Author's Note: Hey guys! Here is yet another chapter for you all! Thank you all for the support and reviews that you give! I can't believe how many people have read and reviewed this! Since there was 5 reviews-there is now a new chapter! I can't express enough how happy this has made me. You guys have made my dream come true and I have you all to thank for it! Please keep reviewing and I'll do my best to keep updating.

The song for this chapter is "I'm Lost Without You" by one of my favorite bands of all time Blink 182. Pull it up to listen and enjoy as you read! Stay awesome guys!

Your Lover, Your Friend

~Chapter Twenty-One~

Lucy watched the scenery pass by her as she looked out the window of the car. A caravan of Fairy Tail members, other guild members, and even the royal army were making their way to the battle ground. The plan was quite simple, everyone would be divided up into teams to defeat each spirit by forcing their gate close. Lucy's role was to be on stand-by as backup in case the first plan failed. These were both her and Yukino's spirits after all and they had a duty to ensure they return back to their original selves and to save them all. Their theory is through the keys that the Princess had made, that they would force the gates closed and send them back to the celestial realm; there they would be able to figure out a way to break the curse. Lucy's role in this was that through the keys, maybe she could find a way to break the curse from holding the key of the locked away spirit. If this part of the mission's plan had failed, then the backup plan would be that Loke bring the spirits one by one to Lucy and she would then free them like she did for Loke.

Lucy looked down at her hand and saw Loke's gently squeezing it as he stared out the window on his side. A soft smile spread across her face. "Nervous?" she asked him.

"No...just, not happy about any of this." he had a scowl set on his features as he didn't bother to remove his gaze from the scenery to look over at her. "I could transport the keys or spirits to you from the safety of our house..." he continued to grumble. Lucy leaned over and kissed his cheek. A pink dust flecked his disgruntled face.

"And let you have all the fun without me?" she teased.

"You are not getting off the hook that easily." he eyed her.

"I'll be fine Leo. You know my style of fighting is supposed to be beside you, not from behind." she rested her head on his cold shoulder. He soften his look at her after a few moments of her persistence.

"Damn you Beautiful." he grumbled.

"Don't stay too mad at me...you know how I don't like it and stress out..." she strategically pointed out, knowing exactly where he didn't like to hear about anything potentially not being well for her and their babies.

"Stress?" he scoff, "We are going in the direction of all the damn stress, and you are thinking that me being upset is going to be the stress that gives you complications?"

"Well if you are going to be a sour puss, then I'll sleep in-" He suddenly shot her a dangerous glare.

"Say it, I dare you." he spoke darkly with no humor or affection behind that dark gaze. Lucy quickly closed her mouth with an audible click and, without a warning, shot an arm out and pulled her to his side. "When we get to the springs, it is going to be us." he grumbled as the darkness was gone and all that was left was worry and protectiveness.

"As you wish Leo." she quietly replied and kissed his cheek and rested her head on his shoulder as she closed her eyes. She was worried for a moment, but after being locked away from her, she knew that teasing, even as a threat, was no good. Loke was too attached and too wound out. Her being apart from him was very real and she could feel that through his secure embrace. A small smile spread on her lips as she felt his love in the quiet of their ride. He loved her and that is all that mattered.

~Heron Celestial Springs~

In order to be better prepared for the upcoming battle, Loke had insisted in convincing the Princess, and the others, to visit the springs on their way to the zodiac dwelling. He wanted to make Lucy gain as much celestial energy as she could. But it wouldn't be a bad idea for the Princess or Yukino. He did not know if the others had caught on, but he knew that the Princess was a celestial mage herself. He would keep that secret to himself of course. It was not his to share and his main focus was on his little family. He wanted to make Lucy gain as much celestial energy as she could. Though the idea was mostly for Lucy, it wasn't a bad idea for the rest of the caravan; everyone would be refreshed for the battle ahead of them.

