Author's Note: Hello everyone! Well it is Sunday and it is that time once more; a new chapter! As I said previously, we are starting to wind down and bring this amazing adventure to a close. Don't worry, I will continue to keep writing and hopefully you and I will not be parted again for long as I am currently working on the two novels as we speak! I just want to thank everyone again for being so amazing and understanding with not only the reviews, but reading each chapter every week! I didn't think I would have so many people who enjoyed the work I put out and I am eternally grateful for it!

The song for this chapter is "Lullaby" by Dixie Chicks. So please pull it up, give it a listen as you read this chapter! Enjoy guys!

How Long Do You Wanna Be Loved?

~Chapter Twenty-Three~

Lucy's world was dark and in a way she never wanted to awaken from. Lisanna's words resonated throughout her world. Leo was gone once again and they sent the spirits back to their home realm; only to be destroyed to bits by the crazed Spirit King. All of this was far too much for the celestial mage to handle. Here in this darkness nothing mattered and maybe she could just drift through it as her mind was plagued by the news. Maybe in another life Leo and here would be together? Could spirits be reborn as normal beings? If so, maybe then they would be reconnected? How this the dark recesses of her mind could make the world and its problems stop from her to over think. She was safe in this endless vastness and here nothing could hurt her. Oh how she just wanted to stay forever.

But Lucy's wishes were not granted as she felt a cool cloth being applied to her forehead. Though she felt the wetness on her forehead she did not stir. Maybe if she ignored it then she could go back to the darkness where nothing mattered or existed. She did not have any desire to go on; any life without Leo was a life she wanted no part of. Leo was the stars of her life and she was his beacon of life much like the sun; they both needed each other and one without the other was half a life. "Princess, is it time for my punishment?" came the familiar voice of one of her most beloved celestial spirits.

"V-Virgo...?" Lucy weakly called out in her confusion. Her voice was heavy from the sleep and her mind was starting to come back, but was hazy from not grasping the situation. Was this even real? Did she die back at that camp from a broken heart? Maybe this was heaven and all her spirits were to be here with her? But if this was a dream or if she was dead then why did her eyes hurt from the sunlight pouring in from the window? As her eyes weakly opened she saw that the sunlight was coming from a window in their room and she struggled to focus on the person sitting by her bedside.

Bedside? It then dawned on her that she was no longer on the futon bedding of her tent but back in Magnolia in her own room. But the surprises did not stop there as she began to come to the realization that Virgo was on the bed with her. Lucy gazed up from her pillow at the pink haired maiden as the tears of happiness fell from the corners of her eyes.

"V-Virgo...is that really you?" she spoke in a broken voice.

"Yes Princess, it is me." the maid smiled with tears of her own falling. Lucy forced herself to sit up and wrapped the spirit in a tight embrace as she sobbed loudly. Virgo froze unsure of what to do. Lucy clung as her frame trembled from the emotion pouring out of her freely as she cried. The doors to her room burst opened, but Lucy was wrapped up within the moment that she had not paid any mind.

"What did you do?!" snapped another familiar voice angrily. Lucy's watery eyes wandered over towards Loke in the doorway. He was dressed in his normal attire but he was shaking in rage. His gaze was on his mate that was in tears, clinging to the one person whom he didn't want touching.

"You are alive?!" Lucy sobbed harder in relief as her hormones affected her that much more now. Loke was alive and was standing a few feet away from her on the bed. She was torn between the maid on her bed and her mate in the doorway. She didn't know if she should hug them both or continue to cry some more. So many emotions within her giving her whiplash; if only she could get her bearings together and start to make sense once more. Virgo pried the hormonal mother off of her as she didn't want to anger her fellow celestial spirit than she already had. Leo, despite his anger, had allowed her to see her friend and partner. Since coming to realize that Leo and Lucy were together and were creating a family, she could see that he was just that much more protective of her like a lion over his pride.

"Forgive me Brother, I did not expect my presence would make her this upset." Virgo spoke with regret in her voice. Lucy clung her hands to the maid's.

"D-Don't yell at her!" Lucy hiccupped through her sobbing. Loke's demeanor relaxed as he reassessed the situation and took in the position of his mate. His eyes softened as he really took her form in. She was trembling and she was looking so worn out even after being asleep this whole time. His mind went back for the couple days of when they had returned. She called his name in her sleep and she would toss and turn. Their children viciously moving around and not letting her body get a moment of peace. He had been so worried, so much so that he had Parlyusica come and check up on her several times. Letting out an aggravated sigh and pinching the bridge of his nose he forced himself to regain his sense of reality of looking at the bigger picture instead of letting his protective instincts dominate his actions.

