Author's Note: Welcome back to another fun filled chapter of my story! I hope everyone is enjoying it so far! Your reviews and words of encouragement make it all worth it!

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The song for this chapter is "Small Bump" by Ed Sheeran. Pull up the music, curl up to the chapter and Enjoy everyone!

A Small Bump

~Chapter Eighteen~

~Celestial World~

Lucy was forced into a dreamless sleep from after when the white light engulfed her. She could not recall anything, but struggled to force herself to awaken. She had a hard time distinguishing from reality and dreaming; that was until an ungloved hand gently squeezed her own. Her eyes fluttered open and she saw Leo...no Loke, her Loke sitting on his bed with her hand in his.

"Beautiful..." he breathed in relief. She weakly smiled up at him.

"Welcome home..." Loke brushed her hair out of her face and kept his eyes on her solely.

"How are you feeling?" he asked gently. He may look like Leo in that battle armor, but it was her Loke looking back at her. Lucy had to blink back the tears that were threatening to fall as she didn't quite understand what was going on, but at this point she didn't really care. After all, Loke was here somehow, someway.

"So weird hearing those words coming from that body." Lucy admitted awkwardly as she felt his gaze intensely on hers.

"Let me change that." Lucy had to shield her eyes as a golden light enveloped him and he was back to normal in his signature suit.

"There's my lion." she squeezed his hand and smiled. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Lucy hummed against the feel of his mouth. How unusually real this felt. She was so used to kissing him in that realm that, this simple moment didn't feel quite real to her. But there they were, her lying in his bed while he moved his mouth against hers as he wanted so desperately to smother her against him and never let her out of his arms. Lucy's tongue desperately tries to gain entrance against Loke and he was happy to obliged. They moved in slow, heated passion. It was until Lucy wince when Loke moved to hold her closer did he registered her injuries. In the back of his mind he was thinking murderous thoughts towards the certain pink haired dominatrix spirit that he would take pleasure in ripping apart with his own two hands when he got a those of hands of his on her. Lucy was so wrapped up in her pleasure that she hadn't noticed the murderous intent on his features. Loke quickly hid his inner thoughts as he pushed his emotions down as to not tip her off to what he was feeling.

"Always your lion Beautiful." He quickly diverted her attention before she could catch on. However, Loke looked down at his beautiful mate and took her features really in. She looked so much different than when she would see him in that place. She had a glow about her and she looked more radiant than he ever imagined. He did take note of her bruises and wound as his gaze drifted to where he was attempting to hold her. Suddenly the murderous emotions boiled back up again.

"I'll kill her. I told you I am going to." his brows furrowed again at the thought that one of his own touched the love of his life. Just seeing the stitches and the marks made him want to return it tenfold. Lucy gently squeezed his hand as she felt the emotions so strongly through their bond. She knew Loke was angry...well livid to be exact, but she couldn't allow him to blame this on Virgo. She wasn't in the right state of mind like he was. He had to see that.

"Just, wait on that please?" she requested as she did not let go of his hand. Her thumb lightly tracing his skin as she studied his darkened expression with understanding. She wasn't blind to know that Loke was feeling all sort of things and could feel them. However, it was going to be a miracle if she could reign him in.

"I'll consider it." he sourly conceded, but Lucy knew better; although, she let it go for the moment.

"Thank you." Lucy gently leaned up and kissed his cheek with a wry smile. When she could return her spirits back to normal, Virgo was going to need her protection from Loke more than ever. She started to sit up against the prodded pillows. Her back was starting to hurt as she had been laying there for gods know how long. As she leaned up against the pillows, the blanket fell down in her lap. Lucy heard an audible gasp from the man who would be the father of her children, as Loke's eyes traveled downward to her swollen belly. Lucy followed his gaze to where his widen eyes were staring.

'C-can I?" he asked hesitantly. Lucy gave a nod as her eyes misted once more. She laid back as she pulled up the bottom of the gown to reveal more bruises on her creamy legs to her lace panties, and then the growing belly. Loke let out a gulp as he took her in with amazed awe. He strained not to close his eyes as he spent this whole time not with her. He hated to admit it but he bitter now. All this time he missed so much and she had changed in a blink of an eye really. He didn't want to miss another single moment with the mother of his children. Just what other things have changed in his absence that she did not let him know about?

Now he was in his own home looking at his women and seeing her grow with full life. He couldn't help but feel a bit of happiness of something a long time coming. He cautiously brought a hand to touch her belly. Lucy watched him with soften eyes. This would be his first time meeting his children. By now, everyone has seen her or touched her belly at the guild. How something so small to some could mean the world to this man that was trapped in that awful place for months. His eyes met hers for a moment and she smiled widely.

