Author's note: Getting close to the end! Who here is excited? DO NOT IGNORE THE END! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Chapter 7

Not So Secret

(Lucy pov)

Several weeks passed when the air pressure shifted. I rolled out of bed, for that was all I could do, and padded to the door flap. It was much too soon for Mavis to take down the sphere. She said she'd dispel it shortly before I went into labor. Could it be that we were under attack once more? I pulled out my third new key and called him to my side. The black crow appeared in a blast of shadows. He was bigger than other crows and his wings gleamed darkly.

"Yes, my Princess?"

I kept my voice low, careful to not alert anyone to my position. "Go outside and see if anyone is out there that isn't supposed to be. If you think they pose a threat, report back to me immediately."

He nodded and slipped into the shadows. His abilities matched that of Rogue and Gajeel's shadow forms. He could turn himself, and me if I wished, into mere shadows. I never tried it before, mostly due to the fear of my baby, but I would now if the situation calls for it. If Mavis had to dispel the sphere to conserve energy, it meant that she was in a fight that called for a lot of power. My priority is the survival of me and the life I carry. Though it would pain me, I would abandon Mavis to fight alone.

I waited impatiently for his return. I was tempted to call Virgo or Loke, but decided against it. If we are under attack, I must conserve energy for my escape with Corvus. I prayed to the Gods that nothing would happen to my baby in shadow form.

A small shadow danced into my room. My relief turned to panic when a larger one followed. My scream caught in my throat when the large shadow grew off the ground and into a Dragon Slayer. "Gajeel? What are you doing here?"

His attention wasn't on my face. His eyes were glued to my belly. "You look a little big to be carrying a kid."

"Are you saying I'm fat?!" I threw the book I was reading at his head. He simply caught it in mid air and dropped it on the floor. He finally looked up at my face.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do, Bunnygirl."

"Lucy!"

I turned to see Wendy barreling through the open door way. "Wendy! You too?"

She stopped in front of me, staring wide eyed at my swollen midsection. "Wow! You look really big, Lucy!"

"Stop calling me fat!"

Gajeel laid a hand on my head. "We're not calling you fat, Bunny."

"Yeah, Lucy! You're not fat. Just…. bigger."

Tears started streaming down my face as I looked down. "I'm fat!"

Gajeel backed up and Wendy took his place. The young woman did her best to wrap her arms around me, making me cry harder. I'm so fat that she can't even hug me properly! "Please calm down, Lucy. You're not fat. You're pregnant."

"Yes I am!" I sobbed. "Look at me! I look like a fucking whale!"

A bell rang through the air and another set of arms wrapped around my shoulders. The familiar arm warmers were soft on my skin. "Do not cry, Princess."

Another bell. "Such a beautiful woman should never shed tears of sadness."

"Shut the fuck up you pervert or I'll beat you with your own fucking legs!"

Loke jerked back, a look of horror plastered on his face. "But Princess…"

I saw the fear in his eyes. His fear of me. "Damn it! I'm fat, and now I'm a scary bitch! I'm a scary, bitchy whale!"

While Wendy and Aries did their best to comfort me, Gajeel searched the tent with his eyes and nose. He looked at me with a look of confused anger, but it quickly morphed into nervous fear at the sight of my tears. He grabbed Loke by his collar and carried him out of the tent. I was going to chase after them when Virgo appeared beside me holding a large tray of pastries. I was thoroughly distracted. As I stuffed pastry after pastry in my mouth, crying over how fat I am, Wendy used her magic to check the health of me and my baby girl. Thoughts of Gajeel and Loke were long gone.

(Gajeel pov)

Wow! Lucy is fucking huge! And she's only six months along according to Mavis. I tried looking at her neck for the Mating Mark, but she's wearing high-collared crap. Much different from what she normally wears. Weird.

The ghost didn't want to disturb the sphere, but Wendy and I convinced her to drop it. Imagine my surprise when Laxus is nowhere to be found. He wasn't sitting beside his pregnant mate and I couldn't even catch a whiff of his distinctive scent of ozone and pine. I would have asked Lucy where the fuck her mate was, but tears scare the shit out of me. So I settled on dragging her man whore of a Spirit outside and interrogating him.

I released his collar and watched as he landed on his ass. "Where's Laxus?"

"Not here." He stood up and brushed the dirt of his expensive suit.