They arrived at the springs just as twilight was descending on the city. The springs was booked for the whole night as it could only fit the caravan of wizards; an as a direct order from the royal family, they had to obey. However, Loke had managed to gain a private room with just him and Lucy. He brought their bags in and Lucy waddled in behind him as she made a beeline for the bathroom. She felt she had to go to the bathroom every hour or so as her children moved within her. Once she had finished and dressed in the special celestial yukata Loke had brought for her from his palace, she spotted Loke sitting on the bed staring at his hands with a worried expression.

"Hey you, why the long face?" she stood before him and asked in a cheery tone, but there were hints of concern that she could depict. He reached out his arms and pulled her too him. Lucy let out a rush of air as she wasn't expecting it but smiled softly as his face rested against her swollen belly. Lucy couldn't help the blush as she thread her fingers through his hair. "Leo..." she spoke almost in a motherly tone, "Talk to me..." she whispered.

"I will not lose any of you again." he spoke boldly, but Lucy could see right through his determined wall to the fear that laid behind it. He felt the movement under his face as the children grew within her. He nuzzled more into her protected belly as he had his eyes closed. His children were growing so rapidly and it terrified to know that this could be a bad thing. What if he couldn't protect them? What if they died? Taken from them? So many fears swirled in his mind as he could grip onto the one thing that he knew at this moment would calm his antic mind.

"I know my Leo. I know you will protect us and I will protect you." she leaned down as she tilted his chin to look up into her. She captured his lips and hummed against him as he deepened it. His mouth easily gaining access inside her lips and dominated her as lead her mouth to his own. As the kiss finished, the expression had not been removed from his facade.

"If I lose...if you are taken..." he tried to find the right words to convey how he was so scared of being separated from his love; mate.

"Then don't let us. Protect us and don't let anyone get a chance to harm us." she took a step back from his embraced.

"Then I need you to listen to me please..." he pleaded to her with his eyes full of concern. His hand webbed out on her belly as he continued to feel the movement.

"I promise." Lucy vowed. At the confirmation, Loke let out a sigh of relief, but Lucy knew that his fear of losing them still lingered. She took his hands into her own and didn't dare break the gaze. "Leo, let's not ruin this perfect afternoon. I want to get in the springs with you. Please go get changed." she pulled him up to his feet.

"As you wish." he sighed as the moment was ending. She leaned up and pecked his cheek and watched his retreating form to their luggage to prepare to go into the springs. By the time they entered the bath, most of the Fairy Tail wizards and those from other guilds have already been relaxing in the springs. Natsu flagged them over to his section to where Team Natsu was relaxing.

"Lucy! Loke!" he called out.

"Lucy! You are as big as a house!" Happy giggled without shame. Lucy felt the embarrassing sting fill up her eyes as they threatened. Usually comments like that she would get angry or upset over; but would get over it. But somehow, she had become more sensitive lately. Loke shot a dangerous look over at the exceed. Happy hid behind Natsu as he shook her head. Natsu.

"Apologize Happy, that wasn't nice." he told his friend.

"Sorry Lucy..." Happy felt the regret. Lucy clung to Loke's arm, and debated turning around after she accept the apology to go back to the room. What was she thinking coming out here like this. This was a mistake.

"I'm..." she started to say but Loke pulled her close to his side as he wrapped a secure arm around her shoulder.

"No Lucy, you are beautiful. Come sit." Gray assured them. Loke gave a grateful nod to his close friend and they couple took their spots under the setting sun as the stars started to shine in the sky. She leaned against Loke as the insult was all but forgotten by now. Carefully, Happy climbed down Natsu's back and came up to Lucy. Loke tightened his grip but Lucy squeezed his hand. Without any words, she picked up the exceed and placed him on her lap as she scratched behind his ears. She heard the purr from Happy and smiled softly. The tension was all but forgotten as everyone was talking and enjoying each other's company. Lucy leaned against Loke's broad, nude chest as they gazed to the heavens above them.

