Wedding Plans and New Surroundings

Announcement: Next Chapter is the final one, it saddens me to finally see this story end. Let me know if you have any story/one shot you'd like to see.

Mercedes rubbed her stomach, as she watched her friend loading Shyanne's truck. The three of them insisted they take a week off, to help Mercy move into her home, and plan her mother's funeral. In a way, Mercy was relieved to have her friends support. A small smile crossed her face, as she taped the last box, labeled books, shut.

"Last box," Chandasea questioned, her breathing coming out in tired puffs.

"Yeah, thanks for the help friend." Mercy half smiled.

"Anytime, I would like to talk to you about something though." Chan sighed, pulling Mercy off to what used to be her room.

"What's up?"

"Shizuo told me something interesting about you, a few days ago, and I thought it better we talk about it now."

Mercy sent her red headed friend a questioning glance. "Ok, what has Shizu-chan told you?"

"He called, to tell me about the baby's sex, and he mentioned that you felt like you were bothering us." Chan's face contorted into hurt mask. "Is that really how you feel?"

Mercy sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, before looking back to her friend. "You have to promise not lecture me ok." Chan nodded quietly, before closing the door. "It's just, you guys have so much going on, and you've gotten along without me for a year. I feel like I'm disrupting your lives, only to leave again. Plus, all I've provided since coming back is depressing news and events."

"Are you retarded?" Chan muttered, looking at her friend in pure disbelief. "Sorry, but dude, you've been there for all of us through the good and the bad. If we weren't there for you, we would be terrible friends. Mercy, you are family to all of us. You're pretty much stuck with us…Forever, so don't skimp out on us because of some delusion you have about bothering us."

The two girls smiled, sweetly, before Shizuo and Shyanne walked into the room. "Last box, how many fucking books do you own?" Shyanne wailed.

"About three hundred and thirty-six," Mercy muttered, after thinking about it for a second. "Oh, wait, Izaya got me a few when we were dating, so Three hundred and fifty."

"It's sick you know that, off the top of your head." Chandasea muttered, as the three looked at Mercy in shock.

"O, hush up," Mercy looked at her phone. "We should leave; it's going to be a long drive."

"I call shot gun, unless Chan's driving." Shyanne yelled, before running down the stairs.

"Don't worry, I'll get the box." Shizuo smiled. "Don't forget to call Shinra's friend, Sai."

Mercy's hand rested lightly against Shizuo's arm, as she slept. The small convoy of four, had been driving for at least three hours, and they still had another hour till they arrived to her home. At the moment Chandasea was driving, which he quickly learned wasn't the smoothest ride. Now, don't get them wrong, they all had bad driving habits, but there is a reason Chan's friend had an inside joke that the passenger needs a helmet. When driving in a straight line, Chan had the habit of speeding up and slowing down, but when it came to the stop and go of a neighborhood, she drove choppily.

Every once in a while, Shyanne would make a worried yipping sound, and Chan would respond with a quick slap to the shoulder. Internally Shizuo was freaking out, but externally, he tried his hardest to keep still for Mercy's sleeping form. Ever since the attack, by the "slasher," or betters said slashers, Shizuo couldn't help but worry for the young silver haired girl. His eyes danced across her tired features, before he rested his chin against her head.

"You know, if you take a picture, it'll last longer." Shyanne smirked, glancing back at him.

"Shy don't be an ass." Chandasea yelled, swerving the car into oncoming traffic, as she slapped her friend.

"Keep your car in the right lane." Shyanne screamed trying to put the wheel into the right lane. "Jesus, why don't we try not to die, before she has her baby?"

"Maybe someone else should drive." He whispered, glancing back down at Mercy.

"Are you making fun of my driving too? Shizu-chan how could you be so mean?"

"No, of course not, I'm just simply suggesting it's someone else's turn to drive. After all we don't want you falling asleep behind the wheel."

Chan nodded, before pulling off to the side. "Shyanne, let's say it's your turn."

Before Shyanne got out of the car she glances back to Shizuo with an amused smile. "Maybe Izaya wasn't the only one born with a silver tongue."

The sheer mention of Izaya made Shizuo's muscles clench, but Mercy's low groan forced him to relax. She shifted slightly, before going back to her peaceful slumber. Once Shyanne took the wheel, the drive went by quicker, and so much smoother.

"Should we wake Mercy up, or leave her in the car?" Chandasea questioned when they arrived to the house.

"Channy, don't you remember what happened when her father left her in the car?" Shy questioned, glancing at their pregnant friend. "She flipped out, we can't do that to her, when she's pregnant!"

"I'll take her to her room," Shizuo muttered, as he picked up the sleeping girl. "Last door, at the end of the hall way, right?"

