The next morning saw Fairy Tail in a pretty sorry state. The guild hall was a mess. Tables were broken, empty bottles littered the floor, and various guildmates lay in various positions all over the floor. Natsu and Lucy held hands as they led the multiple mages through the maze to Master Makarov's office.

The master was leaned back in his chair, nursing his own hangover. At the knock, he beckoned them in, smiling widely at the mages before him: Natsu, Lucy, Gajeel, Levy, Gray, Juvia, Erza, Jellal, and Cana.

"It's been a long time since all you kids have been here in my office together," he quipped, "Go figure it's the first thing that's happened today…and you've been back for less than 12 hours," He grinned wickedly, "Welcome home, Lucy and Natsu."

"Thank you Master," Lucy smiled as he kissed her hand, a low growl emitting from Natsu. The old pervert.

"What brings you all here?" Makarov asked, looking from face to face.

"We need to take this group to Crocus," Natsu said matter-of-factly, "Princess Hisui commandeered Lucy and I in our travels to select a group for her. These are the ones for her mission."

"I have been advised of this mission," Master said, surprising Natsu and Lucy, "and of course I believe you chose well. Remember, my children – you have the right to say no when you see Princess Hisui. Listen to what she says, then follow your own hearts as to whether you accept or not."

The seven other mages looked around, a little confused, "You know what the mission is?"

"Not all the details," Master said, "Just enough to know Princess Hisui needs the best of the best…and you're the best Fairy Tail has to offer."

The mages nodded, thankful for the compliment from their beloved master.

"I am curious, however," Makarov continued, "As to why you and Lucy will not be joining the team."

Lucy and Natsu exchanged glances. It hadn't finished coming up last night. Erza, Jellal and Cana still didn't know.

"We're going to have a baby," Lucy said softly, patting her stomach, "I'm about 2 months pregnant."

Makarov's face broke out into a wide grin. Erza and Jellal pulled them in for hugs while Cana let out a triumphant, "I KNEW IT!"

"We told these guys everything we know about the mission last night," Natsu said, finally bringing everyone back to the task at hand, "But we'll need to go see the Princess to get more details."

Makarov nodded, "Very well then. You may go. I think it's wise that you and Lucy are sitting this one out, Natsu. Dare I say – very mature."

"Aw, don't tell him that!" Gray exclaimed, "It's gonna go straight to his head."

"Well, it is mature," Erza had to agree, "He's staying home to look after his family matters first. That's what a grown mature man would do!"

"Except this is Natsu we're talking about," Gajeel muttered.

"What's that supposed to mean, Iron Breath?" Natsu stuck his face in Gajeel's, issuing a challenge, "I can be mature, you Iron-Clad-Piss-Pot!"

Lucy, Levy and Juvia giggled as the Master brought down a slightly enlarged fist on top of their heads, "NOT IN MY OFFICE! OUT! GET OUT!"

Leaving the office as ordered, Jellal suggested getting a drink downstairs.

"Can I have a fire whiskey with the boys?" Natsu asked Lucy.

She scoffed, "I'm the one who's pregnant. It won't make a difference to the baby if you have a drink. Have fun."

He grinned, splitting off to join the boys.

"He asks your permission to go have a drink?" Juvia asked in disbelief, noting none of the others had asked their partners.

"Natsu really is the perfect husband," Lucy sighed, "He never leaves my side unless I know where he's going and when he'll be back and he's satisfied that I'm okay. He's amazing."

Erza watched as Jellal took a shot with the boys, then raised his hands in victory as he managed to slam it down first. She was so happy he was adjusting to Fairy Tail life so well, "It's so great that all of us are together now. I really wish you could join us on this mission."

Lucy nodded, "I'm going to miss all of you too. We just got back. It seems like none of us have spent any actual time together in a long time."

Levy draped her arm over Lucy's shoulder, "Well, maybe we should plan to go on vacation together after the mission. All of us."

"That's a great idea!" Cana said, joining them at their table, "We could go to Akane Beach or something."

Lucy laughed, "Well, it has to be soon or I'll be big enough that we could all vacation on Lucy-the-Beached-Whale!"

Juvia hugged Lucy, "I'm so happy for you, Lucy. And jealous. Marriage and a baby."

"A perfect blend of you and the one you love," Levy said dreamily.

Lucy watched as Natsu poked Gray in the ribs, yelling in his face about something. A brawl broke out.

"Yup," she said, a slight grin tugging at her face, "It will be interesting to say the least!"