Author's Note: Hello Everyone! Your reviews and your encouragement continues to inspire me! Thank you everyone! This means so much to me! So I need to give credit where credit is due for this chapter. One of the names of the twins I have decided is taken from the fanfiction "Lion's Pride" by Rhov. If you have not read that fanfiction, it makes my fanfiction look like crap with just how amazing her plot of twists and turns are. That author is one of the most talented ones I have ever had the pleasure of reading her work. The way she captures Loke and Lucy's love and how intricate the details of the story that she weaves is beyond amazing. The author puts a lot of work into researching and connecting the pieces. It is just so amazing how the author makes everything work so nicely together. My hope is that author reads mine and doesn't think it is crap. That would be the biggest compliment ever! *clears throat* Regardless, the author is a genius for putting the two together.

Also, the poll is still going! We got 5, need 5 more before the story ends if you guys want the sequel or not. Speaking of things ending; I just finished this story early this morning. So it is going to be twenty some chapters in all; plenty of time! But as of now the story is completed and every 5 reviews or Sunday a new chapter will be posted! I am so happy to finally announce this! I hope you guys are excited as well to hear it!

Anyway how you guys enjoy the story so far. The song for this chapter is "All Of The Stars" from Ed Sheeran. I felt it fit the chapter rather well if I do say so myself. Pull it up to listen and read. Enjoy!

If You Were Here, I'd Sing To You

~Chapter Sixteen~

The Master glared at the guilty faces of the returned group. Gajeel had volunteered, with the reluctance from the guild mates, to be man enough to tell the Master the details of their mission.

"You stupid brats!" he spat out as he shook.

"Master it is my-" Lucy went to quickly take the blame, but he beat her to it.

"Oh yes, every single one of you! Lucy, you are no longer allowed to assist anymore in this matter! You are banned from jobs and from missions! I am, by far, the most disappointed in you." he was angry, but Lucy did not argue. He had warned them and he was right. The mission was dangerous and almost cost her, her life. She took every word with grace and kept herself together as the small master reprimanded them .

"I understand and I accept my punishment. However, what about coming to the guild to eat or visit?" she questioned coolly. Makarov shook his head as he tried to calm himself.

"You are always welcomed here at the guild. If Mirajane wishes to have you still assist at the bar, then you are allowed, but as far as investigating or assisting in this matter; you are banned. When you cannot protect your children or yourself, then you lose all kinds of privileges. I am doing this for your safety and own good." he told her coldly.

"That is more than fair." she agreed. Seeing as she no longer was going to fight him on this matter, Makarov turned to the others in the group.

"The rest of you, I am also disappointed. You swore no harm would come to her and those children. From what you told me, the globe is in the zodiacs hands and now there is a time limit. Great job everyone." he sarcastically grumbled.

"So we-" Natsu opened his mouth to argue but the death glare from Makarov quickly quieted him. Erza stepped forward.

"Master, we need to stop them before they summon this ritual." she kept him on task. Yelling at everyone was only wasting time and as angry as he was for what had happened, yelling about it wouldn't fix this situation any quicker. Makarov let out a deep, frustrated sigh.

"Who will go?" he looked around. Practically every wizard in the guild stood up ready to take on this new challenge. It was safe to say that the only ones being left behind were: Makarov, Lucy, Asuka and Lisanna. Warren would also stay behind to help with communication between guild members better and to have updates on the battles they were to endure. When it came to the matter of Wendy staying behind or going; Lucy insisted that she go. She reasoned with Parlyusica was already so close and the others would need her since the zodiacs were so strong. In the state that they were in, they had already increased their powers several times over; so Fairy Tail would need to fight back with all that they could. So it was better that Wendy went than stay behind that was concluded.

It didn't take long for people to pick their teams and get in their groups. Lucy sat at the bar as for the next couple of hours while everyone gathered their things and began to head out in a huge caravan. The guild felt so empty without everyone around and it weighed heavily on Lucy that they were going to attack those she loved the most. Both sides were at war and she didn't know if there was a way that this would all be alright in the end. She looked over to the Master whom was sitting on the bar in deep though. The guild was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop and Lisanna, with Asuka, was starting to clean up in the kitchen.

"Master..." she began and he opened one eye to look at her.

"What is it now Lucy?" he grumbled. Obviously he was still sore about the fact that they had almost failed their mission with her. She couldn't truly blame him. The fact of the matter was that he was so angry because he was generally worried about their well being; especially hers and the two unborn children.

"I know it won't mean much, but I wanted you to have this." Lucy reached into her pocket and gave him his copy of the ultrasound photo. His eyes widen at the realization of what the photo was and then they softened on his kind expression.