"I suppose so…... But I think we should make it her room first. Why don't you rest her in her old bedroom for tonight?" Chan sighed. "We don't want her waking up, and getting all sad. Tomorrow, we will transform her parent's room to a new and improved Mercy room."

"Ok, I'll be back to help with moving stuff. Why don't you two clear space in each room for her stuff."

The sound of movement, forced the silver haired woman away. Grey light filtered through her closed navy shades, as she started at the ceiling. Eventually she would have to get out of bed, but right now, it seemed way too inviting for her to leave just yet. Her eyes drifted shut once again, before snapping open at the sound of glass shattering. This was as good of a time as ever to check out what the others were doing, or at least to see what had broken. Mercy's fingers pulled her hair into a tight bun, before she pushed herself from bed and to the rest of the house.

"Good morning sleepy head!" Shyanne cheered breathily. "we thought we'd get the place set up for you, what do you think?"

Mercy eyed the living room, they hadn't done too much yet, just replaced the ancient TV with her relatively new flat screen. They had also removed the odd anthropological photos her mother made, and replaced them with brighter scenery's. Mercedes half smiled, glancing at her dear friend, before rubbing her tummy. This was more fitting for an expecting woman, though she couldn't help but miss the stupid dig site photos, or photos of some long dead human. Maybe her house was filled with things made up of children's nightmares, but it was her home.

"Where are her photos?" Mercy questioned.

"In your new office, we thought you'd like to reminisce when working." A bright smile touched her friend's features, before she hugged her. "Also, we just finished your office, now we get that it will hurt for a little while, but its filled with some of your mother and father's trinkets that we knew you'd love."

"That's so thoughtful," Mercy glanced around the area. "speaking of which, where are the other two?"

"Oh, Shizu-chan is piling all the large junk into the dumpster we're renting, and Channy is working on…... your new room." Shyanne smiled, picking up the cleaning supplies again.

"Anyways, you're going to have to do renovations, with a house this old there will always be a few, but we don't have to worry about that until after baby comes."

"Are you talking about the master bathroom?" Mercy chuckled, thinking on the very dated wall paper and tiles.

"Yes, and maybe the kitchen. Go see what Channy is doing, but I swear to god if you start helping, I will eat your soul."

"Okay, Okay…. I won't even look at supplies."

Raising her hands in submission Mercy slowly walked out of the room, keeping eyes locked with her friends. Once in the hallway she turned on her heels and trailed down the dim hall. Pictures of family vacations, birthdays, picture days at school, and any other significant occurrence hung from the taupe walls leading to the master bed. Not something that Mercedes would have in the public view, but she'd keep the personal affects onto the walls. Her parents needed to stay in this house, she may change many things, but she wanted her child to grow up in the same warmth she'd grown in.

Mercedes fingers unconsciously stroked her swelling belly, as she took in the photos. As one walked closer to her parents' bedroom, the closer to the here and now pictures were. Neatly hung by the door was a picture they had taken just before Takuma had died, both parents sat with their arms gripping their daughter in between them, all three smiling brightly.

"There you are!" Chan cheered, throwing the master bedroom door open. "Come on in."

Her fingers tightly gripped the silver-haired women, and carefully guided her into the room. Things were different. The dark purple walls, were now a bright blue with dark brown ivy designs along the edges. Pictures were neatly hung on the walls, something Mercedes would need to get used to, but it added some personality. Pictures of the three women hung along different walls, mixing with family photos. Tears brimmed her eyes, before she really could process what's going on around her.

"Oh, shoot…. I wasn't thinking through completely." Chan half chuckled, hugging her friend tightly.

The others worked on refurbishing the house for about a week, being sure to keep Mercy busy with benign work. Assorting books on the cases, sorting objects to either sell or donate, putting dishes away, anything to keep her busy but not endanger he kid. Shizuo, as always, worked on the heavier stuff, while the girls focused on everything else. They'd be leaving for home in a couple of days, leaving them very little time to start brainstorming wedding ideas for Shyanne. Five years was a long time to plan a wedding, and Mercy wasn't so sure that her best friend should wait that long.

"You should sleep?" Shizuo sighed, walking into the living room, only to be graced by Mercy.

"Baby is kicking at my bladder, I'm literally up every hour." She groaned, leaning back into the couch. "It's so hard to sleep, with a bump on your body."

"Some sleep is better than no sleep, especially for your baby." He sighed, lifting her up like a bride. "I'll stick with you for a bit."

His body radiated heat, something she had too much of. When he placed her on the bed Mercy crawled to the other side, waiting for him to get comfortable, before resting her head against his shoulder. The ceiling fan hummed quietly, as the two laid in silence. Mercy's stomach leaning against his side, allowed Shizuo to feel the thumping against his side. He had no idea that others were actually able to feel the gentle kicks of the child, and the sensation brought a light feeling in his heart. Yes, the child may not be his, but he felt a connection to it.