Twitch. "Stop being a smartass! Why isn't Laxus tending to his pregnant mate?"

"Because he doesn't know."

I paused. He doesn't know? How can he not know? Juvia said that Laxus told her Lucy was… is carrying his child. This doesn't make a lick of sense! "What do you mean he doesn't know?"

Loke glared at me. "As in that pompous prick impregnated my Princess and abandoned her!"

"Shoot me that nasty look again and I'll gouge your eyes out!" I sighed, "Anyway, I find it hard to believe you. There's no way Laxus doesn't know about his own child. A Dragon Slayer can only impregnate their mate. I should know. If it wasn't for that little fact, I would have been a daddy several times over."

I'm not kidding when I say that.

I remember, when I was young and stupid, a woman that tried to force me into a marriage by claiming I had got her pregnant. Thanks to my superior senses, I could tell from the second I met her that she was an easy lay. I only fucked her a few times because she was good in bed. I had laughed in her face and called her out on her gold-digging, whorish self and told her that my beast would never mate a slut. She was not happy to be caught, and I never saw her again. Probably working street corners.

"What do you mean? I_" Loke was interrupted by the pinging lacrima in my pocket. I pulled out the orb and poured my energy into it, accepting the call. I could feel my face twist into a sneer at the familiar scarred face of the elder Dragon Slayer.

"Gajeel, there you are. I've been trying to get_"

I snarled, "You're fucking lucky I'm not in front of you, Sparky!"

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. After a moment of processing my tone, his wide eyes narrowed into slits. "What the fuck crawled up your ass, brat?"

"How dare you leave your mate alone! Especially now!"

Now he looked confused, the fucker! "What in the hell are you on about?"

"You've got some nerve, Spark Plug! Abandoning your mate in her condition is a insult to the Dragon that raised me and the lacrima in your empty head!"

"Mate?... Lucy! What the hell is wrong with her?!"

"Don't act like you don't know! I know everything! The second I see you, I'm going to beat the ever-loving shit out of you!" I cut the connection and shoved the lacrima in my pocket. I wanted to shatter the damn thing, but I was the only one here with a communication lacrima. Should anything happen, I'm the only one with a connection to the outside world. Sure, Mavis popped in every once in a awhile at the guild, but I'm not going to put my faith in a ghost.

I turned to interrogate Loke once more, but the lion cub was nowhere to be found. I made my way back to the tent, keeping an ear out for any sobbing or sniffing. I entered the luxurious tent when my nose and ears confirmed the end of Lucy's crying. There are few things that scare me. A woman's tears is one of those things. And giant purses. Those things are fucking creepy as shit! Who knows what women hide in there!

I walked in to see an oddly stiff and silent Lucy with her equally stiff yet scared companions. Lucy looked up and beamed that signature smile at me. "Gajeel! Where have you been? We were just about to have lunch! Join us!"

I searched the room for the orange-haired player. His scent was in the room, but his body was not. "Where's the cub?"

Lucy's grin was replaced with an angry scowl. "That bastard said I look ugly when I cry! So I told him to go back to the Spirit Realm. If I hear that he uttered one syllable, I'll gut him like a fish!"

"Uh… Lucy?" Wendy whispered, cringing under Lucy's glare. "All he said was that tears mar your beauty."

"That prick called me ugly!"

Virgo chose that moment to pop into existence with a food laden tray. A silver tray, I might add. "Princess, I have prepared lunch for you and your guests."

The pregnant woman's mood shifted again. "Oh, thank you! What would I ever do without you, Virgo? You are truly one of the bestest friends I could ever have!"

Virgo merely smiled, set the gleaming tray on the table, and vanished.

Aries smiled and patted Lucy's shoulder. "You must eat, Princess. Both you and the baby need plenty of nourishment."

I cleared my throat and sat down on the last free chair. "She's right, Bunny. You want to be nice and strong when you pop out the kid."

Lucy nodded and began piling food onto her plate. Wendy and I followed suit. As we started eating, Lily and Charla flew in and planted themselves on the table. Lily waved to Lucy and gave her a smile. Charla padded over to the Blonde and gave her a little exceed hug. "Good gracious, girl! You had me worried sick! You should know better than to hide yourself away in such a condition!"

"It's nice to see you too, Charla. You as well, Lily."

The black exceed acknowledged her with a nod and resumed shoveling thick cut bacon into his mouth. "So Lucy, when is the baby due?"