'It's okay Leo, go ahead." she gently encouraged him. He moved his eyes back to her belly and spayed hand on her harden flesh where his two children were growing. His hands were always warm and comforting; that was especially true in this case. She had dreamt of this moment for a long time and here he was meeting his little ones. The emotions welled up and overflowed Lucy's eyes as she watched the expressed features of the man she loved more than life itself. Surprise, awe, warmth were a few she more than recognized.

"Wow...Lucy I'm...I'm going..." emotion welled up as well into his face. Lucy intertwined her fingers with his own in his free hand.

"You are going to make an amazing father." she laughed through her own tears. His hand continued to rub her belly lazily. He leaned down and gently kissed it as he was overjoyed. A father; he was going to be a father. He had never thought in all his years that this would even be possible or even happen. But here his Beautiful was laying in his bed with their children growing. Suddenly that hell was million miles away as time was frozen for them in this place. He watched Lucy hitch in a breath as she was surprised by his act to kiss her belly.

"Lucy, thank you." he couldn't mask his grateful tone. He sat back up and their gazes didn't leave each other. She could still feel his hands rub her belly as they smiled through their own tears.

"Don't thank me, you are the one who put them there in the first place." she rolled her eyes letting out a watery laugh, but didn't falter her smile. He removed his hand from hers and cupped her cheek. He used his thumb to wipe away the stray tears as she leaned into his affection palm. Funny how the other Leo was so rough and careless; but the true Leo that was here right now was the man she fell in love with.

"I promise from now on, you won't be doing anymore of this alone." he spoke with strong conviction.

"Don't make promises you cannot keep Leo. We are still stuck in the middle of this place." Lucy adverted her gaze and he kept his sprayed hand on her abdomen.

"I am well aware of our situation." he coolly replied.

"It will be a matter of time until they realize you are back to your old self. They may turn on us both, and there is still the matter of the Spirit King missing. We are in a real mess." Lucy spoke a loud more to herself than to him. Loke couldn't help but agree with her. They were in quite a bind and they needed to plan quickly if they hope to restore order. Suddenly, both were brought out of the tense mood to a movement stirring within Lucy's belly. Both suddenly looked at each other in astonishment and both broke out into wide smiles.

"Did you feel that?" Lucy whispered excitedly.

"They said 'hello'." he chuckled.

"They moved Leo...this was the first time..I didn't think you'd..." Lucy's smile was brilliant as she let out choked sobs. For the first time, something she thought would never happen; was happening right before her eyes. Loke pulled her in for another kiss as they shared this long awaited happy moment together. He kept his hand with hers as they movement in Lucy's belly fluttered about.

"Save us Leo. For you and everyone here, for Fairy Tail, and especially our future...please..." she begged him when they broke from the kiss for the desperately needed air. Loke's eyes harden from his soften gaze.

"I'll do more than that, I'm going to fix everything; but you cannot stay here Lucy. At least, not right now you can't. I'm taking you back to the guild and then I'm going to help the others against the zodiacs."

"But Virgo..."

"Will never touch you again. you are to stay at the guild until I come and get you personally." Loke removed himself from the bed and leaned down to cradled her to him in his strong embrace. He slipped an arm under her knees and he pressed her to his chest as the celestial warmth embraced her fully. Lucy felt strangely stronger than she had been this whole pregnancy. She was feeling back to her old self magic wise. Was Loke giving her some of his own energy? His scent filled her as it was more potent than the jacket or Levy's charm could ever be. Lucy gripped him and breathed it in. It was a refreshing effect after going all this time with withdrawal.

"I love you." she whispered into his offered celestial magic warmth.

"Lucy, I will move the stars for you alone if you wished it." he replied kissing her.

"Silly Lion, I don't want the stars or for you to move worlds. I just want to be in your embrace."Lucy peeked up at him.

"In due time Beautiful. First step is getting us back." he flashed her one of his signature smiles and then suddenly they appeared back into the guild hall.

~Fairy Tail Guild~

As common knowledge states that time in the celestial world is different from the normal one. The time that Lucy had disappeared had been several hours at best, but three weeks have past. More than half the guild had returned due to too many injuries or with messages from the others that were still in the battles with the zodiacs. There was a heaviness from the dark cloud that hung over the guild. One of their own was ripped away from them violently and they could only do is search and try to find an answer while they fought the other zodiacs to hopefully to prevent the ritual from being preformed. Then with the sudden bright light, a silence washed over the members as Lucy and Loke appeared in the middle of the guild. Loke had cradled her to his chest protectively as she had her arms wrapped around his neck. Lucy felt uneasy with the shocked looked from her fellow comrades as one could hear a pin drop from the deafening silence.

