Author's note: I see a certain bixlu loves this so far. Enjoy the new chapter!

Chapter 5

Playing House

(Laxus pov)

Mira held up her communication lacrima gently, waiting for Gramps to answer. After a few seconds, his face appeared. "Hello Mira. How is everything? Have you taken care of the Wyvern problem?"

"No, Master. Lahar is doing his best to put it off for some reason. We've been helping rebuild the town while perfecting the strategy. We need more Mages for what we have planned. Other guilds have the more powerful members here already, and I'd thought I'd ask if there's anyone you can spare."

Gramps hummed in understanding. "Well, Natsu and Gray just got back from their competition with Lucy. I'm sure they would gladly help."

Sting jumped from his seat. "A competition? What kind?"

"Just to see who could complete the most missions in a month without causing mayhem and destruction. Lucy won."

I smiled. That's my girl.

"That's great to hear!" Mira beamed.

Gramps nodded. "Lucy has also asked Juvia to join her on a month long mission."

Erza and Mira blanched. Everyone in the guild knew of their one-sided rivalry. What they didn't know was that Lucy and I had 'confessed' to being together for several months, therefore making Lucy unavailable to Gray. Between the two of us, I am clearly the better man. S-class missions pay a lot of money, so I can financially support both of us and any children we have without a problem and I am much stronger than Gray. Not that I'm bragging or anything.

"Is Lucy okay?" Erza asked. "She's not sick, is she?"

"Lucy is fine. I'm glad she branching out. She's always taking missions with Team Natsu. It'll be good for her to try pairing up with someone else."

Erza didn't look convinced. "I guess."

Lyon, who had arrived directly from a mission after a call from Jura, pouted. "My dear Juvia would have done well on this mission."

Gramps shook his head. "Lucy looked excited to be going on a mission with Juvia. Maybe they have finally settled their differences. They're leaving tomorrow morning."

I stepped into the lacrima's view. "We're getting off topic. Send Natsu and Gray if you can spare them. Once they're here, we'll take out the nest so we can go home." So I can grovel at Lucy's feet and earn her forgiveness.

"Alright, Laxus. I'll call up Natsu and Gray and ask them. If they want to help, I'll send them to you immediately. Just keep them safe, my boy."

I smirked at the man who raised me. "Don't worry. We have Sherria here in case anyone gets poisoned. Porlyusica gave her and Wendy directions for an anti-venom."

"How did you get her to give them that?"

"I didn't do anything. Wendy talked to her and the old hag wrote down instructions. No way am I dealing with her again unless I absolutely have to."

The door flew open and Lahar charged in. "What is going on in here!"

"Requesting back-up. We have a plan and we will be executing it as soon as Natsu and Gray show up."

Lahar nearly lost his composure. "What plan? I didn't agree to anything! We are still weighing our options."

I towered over the man, shooting him my darkest glare. "You are weighing options. I have already decided the best strategy and everything's in place. You're just here to watch the convict."

Cobra waved from his chair. "Yo!"

Lahar exhaled through his nose. "This is under my jurisdiction."

I entered his personal space. "No, it's not. This is an S-class mission request sent from the mayor of this town. Due to the situation, I have called in other Mages that will best destroy such a large nest. You butted your way in with the excuse of observing a man that is nearing the end of his sentence. You have no authority here. While you are on this mission, you answer to me. Unless… you'd rather take your men and leave."

Lahar glared up at me. He reeked of defiance and fear. He knew I was dangerous. He knows he can't face me on his own and win. "I want your hand written report when this is over. If Cobra escapes from under your watch, you will take his place in prison." With that, he turned and left the room. His Rune Knights followed silently.

"Finally!" Cobra groaned, "I'd thought he'd never leave!"

I didn't turn away from the door. "Make any attempt to run away, I'll kill you myself."

Cobra waved his hand, dismissing my threat. "Yeah, yeah. I'm being released in a few short days. Why would I want to ruin that?"

I shrugged and faced the large group of Mages. All S-class Mages, save one or two, were here along with powerful Mages from various guilds. All were here to wipe out a nest of Poison Wyvern that threatened the country they swore to protect. "Jura? Is everything in place? I want this to go off without a hitch."

"Hibiki helped with the calculations. The timing needs to be perfect."

