The first moment he knew the babies were coming terrified him more than he expected. He was attuned to her body more than he cared to admit, probably more than she was too. But there was no denying that this was it when he snapped his eyes to her face, watching as the smile vanished and her eyes widen in sudden realization.
They had just been enjoying a rare lunch day out with Bunny Girl and Salamander (as long as he lived he would never let them live that down, no matter what), the girls eagerly talking about play dates and babysitting duties while the men argued about who would have the cutest babies. Gajeel was just about to launch a fist at Natsu when there was a hitch in her body, snatching his attention instantly. Lucy paused mid sentence, smiling as Levy raised her hand.
"Babies kicking again?" She asked bemusedly. The script mage shook her head slowly, then looked down at her enormous belly. She gulped as Gajeel grasped her hand, placing his other hand on her lower back. Natsu was equally intent on her, watching in fascination. Levy paused, then sighed gently, sweat beading on her brow.
"I think..." She began slowly, smiling at her lover, "that I've just had a contraction."
There was silence for a moment, then both Gajeel and Natsu exploded. Lucy cheered as Natsu's voice hitched higher in panic, and Gajeel waved his hands frantically, unsure what to do.
"Quiet!" Levy cried out, holding her hand up again and stilling the trio. They looked rather comical, freezing right where they were. She huffed out a laugh before slipping a more serious look on her face.
"It's alright, it's not too bad yet. So," she turned to each of them. "Natsu, you and Lucy find Porlyusica, or Wendy. And Gajeel," she turned in her seat to face him directly, silently laughing as Natsu bolted off, nearly dragging Lucy along. "You, my dear, need to breathe." She giggled as she poked his nose, breaking the frozen Gajeel. He sagged, then gulped as he leaned to her. He placed his hands on her belly, glancing up at her face as another contraction began.
"Yeh doin okay?" He asked gently, forcing himself to inhale as she instructed, fighting the sick feeling in his gut. It was finally happening, they were finally going to be parents! Was it too soon? Oh god, it's today?!
She sighed, gripping his fingers as she nodded. "I'm good," she said, wetness prickling at her eyes. "You?"
"M' fine," he growled, reaching up to wipe a thumb across her cheek as the tears escaped. She sniffled, leaning her head against his hand.
"I'm kinda scared," she admitted. "I mean, the babies-"
"Are gonna have the best parents ever," he cut her off, leaning forward to plant a kiss on her forehead, nuzzling her as she hiccupped. "Now, how about we pay the old hag a visit and get the kids out?"
She burst out laughing, wetly gulping back sobs as she nodded. So like him to ease her worries and entertain her, even when he was just as nervous. She offered him the brightest smile she could as he helped her up, ready to escort her out of the restaurant as she spotted Lily outside with a panicked Happy.
"Ready whenever you are, daddy," she said, giggling as the corners of his lips pulled into one of the biggest, proudest grins she'd ever seen from him.