"Well, when Mavis puts the barrier back up, about a week or so."

Everyone but the pink, furry one froze. I forced half-chewed bacon down my throat. "I'm sorry. It's due when?"

"Only two more weeks at most. The barrier speeds up time inside of it, like the S-class trials, but backwards. I didn't want to be in such a vulnerable state, so I came here and convinced Mavis to help me."

I understand her fear. Pregnancy is a very vulnerable state for all women. They can't fight to protect themselves should they be attacked and a strong enough hit in the right spot could kill the baby. Not to mention the needs of a pregnant woman! They need to eat twice as much as they normally do because they're feeding two. Fucking Laxus… How dare he leave his mate like this! He told Juvia himself. She told me he was proud of his child if secretive, which is understandable considering the matchmaking demon. So where the fuck is he? None of this makes sense! "Well, now you've got us!"

Lucy gave me a tearful smile. "Thanks, Gajeel."

"Don't start that! No tears! You should be happy." Her hurt and angry look encouraged me to continue. I didn't want a sobbing woman on my hands. "The baby can feel your moods. I read it in a book somewhere."

Lucy gasped and caressed her swollen tummy. "I'm so sorry, baby! Mommy promises to smile from now on! Mommy will be so happy, you'll be born smiling!"

I sweatdropped and whispered, "That would be creepy as shit."

Lucy didn't acknowledge me, probably too wrapped up in her fantasy world.

We ate until we were all full and ready for naps. We were half asleep when the First Master's sudden and loud appearance snapped us back into reality. "Hello!"

"Hi, Mavis!" Lucy beamed.

The young ghost nodded and took a seat. "So what's the plan, Lucy? You now have four friends here and willing to help."

Wendy smiled nervously. "Well, I thought I could stay with Lucy. I am a healer and Porlyusica taught me a lot about pregnant women and what they need in terms of medical care. Lucy can't afford to be on her own right now."

"I agree with you, Wendy. Lucy needs all the help she can get. A healer will come in handy when that baby decides to make and appearance." Mavis turned to me. "And you, Gajeel?"

I shrugged, "Lucy has more than enough hands in here. I'll patrol the island and take care of anything that gets too close."

Lucy smiled brightly, tears gathering in her eyes. "Thank you, Gajeel."

"No tears!"

The tears came anyway, so I made my excuses and got the hell out of dodge. I wasn't lying when I said a woman's tears scare me. And I thought she was moody before! When she pops those kids out, I am never going to complain about her mood swings ever again! I swore to myself to never ever have children. Dealing with a pregnant mate would be the death of me.

As I got further from the camp, I began puzzling over the situation. Juvia said that Laxus told her himself that his Lucy is carrying his child/children. I've known Juvia since Phantom and she would never lie about something like this. The Rain Woman is a romantic at heart. Is it possible she lied? And if she did, to what end? To get me and Lucy together? It's not like I wouldn't get involved with a single mother, but I would never tread on someone else's ground. If Juvia wanted me and Bunny together, telling me that Laxus is the father of Lucy's unborn children is not the way to go. I respected and feared Laxus. To go after his girl, his mate, would be suicide. The second I laid hands on her, I'd be signing my own death certificate.

No, Juvia didn't lie. I smelt nothing but truth from her. So what about Laxus? Where in the hell is he? He confessed to Juvia that Lucy is carrying his offspring. After the ball, he left for the Poison Wyvern mission that quickly went to hell. I realized that he and Bunnygirl haven't seen each other since then. When the nest was discovered, Lahar and his cronies stepped in and dragged it out for as long as they fucking could just to make our lives difficult. When we returned, Juvia and Lucy were on a mission. Juvia was the only one to return, claiming that Lucy went off to train somewhere. So unless they were meeting in secret, they have had no physical contact for nearly four months.

But why?

Laxus is an asshole, yes, but I never thought him low enough to abandon his mate when she needed him most. Then a theory came to mind. It was no secret he despised weakness. Lucy, said to be the light of Fairy Tail, was also considered the weak link in Team Natsu. I always thought this a bit unfair. Lucy is powerful in her own right. I've seen her take enough hits to bring a normal Mage down only to get back on her feet and that girl packs a punch in those legs of hers. For all her strength and knowledge and cunning, she fell short in comparison to the three powerhouses that are Titania, Flame-Breath, and Frost Fairy. People saw her as weak because her power wasn't as flashy or explosive as her comrades. No matter what she accomplished, everyone has always compared to her Teammates and was found wanting. It didn't surprise me at all that Bunnygirl had self-esteem issues. Hell, I'd have self-esteem issues if I lived in the shadow of those I call family. If Laxus believed her to be weak, then he wouldn't have mated her. So why did Laxus get involved with her in the first place?

