Hey Guys look i'm still alive….haha barely though
Do apologize for the long wait, my holidays ended and Uni hit with full force giving me little free time to work on my fanfiction

Also a quick note I am perfectly happy to respond to any questions about writing or any kind of help but please remember that if you have a guest account than I CANNOT contact you at all

In relation to the last chapter the lady was Mika.

Thank you all for your patience and I hope you enjoy this chapter

Lucy let out a loud sign as she stretched her arms across the freshly cleaned kitchen bench staring off into space as she leaned on the furniture.

'I can't remember the last time things have felt so still' she mumbled to herself looking around the empty house 'or when it felt this lonely' She signed again. When Mira and Lisanna first offered to take care of the twins as well as the other guild's children for a sleepover at the guild since Makarov, Laxus, the Rajinishi as well as some of the council members were having a meeting in the Master's office tonight and both Mira and Lisanna thought it would be a great chance to give the parents some free time as well as give Lisanna some ideas on how to look after a child since she's due soon. However Lucy suspected the siblings were trying to set things up so that there be more pitter patter of tiny feet running around the guild hall. Unfortunately for Lucy this arrangement just had to happened when Natsu was out on a mission and Happy had disappeared somewhere with Charle again, leaving her home alone, while at first she was overjoyed at the chance to finally have some 'me' time again she quickly realized that over the past years she had grown so accustomed to the noise and atmosphere that accompanied a loud dragon slayer, a teasing cat and two adorable children that this silence was just so uncomfortable.

She was even tempted to go down to the guild and spend the night there just to get rid of this feeling but the more rational side took hold, even though Nashi and Kai were with Aisu, Ru-ne, Metty, Trent, Asuka and even Rippie as well as having Mira and Lisanna looking after them this was the first time that the twins were away from both Natsu and herself and while it felt wrong, she knew that she had to get use to this feeling become one day it'll be inevitable.

It was during these depressing thoughts of her two babies growing up, going on solo missions, leaving home and not need her anymore where swimming through her head when she heard a knock come from the door. Frowning the blonde turned her head to the clock on the wall reading 11:41pm and tensed her body as she heard another knock, looking at the door her eyes narrowed as she moved her hand to the ring of golden and silver keys on her waist as she stood up and silently walked towards the door.

'Who the heck could it be at this hour, is someone hurt from a mission and came here instead of the guild?, is this going to be a surprise attack?, was Erza on the prowl for cake' Lucy stopped a few feet from the door taking a breath preparing for whatever outcome with her fingers circling around a key

'For god's sake Lucy I know your home so let me in already, I'm being eaten alive by bugs out here' a muffled annoyed voice called from the other side of the door.

'Wha...Gray?' Lucy questioned out loud as she opened the door looking shock as the ice mage stood outside her door holding plastic bag

'Hey Lucy' Gray waved as he walked in passed the confused mage and placed the bag on the counter.

'Wha..hey don't just, hey Luce me', what are you even doing here at this hour and don't just casually dump stuff on my counter' Lucy yelled trying to get over her initial surprise.

'I'm here cause I assumed you're feeling a bit...'Gray paused with a small frown as if he was searching for the right word 'odd I guess' He finished leaning on the counter.

'What do you mean by that' Lucy questioned not sure if she should be feeling offended or not

'I mean, Juvia left for a mission earlier today with Wendy and now Aisu is at the guildhall and it just felt a bit empty without them at home, and then I remembered that flame brain went off somewhere a couple of days ago, so thought you could use some company' The ice mage finished.

'Thanks and I'm guessing you didn't want to be alone either hmmm' Lucy teased as her "brother" like friend looked away refusing to acknowledge the comment, rolling her eyes the young mother turned her attention to the bag 'So what's in there?' She enquired raising an eyebrow as she earned a smirk from Gray.

'Well as long as you're up for it and aren't afraid to face Canna's wrath of being left out, I figured it's been awhile since we last had a good talk and you seem like you need to get some stuff of your chest' The jet black hair male spoke as he pulled out some alcohol, causing Lucy's eyes to widen before she too smiled at the memories the case pulled it had been a while.

