edited chapter 3
this will be a more Dimaria centered chapter
It's the day before the job officially began.
While Gray, Lucy, and Happy explored the town, Natsu stayed at the hotel reading the books he got.
Erza was Reading hers as well, but she was doing it in the girl's room.
And Wendy s sleeping in the bed beside Erza.
From what he could tell, she was going through another growth spurt and therefore was sleepy and hungry most of the time.
As for Carla, she was silently watching over the girl during this time.
Both Gray and Lucy were a little surprised when Natsu wanted to stay back at the hotel.
They began to suspect there might be something going on between Him and Erza.
They have no idea how right and wrong they are.
"I hope Dimaria is doing well while I'm away" he let out a yawn before putting the book away.
He left the room to go to the hotel restaurant, being late in the day.
He did something very unlike him. It was a restraint on how much he ate.
Who would have thought suddenly becoming a father would put so much perspective on how he moves forward.
Around this time, Gray and Lucy, plus Happy, came back and noticed Natsu at the bar eating.
But before they could get anywhere close, a familiar head of blonde hair stepped up in the form of Jenny from blue pegasus.
"Natsu! Never thought I'd see you here" she was practically hanging off him.
Wanting to see this play out, Gray and Lucy decided to hang back a little way.
Happy took his rightful place on Natsu's shoulder "fish please," he got his fish before chowing down on it.
"Hi, Jenny, what brings you here," she was practically hanging off him while he held a neutral tone.
"Oh, I was passing by and decided to get something to eat, and what do you know I find you here" by this time, Natsu had removed her arm from him as he went back to his meal.
But that didn't deter her. "Natsu, are you busy anytime soon."
"I'm not going out on a date with you if that's what your asking" he still held his neutral tone.
Gray and Lucy's eyes nearly popped out of their skulls.
None more so than Jenny" I-i don't know what you're talking about," she said in haste.
"I'm not as clueless as everyone thinks when it comes to that kind of stuff" he looked her in the eye with a slight glare.
"Ok, I admit it, I do kinda have a thing for you," she said with a pout. "But, if you know, why have you not taken any girls out of date or something?"
Natsu took one more bite of his fried chicken before answering, "I have my reasons, one being fangirls," he chastised.
Jenny cringed at his words, "fine. I'm leaving."
"Bye," he waved her off before returning his meal. "I know your there, Gray and Lucy."
The two came out of hiding and took their seats, one on each side of Him.
"Wow, Natsu, I honestly did know you were aware of those kinds of things," Lucy chirped.
"I admit even I'm surprised."
"Dating was never that high of a priority for me" Lucy and Gray placed orders of their own.
They continued to eat silently before Gray had to speak his mind.
"What's going on with you recently? You've changed."
"Yeah, your not as rowdy as before."
"Spending a month and a half away from everyone will do that to you."
"Still, this is way too sudden even for you!"
"Well, maybe you don't know me as well as you thought," he said fiercely before getting up "come on, Happy, we're going back to the room."
"Aye, sir."
On their way back, Happy had to say, "that was a little closer, don't you think, Natsu?"
"I know I could think of handling it better, but I needed to end it fast; otherwise, I could of let it slip."
"Aye"
"Besides, this might help me in the long run anyway."
"But Gray and Lucy aren't gonna let this go easily."
"I know, and that's what worries me the most."
When Natsu turned on the hallway to their hotel room, he saw Wendy standing outside the door.
"Carla sleeping right now."
"Happy you mind?"
"I understand, Natsu," he went into the room where Erza and Carla are staying.
The two slayers made their way to the roof of the hotel.
"So what is it you want to say?" he didn't face her; instead he's entrance be the beauty of the night sky.
She struggled to find the words, "I'm worried for you."
With a sigh, "about what, me being a father or that the mother of my child is Dimaria."
"Hard to say"
"Be honest with me. Are you still scared of her?"
"Yes, I am."
"Well, I can say for certain she isn't the same person as before. But, of course, she wouldn't have told me in the first place if she was," he said with a grin.
Wendy had a weak smile at this news, "but still, it will be hard for me to forgive her completely."
"Wendy, I'm not asking you to forgive her, but can you at least give her a chance, and who knows, you might like her."
"I'll give it a shot for you, Nii-chan." hr bring her into a one hug ruffling her hair a little getting a smile from the girl.
