gasped. "What?! They're home now?! Why didn't you tell me?!" The blue haired girl pushed past her brother and made her way into the house in search for her parents.

Finn rubbed the shoulder Rain pushed past as he groaned. "Well I was going to call you to let you know…" He mumbled to himself as he walked over to Serena's car.

Rain could hear them. She could hear her parents talking and laughing in the room. She felt like she was in a dream, her vision was focused on what was directly in front her. She rounded the corner and looked into the kitchen. Her eyes widened at the sight. 'This has to be a dream… that's… that's my mom… and my dad… laughing together… when was the last time I saw them like this? It's been so long…'

Gray and Juvia stood next to each other, laughing at the pancake mix that Gray managed to get on his cheek. Rain watched as they continued to laugh and wipe off the mix from their skin. 'This… can't be real… my mom and dad… are laughing… and having fun with each other… I can honestly say that I can't remember seeing them this happy… even when I was younger… I can't… seem to remember…'

As their laughter subsided, their eyes looked to Rain standing in between the kitchen and living room, her body still like stone. Juvia and Gray stood in silence as they watched Rain, waiting for her to say something. The young girl could feel her heart beating faster in her chest, her words unable to escape her mouth.

Juvia stepped forward with her hands close to her chest. "Rain…"

"Mom…" Rains blue eyes began to tear up quickly. "Mom!" The blue haired girl ran to her mother with open arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. Juvia smiled as she opened her arms to her child, holding her close as she too began to weep. "You're ok! I was so worried! I'm so sorry for leaving you!"

Juvia ran her hand over Rains long hair. "It's alright sweetie. I'm here now, and I'm so sorry for making you worry. And I told you to run. The only thing that mattered to me, was your safety. I couldn't imagine a world without you in it."

Rain buried her face into Juvia's clothes as her hands gripped the back of her mother's shirt tightly. "I could have helped you. I should have tried harder! None of this would have happened if I—"

"You don't have to keep beating yourself up over this Rain… your mother and I are safe, as are you." Gray said softly. Rain lifted her head and looked past her mother to her father. He looked like he had been through quite a bit, but other than that, he looked the same. He looked like the man she knew before he started drinking and smoking. This wasn't a dream. This was real. Her father was standing just a few feet away from her. She watched him put a hand behind his head as he closed his eyes, his head hanging down slightly as he spoke. "Look… I know… it's been a very long time since we've seen each other... and I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. For putting you, your mother, and your brother through all of this crazy mess. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I figured I'd still apologize. I guess that's all I can do for now. There's so much more I want to say to you, but I—"

Grays eyes widened as he felt arms wrap around him tightly. He gasped as he looked down at his daughter as she lifted her head up to him. Her eyes were closed happily as she smiled brightly with warm tears streaming down her reddened cheeks. "It's ok, dad. I forgive you. All I ever wanted… was for us all to be together. I just wanted to be a family again. Nothing else mattered to me."

Gray could feel his heart tightening in his chest as he watched his little girl smiling up at him. "It's been so long since I've seen that smile. And you look so grown up now." Gray hung his head once more as he held his daughter in his arms tightly. His dark hair shaded his eyes, trying to hide his growing tears. "I don't deserve that smile you are giving me right now… but that's all I ever wanted to see. I swear…" Grays hand reached up to Rains head. "I'm going to make up to you… for all these years we've been away from each other… I'm going to make it up to all of you. I promise."

The water mage made her way back over to Gray. She placed a hand on his shoulder while her other free hand went to Rains, gripping them both lightly. "And now that we are all together… we have all the time in the world to make that promise happen."

Gray lifted his head as he smiled. He was unable to hold back his tears from escaping his eyes as he looked at his wife with loving eyes. "I swear I'm not going to let any of you go. Never again." The ice mage put an arm around Juvia as well and pulled her in close with his daughter. "I missed you both."

Finn grinned as he held up his phone. "Found you." The ice mage closed the car door and headed back inside. "Hm… it's pretty quiet in here… wonder what they're doing?" Finn walked into the kitchen and stopped dead in his tracks. He stood there and watched his family. Together. They were smiling, and laughing. All of them eating breakfast at the table. They were catching up, making up for lost years. The ice mage smiled to himself as he watched his sister smile, his mother laugh, and his father, sitting in between them both. He was smiling, and laughing along with them, as if these past torturous years never even happened. His mother never left them with Rain, and she was never unhappy. This is how it was supposed to be. All of them, together as a family. After so long, they were all happy.

Finn smiled as he thought to himself. 'What more can I ask for right now? Because right now… this is all I need.'

AN: Yay! They are a family again! ^_^ I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I'm hoping to get another one done sometime next week!

Nyma: haha right?! Finn will definitely not be happy if he ever finds out about rain and leo ;) and no, serena cannot handle finn. he is too much for her hehe I cant wait to work on the next chapter! So many things!

Depressica: all of the gruvia *heart!* and yes! Rain and leo forever! As for finn… he's got a lot to still work on lol

NavyNinjaHo: haha glad you enjoyed the last chapter!

Taki: I plan on writing more stuff with the gajevy kids probably in later chapters, near the end of the story, and as for Gaje getting a girlfriend, im still tossing the idea around in my head. Haha I have been ever since I started this story ^^;

Lilliac: I hope you have enjoyed this new chapter! Sorry it took so long to get it posted!

Panther: I will try to come up with something for Gaje and having a possible romantic relationship. Im not going to promise anything though because if I cant come up with anything good, I might just make mention of something or perhaps I will write a bonus chapter later on down the road for him :)