A few years back much to everyones surprise Cana, Gray and herself had somehow became drinking buddies, long story short there was a huge fight between Gray and Juvia and since they had a long standing friendship Cana had decided to take Gray to get his mind off of the fight took him out for a few drinks and Lucy somehow found herself in the mix, the night was amazing but it wasn't one of those go out get drunk go crazy kind of amazing but becoming closer kind

The three had somehow managed to find themselves lying in a park under the stars and just talking saying stuff one would never dare say while somber and it was a promise to never repeat unless it needed to be repeated, since then every time one was in a fight, needed to get stuff of their chest or just wanted a long talk without any awkwardness or implications the three of them would get together get totally drunk and then just talk those nights were some of the best and its been such a long time since one last happened, Natsu, Juvia and Erza had joined them on several occasions, but Juvia's water body made it so that she had a hard time handling her alcohol, and Lucy had banned Natsu due to the fact that an intoxicated Natsu just loved to brag about his achievements with their 'personal moments' that and for some reason whenever she herself is drunk Natsu is somehow a lot more alluring and distracting and instead of having a fun drunk talk, they usually end up in an argument which is than followed by some interesting moments much to the displeasured of Cana and Gray. Erza had only joined them a few times most of those times she joined for the sake of it which no offense the scarlet mage they didn't like it when she joined for that reason since she was a downright scary drunk and they all end up taking orders out of fear however when she had joined to share her own troubles than she was always welcomed with open arms although it rarely happened.

'Depends how often did you and Cana go off to drink while I was pregnant or when you had all those problems with Juvia's moodswings' Lucy smirked as Gray refused eye contact as he looked guilty.

'ummm often, hey it's hard getting yelled at for small things like, why is my ice cream already melted, I needed to vent somehow and shouting at the pregnant lady is not a suggestion' Gray joked 'But otherwise you were with us'

'Hmm well since you two left me out, I don't think Cana has the right to get mad' Lucy spoke as she opened a bottle, giving Gray a 'What' look since he seemed to be holding in a laugh.

'Sorry but you sounded so motherly than' Was the ice mages reply as he too opened a bottle before walking to the back door 'Convenience of living out here, you get a big yard and a nice view of the sky' he admired

'Yea, but it has its downsides' The mother spoke softly taking a sip of her drink looking at the ceiling, a comfort silence took over the two as they drank the drinks waiting for the alcohol to take effect. A few minutes passed before the silence was broken

'I'm heading outside, you coming?' Gray asked as he opened the back door.

'Hmmm one sec' Lucy reacted slowly as she began fubbling in the draws already feeling the tingling effects of the alcohol working its way into her body.

'It never ceases to amaze me how much of a lightweight you are' Gray smirked.

'Shut up ice freak' The blonde retorted pulling out a piece of paper and a pen as the ice mage chuckled.

'Nah it just doesn't sound right when you say it' He smirked earning a glare 'What are you doing anyway?'

'writing a….note for Natsu so if he comes home he won't freak'

'Shouldn't he be able to smell us?' He inquired.

'yea but...he's been paranoid, I guess we both have, with this dark guild and the wyverns acting up for some unknown reasons' Lucy finished staring down at her rather messy handwriting "it'll have to do" she thought to herself as she sprayed the paper with a small bit of her perfume to attract the slayers attention, before walking towards the back door to join Gray who had already gone outside.

The two mages were laying down in the grass gazing up at the sky watching some grey start to gather before small droplets of rain started to fall. causing the two to sign as they're pleasant stargazing was interrupted.

Gray had gotten into a kneeling position as he started forming an ice dome around them to conceal them from the rain while Lucy had a small concern face as the rain got heavier.

'Hey Gray do you think it's possible that Juvia just back and is now panicking about where you are Aisu are' she asked worriedly

'Nah she messaged the guild earlier saying that Wendy and herself had only just arrived at their location due to a delay with the train, besides this isn't her rain' Gray finished as he drank more from his bottle before sitting on the grass watching the water shimmer down the ice.

'How can you tell?, I mean the difference between rain and Juvia's' Lucy inquired.

'Honestly I don't know how, I just do' Gray replied 'Hey are Kai and Nashi doing alright since you know they had that fight?' he asked as Lucy remain silent taking another sip before answering

'They have made up, helps when they share a room,' she paused taking another drink 'but Kai... he stills seems so upset and I don't know what to do about him, he's so worried about not being able to use magic, even though i've been able to sense magic power from him and told him, he just doesn't get it and it's hard cause I know he's only five and it's reasonable that he doesn't understand but I feel so...so'

'helpless' Gray finished looking up as the water dripped down the dome.