Lightly she petted Happy as he was starting to fall asleep to the warm water and how nice Lucy was being to him as she had forgiven him. The skies were open and beautiful with the twinkling stars. She couldn't help but think of her last visit and how she had wanted nothing more than Loke to be beside her. Now, here they were, together and resting up before yet another battle. Everyone around them laughing and enjoying each other's company. It seemed the worries on the horizon were all but forgotten. Lucy felt her body soak up the celestial water. It felt so much more potent than the bath products; it did wonders for her as she let out a sigh of content.

"If I had known about this place after Karen, I would have come here every day." Loke joined Lucy's sigh with one of his own. He spoke softly to her as only they could converse.

"Leo..." she nuzzled his neck. She felt so warm and protected in his embrace.

"Honestly, can't you take it somewhere else?" the female exceed called out to them annoyed. Happy blinked awake hearing the beautiful Carla speak.

"Be nice Carla!" Wendy scolded.

"Fish?" he murmured that sent a disbelief laughter throughout the group. Natsu came and took Happy from Lucy.

"Yeah buddy, we will get fish later." he chuckled as he cradled the cat. Loke finally stopped laughing as he warmly looked to Carla.

"My apologies. We should get out anyway. Lucy might be getting overheated and I am sure hungry as well." Loke stood up with his pregnant mate cuddled into his embrace. Lucy felt the embarrassed heat on her cheeks as some of the people in the springs stared at them. Loke paid her no mind as he walked them back to their room. He cradled her to his chest as she curled into a ball. She buried her face in his chest. She wanted to protest but she didn't have the heart to do so. Her ankles, though the swelling had gone down from the springs, were still sore and she didn't mind so much being this close to him. Loke paid no mind as he walked with her back to their room. She felt the heaviness of her eyes as she was feeling sleep weighing down on her.

"You need food and sleep." he softly murmured into her hair.

"H-heavy..." she softly spoke.

"Heh, you just rest." he got them back into their room with ease. He had already dried her and tucked her into the bedding. He ordered room service as he watched over her lightly sleeping form. By the time the food had arrived, Lucy's belly snarled in demand. It took all her will power to sit up as Loke sat the tray in her lap. "Eat." he instructed.

"Yes Papa..." she muttered half asleep. There was a pause in the room as the words settled in; but then, Loke's smile spread widely across his face.

"That is right, I want them to call me 'Papa'. Go ahead and call me that from now on Lucy! It will be good practice, right Mama?" he flirted but would not dare hide the pride in his tone. Lucy rolled her eyes. How was it he had all the energy, where as she was struggling to even hold the fork. And what was with this Papa title he was throwing around? If she wasn't half tired, she would have found this so endearing. However, she didn't have the heart to deny him anything.

"Yes...papa..." she weakly ate. Loke watched her amused as she finished her meal. Taking the tray from her after it was gone, he tucked her back into bed.

"I'll joining you soon Momma." he kissed her sweetly as he could still taste the food on her lips.

"Mmm sleepy..." she whined as she curled up more into the bedding to sleep. Loke chuckled to himself at the state he found his mate in. She was too adorable in this condition. After putting the trays outside, he fulfilled his promise and joined her in the bed. Pulling her close so that her back was against his chest, he spooned her. He didn't sleep right away as he watched her closely with careful gaze. She was his, this was real, they were his children were the mantra he spoke inside his mind. Once satisfied that this was real, he finally joined her in sleep.

~Morning~

Lucy woke up before Loke. The morning light casting its shadows on her worriless face. His glasses were on the night stand and he was breathing deeply. She prodded herself on her side and quietly admired him. Thoughts of past events went through her mind and she reveled in the fact that she loved this man with all her being. Just the feeling of her heart racing and just those thoughts had her blushing; every morning, waking up beside him, would be just like this one. They would wake up every day next together and that was more than enough reason for her smile to spread on her blushed cheeks. With her free hand, she reached out and lightly brushed his hair locks out of his face so she could get a better look at him. She never really could grasp the fact that even though his hair was spiky, that it feel so soft through her fingers. Gods was she fascinated and obsessed with every single part of him. Boldly, she leaned in close and lightly kissed him. Her petal lips lightly brushing his as she parted. Unexpectedly, to her pleasant surprise, his head arched as he leaned towards her and grasped her with his own mouth. He deepened the kiss as she hummed in delight at his response.