When we mark a mate, it's for life. The mark, the connection, cannot be undone. Even when one dies, the other will never be able to love another. To fuck someone besides your mate would cause them serious pain. Laxus knows this. I sat him down and told him about Dragon Slaying Magic and what came with it, the good and the bad. He knows that biting and marking a woman as he climaxed makes her his mate and he will never be able to leave her. He knows this and yet he still disregards his mate.

The rage that was steadily building as I pondered his actions exploded. My hand flew out and collided with a tree. The tree shattered and splintered, falling over from where my hand now rested. The cut wasn't clean by any means. One careless move and I'd be picking out splinters for an hour.

As the woods went quiet from lack of animal life, all running from the loud crash, I went back to the problem at hand. What about Lucy?

Bunny shouldn't have been left alone like that. She deserves better. Did Juvia know something else? I wasn't going to get answers from the fallen tree. I pulled out my communication lacrima and stated Juvia's name. The sound of rain filled the silence as I waited for her to pick up. Soon enough, Juvia's face appeared. "Gajeel? Did Gajeel get to Lucy? Is Lucy ok?"

"Bunnygirl is fine. I was actually wondering about something and I figured you might know. Laxus isn't here and…"

"Juvia knows." She cut me off. "Juvia knows that Laxus is not with Lucy."

I exhaled slowly. "Do you know why?"

"Laxus angered Lucy. Lucy did not say what the fight was about, just that Lucy wanted some time away from Laxus. Lucy told Juvia to keep her position secret."

'So she's just pissed? It could have been a hormonal thing.' "Well, tell Laxus to get his ass here. She needs him, Juvia. She might lose the kids if he isn't here when her water breaks." 'Those kids need their father.'

Juvia worried her lip. "Laxus is on an S-class mission at the moment. Gajeel knows Juvia cannot disturb an S-class mission unless it's an emergency."

"This is an emergency!"

"Lucy has not gone into labor, so it is not an emergency. I'll tell him as soon as he gets back. It can't be too long."

I growled in frustration and punched another tree. "Fine!"

"Take care, Gajeel." The lacrima cleared. I slipped it back into my pocket and continued my patrol.

So Lucy got mad and came here alone? If that was the case, Laxus wouldn't be on a mission. That bastard would be tearing the world apart looking for his pregnant mate. Juvia said that Laxus doesn't know where she is, so why is he so fucking calm? My opinion of him dropped with every second I spent thinking about the neglect of his mate. Did he mate her and impregnate her by accident? It's possible. Even my beast views Lucy as a good match. If I were to have sex with her, my beast would mate her without hesitation. Even Sting and Rogue admitted to finding Lucy attractive in both looks and behavior. There was just something about her that drew in powerful men. Laxus could have mated her by accident and impregnated her that one time and regretted it later. However, Laxus claimed Lucy in front of Juvia. Was it a cover? Did he think Juvia overheard something and jumped to cover his ass?

Something isn't right here. My gut is telling me I don't have the whole story. I considered asking Lucy, but I didn't want her tears or her anger aimed at me. I could try Mavis, but I don't think she has the whole story either. And she needs to focus on Lucy an the sphere. The First Master held the life of three Fairies and two unborn in her hands. Mavis can't afford to lose focus. I could talk to Laxus, but I probably burned that bridge. And the very thought of speaking to that prick is pissing me off. I could call Juvia again and try to get the whole story, but I don't think she had all the pieces either.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Thinking about it won't do any good. I have a job to do and I will take it seriously. For now, I'll keep the girls safe. I'll get my answers after she pops out the kids and I don't have to worry about hormonal tears or anger.

(Lucy pov)

Mavis said she would wait for us to fall asleep before replacing the barrier and lounged on the pillow mountain. Wendy guided me to my bedroom and commanded me to lie down for a check up. She used her Magic to peer into my tummy and heal anything that needed mending. She slouched over ten minutes later. Her eyes were clouded in confusion and worry. I called her name and her brown orbs cleared. There was still of hint of concern. Probably because this is her first time handling a pregnant woman. Hell, I'd be nervous too.