"It will be." I turned to Mira. "Any last minute requests?"

"I don't know… Hibiki? Would you be a dear and…"

The player waved a manicured hand. "Way ahead of you."

Ichiya and his gang of miscreants showed up a few days ago by Rufus' request. The Memory Mage technically only invited Hibiki, but the whole Trimens Team followed. Erza did her best to ignore their creepy leader. Hibiki used his Archive Magic to sort the members of each guild and select those best suited for the situation. When Lucy's name joined the 'invite' section, I had to use all my years of experience and patience to not attack the little fucker. "Remove her from the list."

Hibiki never took his eyes off the screen. "Lucy is an amazing strategist and incredibly resourceful. I see no reason why we can't invite her."

I'll give you a reason: She's my mate! "Lucy is still recovering from opening and closing the Eclipse Gate. It doesn't help that Melissa over there beat her…"

"It's Minerva!" hissed the dark haired woman.

I glared at her before continuing. "Mildred over there beat her on the fourth day of the GMG. Being here will make her injuries worse."

Hibiki pouted and removed Lucy from the list. "Darn, I was hoping I would get to see her. Oh well…" Another name popped onto the screen and was added to the list.

"No picture can do my Juvia justice!"

"Would you shut up?" Gajeel growled. "I'm sick of hearing you drone on and on about Juvia."

Erza shook her head. "Juvia has agreed to a mission with Lucy. She is unavailable for the next month."

"Not true, my scarlet beauty." I could have sworn the air around the man sparkled. "A Mage requested for a high-priority mission can drop any request they are doing and answer the call. She can turn down the offer, and laws state that she would have no responsibility to their mission request should she accept."

Lyon brightened considerably. "It wouldn't hurt to ask!"

Mira picked up her lacrima. "I'll call her now."

The crystal glowed with Mira's magic. It pulsed for a few seconds before Juvia's face appeared in the lacrima. "Hello Mira. Why did Mira call Juvia?"

"Hello Juvia! I hear you and Lucy are going on a mission tomorrow."

Juvia smiled, "Yes! Juvia understands now that Lucy is not interested in Gray. Now Juvia is excited to spend time with Lucy."

"That sounds wonderful, Juvia, but is there anyway you can take a rain check?"

"Huh? Why must Juvia postpone her mission with Lucy? Is something wrong?"

"I'm sure you heard of the Wyvern nest that Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe left to deal with. They have requested back up and you are one of the people we thought of along with Natsu, Gray, and Lucy."

"No! Not Lucy!" Juvia shouted as soon as my mate's name was spoken. "Lucy is in no condition to battle Poison Wyverns!"

Mira frowned, "Why? Is she sick? Didn't she just get back from that month long contest? Was she injured?"

My ears perked up, interested in any news relating to my mate. I hated being away from her. If she is sick, then I need to speed things up here and get to her. I hope she's okay. I won't ever forgive myself if something happened to her while I was away.

Juvia bit her lip, looking embarrassed. "Lucy isn't sick… She… She just needs to recuperate, that's all."

"Then why are you two going on a mission if she needs to rest?"

Juvia paled. "W… Well…. It's just house sitting. Very little magic use…"

My eyes narrowed on the crystal sphere. What is she hiding?

Erza crossed her arms. "I do not feel comfortable knowing Lucy will be on a mission while she is not 100% healthy. That is asking for trouble."

"Juvia will be with her! Juvia will protect Lucy and her….. and her Spirits! Juvia will not let anything happen to her!" The bluenette's eyes darted around her room. The girl knew something and was withholding it from her superiors. My gut told me it was important. It was also telling me to rush back to my mate's side.

Mate needs us…

I shoved my inner beast back in its cage and focused on the conversation.

Mira and Erza shared a look. "I'd feel better if Natsu went with her…" I held back the growl building in my chest. "but I guess you two will be okay. Just take the communication lacrima with you incase anything happens."

"Juvia promises to keep it on her at all times. Juvia will take care of Lucy."

"Thank you, Juvia. Have fun and be careful on your mission."

Juvia waved. "Bye!" The woman faded away, leaving the crystal clear.

Mira put down the crystal. "She's hiding something."

