** just a short update during my busy week **

Laxus placed another box on the stack in the bedroom, his apartment today was bustling with energy as many guild members had volunteered to help move Juvia from Fairy Hills. Heading back into the hallway he spotted Juvia grabbing a box in the living room, "Hold it Blue" he called, "that better be pillows or towels, no heavy boxes."

Juvia scowled at him, "I can still lift some stuff, Laxus."

He came forward and looked over her shoulder to read the witing on the box SEWING, "Okay, your story checks out" he said pressing his lips to her neck from behind as he hugged her causing many of their helpers to stop and stare, not used to seeing intimate interaction between them. Juvia placed the box in the hall closet before stepping out for another and Laxus headed around to the far side of the load to get another of the heavier boxes, he froze however when he heard a familiar voice, Gray.

"Juvia this is ridiculous, why are you moving in with him already?" Gray questioned with arrogance in his voice.

"Gray, Not only am I pregnant, and losing my place but we've already gotten to the point of me staying over before we found out I was pregnant," Juvia explained sounding standoffish.

"But you weren't even dating." he spat.

"Okay, we weren't dating," she huffed, "But, I don't know, it wasn't entirely UNLIKE being in a relationship, we spent a lot of time together, I already had a key to this place."

"I don't think you're going to be happy with him, Juvia," Gray moved toward her reaching out but Juvia stormed back inside as Laxus emerged from where he'd been listening.

"I'm gonna make damn sure you aren't happy If you don't keep your nose out of my business, Ice Princess," Gray's expression turned to a grimace as he angrily turned and walked away, "who even invited that bastard?" Laxus asked to no one in particular. Going back inside he found Juvia staring blankly into the bedroom looking worried and picked her up gently, laying her on the bed. "Hey, I heard all that, the guy is clearly a jerk so try not to let it get to you. I'll make sure you're happy, I promise."

Juvia giggled, "You can't promise things like that.

"Oh yes I can, I can do anything."

She scoffed, "want a turn being pregnant then?"

"Oh, well...you got me there, I can't do that," he said laughing.

Juvia grew quiet again before whispering, "Laxus, I'm scared...of everything."

He pulled her close, his new found gentleness with her had surprised even himself, "I'll take care of whatever scares you, and you just worry about growing that baby." He pulled her back to her feet with a playful tug and they went back into the chaos of moving day.

...

After the moving party dispersed, Juvia dozed off on the sofa, Laxus had begun to notice her need for naps to make it through busier days. Taking this opportunity, he snuck out the door to get some takeout for when she woke up, as he approached the noodle place, he ran straight into Gajeel.

"You know," Gajeel shoved his hands into his pockets, "I saw you earlier with Rain Woman."

"Oh yea? What about it?" Laxus stiffened.

"I don't hate it," Gajeel looked serious about his reluctant admission.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"When this whole ordeal first came out, I really thought it was another crazy emotion-driven mistake made by Juvia, she's made many in the past, but I have seen you step up and try to make the best of this time and time again. It's a lot better than what I was expecting,"

"Thanks, man," Laxus was stunned at first, "Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Have you heard the shit Fullbuster is spouting?"

Gajeel sighed, "yea I have heard him running his mouth around the guild."

"Not just around the guild, It was straight to Juvia today." Laxus growled. "I chased the bastard off after he told Juvia she's making a mistake moving in with me."

"Dumbass," Gajeel furrowed his brow, "IF she hadn't moved in with you she would have had to stay with me and I would have chased his ass off too. He's a self-centered jerk and needs to keep his negativity away from her."

Laxus nodded, "she's already having a hard-enough time with things."

"Yea, but you have..." Gajeel paused, "A possibility of working everything out, it aint gonna be easy, nothing ever is when it comes to Rain Woman, but Think about it Laxus...she ain't brought the rain back yet, it can't be that bad."