"Loke will be so proud." he sincerely spoke.

"I know..." she smiled widely as the anger Makarov previously shown had all disappeared. He carefully looked over the image as two little infants were curled together in the photo. He could clearly see their developing faces and he was a sucker for little ones.

"They are going to be a real handful aren't they?" he joked.

"I hope so. This place could use a couple more trouble makers in this guild." she grinned. Suddenly she felt the bottom of her skirt being lightly tugged. She looked down to see Asuka with bright eyes.

"I wanna see Miss. Lucy!" she pouted. Lucy smiled warmly and Makarov handed her the picture. She picked up Asuka and had her on the chair next to her. She then placed the photo in the little one's hands.

"Just be careful, that belongs to the Master." Lucy gently reminded. Asuka nodded as she looked at the babies.

"So I get two new friends?" She asked with the brightest smile. Lucy gave a nod.

"Yes, two new friends to play with." she replied. Lisanna stopped her cleaning, as both her and the master, looked on the conversation with Lucy and Asuka.

"What are their names?" Asuka asked.

"Hmmm it is supposed to be a surprise. I don't want anyone to know yet." Lucy put a finger under her chin as she thought a loud about it.

"You can tell me! I keep good secrets! Please Miss. Lucy! I want to know!" Asuka pleaded with the best 'puppy dog' eye look she could muster. Lucy could feel her heartstrings being pulled as the Master and Lisanna leaned in to maybe catch what Lucy was going to say.

"Alright, but you have to prom prom, deal?" Lucy held up her pinky as Asuka's expression widen. She didn't think anyone but her ever did the pinky promise. "Don't take it unless you mean it, this is the most sacred of all promises Asuka." Lucy instructed.

"I prom prom not to say anything if you tell me!" she nodded as they wrapped their pinky's together. Lucy leaned into Asuka's ear and whispered what the sex of the babies were and the names she was going to pick out. Asuka squealed with delight. "I CAN'T WAIT!" she cried happily as she swung her legs.

"Now remember you promised." Lucy held up her finger to emphasize just how important it was. "No one else but you knows. So keep it a secret until I say it is okay."

"Yes Miss. Lucy, I promise!" Asuka beamed. Poor Makarov and Lisanna didn't get to hear and they looked so disappointed that the little one got to know before anyone else.

"No fair Lucy." Makarov complained as Lucy giggled. "You will find out in due time Master." she pat his shoulder as she consoled him.

"I'm gonna help Miss. Lisanna now!" Asuka hopped down and ran back over to Lisanna who went back to cleaning up since she didn't get to hear what Asuka now knew. Lucy faced the master who was pouting, but at least she was relieved that he was no longer angry.

"So it is going to be a surprise." He whined.

"Yeah, I don't want to jinx it too much and I want it to be the right time to tell everyone." Lucy replied.

"And the names?"

"Also another surprise, but I want Loke's input first for when he gets back in time. If not, I have a few ideas in mind." she hid the sadness that welled within her from the thought that Loke would not be there to witness the birth. Makarov pat her shoulder.

"It will all come together. Have a bit more faith." he assured her.

"Thanks Master. That does mean a lot coming from you. Anyway, I am going to see if Lisanna and Asuka want an extra pair of hands. This place needs a good cleaning since everyone left it a mess." she got down from her chair and stretched.

"I don't suspect we will be getting much business after today since everyone has left to go fight. So, don't stay here too long. Remember that you need your rest as well." he reminded her and she sighed.

"You are right as always Master." Lucy pulled her hair back and went to help the two clean up the messy guild.

~Apartment~

Lucy had helped at the guild with cleaning up with Lisanna and Asuka. But with the three of them working together, there wasn't much else to do. It wasn't long until Lucy had decided to return to her apartment. She couldn't remember the last time she stepped foot in that place for more than a couple moments. It seemed like years ago with all the chaos that was going on. It felt so quiet without unexpected visitors and it felt lonely without her lion. She began to unpack her things as now she was forced to take it easy with the rest of her pregnancy. As she was returning things to their proper place, she had come across Loke's jacket among her belongings. A fond smile crossed her features as she picked it up.

"Just you wait until tonight." she sighed softly. She brought the jacket to her bed and gently laid it out on Loke's side of the bed. Lightly, she brushed her finger tips over the soft material.