(Lucy pov)

"You just enjoy your vacation. Leave the house to us!" I waved at the retreating forms of the middle aged couple. I shut the door and secured it. I stood up straight and grinned wickedly at my temporary partner. "So what shall we do first?"

Juvia smiled excitedly. "Juvia is eager to try the heated indoor pool! Juvia also heard that swimming is a good exercise for pregnant women."

"Then let's get our suits and we'll swim for an hour or two. However, I want to ward the house first. You know, make sure no one sneaks in while we're distracted. I have a friend that makes the best barriers."

Juvia nodded, "Good idea! Juvia brought some lacrima crystals that should help. Juvia needs to place them in the house corners of each floor."

"I heard of those! They're supposed to be really good but expensive."

"They are. Juvia got them while she was an S-class in Phantom. Juvia got plenty for these kind of situations. But once they are in place, nothing comes in or out. Juvia programmed the crystals to let Juvia move freely. Once Juvia places them, Lucy will be stuck inside."

"Can't you make the lacrimas accept me?"

The female shook her head. "Juvia only bought the one person ones."

"Was it all you could afford?"

"It was all I ever needed."

That's right. Juvia was quite solitary before joining Fairy Tail. Because of rain she brought, no one wanted to be near her. I think that's a dumb reason to avoid someone. A little rain would never have stopped me from wanting to meet her.

"So I guess what's the barrier's up, I'm stuck inside, huh?"

Juvia nodded sadly.

I heaved a sigh. "Oh well. At least there's an indoor pool and arcade."

That's how we spent the days house-sitting. We would swim and play in the arcade everyday. Since the house was fully stocked, we were free to eat a wide variety of food I only remember from my days as an heiress. If we didn't feel like swimming or playing, there was a large library at our disposal. The couple had an impressive collection of books about every topic known to man. Juvia and I poured through the magic tomes, searching for any new information on our respective magic. Juvia found books on pregnancy and took it upon herself to take care of me. I often saw Juvia, Aries, and Virgo all huddled together over a pregnancy book. Virgo even found a book of names for me to go through. When the weather was particularly dreary, we'd all sit together in the kitchen and go through names for my baby.

During the month, my belly grew bigger. The girls fawned over it and me. The second Juvia walked in on me dressing, she alerted my two female Spirits. Since that day, I was not allowed to do anything that 'might endanger the baby'. When I mean anything dangerous, I mean damn near everything. I slept on the ground floor, lest I fall down the stairs on my way to the kitchen. I was not allowed to cook in case I burned or cut myself. Swimming was done only under the watchful eyes of my three caretakers. If I showed any hint of being tired, I was whisked away to bed. No matter how much I tried to fight it, the girls wouldn't stop. When I started craving odd food combinations, they were quick to fetch it, wrinkling their noses at the gross but delicious mixture.

When the month came to an end, we all went through the house and cleaned. I convinced them that it was the courteous thing to do. I wasn't allowed to do much, but I did my best to do my part.

The couple returned to a sparkling house. They tried to pay extra for the service, but we turned it down. We left instead with a basket of food for the road and the agreed reward. Juvia and I split the reward evenly, mostly because I refused to take more than my fair share, and enjoyed the trip home.

"Lucy?"

I looked away from the passing scenery. "Yes, Juvia?"

"We should do this again."

She wanted to team up again? "We should." I smiled softly. I was glad to make a new friend. Though it started out rough between us, we finally put it behind us.

The moment was ruined by an incessant beeping coming from Juvia's coat. She pulled out a glowing lacrima. The beeping stopped and Master's face appeared. "Hello Juvia! How was your mission?"

"It was fun, Master! Juvia enjoyed her time with Lucy."

"That's good to hear, child. When will you be home?"

"Juvia believes we will return in a two hours."

Master opened his mouth to reply when he disappeared and Mira took his place. "Hi, Juvia!"

"Oh, Mira! You're back! How was the mission? Are the Poison Wyverns gone? Was anybody hurt?"

Mira beamed her usual smile. "It was a success! Everyone got out okay, but Laxus had a close call or two. Other than that, it went smoothly. So, how is Lucy doing? I bet it was weird for her to be without her Team."