"Morning Beautiful." he whispered huskily. He took his palm and cupped her cheek as she leaned into it. Their eyes locked onto each other as perfect amber make darkened green.

"Morning my Leo." she breathed.

"Did you sleep okay Momma?" he smirked as he watched her face melt under the nickname and her adoring gaze softened. A warm, inviting smile replaced the coy, teasing one she had.

"Momma...I think I could get used to that." She felt Loke move his hand and splayed out over her not so moving belly. Loke mimicked her smile with one of his own as she rubbed her cheek against his palm. "And we slept fine Papa." she teased right back. Just like how she felt a moment ago, Loke almost looked like he was going to cry as he captured her lips again.

"Say it again." He purred against her.

"Papa." Lucy spoke to him lovingly

"Once more..." he deepened another kiss.

"We love you papa." she moaned against his lips. Suddenly she let out a gasp as he was quickly on top of her.

"Damn you woman, now you did it." he purred against her as suddenly his hands went under her clothing.

***If You Are Under 18, Skip To End of Scene***

Lucy didn't stop him but rather arched herself against him in need. She let out a breathy sigh as she felt him massage her overly large breasts. They were extremely sensitive due to the pregnancy but he knead them in his palms. Breath sighs escaped her swollen lips from his kissing. Loke leaned over her and kissing her as he rolled his hips against her and continued his pleasuring.

"L-Leo...I f-feel really good..." she softly spoke against his mouth. Loke smirked against her.

"Good, that means I'm doing this correctly. I want to get you ready for me." Lucy let out a loud moan in his mouth as he opened her up for him and his tongue re-explored her mouth. She was so sensitive under him and he was taking full advantage of being here in the moment with her and only with her. Lucy gripped his shoulders as she moved her hips with him and felt him touching her in familiar places.

"L-Leo, I need...I need you..." she panted breathless when he gave mercy as he allowed her a few moments to come up for air.

"Heh, who knew you could be so impatient in the morning?" he chuckled darkly.

"D-Don't start som-something you can't...oh gods...that feels...y-you are going to kill-kill me!" she suddenly was shuddering under him as one of his hands sneaked down between her creamy thighs and his expert fingers found her excited, little nub. Slowly he encircled it and teased it as her juices started to pour from her and onto his fingers.

"Oh ho ho, what was that Beautiful? I always keep my promises. Don't you worry about that." he chuckled darkly.

"Damnit...don't...nngghhh...da-damn you..." she was like a messy puddle beneath him and he could tell she was getting close.

"Do you want this hmmm? Tell me Beautiful, how do you want this?" he leaned and whispered in her ear. His hot breath on the sensitive lobe as he suckled and nipped at it. Lucy was trembling like a leaf as she was doing the best she could to keep her wits about her. She was not going to last much longer if he kept this up.

"I-inside me pl-please!" she spoke through gritted teeth as her nails embedded in his flesh.

"What was that? I am afraid I wasn't listening." he moved his mouth from her ear to her supple neck.

"Damnit you stupid lion! GET INSIDE ME NOW!" Lucy yelped as she dug her nails further as a warning that she was done playing around.

"Okay, okay Beautiful, no need to yell." Loke smugly looked down at her as he removed his fingers. The sudden stop of his fingers moving made her whine in protest.

"You bastard!" she hissed almost angrily. She let out a sudden cry of surprise as she was flipped over again on her belly. "Loke!" she cried out. He paid no mind as she heard straining of fabric almost being ripped as he was removing himself from his bottoms restraint and hers being ripped apart. Suddenly she felt him push himself deeply inside her as he pushed himself all the way in as he seated himself. She heard him let out a hiss of pleasure as his hands gripped her hips tightly.