"My apologies Virgo, perhaps you should go make that tea? I need to speak to my mate alone." He asked calmly. If he spoke anything else he was afraid he might say something that would send Lucy into hysterics. After Parlyusica's warning, he did not want to risk anything that could result in something that they were not ready for quite yet.

Virgo gave a reassuring smile to Lucy as she gently squeezed the mother's hands that were still clutching onto hers. "I will be right back Princess. You are going to need something to settle the babies."

Lucy's eyes widens as she was so caught up in the moment that she had seemed to forgotten her condition or the movement that was still ongoing. She had them inside her for so long that it was second nature almost to not feel them quite as much. As Virgo headed to the door, her spot was quickly filled by Loke moving into Virgo's place. With a golden flash, Virgo had returned to the celestial plane. Loke didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around his most precious person in his world. Lucy sniffled in his arms as she was calming down. His scent was returned to her and she felt safe and at home once more. His hand petting the hair as she buried her face in his neck as he felt her trembling body begin to calm down.

"I'm here, I promised you that I would come back didn't I?" he smugly smiled as he couldn't keep that tone from his voice.

"Leo..oh gods Leo...please tell me that this stupid ride is almost over?" she whimpered.

"I believe for now." he consoled as she clung to him crying. She had all the questions that she knew he had the answers to, but with all her emotions welling up inside her, she couldn't stop it from overflowing from her eyes. Her emotions were in every direction it would seem. Pregnancy was starting to really take its toll on her sanity as well her body.

Loke held onto her patiently as he let her work herself back down before he started to explain all of the events that transpired over the course of the past few days. it wasn't until Virgo had returned with the celestial tea for Lucy to drink, that the mage finally was able to compose herself enough to drink the specialized tea. Virgo dismissed herself as quickly as she had come; after, of course, offering her coin term of 'punishment'. Loke helped Lucy drink her tea as she felt the wondrous magical affects that not only soothed her, but replenished her magic.

"Better?" he asked her knowingly as she gave a small nod.

"Yes...much better..." Loke tucked a stray strand of loose hair behind her ear. His fingertips lightly touching the outer ear as he gave her a comforting smile. Lucy's puffy eyes looked at him with such adoration and innocence that he had admired. As her tears have stopped he took her in. She was and still is as beautiful as the day he laid eyes on her and knew he fell for her hard. He cupped her cheek with his palm and watched curiosity and unburned questions were aching to come out of her expression.

"Lucy, if you are feeling up to it I can start to explain a few things?"

Lucy gave a nod again, "Please Leo?"

He got more comfortable on the bedding as he removed his palm and brought it down to her hand. He laced their fingers and she set the empty cup aside. She curled closer to him the best her body would allow. Loke looked at the troubled gaze of his mate as he knew she was preparing for the worst. After all any news they have gotten lately had been nothing but bad. Was this what she was going to be expecting from now on; only bad news that threatened their happiness? He guess he couldn't blame her for looking the way he did. As much as she had cried and as much as she fought for him, she was a survivor and she was strong. Against the nagging voice in his mind that perhaps he should wait to recount his tale; he felt that this is the least he could do. She deserved to at least know why she had fainted and the reason for his disappearance. He owed her that at least.

"Well..." he began, "when we left we all had split into our groups. The zodiacs were attempting to do the ritual without me, but when they saw that I had arrived, the dark celestial spirit; the snake bearer captured me."

"Sn-Snake bearer?!" Lucy interrupted surprised. Loke gave a nod to her outburst.

"She is the hidden zodiac spirit and the one who was working with a power hungry and crazed Celestial King. It seems that when the Princess preformed eclipse, it had sent us into a chaos...when the serpent bearer captured me, I don't remember anything like before...just going back to that realm..." Loke spoke softly towards the end. Lucy gently squeezed their interlocked hand in a way of comfort.

"I am so sorry." She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Loke smiled gently at her.

"So...what happened? Did the others fill you in?"

"Yeah actually...Natsu and I, well, we fought...then everyone had to go to the celestial realm after we were sealed away." Lucy paled even more at the thought that her very close family could have been gone forever and that her Fairy Tail family went to save celestial realm in her stead.

"S-so then what happened?" she forced herself to ask. Her heart was hammering as she didn't want to think of anyone getting hurt. Did anyone die? Was Natsu alright? Did she even want to know? Even with Lucy's pressing, Loke kept up his gentle smile. He could read her thoughts so easily and feel her emotions.

"Pretty much the same thing happens when Natsu is involved and he is pushed into a corner." he let out a dry chuckle.

"So what about-"

"Everything now?" he finished, "well, everything is as if nothing happened before and we, including the Spirit King, don't remember anything. It is almost as if it was all a terrible dream that we couldn't remember."