Juvia looked up at me in worry when Laxus was mentioned. My heart clenched at his name. Though I was hurt by what he did, I still worried over his safety. And it would break my heart if he never got to meet his daughter. "Uh… Lucy is fine. Lucy is ready to go home. Juvia is sure she misses her bed."

"Oh? Can I see her? I want to talk to her."

Juvia asked me silently if I wanted to talk. I shook my head and laid on the seat. Thankfully, Juvia took the hint. "Lucy is asleep at the moment. Mira can talk to Lucy when Juvia and Lucy return."

I could see Mira's eyes twinkling with a light no one wanted to see. All who saw that twinkle prayed that they were not in her thoughts. Mira has paired me up with some other man that I have no interest in whatsoever. A matchmaker Mira is not. "Darn… Oh well. I guess I'll have to wait a bit longer. Everyone who participated in the mission is here celebrating. I was going to have Lucy give our new allies a tour of Magnolia."

"Uh… New allies?"

The view swiveled to face the guild hall. Inside the Guild Hall were several Mages from popular guilds. The ones I never expected to see within the Guild walls was Team Sabertooth. Sting, Rogue, Yukino, Rufus, Orga, and Minerva sat at a table cradling mugs of beer. The view pivoted again until Mira filled the crystal. "They were a big help in taking down the nest. They agreed to put the past behind them and extended a hand of friendship. Well, their Guild Master did. I just think Sting wants a reason to come and challenge Natsu."

My blood froze at the sight of the woman who beat me to near death. My breakfast shot up from my stomach and pooled in the back of my throat. I got up and rushed to the restroom, ignoring Juvia's frantic voice. I closed the door behind me and spewed the vomit into the toilet. I spat out the bile coating my mouth and rinsed with fresh water from the sink spout. I flushed the toilet and headed back to our compartment. Juvia was no longer holding the lacrima. She was on me the second she noticed my return.

"Lucy!" Her arms trapped me in a loose embrace. "Is Lucy alright? Juvia was worried when Lucy ran out of the compartment."

I pulled away. "I'm fine, Juvia. It's just morning sickness."

"Oh. Juvia read that crackers and pretzels are good foods to eat for morning sickness. Juvia also knows the food car sells jell-o. Juvia will go get food for Lucy."

Oh! Pretzels sound good! "Get some cheese for the pretzel."

Juvia nodded. "Juvia will get jell-o and a pretzel with cheese. Do not leave until Juvia returns. Lock the door behind Juvia." The young woman grabbed her small purse and left the private compartment. I did as I was told and secured the door. I didn't want anyone to come in here unannounced. Not while I'm vulnerable.

So Mira is back, celebrating the successful end of a dangerous mission. If Mira is back, that means Laxus is there as well. My heart shuddered at the thought of seeing him again. I wasn't ready. I'm not anywhere near ready to face the father of my child. This aqua colored dress did it's job and glamoured my bump from sight, but that's all it did. One accidental brush of a hand or enthusiastic hug and I would be discovered. When everyone finds out about me, they'll think I'm a slut! My heart is broken already. I know it couldn't take the pain of rejection from my family. It would completely shatter. There'd be nothing left.

And that's another thing. It wouldn't due to go through all this trouble of hiding my pregnancy only to show up with a blonde baby! The clothes Aries made would hide my baby fat, but it won't hide the fact that my baby looks like me. I thought about this, going through my options. I didn't have many. I refused to kill a child. Especially my own. Neither could I give her away. It would be worse than murder, knowing that my baby is out there in the world being raised by someone that is not me. It would hurt both me and my Spirits if we abandoned my heir to strangers. I could dye her hair, but that wouldn't hide her face.

Then it hit me. Aries and Pavo the Peacock, one of my new Spirits, made a bunch of clothes to 'hide' my baby bump. Maybe I can ask them to make a bracelet or something to change her facial structure. I'd have to ask if it was possible. I hoped it was.

Three soft knocks on door and one tap signified Juvia's return. I unlocked the door and let her in, securing it behind her. She set down a tray laden with food, both mine and hers. The smell food made my stomach growl. Juvia smiled and pointed to the pretzel. A plastic cup of melted cheese sat on the plate. A bowl of jell-o wobbled with every movement of the train. My stomach gurgled again.

"Lucy must eat. Lucy is eating for two now."

I snorted, "That's my excuse for eating like a pig."