"Good news and better news, Lucy." She patted my belly. "Good news: you're as healthy as a horse and everything looks fine. Better news: you're having twins."

My heart stuttered a little. I felt the telltale lump in my throat. Tears pooled in my eyes, making my vision blurry. "Twins? I'm having twins?"

"Well yeah. You're much too big too soon to be carrying a single baby. Mavis suspected it and now I confirmed it. Want to know the genders?"

I nodded, unable to speak.

She smiled brightly. "Congratulations! It's a boy and a girl!"

The tears of joy finally spilled over. My heart swelled to accommodate the addition of a new child to love. Never in my life have I felt such overwhelming love and devotion. Is this what my mother felt when she was pregnant with me? I loved them both so much already. Would my love grow as they did? I didn't doubt it. I caressed my belly lovingly, hoping that my babies could feel all the love I had for them. Making up for the absence of their father.

'How could Laxus ever think of leaving you two? I haven't even seen you and you both hold nearly all of my heart.' But not all of it. The rest of it was with the man who gave me these precious gifts. As a Celestial Mage, I would honor my word and tell Laxus of their true parentage when I was ready. I didn't have much faith that he would accept them into his life. Reading into his actions, he was more likely to insult me and deny his claim as their father. I also guessed he'd threaten me into silence. A big, hot-shot player like him wouldn't want the fact that he had children out in the open. He wouldn't have to worry. I already settled on my story. I will tell the Guild I was training here on Tenrou, truth, and found my babies abandoned near my hotel, not so true. The Guild, the women especially, would be so focused on the baby, they wouldn't spot notice my more conservative clothing. They'd probably think I was changing for the babies, becoming more motherly by dressing the part. I'd be back in my old clothes as soon as I shed the baby weight; passing through the mommy stage.

'What if Laxus takes them from me?'

My hands that were gently rubbing my swollen belly froze in fear. It was no secret that Laxus detested weakness. I knew that everyone saw me as Team Natsu's weakest member. I heard the whispers, the conversations behind closed doors. Everyone wondered why the three powerhouses of Fairy Tail allowed such a weakling on their Team. Bets were placed on when they'd kick my out and replace me with Lisanna, Natsu's childhood friend and a strong Take-Over Mage. What if Laxus wanted his offspring? He probably viewed me as a weakling (and a stupid, gullible conquest). He would take his kids from me just so that they weren't raised by someone so weak. He would raise them and encourage them to grow strong. His hatred of weakness would rub off on them and they would learn to hate me. I bet he'd even claim their real mother was dead. He would keep me from my own babies because I couldn't live up to his standards!

"Lucy!"

My head snapped up at Wendy's shout. I noticed the sharply dressed Spirit kneeling beside the bed. Both looked worried.

"Are you okay, Lucy? Loke said he felt you were panicking."

I took deep breaths, attempting to calm my racing heart. "I'm fine, Wendy. Just picturing what my kids will look like in the future and then thoughts of my daughter getting married popped into my head." I giggled, "Now I know why Gildarts loses his mind when it comes to Cana. She's not even born yet and I already want to lock her away."

Wendy laughed cutely, "Yeah, but she'll probably inherit your stubbornness and sneak out of the house all the time."

"I sincerely hope not."

Wendy laughed again and patted my covered leg. "Well, I'm a little tired. I'm gonna go nap. Call me if anything happens, okay?"

"Rest, Wendy. My Spirits have been taking care of me before you showed up. They can handle me while you sleep."

Wendy grinned tiredly and left the room. She would probably fall asleep on the pillow mountain Virgo had set up. I used to spend most of my time there until I got too big to get up on my own. I picked up Virgo's Key and mentally asked her to provide a blanket for Wendy and to whatever else she needed. The Key grew warm and vibrated, signifying her acknowledgment of my request. I felt her open her own Gate and leave just as quickly. I placed her Key on my Key ring and settled back into bed. Loke sat at the end, toying with his rings.

"Loke?"

"Yes, my Princess?" The space around him sparkled with his charm.

"You've been in Fairy Tail longer than I have."

He smiled and went back to his rings. "Yes."

"How well do you know Laxus?"