Shizuo's hand slowly caressed Mercedes's cheek, before sliding down her neck, collarbone, and resting on her stomach. He noted the way her breathing slowed and her heartrate pick up underneath his fingertips. Not once did he consider that the touch could be sensual, especially to a triple hormonal woman who happened to be sex deprived during her pregnancy, until he heard the low moan from her lips. His fingers flattened against her stomach, caressing where he imagined the child would be, to give Mercy some time to calm down. He was going to sleep with her, that wasn't his intention, and he had far too much respect for the young woman to take advantage.

"Sorry," she whispered, her heated breath touching his ears. "I've been…hormonal as of late."

"It's fine," his voice wavered, feeling the baby turn. "Is something the matter?'

Mercedes chuckled, at the blonds panic, as she shifted. "No, the baby does that every once in a while."

"Does it hurt?"

"Not at all, just feel funny, and it's alarming when you say a hand or a foot brush moving under my stomach." She chuckled, at the shiver.

"Do you have any names?"

"Hanako if it's a girl, and Naoki for a boy…" she yawned, burring her face into his arm. "I couldn't bring myself to do my parents' names just yet."

Her voice danced with sleep, as her breathing became slow and steadied, freeing Shizuo from his need to ignore his growing phallus. Though determined not to sexualize her, he couldn't help his bodies reaction to her earlier moans, or the fact her body grind against his with every shift. Only when he was sure she wouldn't wake up from his movements, did Shizuo get out of the bed, and retreat to his room. Mercedes was going to be the death of him, he finally decided. This was probably how she got to the heartless flea that is Izaya.

Izaya hummed happily dancing around his living room area, he'd finally been able to get months of work done without once thinking of Mercy. Could it be that he was free from her sirens call? He wondered. During his torment of curiosity, he'd decided she was a Siren of sorts, beckoning for all's attention with her kindnesses. Namie watched his moments, wondering if he was still the Izaya she knew, or some mutated version Mercy created.

"Miss Namie," Izaya smiled, pulling out Celty's head from the bookshelf.

"Yes Izaya?' she exhaled, unhappy to be addressed.

"Do you know what to day is?"

"It's the two-year anniversary of meeting Mercy?"

The room went silent, Izaya's joy almost instantly deflating at the mention of the woman. Had it really been that long since they last spoke? He wondered glancing to the calendar, only to see that it was indeed that day. How could it have been that today of all days, that he was finally able to watch his handy work come to fruition? On all days, why this one? He wondered, scrabbling to catch Celty's head again. That woman was going to curse everything, and yet he still wanted more than anything to touch her again.

"No, Miss Namie." He growled, placing the head onto the table. "Today is the day I win my game."

"Thanks again for helping set up the crib." Mercy smiled, as she sat into her rocking chair.

"No problem," Shizuo hummed finishing the last bits of the second crib. "Are you excited for your baby shower?"

Shizuo was a lot handier than anyone would have thought, at least for a man who effortlessly pulls light posts from the ground. A bright smile touched Mercy's lips, as the memory of their meeting echoed through her mind. It was nice having him around, and for the briefest of moments a flash of panic radiated from her. It was nearly that time, where she'd be alone raising a young child. Mercy shook her head, pushing that thought from her mind. She wasn't going to be alone, she'd have so many others to help her.

"I'm excited to see everyone again." She breathed, running her fingers through his hair. "and It'd be nice to help set up more of Shyanne's wedding."

"You will do no such thing!" Chandasea shouted, as she marched into the house. "Today is your day, Shyanne has chosen her dates by the way!"

"Channy!" Mercy yelped, hugging her friend from the side.

"Looks like you're about to pop."

"I feel like I'm about to."

Both women laughed, as they waited for Shyanne to walk into the room. Mercy didn't like when people touched her stomach, viewing it as an invasion of privacy, but she didn't mind when her dear friend bent down to speak to their niece or nephew. At first it was a bit embarrassing when they threw her shirt over her bump to kiss and talk to it, but she was used to it by now. It was rather endearing, knowing that they loved this parasite so much just because it was hers.

"Okay little guy, we are going to set up your party, but we'll be right back." Shyann murmured in baby talk. "Are you playing music for him or her?"

"No, studies stay that it's so noisy in the uterus that parents end up annoying their babies." Mercy smiled, waddling behind her friends. "Who's coming over?"

"Sai is moving in tonight, Celty, Shinra, Mikado, Masaomi, Anri, and a few people from work." Chan said.

"Oh god, isn't this going to be fun?" Mercy sighed, realizing that her personal life will never be separate again.