"Damn I could stay like this forever, you know that right Beautiful?" he groaned.

"Leo I need you..." Lucy gripped the sheets as she arched her hips and tried to move her own to get him to start the process. He didn't move as he was taking her in. He wanted to savor the moment with her. Finally burning her into his memory he started the pace as natural as the rhythm of time. She was so warm and tight around him as her juices were coating him. Lucy's cheeks were flushed as she let out soft, mewling noises as she was burying her face in the pillows as her hips were moving to his pace. Loke firmly held her hips and moved with her in such a way as his throbbing member made sure to hit ever nerve ending within her. He was breathing heavily through his nose which turned into quickened grunts. He squeezed his eyes as he took in her pleasure.

Lucy's warm velvet gripped down on him tightly as she started to swirl her hips around his shaft. She couldn't help but smile against the pillows at his suddenly gasps at the move she just pulled. "Ke-Keep that up...J-just like that Lucy..." she heard him praise her. Lucy repeated the move as she could feel him getting so close she could taste it. She moaned loudly as she was about finished herself. Suddenly a heat filled inside of her as she arched her back and joined him. Their voices echoing off the walls as they harmonized once again together. Hot jets of his essence filled her to the brim as some traveled down her thighs as she slumped forward in pure bliss and exhaustion. Loke was careful not to lean too much on her after they had rode out their releases together.

After a few moments, Loke reluctantly removed himself as he sat back on his ankles as Lucy curled up to her side and peeked back to him. He had a Cheshire cat grin as he looked at the woman that is his mate. "I am never gonna get over how much I love doing this." he rubbed her swollen ankles as she slowly flipped to her back.

"Heh good because if all goes well then you will have our lifetime to perfect it." Lucy grinned back at him as he continued to work on her ankles. She greedily took in his nude body. He was perfect in every way from his muscles to the look in his eyes. She leaned up gingerly and planted a chaste kiss on his lips. "I love you Leo."

"And I love you Lucy." he tucked a look lock behind her ear and they once again were lost in their little world.

***Anyone Can Read After This!***

After a good hour foot rub and cleaning up the mess the couple made, they headed to the springs for a quick dip into the potent celestial magic waters to replenish any lost magic since they last were in. Since it was still early in the morning, they had no problems taking the small break before really having to get ready to continue their trip. The pair enjoyed the small bit of privacy from prying eyes as Loke held onto his precious family. They wanted to enjoy this last few moments alone together before they were thrown into the chaos that was this ongoing war. After the bath and a quick trip to the gift shop for more supplies, the pair joined everyone at breakfast. However, both could not ignore the awkward glances from the group as it clicked with them that they were indeed heard this morning. Lucy couldn't feel anymore embarrassed as Loke ate his meal smugly. She was buried in his arm trying to hide her face as she chuckled.

"At least one of us got some fun out of this."He chuckled to her which earned a slap to his chest.

"Terrible, you silly Lion..." came her meek reply.

~Zodiac Island of Temporary Residence~

The caravan of wizards and royal armies took camp a good distance away from where the zodiacs were located. Levy and Freed started to set up protective runes along the perimeter of the camp to increase the safety defense for those that would be inside the camp. Erza set up a small council with the wizards that agreed to come with them on this mission, along with the Princess and her guard, they began to set up a battle plan. Lucy wasn't privy to this meeting as Loke was getting her set up in her own tent.

"Why can't I join them?" she whined as Loke was helping to set up the tent and she was off her feet.

"I want you not to stress. I'm sure when they finalize everything we will be given our marching orders." Loke replied effortlessly as he was helping to raise a very heavy pillar. Lucy crossed her arms from her seat and pouted.