"That's what I wanted to hear, it's getting late, and we have a job to do" they headed back to their hotel room.
When Natsu entered his room, Gray was fast asleep, and Happy was waiting on a pillow.
"Did Gray find those books I got?" he whispered to his buddy.
"No, I gave them to Erza for safekeeping just in case."
"Good thinking, time to get some sleep."
The next day With Dimaria
Dimaria woke up to an empty house. She couldn't understand why but this saddened her.
So much, in fact, she just stays in bed pulled up in a ball, resting her head on her knees.
Like Natsu, her thoughts are all jumbled into a tangled mess.
She holds out her hand, letting out a sigh.
Her magic energy reserves are starting to dwindle.
Her emotions are slowly going out of control. Only years on the battlefield helped keep them in check, at least for now.
And she was starting to feel exhausted without reason.
The side effects of her pregnancy are starting to show.
She would have stayed like this if her stomach wasn't demanding she gets something to eat.
She headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
"I hope Natsu is doing well" she placed a hand on her lower belly.
Her thoughts kept coming back to the first night here when they were about to kiss.
She had mixed feelings about it, part of her wanted to, but the other didn't, and she couldn't figure out Why.
After eating breakfast, scrambled egg and bacon with some orange juice, she headed towards Porlyusica to see how everything was going.
She had to be very careful as she didn't know if anyone was out and about.
It didn't take her long to find the house made from a tree.
She knocked three times before the door opened up, revealing the Elder pink-haired woman.
"What is it you need?"
"I-i just wants to make sure nothing is wrong," she said, sad tone.
With a sigh, "fine, take a seat."
She found her seat but couldn't find the words to speak, so Porylusica told them for her.
"Your conflicted aren't you" she nodded in response.
"I assume it's your feeling for Natsu."
"Yes," she finally managed to speak.
"I wasn't lying when I said Natsu cares for you. It's not just because of the baby. He cares for everyone around him unless there his enemy and you're not anymore. Remember that"
"I will."
"I can also tell you're afraid, afraid you're going to rush things, it's too late for that now your pregnancy is proof of that" they both laugh from that.
"I've noticed some changes."
"Besides the mood swings."
"Yes, I can feel my magic begin to weaken."
"That to be expected for a female wizard, the body will diverge available resources to the baby to make sure the development of the baby goes smoothly anything else.
"Besides the constant hunger, the only thing I can think of is being tired all the time?"
"To be expected, have you started feeling sick?"
"Not really."
"You're about three weeks along, so you won't have to deal with morning sickness for at least another three weeks."
"Morning sickness?"
"Yes, it's a result of your hormones changing from your pregnancy. But, of course, that's not the only reason."
"I wish I knew someone who went through this already."
"I only know of one."
"Who?"
"Her name is Bisca. She is a member of fairy tail and has a now seven-year-old daughter named Asuka."
"I wish I could talk to her now, But I don't want this getting out without Natsu being here."
Porlyuisca just looked at her for a solid minute before letting out a sigh.
"I really think you should talk to her. Natsu will understand."
"But-"
"No, buts, you may have fucked him, but you don't know him as I do."
Dimaria heart panged with hurt from those words.
She indeed is pregnant, but she doesn't know him like his guild.
And he asked to know more about her, and she didn't do nearly as good a job as him.
She made a mental note to have an honest conversation with Natsu about their future.
She notices Porlyusica was rummaging through a trunk on the ground before pulling out a communication lacrima.
A few seconds later, Erza voice could be heard coming out of the other end.
"What is it you need, Porlyusica?"
"What are you doing currently?"
"Were getting outfits for the job? Why?"
"I need to talk to Natsu right now!"
There was a moment of silence.
"I'll get him right away."
A few minutes pass by before the sound of Natsu's voice could be heard.
"Is everything going all right?"
"Yes, everything is fine, but Dimaria could really use someone to talk to who went through a pregnancy. I told her about Bisca, but I know you two want to keep this a secret for the time being. That's why I'm asking you if we can let her know."
"Sure thing, whatever helps her through this," he said without a moment of hesitation, causing both women to smile.
They couldn't see it, but Erza and Wendy were as well.
"That will be all and don't worry. You still have a job to do."
"I'll see you when I get back then" he cut off the connection.
"See, I told you he'd to be fine with it" she held a smug grin. Dimaria just looked away.