Lucy pondered for a few moments as everything sank in. "I don't think this is just eclipse Leo. Something happened that caused this, but maybe I can hope that it is over as you say. So, how did we even end up home?" Lucy allowed herself to breathe. Maybe, just maybe, things were finally over and that they could finally have a shot at calming down and focusing back to where they were supposed to be all along.

"You were in such a state of distress that you were put in a coma by the doctor. We just got back yesterday after traveling for a week. We had Parlyusica come check on you several times once we got you in the bed. She had been waiting for us as we entered Magnolia." Loke reached out with his free hand and gently rubbed her swollen belly. For the first time, Lucy began to notice that her belly felt heavier and tighter in her lower abdomen. She looked at Loke with a bit of worry in her expression.

"It's almost time." he beamed to confirm the unspoken question. But his expression was turning to uneasy as her worried and surprised emotions assaulted him in a giant wave through their bond. He felt her uneasiness and her fear. Lucy began to feel that same fear make her blood run cold and her body freeze up. She felt like a giant weight was on her shoulders as the timing of the birth was soon upon them. She was so used to barely getting from point A to B; that she was once again thrown into another conflict and this time it was closer to home.

"H-how much ti-time..." she managed to ask but trailed off unsure if she even wanted to know the answer to it.

"A few days at most." his thumb lightly rubbed her belly as she looked into her worrisome gaze.

"F-few days?" she stuttered. Lucy felt the world around her really freeze as her breath quickened to the pace of her heart. She felt everything closing in as a full panic attack was well on its way. "F-few...days..." she repeated and sputtered as she tried to wrap her mind around it all. She barely felt the arms that encircled her and pressed her to the chest of her mate as he attempted to calm her back down. It was all so unfair. She felt that her time was robbed as they didn't have even one moments peace. When was the last time she had a carefree period of time where it was just her and Loke; where there was no crazy kidnappings and her world wasn't upside down?

"Lucy..." Loke gently spoke.

"No...I-I need more time!" she persisted with her labored breath and Loke blinked back in confusion. Her emotions were overwhelming him as they kept going between fear, anger, and uncertainty; it was starting to give him a headache.

"More time? Beautiful, I don't think it is really up to us as much as it is up to them. Their time is coming Lucy, and they want to come out and meet their mother." he gently smiled and warmly nuzzled her hair as he had her pressed to him.

"What if their mother isn't ready to meet them..." Lucy murmured her reply with squeezing her eyes shut. She buried her face once more to the safe haven of his chest.

"Then I feel sorry for you both. Lucy, it will be alright. The danger is finally over. All you need to decide is where you wish to birth them." he kissed her forehead and made her look into his eyes as he reassured her that was well. Lucy however refused to meet his gaze with her own as she felt ashamed for how she was acting.

"Would you hate me if I wanted them here?" she reluctantly asked after several quiet moments.

"No I wouldn't. It is where you feel the most safe and comfortable. Do you want them in the hospital or our home?" he gently ran his fingers through her hair as she pressed her forehead to his chest once more.

"Home." was her only response.

"Home it is. I will work out the details with Parlyusica." he nodded.

"I think I am tired..." she let out a shaky sigh.

"Then you need to rest my beloved." he gently spoke and curled into the bedding with her. Lucy rested her head over his chest and pulled him as close as he could to her. He held her in his arms and watched her eyes heavily close.

"Promise you won't leave..." came the last sentence she spoke before sleep quickly overcame her.

"Never ever again." was the soft reply she heard before she was thrown into a dream.

~Next Day~

After much arguing with Loke, Lucy was finally able to climb out of bed and move around. Although it was limited at best, it felt good to be in familiar surroundings. She did take note that practically all of Fairy Tail had taken residence at the home to help watch over Lucy, but she wouldn't have it any other way. She used Loke for help to lean on as she waddled around to greet and thank everyone. By the time she got to the Master, he was already gushing over her belly and how he was happy to see all his children return. Mira served food and eventually Lucy excused herself to where Team Natsu was sitting and drinking. Loke continued to stay ever as diligently to her side.

"Natsu..." Lucy spoke as he gazed over at her with his toothy grin.

"Well look who decided to wake up and join us." he snickered. Lucy could only smile, then without warning, she flung her arms around his neck and shoulders and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you for saving everyone." she whispered. Loke bit back a growl when he saw her kiss the Dragon Slayer. He noticed that Natsu's cheeks quickly turned the color of his hair which infuriated his blood and protectiveness further.

"Of course Luce, I couldn't' let my godchildren grow up without their dad." he murmured to her almost embarrassed.

"Godchildren?" Lucy ask confused.

"Well yeah, I should be the godfather." he grinned and no longer showing signs of embarrassment.

"That is still up-" Lucy was about to speak but quickly found herself being returned to Loke's side with his hand on her shoulder.