Loke's relaxed posture stiffened at the name. The air in the room grew thick with his suppressed rage. I found my hands curling around my belly, shielding them from the potential danger my most trusted Spirit was emitting. My arms didn't relax as Loke slowly began to loosen his muscles. "We hardly ever spoke. All I've learned about him is from gossip and observation."

"Loke?" I began to fidget with the blanket. "Do you… Do you think Laxus would keep my children from me because I'm weak?"

Loke groaned, "Lucy, you are not weak! You are the strongest Celestial Mage I have ever had the pleasure to serve!"

I didn't look up, focusing instead on the fluffy wool blanket. A gift from Aries. "That didn't answer my question."

Loke was silent. He got up and crawled closer until he laid by my side. "Before Fantasia, I couldn't even picture him with a family. Everyone was too weak in his eyes and he only wanted the best. If he had gotten a woman pregnant, he most likely would have abandoned them and told the woman to never mention his name again. Now a days, I'm sure he thinks of starting his own family, but he would want someone strong to ensure their child will grow up to be as strong as him. That's just my theory, of course."

"But would he take my babies from me?"

Loke exhaled through his nose. "Maybe. You're a pretty girl, ensuring good genes for pretty babies, but he thinks you are weak Magically speaking."

"Loke…"

The door flap was ripped open. "LUCY!" A blur of pink and white flew towards me. Loke's arm shot out and punched it before the body could land on the bed, and potentially my babies. "Dammit, Natsu! Can't you see we're busy!"

I grinned brightly at my partner, rubbing his face on the floor. "Natsu! What are you doing here?"

The Dragon Slayer laughed and jumped to his feet. "I overheard Gajeel and Wendy talking about you at the train station and I decided to follow them! Lucy, how could you leave me like that? Why didn't you ask me for help?"

I smiled and patted the bed. Natsu slid into his usual spot beside me. Loke, seeing that I had protective company, left for the Spirit World. I thought I heard him grumble about an update for the King. Natsu hardly noticed his departure. My fire-breathing friend was much too interested in my swollen tummy. "Wow, Lucy! You're really fat!"

"I know! I'm so fat!" Shame laden tears spilled from my eyes and down my cheeks. Natsu's grin vanished.

" Wait! Lucy, don't cry! I didn't mean it. You're not fat!"

Anger replaced my shamed sadness. "Yes I am! Look at how fat I am! I look like a fucking cow! People are gonna start calling me Moocy! Fuck, I'm so fat, I make cows look like runway models!" The shame returned and more tears fell from my eyes.

Natsu rubbed my belly. "You're not fat, Lucy. Please don't cry. I hate seeing you cry. It makes me feel like I failed you and beat up the guy who made you cry."

I hiccuped as my tears dried. My partner, I don't know how he does it, but he knows exactly what to say to make me feel better. It still amazes me that this child-minded man, that starts fights over the littlest things, will do anything to make me smile. Damn, how can such a violent boy be so cute? "Natsu, you're the one who made me cry."

Natsu peered up at my face. "I know, so I'd have to beat myself up."

"I'll gladly do it for you, Ash for Brains." We both looked over to see Gajeel looming in the door frame. "How did you get here, Match Dick?"

"Happy flew us here!"

I looked around the room. "Where is Happy?"

"He fell asleep on the beach." Natsu answered casually.

Gajeel growled, "You idiot! Don't you know this island is still inhabited by predators? Didn't it occur to you that you might be leaving Happy in danger?"

Lily walked in, dragging a sleeping Happy behind him. "I found him. Should we drop him in the pillow fortress Wendy and Charla made?"

"Yeah, sure." Gajeel's eyebrows furrowed and sniffed the air. "Was Loke in here?"

"Oh yes! He was here to give me comfort."

Lily scratched his head. "Didn't send him to the Spirit World for calling you ugly?"

I froze. "I did! LOKE, YOU PRICK! STAY UP THERE!"

Gajeel and Lily backed out the room. "We're gonna… patrol the island again." Just like that, they disappeared, leaving nothing but a trail of dust in their wake. Natsu snuggled into my side, sharing his body heat with me. I basked in his warmth. I missed my partner and his childish antics. I knew that as long as he was here, nothing would happen to me. Natsu always kept me safe.

"Lucy… I overheard what you and Loke were talking about."

I tensed under his arm. "Oh?"