Porylusica called up the Connell's, "Bisca, I need you to come to my house as soon as possible, preferably just you."
"Bisca, what's wrong" the voice of Alzack could be heard.
"No idea Porylusica says she needs me right now."
"Just to warn you when you get here, you do not tell anyone about what's going on. You hear that, Alzack!"
"I heard you better get going, Bisca."
"I'll be there shortly."
"Make sure you're not followed."
"That will take longer."
"It's fine," she cut off the connection.
"Stay inside while I wait for her last thing I need is an extremely pissed or sad Natsu" Dimaira giggles at that.
"It seems you don't remember when Natsu beat you, hmm" Dimaria glared at her, causing Porylusica to smirk before heading outside.
Ten minutes later, Bisca was standing before the Elder with a confused expression.
"What is it you need from me?"
"Remember what I said you are not to tell ANYONE about what you see here, am I understood!"
"Yes"
"Good, the reason I asked you here is simple, a young woman is going through her first pregnancy. She needs someone to talk to and get her through this."
"I'd be more than happy to help, but who is it?"
"You'll see shortly," she led her inside.
When the door closed behind Bisca, she locked eyes with Dimaria.
Dimaria cringed at the sight of her, and Bisca was shell-shocked.
"Bisca, remember what Makarov always said about yesterday's enemy."
She took a deep breath and exhaled, her body visibly relaxed at this before taking a seat beside her.
"Porlyusica says you're pregnant?"
"Yes"
"Does the father have pink hair by any chance?"
This surprised both Porlyusica and Dimaria.
"How did you oh never mind? Yes, Natsu is the father."
"I knew there was something up with him the other day when he was grocery shopping," she said with a smile.
"Then, you know why your here."
"I must admit I never thought Natsu would be a father so soon. But, then again, Alzack is no different," both girls giggle.
For the next few hours, Bisca told her everything she went through during her pregnancy.
Dimaria was giving her full attention and even took notes with pencil and paper Porlyusica provided.
"Thank you, Bisca I really appreciate this" she placed her hand on her belly.
"It's no problem, Dimaria. If there is anything else, just ask," she gave her a big smile.
"Remember, Bisca, remember, don't tell anyone her it Natsu AM I CLEAR!"
"Crystal"
"Good, you can go now."
"I'll take my leave then."
"Very well, Dimaria."
Just as they were about to go their separate ways, a new thought it Dimaria.
"Bisca, wait!"
"What is it?"
"Since I'm pregnant, these clothes won't work for me, with it getting colder out. You wouldn't happen to have any spare clothes on hand, would you," she said nervously.
Bisca giggles at this. "I think I have some lying around somewhere. If not, I don't mind buying some for you."
"Again, thank you," she waved her off as she headed back to their house.
"This is going to take some getting use to."
When she finally made it home, there were only a few hours of daylight left.
She looked to Natsu's memory wall, bits and pieces from all his adventures.
One, in particular, was a locket that held a picture of Natsu and Zeref.
She smiles again and couldn't stop but wonder what she would add to it.
Then a new thought hit her. She went through the bag she brought with her.
"Found it!" she took out a piece of her ruined combat suit and placed it on the wall.
"And to think I kept it as a reminder not to underestimate my enemies," she let out a yawn.
She got something to eat real quick before calling it a night.
With Natsu
Earlier
Natsu had just finished talking to Porylusica only to see the smiling faces of Erza and Wendy.
"What?"
"Wow, Natsu, that was really sincere of you!"
"Why wouldn't I be?" he had a confused expression.
"Forget it," she dismissed.
When they were finished, Natsu and Gray were dress in black dress pants, gray dress shirts with black blazers, and dress shoes.
Of course, Natsu still had his scarf on him.
Lucy was wearing her red dress and Erza's purple dress with straps wrapped around his neck, highlighting her bust with properly styled hair.
Wendy wore a dark blue dress with white stockings and slippers.
"Ok, mind going over the job again, Erza," Gray asked.
"In a few hours, a party will be held at the estate owned by the local mayor. Besides the party, an auction will be held there. Our job is to make sure no one tries to steal the items or harms any of the patrons attending" she gives an Icy glare to both of them.
"No issue here."
"Same"
"Good, girls, you ready."
"Yes"
"Let's head out then."