"I miss you." she smiled softly. She shook her head as she could feel the tears starting to form again. If she wasn't careful she would start to feel depressed again from dwelling on the topic too much. Loke would be disappointed if he could see her starting to feel this way again. Deciding that perhaps she needed to keep herself busy, she declared that a bath was in order. Grabbing her bath products, she set out to the bathroom to have a personal hot spring bath to re-energize her magic. She soaked for a long time and it felt good to have her magic rejuvenated. She sang to herself as she washed her body and her hands tended to rub her protruding belly.

"I'll need to go shopping soon..." she sighed in annoyance. Already her clothes were tight and she was going to really need to sit down with herself and start to prepare for one of the biggest changes in her life. Thank the gods for the money she was receiving from Loke's account. Now that she was banned from any jobs, she may not be able to afford anything without it. But the bigger question that bothered her was where should she move to. She had a lot of other option already. She could move to a bigger apartment in the building or she could swallow the bullet and move to Fairy Hills dormitory. Of course the third option would be to getting a house.

She gazed up at her ceiling in deep thought. She would miss this small place though. This is where her real start of her life began. This small apartment is where she would have impromptu sleepovers with her team that would just come over. This is where she roomed with Michelle and they had such a close relationship together. This is the place where her and Loke fell in love, and was the place of many 'firsts'. But she supposed that all good things must continue to evolve. Maybe the next tenets would enjoy this place as much as her and be the foundation of their lives starting as well. This was just another chapter in her life that was starting to end as another one promised to open.

~Loke~

Loke had cleaned up the hut the best he could, but his mind was heavy with much to think about. He explored the island more to see if he could find a way off of it. He searched for any clue really, but to no avail. He sat at his makeshift table he made and contemplated viable theories. He had a few , but he didn't know if he would be ready to face those quite yet. He needed more concrete evidence before he began to start to come to terms of the reality he might be faced with. Without him paying much attention, Lucy began to appear on his bed. He caught the color of golden hair that brought him out of his thoughts. It was around that time of when she would showed up and she was smiling over at him when she woke up.

"Leo! she beamed as she practically jumped off the bed and rushed to his arms. He blinked back in surprise as she suddenly ran to him. "I saw them! I saw our babies!" she took his hands and jumped up and down in her excitement.

"What?!" he almost fell out of his chair from the news.

"I got an ultrasound done and they were so beautiful!" she was radiating pure happiness.

"T-They are?" Loke replied with his infamous grin. Lucy nodded earnestly.

"A little boy and girl!"

"Really?! Lucy, you weren't kidding when you said you were lucky!" He picked her up and wrapped her in his arms as he spun her around in that tiny hut. He was ecstatic. He was going to be a proud father of a son and daughter. He got the best of both worlds and, not only that, but the lion in him was roaring with pure happiness. "A father! I'm going to be a father!" he joined in her happiness. He could feel happy tears flow down from his eyes. He pulled her closer once more and kissed her deeply as this happiness welled inside him. Lucy cupped his neck as they deepened the kiss. So much love and happiness was filled in that tiny place. Once the initial euphoria began to lessen, Lucy felt him rest his forehead against hers as they both looked deeply into each other's loved filled eyes.

"I-I have a request." Lucy bit her bottom lip. He picked her up and let her straddle his lap as he sat back on the bedding.

"Really?" he asked.

"Well, a couple things actually. I want your opinion on more than anything on these matters." she got comfortable as she steadied herself by placing her hands on his shoulders. He leaned in and nuzzled her mark.

"What do you think of the name Layla?"

"After your mother?" he asked surprised. Lucy nodded in response.

"I think it is a wonderful name. It is a great way to honor her. Without her, you would have never been born, and nor would our daughter." subconsciously he put a hand on her flat, empty belly. "And I am assuming you have a boy's name in mind, as well?"

"I was thinking Luke..." Loke gave a face in disgust. "Luke? What kind of a name is-" Lucy smiled and placed a finger on his lips.

"Because 'Lu' and 'Ke'. Think about it." she watched as it dawned on him the realization of their names being put together. She felt him hold her tighter with a bright smile.

"Cleaver girl." he kissed her.

"So it has your approval?" she asked uncertain but he gave a nod.

"It does. So Layla and Luke. Strong, proud names. However, I feel there is a theme going on here." he chuckled.

"Hi, we are the 'L' family." Lucy couldn't help but giggle.

"As long as I am part of that family. I don't care what we are called." he sighed against her in content.

"Me too." she agreed and ran her fingers through his mane. She lightly massaged his scalp and breathed in his scent. There was a few more moments of content silence. "Now...the big thing I have to ask you." Loke looked up to see an uneasy Lucy looking back at him.

"What is it?" he looked concerned.