Juvia giggled, "Eat. You need nourishment."

I sat and dug into the jell-o. It was strawberry flavored, my favorite. After the jell-o was gone, I savored the pretzel. The cheese was delicious. All melty and warm and creamy goodness.

We finished our snack and set the plates on the tray. The speakers came to life, announcing that the train would be arriving at Magnolia station in ten minutes. Juvia smiled, "Is Lucy excited to go home?"

Oh… How do I break it to her. The woman became protective as soon as she saw the baby bump. She is going to flip. "About that…"

"Isn't Lucy excited to see Laxus again?"

"Well… Laxus and I… he did something I didn't like and I want him to learn his lesson. When I've cooled off, I'll call him and tell him I'm on Tenrou."

Juvia's eyes widened. "Is it because Laxus went on the Poison Wyvern mission?"

Sure, why not? "Yes. That jerk needs to take it down a notch. At the rate he's going, our baby won't have a father. I know it's wrong of me, but I must ask you to keep one more secret. Don't tell anyone where I am."

Juvia opened her mouth only to close it a moment later. She bit her lip and nodded. "Is… Is Lucy going to Tenrou alone?"

"Mavis will be there along with my Spirits. I will be well protected."

"But what about the baby?"

"We'll be fine. Mavis will watch over us and my Spirits can supply me everything I need. I'll be fine."

Juvia did not look convinced, but I knew she would keep my secret. My only hope was that Mira didn't notice her odd behavior. If Mira so much as looked at Juvia, she would know the Rain Woman was hiding something. Juvia wasn't a very good liar, but all she was doing was withholding the truth.

"Just promise that Lucy will be safe."

The speaker came to life as the train began to slow. "We are now arriving at Magnolia station."

Virgo poofed into the compartment, Juvia's bags in both hands.

"I promise."

Juvia got up as soon as the train stopped. "Oh! One more thing!" She reached into her purse and pulled out a Silver Key. "Juvia saw this and thought of Lucy. Juvia hopes this new Spirit will be of help in protecting Lucy."

I gently took the Key and rubbed it's smooth surface. Tears spilled down my face. "Thank you."

(Laxus pov)

The guild was overflowing with the sound of laughter and fighting. The extra Mages in the hall either joined the brawl or did their best to avoid the flying debris. I watched the door from my seat on the second floor. I overheard Mira speaking to Juvia and impatiently awaited for my mate's return. I desperately wanted to see her, to hold her in my arms. My inner beast paced the confines of its cage, brimming with agitation.

I want mate.

She's coming. My mind flashed back to that night two months ago. She looks exquisite when she comes… I can't wait to taste her.

"Cut it out."

I ignored the shorter man that crept from the shadows and plopped himself beside me. "Stop snooping through my head."

Cobra mumbled, "Would if I could. You think of that chick so much, I'm starting to dream about h…" My hand clutched his throat.

"Do not finish that sentence." I squeezed lightly. "And stop fantasizing about my mate." I let go and turned back to the door.

"It was a fucking joke." Cobra said between coughs.

I grunted and left it at that. Now he knew better. I sat up straight when the doors opened and the Rain Woman slipped inside. The ex-Phantom went around the mass of flailing limbs and stopped in front of the mission board. I noticed that my mate was not with her. That fact made me rather angry.

What did she do to mate?!

I don't know, but I'm going to find out.

Before I could get up, a head of long, white hair approached the bluenette. The eldest Strauss threw her arms around the other woman. "Juvia! I'm glad you're back!"

Juvia froze up. Her eyes darted around the large room and started to fidget. "Hello, Mira. Juvia is glad to be home."

"So where is Lucy? I didn't see her come in with you."

I could see Juvia shiver from here. "Lucy decided to go training with her Spirits. Juvia thinks that Lucy is ashamed to have lost twice in the GMG."

"Lucy shouldn't be ashamed. Raven Tail cheated and Minerva is a tough opponent. Even Erza had some trouble with her."

"Juvia knows how strong Lucy is, but Lucy doesn't see herself clearly."

Mira sighed dejectedly. "Yeah. Darn it, and I was hoping to set her up with Rufus."

Juvia jerked back in surprise. "Rufus? Why the Memory Mage?"

