Laxus didn't know what to think of the situation. On the one hand it was amusing to see Natsu begging the two kids to fight him while they just brushed him off as nothing more than a joke – which only served to annoy him even more. On the other hand he didn't like to see Lucy so upset – even though she still looked cute doing it. He sighed and turned away from Natsu arguing with the kids and towards Lucy who was sitting near him at the bar with her head layed on the bar top face down.

"you doing okay?" he asked her, with an amused smile twisting his lips.

She growled – gosh! if that isn't the sexiest sound I've ever heard! – and looked up to glare at me. I grinned and her eyes narrowed and she snarled at me, " oh I don't knoooowww… I mean I wake up one day to suddenly receive a visit from a pair of twins who, oh what do you know!!! just so happens to be my kids from the future. And I totally didn't misunderstand thinking that something was wrong and start panicking. Oh! And it totally never crossed my mind that they'djust gotten bored with their daily lives and decided that visiting the past was the best way to pass time. Oh oh! Let me not forget! There's also the fact that apparently those two have high magical compatibility and learned every single one of our magics, while growing up in the guild. Not to forget that they totally pulled a prank on me making me think that something was wrong!!! Have I said everything or did I leave something out??? Tell me Laxus! Tell Me!!!!" she was screaming towards the end of her long spiel and he had to try really hard not to start laughing but seeing her eyes narrow in a deadly glare that could put Erza to shame, he could tell it didn't work.

"Maybe they really do have a reason for being here" he said glancing at her through the corner of his eye, "and maybe they're just not being upfront about it in fear of the consequences or something"

"I certainly hope so" she replied, not taking eyes off if them, "I'd like to think I raised my children to think through their actions instead of jumping head first into anything and acting on impulse. I'd be extremely angry if they are anything like Natsu, considering how much they seem to like spending time with him."

"Well, whatever it is , we'll all be there and make sure whoever is messing with the members of Fairytail, regardless of what time they're from, gets their asses handed to them" he grinned and saw Lucy smile brightly at him.

He felt his heart skip a beat. But then, because he felt the need to mess with her - in other words, he couldn't let a moment stay a moment - he went and ruined it, "of course it could all just be conjecture on our parts and they're just being little imps who like to make your life harder than it needs to be"

She groaned and shot him a glare. If looks could kill, he'd be 10 feet under, " you couldn't just let it be and let me have my peace, could you? you just had to go and ruin it!"

His lips had already pulled into a grin showing off his fangs, which glinted in the light. She huffed and banged her head against the bar top, "I hate my life".

Now he really did laugh. She had the most dramatic reactions and her expression were always changing and were so cute. Lucy was the most adorable creature he'd ever met. Sure, she had a hot body and dressed like a total babe in those crop tops and shirt skirts of her's – my gosh, those skirts! Makes me wanna tear it off her and.. ahem! Focus Laxus! Anyway, she maybe all those things, but there was also an innocence about her that was very rare as far as he could tell. He'd seen many women, and those who had bodies like her's usually learnt how to use it and fast. Sure Lucy tries the seduction route in some of her jobs too and wears revealing clothes but it was his belief that it never worked for her because of the innocence that just radiated off of her. With just a glance you could tell that she was really pure and untouched by the nasties if the world. Yes she has been through a lot that many won't be able to survive but she never let any of that hold her back. She brushed it off and continued to move forward. Even after everything she's been through, she still lives with all her heart and forgives those who have hurt her. She really does have a big heart. She is such a kind soul that it's no wonder that he fell for her. She has this habit of wrapping up those around her so much that they just gravitate toward her like moths to her flame.

I can't even blame her team for always being up in her space. I would too if I had the luxury. I didn't want her to hate me by invading her personal space. I'm just glad that I'm allowed to be in her life at all.

But that didn't mean he was just going to sit by and watch as someone else takes her away. Oh no! He was going to make his move and soon.

Lucy heartfillia will be mine.

Lucy didn't know who to blame. Herself for her over-the-top imagination, Natsu for his paranoia, Laxus for his sick amusement at her suffering or her will-one-day-be-her-kids for their over-the-top dramatics. As she had told Laxus, the whole thing had been nothing but an elaborate plan to amuse themselves their time was so "boring".

She could only hope that they'd soon reach the stage where things get so stable that life becomes boring.

Oh well, at least I know that the future isn't as bad as I'd first feared. Though I still want to Lucy kick them both to the next stratosphere for scaring me like they did.

"so.. did they ever get around to telling you their names?", she heard Laxus ask. She felt her strung up muscles relax and loosen up as her eyes softened in remembrance.

"Layla and Luke" she answered with a soft smile. She'd had those names picked out for years now, for when she'd have children of her own – not that she'd ever admit that out loud – and if she ever needed conformation as to their identities, that surely did it.

She smiled softly as she watched them both run circles around Natsu, teasing him and tricking him into their games. It was nice she thought. That one day she'd have a family that she would love with all her heart and who would love her just as much. She knew that it was far away in the future – I mean, don't even have a boyfriend yet! – and it may not be easy, but just knowing that things are going to be okay and that it'll all be worth it in the end have a renewed surge of determination to protect those she loves and to fight for their future.

So, got another chapter up. I just have to post it once I've got it written up. I just don't have the patience to wait.

And a special thanks to all for have reviewed, faved and followed the story. It really warms my heart to know that you all like the story.I have a general idea of the direction I want the story to go in but I might change it based on what I feel would be best as I write.

Suggestions are always welcome! it might give me a new perspective that I hadn't thought of.

Once again, thank you all for your support. Stay safe!