The job went off without a hitch as far as fairy tail is concerned.
Few guys tried to steal some of the painting but got frozen.
Some tried to dig underneath the ground and pop up through the floor but were caught by a maid.
Some tried to sneak in through the higher floor but were blown off the building into the streets below.
One guy tried to burn the place down because he held a grudge against the owner, but his fire was snuffed out before he could destroy anything.
Finally, some big guy tried to stab a few of the businessmen who came. They were swiftly punished.
With Natsu
Natsu was back in his regular clothes waiting outside again against a tree.
He turns to his right to see Erza standing before.
"Here's your share of the reward plus a little extra."
"Thanks, and it feels weird not having to pay for damages."
"I know."
"You didn't have to give me part of your reward Erza."
"It's not mine. It came from Gray."
"What!"
"Think of it as a reward for not going overboard as he did with the floor."
"That guy was using a regular torch, so it was easy for me."
"Still, you did a good job tonight."
"So my share plus whatever Gray lost equals out to"
"Natsu, you're walking away with 30,0000 jewels while the rest of us get 20,000 or 10,000 in Gray's case" they both laugh at Gray's fate.
"What do you think they're talking about over there Gray," Lucy said from the estate front room.
"Don't know, but have you notice they seem closer than usual?"
"I have, actually. You think they might be-"
"I wouldn't go that far, but something is definitely up with Natsu."
"I know for as long as I've known him. It's never like him to hold back as he did earlier."
"It was one guy with a torch, no magic."
"Yeah, but still?"
"Enough there coming this way."
"Crap," she piped up just as they made it back to them.
The next day
Natsu continued to stare out the window on the way back to Magnolia, not paying attention to the others.
"I hope you're doing well by yourself, Dimaria" he sees his reflection in the glass. For a split could have sworn, he saw someone." great! now, my mind is playing tricks on me."
Erza was paying close attention to Natsu and the looks Gray and Lucy had on them.
With Dimaria
Dimaria had just gotten a dozen sets of clothes from Bisca and was trying them on.
They were six pairs of jeans and three sweats and three Pajamas bottoms.
For the shirts, three long sleeves shirts, one in black, red and grey, the same thing for the t-shirts.
Her remaining two of the six tops were sweaters, two were tank tops, and the last two were V-cut shirts.
A dozen pairs of socks and one pair of tennis shoes and slippers.
Those last two shirts confused and embarrassed Dimaria a little.
"How did you carry all this?"
"I used requip for my rifle. When Asuka was born, I needed a way to hold diapers, wet wipes sippy cups without carrying a bag with me. It took time, but I got it"
"Thanks for buying me these, but are the V cuts vital."
"Yes!"
"Why?"
"Hehe, gotta makes sure Natsu knows what he's missing when away," she said, trying to fight off her laughter.
"Wh-what would make you say that?"
"I know Natsu wouldn't do anything to betray you, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun making sure."
"That does sound kinda fun, actually" they both broke out in hysterical laughter.
The mental image of Natsu not being able to take his eye off her in those shirts is priceless.
"Thanks again. Better put these away."
"Your welcome," she waved her goodbye as she returned to her family.
Unfortunately for her, there wasn't enough room to store her clothes for the time being.
She made a mental note to ask Natsu to get a dresser for her when he gets back.
And her brief time outside proved this was a good favor to ask as the air was a little chilly for her taste.
That reminded her his home has a fireplace but has no wood to use without splitting it herself.
She made another mental note as she figures his magic kept him warm, and Happy has his fur.
But she had nether and has a special cargo on board that needs the utmost care.
She got out of her clothes and made sure to put a bra on.
She put a pair of jeans on and one of the long sleeve shirts on.
"Natsu should be back sometime today. I hope it's soon."
Three hours later
Team Natsu just got off the train and headed back to the guild until Natsu turned the corner.
"Natsu, where are you going?"
"I'm going home, Lucy. Wendy, you coming?"
"Yeah"
"Now might be our chance, Natsu. Can we come over?"
"No!"
"Now, something is really up."
"What so bad about us going to your place for a little bit," Gray threw in.
"Definitely not you, Gray."
"How come we can't come over?"
"Don't take this the wrong way, but it would be very crowded if you all came over, so please don't."
Lucy was going to protest further, only to feel the unmistakable feeling of murderous intent.