"LET HER GO!" bellowed out Makarov as he stormed up to the couple. He was seething and he glared up at Loke; still not certain if the celestial spirit was on their side or not.

"Master, it is okay. He is Loke again." Lucy reassured the angered man quickly. Lucy still clung to him as she didn't dare to let go in case someone tried to take a shot at him. Makarov was not convinced as he glared at the pair with a livid expression.

"Explain." was all he growled out. If there was one thing that this man was, he was protective of his children.

"Master, Lucy broke me from the prison in my mind. I have returned." Loke spoke sincerely as the two stared each other down. Loke's expression was serious and he tightened his hold on Lucy, in case he needed to make a speedy retreat. The moments passed by and the guild was silent. Finally the Master broke out into a knowing smile.

"I am glad to see two of my children have returned home." he finally spoke. Lucy and Loke relaxed as the tension was now gone. Lucy could have sworn she heard the same relief sigh from everyone was watching them in baited breath.

"Master..." Lucy smiled. Loke relaxed and gently set Lucy back on her feet but she stayed near his side. In her opinion, she spent far too much time away from him as it was. Internally, she feared that if she let go of him now, he might disappear as he did before. He wrapped an arm around her waist as he looked at the Master with, still, his serious expression.

"Master, Please look after Lucy. I am going to go help the others and change them back somehow." he spoke. Fear etched over Lucy's face.

"What! No! You are not going anywhere!" she argued.

"Lucy!" He snapped and turned his gaze to her. He had an intensity but it softened.

"I'll be right back."

"Like hell you will!" Lucy could feel tears welling up as she gripped him.

"This isn't up for discussion. Natsu and the others are going to need me to help." he cupped her cheek. she turned away from his hand.

"I just got you back! We need you here!" she emphasized the word 'we' as he got the hidden meaning. For a second his eyes went to her protruding belly and then back to her.

"I am sorry Beautiful, but if I let the others die under my watch, I will never forgive myself." he spoke softly with a mixture of regret in his tone. A more tears fell from Lucy's eyes as they replaced the dry ones already on her cheeks. Didn't this man realize how her heart was breaking from him being ripped away from her once again? Didn't he promise that she wasn't going to go through this alone anymore?

"Y-you bastard...you want to leave us!" she couldn't keep her composure when she was this far pregnant and this far worked up. Already, she felt the world was dying if he left her side. She could, nor wouldn't, let him go. Levy walked over. She was bandaged on her one arm and her one thigh.

"Lucy..." she spoke gently. Loke peeled her off, but still held onto her one hand. Lucy was crying in Levy's shoulder. He squeezed her hand as he looked back to the Master.

"Very well, it looks like your mind is made up. Hurry then up Loke and get to the others. They are engaged in battle with the other zodiac as we speak. They will need you more now than ever." he informed. Loke gave a nod.

"I understand Master. I won't let you down." he replied. He could hear Lucy's soft sobs as Levy rubbed her friend's back.

"Make sure all my children return home." Makarov emphasized the statement so that Loke could understand the weight of the true meaning behind it.

"Of course Master. All of us will be returning back." Loke then turned to Levy. "Make sure Lucy gets to Parlyusica and to see if our children are alright." he showed his true concern. Lucy was trembling in Levy's shoulder as she was just crying.

"I'll send for her right away." Levy nodded. Loke let go of Lucy's hand and made her face him. Her cheeks were tear stained, but she was the most beautiful creature he had ever had the pleasure of calling 'his'.

"I will be back before you know it." She refused to look at him. She really was a pitiful sight, but he could feel and understand her fears through their new connection. She adverted his gaze and hiccupped through her soft sobbing. It was quite the spectacle if you were one looking at the bizarre scene. He removed his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Put it on, you know it has always kept your safe." he gently spoke. Trembling, Lucy put her arms in and wrapped herself in the coat.

"Y-you better come back to me. I swear to the gods, I will bring you back myself..." she hiccupped. He couldn't help but smile as he found her so endearing. He pulled her into his embrace as she nuzzled his shoulder and gripped him tight.

"Without a doubt." he murmured and captured his lips. He removed himself as Lucy held herself. He stepped back as Levy called out.

"Wait Loke." she stopped him. "You should have this." Levy reached in her pocket and pulled out something in her hand. Loke looked down as he placed it in his own palm. It was her copy of the sonogram. "You should keep this, please?" she offered. He gazed at the photo with gratitude. He saw them; his two children. He felt the lump in his throat as his eyes soften so much. This was the beautiful result of their love. Already he could see their noses were his and maybe the ears. He felt the biggest smile spread across his face as he looked carefully at the precious children that, one day soon, he was not only going to meet, but also raise.