'Yea' She whispered as silence again took over

'Hey this is something that's been bothering me but if Nashi can use flames is she a dragon slayer or a fire mage' Gray inquired

'We actually don't know at this point, she has the hearing of a dragon slayer but hasn't shown signs of higher sense of smell and Natsu as well as Gajeel have said that her magic aura seems a bit too weak to be a dragon slayer even at her age but in saying that it's also hard to really tell at this point of time so maybe she's somewhere along the line of a half dragon slayer' Lucy suggested.

'didn't think you could get half dragon slayers' Gray teased.

'"mmm shut up it's the best I could think of, anyway what about Aizu has he shown any interest in magic" Lucy inquired as Gray looked upwards.

'No, not yet, nor has he shown any desire...oh god now I really hope that he hasn't shown any interested and we missed it..it gets hard sometimes when your kid barely talks and it really worries me since all the others seem talkative while Aizu is just...silent'

'I wouldn't worry about it' Lucy spoke causing the ice mage to turn to face her with a serious face waiting for her to expand on her comment.

'I mean there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with him, it just seems like he doesn't want to talk as often, I've never seen Nashi and Kai or any of the other kids treat him any differently and he looks pretty happy besides it's not like Aizu doesn't get involved or doesn't express himself at all, that and from what I've seen Aisu is quite observant for his age, like back when the children were trying to catch Rippie he was able to distract her' Lucy added as encouragement.

'Yea but his silence isn't all that has me worried about that kid, its his forwardness, I mean he walked straight into an all out guild brawl and didn't see anything wrong with that until after I explained it to him….heh it's stupid really over the years we've been in some horrible situations but that moment when he got between me and Natsu, I've never felt so scared' Gray trailed off taking a large drink.

'That is a concern but there is a silver lining I guess since it shows that despite age he already has a strong faith in his nakama' the celestial mage stated trying to ease the tension.

'I guess you can view it like that' Gray signed looking at the ground as silence once again took over.

They had long since lost track of time but Lucy did know that it had been a while since they last spoke, looking over towards the ice mage who was now laying on his back eyes closed.

'Hey Gray are you still awake at all' She whispered loudly.

'Yea, just laying down, what's up' Gray answered his words were slow

'It's not like I don't enjoy being a mum or spending time with my family but' she trailed off biting her lip.

'But…?' Gray repeated urging her to continue.

'But I do miss us, as a team going out on casual group missions as Team Natsu and wendy and Juvia whenever they joined in, I know that we have been on several missions together but those are only when the council summons us or a crisis breaks out, I just...I really miss the long train rides, the fights that you and Natsu had then watching as Erza broke them apart, or at how Wendy used to get nervous at other woman's cleavage, Juvia stalking you and Happy continuously trying to flirt with Charle, I know that everything has changed and some of those we can't experience anymore but I still really miss those times' she finished with a small whimper as the memories flashed by.

'Yea, get cha, I really miss those days to, I know that we often go on missions with Erza but will admit it's not the same without flame brain, or you when it's your turn at home, or Erza when she's with Jellal but...I guess it just happens' Gray finished however noticing the look on his 'sister's' face he decided to continue 'But you know maybe we should all try to go on another casual mission again sometime as long as we can convince Mira or Levy or another guild member we can trust enough to take on three kids so we can have a few days to do a Team Natsu mission' He finished with a smile.

'that's a great Idea thanks Gray, We definitely need to get this planned out...but probably sometime else, I'm getting a bit sleepy' She yawned as she layed on her back.

'Yea same' Gray added.

'hey Gray'

'hmmmmm?'

'Thanks for tonight, I really did need some company' Lucy whispered tiredly as she closed her eyes.

'Yea no problem Lucy' Gray answered before giving into sleep.

The sun had only just risen as droplets of dew dripped from leaves along with the remains of the rain as Natsu made his way to the the small house, he let out a small smile as the familiar runes shimmer as he made his way through them, he was in a joyful mood since the mission had gone well without any major damages. However his mood instantly dropped as he walked through the door to an empty house, instant panic rushed through him as all sense of rational left his mind that was until he passed the kitchen bench pausing as a strong familiar scent protuted from the counter, upon finding and reading the note he let out a small sigh of relief as well as feeling a bit embarrassed over how he acted, heading to the back door he opened it and let out a sigh as he clearly saw the two sleeping figures inside the dome with Lucy curled up to the right while Gray laid on his back on the left side, smirking Natsu walked over to Gray's side before igniting his hands and started to melt the dome, his grin only grew in satisfaction as Gray suddenly shot up in a sleepy panic as the ice cold water landed on top of him before sending a annoyed glare at the fire user

'gahh what the hell Natsu' he moaned holding his head as the expected ache of a hungover pulsed through his head.