"You are right." he agreed with Natsu. The whole group could only blink at the confusing statement as Natsu was grinning ear to ear. Many doubting they heard the lion correctly. "He saved not only my life, but everyone else's. He also saved the realm and gave our children their parents. Natsu has more than proven himself to be a godfather of our babies."

"But I also promised Levy she would be a godparent as well." Lucy pointed out.

"Why not both?" Loke compromised.

"Oi Loke! What about me!" Gray crossed his arms. "Am I not your best friend? How the hell does flame brain get to be a god parent and not me?" he growled.

"Because I'm more responsible than you ice princess!" Natsu snapped back as both were glaring at each other. Loke and Lucy exchange nervous glances. However their situation was only going to get a little more intense as they caught the death glare of both Mira and Erza who made a beeline for the couple to have their votes in; then as if they were back at the guild, it turned into a heated debate then argument which lead to another fist fight brawl. Loke scooped Lucy up in his arms and carried her away from the mess that was happening behind them. Lucy could only shake her head. How could something so small turn into such a messy matter. Without anyone noticing the small family escape; Loke ended up taking her to the quieter part of their backyard and sat her down. He took a seat beside her on the bench. Lucy rested her head against his shoulder as he rubbed her belly.

"Heh, looks like they want to get in on that fighting as well." he joked as he felt his children kicking.

"Well they are going to be members of Fairy Tail after all." Lucy smiled and placed her hand over his. They sat in silence as they continued to hear the arguing in the distance behind them.

"So Natsu huh?" Loke raised an eyebrow at her as he decided to be the first to break.

"And Gray?" Lucy replied after a few more moments. Suddenly they found themselves laughing and looking at each other happily.

"I think we should go with that compromise." Lucy brought up as the laughter turned into satisfied giggles.

"Well I got a better one." Loke offered as he kissed her forehead.

"I am all ears." Lucy smiled.

"I think Luke should be co-guardian with Gray and Natsu, where Layla will be with Levy." Loke offered as he watched Lucy playfully bring a finger to her lips and she turned her gaze towards the sky to 'think' about the offer. Then after another moment she quickly leaned over and kissed his cheek playfully.

"I think that will work out just fine." She nodded in agreement.

"Princess." the pair was interrupted by the voice of Virgo as she had appeared in front of the couple. Lucy looked from Loke to the celestial audience that gathered around them. All her celestial spirits were there. Lucy's eyes widen as each had their own key.

"Girl!" came the authoritive voice of Aquarius. Lucy let out an audible gulp as Leo shot a dangerous look.

"We talked about this Aquarius." he warned.

"I ain't gonna hurt her or your children Leo." she rolled her eyes. She came up and placed her key in Lucy's palm, "Don't even think about losing it again." she winked. Lucy grasp the key to her chest as she smiled.

"Never." she exchanged a warm smile with her friend. Shortly Scorpio handed her his key as he wrapped an arm around Aquarius's shoulders.

"Accept my key as well. Just don't summon us too soon. We're going on vacation!" he winked mischievously as Aquarius swooned in his embrace.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Lucy giggled a little as she saw her friend's happiness.

"Have fun you two, but not too much fun. Otherwise you might be in the same boat as us." he chuckled at his family as they quickly disappeared while Scorpio kissed Aquarius. Lucy felt so much happiness. Then one by one, everyone placed their keys in her hands as they had one thing in mind.

"Everyone...thank you..." she couldn't hide her gratitude in her voice as it was thick with emotion.

"We want you to renew our contracts again." Capricorn nodded seriously.

"I-If you will have us of course!" chirped up Aries.

"Of course I will!" Lucy beamed as she clutched the keys to her chest. And so began to the process of renewing everyone's contract with placing the keys on her key ring that Loke just happened to have on him. Most of the contracts were the same save for a few minor tweaks here and there. After each reinstated each of the renewed contracts, the celestial spirit would return to the celestial realm. Soon the only ones left were the couple. Lucy suddenly found another key in her hand. She looked over at Loke with his soften gaze on her.

"This is for me as well?" she quietly asked. He gave a nod.

"And more." he whispered in her ear. A pink dust brushed across Lucy's cheeks. "I told you that we were bonded right?" he reminded.

"Yes, but still confused by it..." Lucy trailed off as she held his key.

"My life force has been bound to you as you have been bound to me. We can sense each other's emotions which I am sure you are more than aware of now. Lucy, you will stay this beautiful and young for as long as I live. We are forever bounded to one another probably for eternity." he lightly played with the strands of her hair.

"Forever is an awfully long time." she whispered to him.

"It is just a drop in the bucket when it will be shared with you." he leaned over and captured her lips under the setting sun.