"I need to move. I don't have enough space for four people in that studio apartment. It just isn't realistic. But I love my apartment and I don't want to move out without hearing what your input on what we should do." she made sure he understood the 'we' part in this. Loke's smile soften as she was considering the future of them living together. He liked that idea more than she would ever know. He thought for a few moments of the situation.

"Alright, what are our options?"

"A bigger apartment? I am sure there is a bigger apartment in the same building." Lucy shrugged.

"Neighbors and babies really don't mix well. Besides, aren't you always afraid your land lady is just waiting to throw you out on the street if she can?" he asked. Lucy frowned.

"She isn't that terrible..." she trailed off.

"Uh huh. What is the second option?" he asked completely unconvinced.

"Well what about Fairy Hills?" Loke narrow his eyes.

"You are joking right? Absolutely not. How can we live together at an all girl's dorm? Besides you know how much of a cock blocker Erza loves to be. She's sooner castrate me before letting me step foot into my own home." Loke wouldn't hear of it.

"Alright, alright calm down. It was just a suggestion. I guess my final option is a house." Lucy threw her hands up in mock defense. Loke pondered that a few moments.

"Hmm, well that is doable." he nodded in approval.

"But where? I mean I could try and get my parent's place back, but it is too far from Fairy Tail. I mean one day I would like to restore it and live there as a vacation home, but not a place we live permanently. And we can't live at your place because for the same reasons, well that and the fact that time moves differently there; Fairy Tail and Magnolia is our home. It is where I want to live and raise our children." Lucy pointed out. Loke listened to her with closed eyes and thought of the most obvious thing.

"What about the old guild? We would just need to renovate it." he suggested.

"The old Fairy Tail guild? I'll run the idea by Master, maybe we can get it." Lucy liked the idea. It wasn't too far from Fairy Tail and it was out in the open. It had plenty of room for the children to run and raise a family. "But what if it doesn't work out?" she asked.

"Then it wasn't meant to be ours, but we will find our house. Just, not too much pink alright?" he warned.

"Well take out all the fun of it why don't you!" she teased. He chuckled as he rested back on her shoulder and she rested her chin on top of his mane.

"Everything is coming up for us Beautiful. Just you wait and see." he assured her.

"It should.." Lucy decided not to try and worry about the globe and the mess they were in. Fairy Tail will find a way as it has always done in the past. As of now she needed to live her life normal as possible. She need to prepare and plan for the lives coming up and for when Loke was returned to her. In each other's arms they had both found comfort in one another.

~Couple Days Later~

Lucy had met with Makarov the following next day and requested to turn the old Fairy Tail guild that was no longer being used into her new home. At first the Master didn't know what to think of it, but as he pondered, it seemed to be the best option. The only compromise he made was that their home be open to Fairy Tail members should they wish to live with them. Lucy was more than happy to agree to this condition. After all, Fairy Tail was her family and family was always there for each other. Once an agreement had been made, they began to work out the price and hired an architect to start planning for the remodeling and renovation. As they looked over the final blue prints before the work could begin, Makarov looked over at Lucy with a serious expression.

"Are you certain about this?" he asked. Lucy gave a reassuring nod.

"Of course Master, It'll be perfect to raise a big family and to be able to house a couple members from the guild. With the private apartments that will be put into place, people can move in and live if they choose to do so. It will be a big family." she smiled brightly at him.

"A big family huh?" he chuckled as Lucy's cheek went pink.

"Well, just being prepared for the future..." she mumbled as she trailed off embarrassed.

"Well if you are satisfied with the blue prints then in a few weeks you should be ready to move in." he put the prints in an large envelope. Lucy blinked in surprise at the news.

'That soon?"

"We are wizards aren't we?" he chuckled.

"Heh, I suppose so. Anyway, I have to do some shopping to take care of. Thank you for everything Master. I am so excited to be working on this with you." she grinned. He gave a nod as she left. He couldn't help but feel proud of the soon-to-be mother. Lucy really was growing up. It just seemed like yesterday she walked in all bright eyed and full of hope. Now she was continuing another chapter or part of her life with the same view. She was going to make a wonderful mother and him a grandfather. He grinned at the thought of another little one running around the guild. Children were, and always have been in his opinion, his weakness and boy did he love it.

Lucy headed towards the market to buy some clothing and dinner for herself tonight. Everything was already so tight from what she was wearing. She finally put on her big girl pants and decided it was time to actually go shopping for maternity clothing. Like moving, she needed to continuing her change in her life. As she turned the corner to head down another street towards the bakery. Lately she had a craving for chocolate covered bananas and strawberries, she found herself stopping dead in her tracks. Before her eyes was Virgo with a darken scowl.

"Long time Princess." she sneered at the crack of her whip.