It was interesting watching as everyone conversed and mingle with those they would have never met before. Masaomi skipped over to Mercy, as broad smile touching his face. His arms throwing themselves around her body, effectively stopping conversations around. No one hugged her straight on, one because how big she was but two, because they were afraid of harming the young child.

"I missed you my sweet angel of Mercy." He hummed, leaning into her. "I hunger for your lips, and I can't wait to meet the sweet Nephilim you've created."

"I missed you too, but if you kiss me, so help me god I'll hit you." Mercy muttered sweetly.

"EH…. Okay" Masaomi slowly backed away. "I-I'll go mingle."

Shizuo chuckled, lightly touching Mercy's shoulders in almost a protective mate way. He kissed her temple, reassuring her that everything was going alright. No one had talked to Izaya about the party, which limited the chances of him appearing at the door. When it came to the gift exchange, Chan placed a throne like dinning chair in the center of the room. Mercy had most of the big things before, this way all she needed was clothes and diapers. Her boss, unable to come sent her a stroller, car seat, and a bouncer with a child's book. The one thing she'd asked for was that instead of a card that everyone bring their favorite children's book.

Celty and Shinra- New Born lounger and a twelve pack of pacifiers

Chan and Keith- Baby Carrier

Shyanne- three-piece travel bags

Anri- a relaxation machine

Masaomi- Rattle set

Mikado – Tummy Time Mat

Work- box of 300clothes ranging from 0 months to one year

Sai- Owle themed activity gym.

Mercy thanked everyone being sure to hug them as she opened their gifts. Her hormonal imbalance caused her to cry or at least tear up with each gift. Shizuo hugged her tightly, as both Shyanne and Chan walked everyone to their cars.

"We miss you already." Penny hummed, hugging her tightly. "How's the new building?"

"It's almost finished, I've already hired half the staff needed." Mercy breathed, shifting in the chair.

"Are you alright?"

"The baby is kicking."

"How sweet. I'd appreciate it if you'd allow me to transfer to your building." Penny whispered, "That way you'll have a baby sitter, and I wouldn't have to part from the nicest person in the office."

"I would love to have you."

Mercy moaned, feeling the sharp tremors of pain radiating from her lower belly, as she pushed herself from the bed. She felt like a blimp, as she waddled to her bedroom doors. Chan, Shyanne, and Shizuo took turns staying weeks with her once she was at her last two months. Her hands slapped against the guest door that Shizuo was staying in, as her fingers rested against her stomach. A rather loud yelp leaving her lips, when another contraction hit. That was the trick, Shizuo flopped unceremoniously from the bed, landing roughly on the floor before pushing to the door.

"Are you okay?" Shizuo asked, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

"AH, I-I think I'm in labor." Mercy half shouted.

"Oh, Oh god." Shizuo shouted, rushing to the door. "come I'll call the girls, and wake the doctor."

"Already awake." Sai smiled, bouncing out of her room "Oh how exciting, you're going to have a May baby!"

"Ah Scorpio," Shizuo hummed, dialing Chandasea's number.

Sai rushed to the master bathroom and started filling the bathtub. When Sai had first moved in with Mercedes, they'd talked about how she'd like the birth to go. A water birth, with her dear friend and loved ones in the house at the very least. Mercy sighed, rubbing her belly as she made her way back into the bathroom, shaky breathes exiting her lips. Even in the next room she could hear the excited squeals of the other from the speakers.

"How far along are you?" Sai asked, making sure the water was warm.

"Still in the first stage of labor." Marcy panted, sitting on her mother's trunk. "Maybe early stages of second?"

"Okay, why don't you get undressed, and I'll check once you're ready."

Sai skipped into the hall, closing the door behind her, leaving Mercy to disrobe. It wasn't like Mercy wore much of anything anymore, she tossed the pale blue maternity dress onto the bed. Another contraction hitting her like a ton of bricks. Maybe she was in the later stages of labor.

"Okay girly, let' see where you're at." Sai murmured walking into the room

The intimidating snap of doctor's gloves echoed in the silence as Sai marched through the door. Shizuo following, his eyes locking onto Mercy's, a slow blush consuming his face. Mercy cried out, her hands reaching for Shizuo, forcing him to rush forward and whisper quiet reassurances. His fingers running through her dark tresses, as she leaned back. He couldn't help but glance down her body, watching as the doctor put fingers in Mercy, an agonizing groan left her lips.

"Okay honey, looks like we are a go." Sai smiled, from bellow Mercy's belly. "Where are the ladies?"

"They are already on a plane." Shizuo grunted, his fingers helping Mercy up.

"So soon?" Mercy whimpered.

"They wanted to surprise you a day earlier than planned… Good thing huh?"

"Is there any way I can back out of this?" Mercy breathed heavily as another contraction ripped through her.

"No, I'm sorry babe, there's no turning back." Sai chuckled. "Now let's start pushing."