She turns around to see Erza staring her down, and she glances at Gray, and he's white as a sheet.
"If Natsu doesn't want you over, you respect his wishes," she said in a cold tone.
"Yes, ma'am," she said shakily.
Erza started walking towards the guild when she looked behind her, "are you going to the guild or not!"
"Yes," Lucy and Gray said in unison.
Wendy and Carla followed Natsu to his home to meet Dimaria.
Natsu Home
Natsu walked up to the door and carefully opened the door.
When he entered, he was greeted by the sight of Dimaria in a new set of clothes.
She was wearing dark blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a red long-sleeved shirt.
"Whoa, where did you get those?"
"Bisca gave them to me."
"Well, they look great on you."
"Thanks," pink dusted her cheeks."
"Wendy and Carla are outside, wanting to meet you." He looked down as he said this.
She took one deep breath before exhaling.
"Let's get this over with."
Natsu went to the door and let Wendy and Carla, plus Happy inside.
When they enter, Wendy was frozen on the spot, unable to look her in the eyes.
Carla was dumbfounded at the sight of the former shield member.
She took a look into the future and couldn't stop the smile from forming on her face.
"Wendy, everything is alright. We have nothing to fear" these words soothe the poor girl.
"We all better sit down for this," Natsu stated.
They all took a seat, Dimaria on one side and Wendy and Carla, with Natsu setting in between.
They sat there in silence for a few moments before Dimaria spoke up.
"I'm sorry about what I did to you during the war," she said in a solemn tone.
"Thank you, and" she tried to find the words.
"Well, I'm Just glad you're doing well after everything that's happened," Dimaria added.
Wendy was pretty shaken before finally finding the words, "I hope you and Natsu will have a bright future."
"Thank you, and I hope the same happens to you."
"Carla, you seemed to be taking this well," Natsu pointed out.
"Yes, I took a look in the future, and It was a happy one." she held a knowing smirk.
"What did you see?" Natsu asked
"There is something better left unsaid. That's all I'm gonna say about that."
Everyone held bright smiles from her choice of words.
Wendy and Carla stayed with them for a couple of hours before calling it a day.
After Natsu waved her off, he had a much-needed conversation with Dimaria.
She was currently making some dinner when Natsu noticed something new on his memory wall.
"Where did this come from?" He looks down at a piece of golden armor.
"I put it there," Dimaria spoke.
"You did?"
"Yeah, it was from our battle when your demon side took over."
Natsu cringed at the mention of his hidden power.
"I thought it would be nice to have there since that was when we first met; looking back on it now, I wish it would have been under better circumstances."
Natsu let out a chuckle "well, I'm glad you did. After all, we're...going to be a family" Dimaria once again places a hand on her belly.
This was becoming a new habit of hers lately, the right kind if she would admit it.
"Not to sound critical, how much did you make on the last job.
"30,000 jewels, Erza gave me a little extra since the job went so well.
"Oh!"
"Yeah, I got the most for obvious reasons" they both laughed at this.
"Natsu, we need to talk" this got Natsu's full attention.
"What is it?" His tone was a mix of hesitation and seriousness.
"It's nothing bad. I just want to have some real talk since I wasn't the most forward with you the other day." Natsu just grinned at this.
He took a seat at the table, "so what is it you want to say?"
She took a seat across from him and told him everything about herself and her life up to the war.
Natsu gave her his full attention, not showing any signs of annoyance in the slightest.
When she finished saying her piece, it was midnight.
"Looks like it's time for bed."
That was when the awkwardness finally set in.
Natsu took his spot on his hammock before looking her in the eyes.
"I think it might be best to stay like this cause even I can see the uncomfortableness in your eyes after everything that has happened.
She was about to protest since Porlyusica words from earlier were ringing through her head right now.
Then she noticed Natsu was already asleep.
"Natsu just wants to give you your space so you can process everything. Since everything is happening so fast," Happy informed from his hammock.
"Ok then," she quickly changed into her pajamas out of sight of the two boys.
Just as she was about to lay down, she walks over to the Natsu.
Taking a deep breath before exhaling, she lightly pecks him on the cheek with her lips.
Then she laid down on her bed before sleep reclaimed her.
Happy grinned at the display "they're making progress."
that it for this chapter and to new readers, I've sat on this story idea for about a year
as always make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review