"Not knowing is stressing me out more..." she grumbled, but Loke let it slide. There was no use fighting anymore with a pregnant woman. Loke already knew what was going on with the meeting. His hearing may not match that of a dragon slayer, but it certainly was well enough to hear what was being said. They were going to keep Lucy at the camp and they were debating about if he should go and fight or stay here. Knowing Lucy, she would want him with her, but he needed to do what was best for everyone and part of him wanted to be part of the group to go and fight. After all these were his brethren and at least with him there he might minimize the damage by both parties.

"Aren't you listening to me?" Lucy huffed as she drew his attention from his thoughts.

"I'm sorry Beautiful, what was that?" he asked as he threw her one of his winning smiles that he knew she couldn't resist.

"I said, that guy needs you to help put up the cloth." Lucy blushed.

"Oh right, of course." he continued to assist in helping make their tent. He kept Lucy in his sight as he continued to finish the task. This place was dangerous and even with the runes, he knew their best safety for his family was in his arms. Damn her for making them come out here to danger. Once the tent was put up and a special lacrima air conditioning unit was set up, he helped Lucy waddle inside to the bed that she or they would be sleeping on. Once she was against the pillows, he propped her feet up and began to rubbing them.

After an hour and the air conditioning unit was on full blast, it did little to the heat she was feeling. Being pregnant sucked as far as Lucy was concerned now. "So hot..." she complained from the sweat and heat.

"Just have to wait this out." Loke sighed as he continued to rub her left ankle.

"But I'm pregnant!" she whined.

"And you wanted to come here. This is your doing." he pointed and dared not to look at the daggers she was throwing at him with her heated gaze. A smug smile graced his lips as he won the point for this round.

"You are being mean!" she scoffed.

"And just think, you could be back at home in our master bathroom enjoying a nice long soak in that tub you like so much." he winked at her and that earned him another heated glare.

"You are enjoying this aren't you?"

"Not really, but I know you are starting to regret your decision."

"Am not." Lucy weakly denied.

"Sure." Loke snickered. He knew her all too well. He could feel it all through her emotions. Then there was a heavy silence to which Lucy suddenly broke.

"Is it too late to back out and go home?" she muttered in defeat. Loke couldn't hold in the laugh as she crossed her arms and looked away.

"Afraid so Beautiful, but I am here to keep you safe. Tell you what, if in a bit it is safe, let's go down to the beach with some of the others to cool off hmmm?" he suggested. Lucy's eyes brightened at the idea. Loke's smile softened. She was like a little child with how something as simple as the beach could lighten her mood.

"Okay!" she exclaimed with her second wind.

"Oi Luce, we brought you and the babies something!" came a voice coming in from the entrance. Natsu and Gray walked in. Natsu with his hands behind his head and Gray looking annoyed at the dragon slayer.

"Idiot, I'm the one bringing them something. You just want to see the babies." Gray snapped.

"Yeah so?" Natsu grinned boyishly.

"You brought us something?" Loke interrupted annoyed. The last thing he needed was these two to get in a fight, ruin the tent, and put Lucy in early labor. Gray went to Lucy's side and held out a glass with ice chips in it.

"It's pretty hot and they are going to need you to keep cool." he smiled.

"I want some too Gray!" Natsu whined.

"Get lost flame brain!" he snapped. Lucy took the cup and looked up grateful.

"Thank you Gray. And thank you too Natsu." she smiled brightly. "Maybe in a bit we all will go down to the beach.

"Sure! I'll ask Levy to set up the runes down there!" Natsu grinned.

"That isn't a bad idea." replied Gray. "Well we will let you know how it goes when we come back in a bit."

"Thanks Gray." Loke replied gratefully. The pair left the tent to go talk to Erza and the rest about going down to the beach as Loke caught Lucy eating the ice chips lazily as she was starting to get sleepy in this heat. He supposed all they could down now is wait. And it wasn't long until he caught Lucy falling asleep. He placed a hand on her belly as the cup was sitting on the night stand.

"It's okay little ones, get some rest too. We got a big couple of days ahead of us."