"Levy, thank you." his voice was heavy with gratitude. He took the photo and put it in his shirt pocket as he rolled up his sleeves. "However, I will return it when I come back. Thank you for giving me my lucky charm. I will make sure it finds its way back to you." Lucy still had the small tears falling down as she held her hands to her chest and looked at him so sadly. Her eyes were red and puffy as she was so pale. It his broke his heart to see her this way.

"Loke..." she whispered out.

"Be back before you know it. Take care of my girl, would ya Levy?" he playfully winked, then in a golden light he was gone. Lucy just felt her heart drop as he was gone. She didn't like to think he was gone for good again. There would be no Loke should she fall asleep. Her body was trembling. By now, Jet was already gone to retrieve Parlyusica. All heads turned to Makarov as he cleared his throat.

"Lisanna, please show Lucy to one of our guest rooms." he requested.

"I'll help Master." Levy smiled.

"Very good." he replied. Lucy kept her head down as worry was filling her. She didn't like to think of Loke so far away but it couldn't be helped. Lisanna and Levy escorted Lucy to one of the guest rooms in the guild for visitors; the very same rooms for when Yukino showed up with the text. They got her into spare pajamas of Mirajane's and situated in a bed. Lucy curled up into his jacket and softly cried. Levy stayed by her side as Lucy cried. Her heart was concerned for Loke at the moment and didn't want to think of the worst case scenario. He had left again; she just wanted him back more than ever. 'Why did he have to go?'

It didn't take long until Parlyusica arrived. She wore her usual scowl as she greeted the expectant mother. Levy moved to the opposite side of the room to let the two start their work.

"And just what kinds of shenanigans did you find yourself this time?" she spoke humorlessly.

"The usual amount..." despite how Lucy's heavy heart, she felt suddenly nervous around the bitter healer. Parlyusica narrowed her eyes.

"I see. Well I have been informed of the usual amount." she spoke evenly. "Mind telling me where your spirit dragged you away for three weeks?"

"It's been three weeks..." she spoke dumbfounded.

"Hmm, well lay back and tell me where did you end up going." she started to prepare for the examination. Lucy felt a little overwhelmed. She had disappeared for three weeks when in reality it was probably a couple hours. She was a bit, more so, nervous to say anything wrong since Parlyusica had been so helpful and she didn't want to do or say the wrong thing to possibly anger her further.

"Just...to his home..." she carefully said.

"Uh huh." the healer wasn't fooled. She continued the examination with minimum conversation. Levy sat reading a book as she waited for Lucy to finish. Parlyusica moved to washer hands as Lucy was free to sit back up and fix her clothing as she had done before. She felt much more weight this time as it was almost a struggle to do just that.

"Are they alright?" she asked eagerly.

"Yes and no." came a sigh from Parlyusica. Levy looked over worried.

"Bad news first." Lucy spoke firmly. Once her closed were fixed and the blanket over her lower half; she crossed her arms still wearing Loke's jacket. She was doing her best to preserve her modesty.

"Very well," Parlyusica wiped her hands clean and walked back to Lucy's bedside. "They are growing at an alarming rate. I am not sure what happened or if it is a combination of the bath products, a trip to the celestial world, Loke's return, or the fact that it could just be genetics; regardless, the point is that they are advancing far more than expected. That is why you can see them and know the gender on the monitor or feel the movement you are currently feeling now." She gave the news to her straight. Lucy's eyes widen.

"How soon?!"

"If I had to guess, perhaps two months but most likely sooner. I must warn you, if you should return back to the celestial realm," she spoke directly to Lucy with her eyes bore straight into the young mothers as Lucy's hand rested on top of her moving belly, "the chances of them being born there are indefinite." Lucy let out a gulp as worry set in.

"And the good news?" Parlyusica blinked back surprised.

"That was the good news, you will be able to see them sooner than expected. They are healthy."

"That isn't good news at all! I have nothing done or prepared! What-"

"Shut up." Parlyusica cold tone stopped Lucy right in the middle of her panic episode. "Just be grateful they will even be born after the hell you enforced upon them. Enough worrying, you do that too much and you might as well guarantee a miscarriage or still born." she spoke harshly. Lucy wrapped her arms protectively around her middle. Just the thought of either of those things happening set her on edge. "I'll return in a week for another check up; that is, unless you end up back in the celestial realm; and by then you will end up having them there." she warned.

"It is always something with me isn't there?" she sighed in disbelief.

"I have been noticing the same thing." Lucy felt the dark cloud over her at Parlyusica's words.

"Don't lose faith child, it will be alright in the end." the healer placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and gave a smile.

"I'll try...thanks Parlyusica." she replied with no much hope in her tone. Levy didn't say anything as she stayed in the corner with her book as she gave the two their privacy as best as she could.