'What needed to get in here somehow and I ain't melting cold water onto Lucy' he hummed happily as he walked around the now sulking hungover ice mage to where lucy was sleeping, Natsu kneeled down in the space between the ice mage and the blonde, facing his wife with a small smile he softly run's his hand along her cheeks and neck accidentally waking her in the process.

'Stop it Gray' Lucy shouted sending a punch which Natsu just missed.

'Woah Luce calm down it's just me you weirdo' Natsu laughed assuming that his wife was no longer drunk however he was wrong.

'Natsu?...NATSU' Lucy question before lunging herself towards the pinkette who was unprepared for her sudden 'attack' and fell backwards with Lucy in his arms

causing Gray to curses as he only just managed to move in time to avoid being squashed

'Gahh watch it, Flame brain' He huffed.

'Hey it's not my faul..hmp' Natsu didn't get to finish as Lucy connected her lips with his

'Natsu why are you ignoring me' Lucy whimpered placing her head on his chest looking downwards with tears in her eyes.

'Wha...Lucy I'm not ignoring you ok' He replied gently running his hand through her hair as he stood up holding her.

'But...but you didn't say anything to me and just started talking to Gray' She whimpered again however instead of sulking she started to kiss his neck.

'Ah..Luce c'mon you should go to bed and get some rest' Natsu almost moaned as Gray watched on in amusement.

'mm ok that sounds nice' she answered still interested in Natsu's neck.

'I don't know Lucy he did avoid answering you question' Gray stated with a smirk as he watch the slayer 'suffer'.

'Wah Natsu you didn't answer me' Lucy cried as Natsu shot a glare at Gray his smug smirk telling him that this was revenge for waking him up.

'Lucy' He stated sternly catching her attention 'We need to go to bed ok sweeetie' Natsu dragged the last part out and included a wink, while Lucy visibility brightened at the idea while Gray rolled his eyes he knew what flametard was doing and had seen it many times so while he walked her to the bedroom, Gray walked into the kitchen and sat down on one of the chairs as his headache was increasing, it wasn't until just after he made himself an ice pack that Natsu reappeared.

'You know one day she's gonna figure out that when you say you're going to get ready it just means you're going to wait until she's asleep' Gray mentioned.

'Yea well if it gets her to go to sleep then for now it doesn't matter' Natsu replied 'Did anything happened since it's more than obvious you two were drinking?'

'No not really, Juvia is out and all of the kids are at the guild and admittedly it felt lonely and I assumed Lucy would be the same, from what I remember we mainly talking about the kids, magic and about going on missions' Gray answered bringing the ice pack back to his face 'Speaking of which anything interesting?' He inquired noticing Natsu looking towards the bedrooms before answering.

'Yea it was to do with blood Rose, there has been several sightings of them around Sabertooth so they wanted some help to scan the area' He finished with an exhausted look which didn't go unnoticed by the ice mage.

'I'm better head off now anyway to get Aizu, it's a bit lonely at home so maybe some extra company will be nice, so if you want I can watch the twins for a bit' Gray offered as he walked towards the door.

'What ice princess to afraid to be alone, guess it can't be helped than' Natsu teased however both of them knew that the offer was appreciated.

'Pff at if Flame breath' Gray waved as he left the house. Natsu let out a tired breath as the door closed and headed towards the main bedroom hoping that Lucy would be a little less clingy, while he loves the attention he hate's doing anything with her when she's drunk, even after marriage and kids it still didn't feel right… at least when they were both somber. Slowly and quietly he walked towards the bed and crept in.

'Natsu' a small whisper was heard as the blonde rolled over and buried herself into his chest 'you're so warm' she whispered again in a sleepy manner before drifting off.

' Love you to Lucy' Natsu whispered as he wrapped his hands around his wife feeling relieved that she was a bit more somber, before he let his own exhaustion take over and drifted off into sleep.

There we go, that's chapter 26 for all of you

if everything goes to plan things should start to get more interesting in the next chapter

so until next time

Violet120