He nodded, "I've known Laxus for a long time. Ever since I joined Fairy Tail, I've looked up to him. He was everything I wanted to be. He is so strong and powerful, I wanted to be just like him! But now… now I see that he is really a selfish, power-obsessed jerk that hurt his family."

I sympathized with Natsu. I had a hero like that in my father. When mom died and he turned his back on me, the disappointment and loneliness nearly killed me. "Oh Natsu, Laxus has learned from his mistakes. He would never hurt anyone in Fairy Tail."

Natsu didn't acknowledge me. He pulled me closer, tucking my head under his chin. "If Laxus had kids, he'd want them to grow up strong like him. Even if it meant taking them from their mother, I think. I don't know why you and Loke were talking about it, but I thought I'd drop my opinion. Laxus honors strength. He would want his kids to be the very best and the strongest. He wouldn't settle for less."

I believed him. I've always known, so why does it hurt to have it confirmed? Every other night, I'd have nightmares of Laxus either abandoning me, taking my babies, or even killing them. I shrugged them off and told myself that Laxus would never hurt his family. Even if he didn't want his children, he'd never intentionally hurt them. I still believe that, but it's the other two that worried me. If Laxus were to reject his offspring, I wouldn't mind as long as he kept quiet that I was their true mother. I would raise them with the Guild and they would grow up surrounded by love. It would be difficult, but I could pull off being a single mother with my family there to support me. If Laxus took my children, it would break me. I would be forced to watch my children grow up without knowing their mother. He might even teach them to hate me.

I listened to Natsu's soft snores, enjoying the warmth his Magic provided. I promised Mavis I would tell Laxus of his children when I was ready. Could I really do it? Could I risk further rejection? Can I risk losing my babies to him? Could I survive with occasional glimpses of my children from afar as he raised them himself?

Out of all the vows I've made and all the promises I'll make in the future, this one will be the hardest to keep.

I fell asleep and dreamed of raising a happy family with Laxus by my side. I dreamed of watching our children climb over their sleeping father and waking him up for a tickle fight. I dreamed of delicious meals and giggly kids as Laxus stuck food up his nose for their amusement. I dreamed watching my babies play at the park while wrapped in a man's strong arms. I dreamed of tucking our children into bed and sneaking off for some 'Mommy and Daddy' time.

I dreamed that Laxus loved me.

This is giving me a serious case of the feels. I started crying during this chapter. I'm not joking. Did anyone else cry? Am I the only one?

Now, do I have everyone's attention? Quiet in the classroom, please! I have an announcement.

I am currently working on several other stories. Most of them Fairy Tail ffs. For those of you who read my notes, you all know I will now be writing the whole story before posting a chapter. Or do my best to finish it. I haven't finished this story, but it's almost there. Now, if you guys want... I will post the first chapter, a sneak peek, of one of these stories at the end of this one. I might put up a poll (Not sure yet), but I will tell you the story options.

.^.^.^.

*Key to War: Lucy forged a contract with a God (take a guess at which one) after he saved her. His contract is simple, but it he demands a price for his help. A price Lucy is unwilling to pay.

*Gift of the Dragon God: When the Dragons lay siege to Crocus under Future Rogue's command, Lucy summons Draco to beg for his help. No one expected him to make her a Dragon Rider, a Lost Magic deemed forbidden by the Dragons. For a good reason.

*The Perfect Bride: Five bodies were found. Four of them prostitutes. One was a Mage. All five share two things in common. All had blonde hair. And a pattern of a Constellation stabbed into their backs. Laxus and Gajeel have been assigned to protect Lucy from a psychopathic Null. As the GMG draws closer, more bodies are being discovered. Can Laxus and Gajeel stop this madman from taking the Fairy's Light away?

*Imprisoned: You can't change the past. It is a bitter pill for Laxus to swallow. His exile has made him a better man, but it does not change the mistakes he has made. One of them will come back and bite him in the ass. And what better way to make him suffer than by enslaving his secret crush, the Light of Fairy Tail?

*When Night Falls: Nothing is more pure than the Light of Fairy Tail. Everyone knows Lucy as an innocent if quirky virgin. Her attempts at seduction are adorable and she must be protected. But Lucy has a weekend secret. How will the male Slayers of Fiore react to discovering her wild side?

.^.^.^.

I think that's about it. Let me know in the reviews which one you guys want me to post. If you guys want a sneak preview, that is.

-SPN :3