Mira perked up. "Well, Lucy is always going on about finding the perfect boyfriend, so I found one for her! Rufus will never forget important dates and seems to know his manners."

"Uh… Wouldn't Freed be a…"

"Freed is mine." Mira's face cracked as her Demon surged to the surface.

Juvia and I sweatdropped. "O-o-okay… Mira, Juvia does not think Rufus is even Lucy's type."

Mira's eyes glinted darkly. Everyone who saw it scrambled to get away from matchmaking Mira. "Oh? Do you know who Lucy likes?"

Juvia froze in fear. She searched for an escape route. She spotted Mira's sister talking to one of the members of the Thunder God Tribe. "Lisanna is flirting with Bixlow over there!"

Mira turned on a dime. She honed in on the unsuspecting pair and made her way to the table. Juvia took the opportunity and rushed to the purple-haired barmaid. She signed for the mission and sprinted from the building crying tears of joy and relief. I got up to follow her only to be stopped by my overzealous Teammate.

"Laxus! I have discovered an interesting mission on the S-class board!"

I almost groaned. "Not now Freed."

The man didn't stop. He chattered away on the requirements of the mission, droning on about how I would be able to complete this three month mission in one. I did my best to block him out, thinking of my mate instead. My insides twisted painfully. My mate needs to be here with me, not out there by herself.

"...a Silver Key. I know Lucy is always looking for new keys… Laxus?"

I ripped the paper from his grasp. There, under the 9-figure reward was the mention of a Silver Key. The Spirit was unknown and was discovered near a volcano. I read the request and found it to be relatively simple. Just take care of a monster and find the town's children it took. Simple enough. Besides, I need all the help I can get if Lucy is this upset about waking up alone. Maybe this key is one that she really wants. It won't solve the problem, but it's a step in the right direction. When we come back, I will talk to Lucy. Even if I have to wait her out. "Prepare yourselves for the mission."

"Yes Laxus!" Freed saluted and went to gather the rest of the Team. I stood up, paper in hand and headed for the stairs. "Coming?"

The scrape of a chair was the only indication that Cobra had moved. Lahar had given Fairy Tail (me) the 'honor' of rehabilitating the ex-convict. Though his hearing was annoying as shit, it came in handy in a fight.

It's easy to win a fight when you can 'hear' your opponent's next move.

"Yeah, until they shut their brain off."

I barked out a laugh. I heard of Natsu and Cobra's battle. It must have been real easy for the kid to stop thinking.

"How well do you know Natsu?"

We walked along the walls, avoiding the much larger brawl in the middle of the hall. "I've known him since he first joined. Kid's strong, but he's as dumb as a sack of rocks. Probably dumber."

"About that…" Cobra's voice dropped. I had to strain my superior hearing to pick up his whisper. "Watch your back around the kid. Believe me when I say he's not as dumb as you think."

"What's up?" I said as quietly as I could. The brawl was a good diversion, but Dragon Slayers had excellent hearing.

"His beast is close to the surface. Almost like yours, but not as controlled. You treaded on his turf and now he's got a bone to pick with you."

"What turf? I won't go anywhere near his house."

Cobra shook his head. "Not a place. A person. Natsu has been scent marking her for years, establishing his claim on a female, and you came in and took her as a mate. Natsu is not happy."

I shrugged and started walking to the bar again. I hadn't even realized we stopped. "He needs to get over it. Lucy is my mate and she has my bite to prove it."

"Natsu knows. He was thinking of different ways to put you in danger on the Wyvern mission when he noticed me and stopped thinking."

I froze. Natsu was thinking… No. Natsu was all about family. He loves Fairy Tail and has proven it time and time again with his dedication and protection of the Guild. But Cobra can read people's minds. If what he says is true…

Natsu wants to kill me.

"It's not completely his fault. His beast is close to the surface. Lucy was his chosen female and she just so happened to be yours as well. I'm glad that you're mated with the woman you love. She is a good person from what I hear, but Natsu won't let this go. He will confront you one day and you might be forced to…"

"Don't say it." Natsu was one of the pillars that held up our guild. If he were to die, it would devastate the guild. I'll just have to solve the issue before things get out of control. I'll make him see reason.

"What if you can't?"

I decided not to think about.

Be safe, Lucy.