"Thanks so much for giving me a ride Lu!" Levy lowered herself into Lucy's car with a groan. "I can barely fit behind my steering wheel anymore!"

"Those babies are really growing fast," Lucy smiled. She pulled into traffic as Levy struggled to get the seat belt comfortably over her belly. "I still can't believe you guys are going to have two! Are you excited?"

"We are now. Honestly I was really freaked out at first, we've just been planning everything for one up until now. I got a bunch of books on having multiples and that's all I do anymore. I've read so much about handling twins that I don't think I want to look at another baby book again! I feel much more prepared now though. We're gonna need double everything Lu! That's two car seats, two swings, two bouncer seats, twice the clothes, twice the diapers . . ." Levy sighed, "At least now I know why I am so big! I really thought it was just the overeating, but you know, I still couldn't stop it."

Lucy giggled and gave her friend a nod, "This is the one time in your life where no one is going to question the amount you're eating, you should enjoy it."

"Trust me I am," Levy winked. "I feel much better now that we have some sort of plan. Things are going to be a little tight for a bit and I'm probably going to have to rely on Lakia at the store more than I wanted to." Levy turned to her friend quickly and smiled real big, "Oh! My mom said she's going to hang out for a while and help us, isn't that wonderful! I hate to make her put off her next trip, but I need her so bad right now."

"That's fantastic!" Lucy looked over at Levy when she stopped at a light. "Never hesitate to ask all of us you know, I'm sure everyone will be more than happy to help you guys."

Levy leaned over on Lucy's shoulder, "I know, I'm so lucky to have everyone." She sat up straight and looked out the window, "It's so nice of Juvia to have this little luncheon for Erza, although, is it bad that I'm already tired of this wedding? She has so many events! Maybe it's just because I'm preggo and cranky."

Lucy laughed, "Don't worry Levy. I'm pretty sure you are going to like this one!"

Yukino chewed on her lip and stared at her phone. To text not to text. It had been over two weeks now since Sting and Rogue had come by. The first weekend she caught a stomach flu. So she not only wasn't able to meet up with them, she also had to spend her entire weekend in a fetal position in the bathroom floor. She was so unlucky. Then the next weekend, Sting had to go out of town for a trip he had planned months ago with his friends. Yukino was pretty sure he had been telling the truth, he wouldn't blow her off just because she was sick the first weekend, right?

She looked at his last text, "lmk if ur free nxt wknd!" Yukino really didn't like that he had made continuing contact her job, it would be so much easier if he just messaged first! She had already typed in a few lines, "what are you up to?", "do you want to get together tonight?", and a simple "hey." They had all been deleted. She was terrible at texting, blame it on overprotective parents who wouldn't let her have a phone. Even Lucy teased her about her use of proper punctuation and spelling. He was going to think she was so lame!

She had to write something if she wanted to see him again. She had already put it off long enough. Now it was Saturday, and though it was just the start of her time off, his weekend was already in full swing. He probably already had plans, maybe he wouldn't even be able to go anywhere anyway. He hadn't texted her anything since that last message over a week ago. Did that mean he had lost interest?

Yukino realized she was being silly, it had only been two weeks since she had seen him last. If he was so fickle that he would lose interest in that time, he wasn't worth her time. She quickly typed "hi :)" and hit send before she could over think it, immediately regretting the decision. Was that too short? Was the smiley too much? Just as she was about to throw her phone in despair, there was the ping of a message back, "Hey!"

For a while she stared at it in disbelief that he just wrote right back. That was a good sign right? Unfortunately yet again, he had made it her turn to initiate contact. What should she type next? "What are you up to?" no, that wouldn't be right, "Are you free tonight?" was that too forward? This should not be hard! Normal people texted each other all the time without hyperventilating or breaking out in cold sweats.

She set the phone down and went about cleaning her workspace. Lucy had left early for the day because she had a party to go to, and all the prep for Tuesday was already finished. Sometimes these summer days really crawled by, especially when she was all alone. She had to text back! Yukino grabbed the phone just as it pinged with another message, "concert 2nite w/ orga n rogue wanna come?"

"Yes!" she yelled at no one, bouncing in place. Yukino took a moment to compose herself, and make sure she was, in fact, alone in the bakery, before responding. She had never been to a concert that wasn't classical before. At least that's what she assumed they were doing, she couldn't really see those three going to an orchestra's rendition of Tchaikovsky on a Saturday night. She breathed out deeply and typed, "Sure sounds like fun!"

"U knw Twilight Ogre?"

Yukino wrinkled her nose and frowned, it wasn't familiar at all. "I've never been there," she typed back.

"Want 2 ride w/ us?" That was even better! Now she wouldn't have to worry about showing up alone and having to awkwardly find them. Yukino didn't have anyone to bring with her. She wished she had more close friends, but at the moment she just had Lucy. Her work at the old bakery had taken up so much time that she wasn't able to get out much.

"Yes pls!" she texted back. Look she abbreviated! She was getting better at this, maybe.

"Cool! snd address will swing by 8."

Yukino texted back her address and sat for a while with a stupid smile on her face. A night with cute boys and music, this would be so much fun! Yukino was so glad her sister was performing tonight. Sometimes living with her sister was worse than living with her mom. She probably wouldn't approve of Yukino going to a concert at a club with three guys she barely knew. This way, she could just run home, after closing up at five, and get ready without having to explain herself to anyone. Oh dear, what would she wear? Yukino picked back up her phone, she had to get Lucy's advice.

"When are you going to open a buffet up in here?" Natsu asked as he sat at Macao's bar.

Macao chuckled, "What? So you can come eat us out of house and home? No way Natsu, that's not our style."

"Awww, but I just wanna eat a little bit of everything!" Natsu complained, falling onto the bar counter.

Macao called out to his son who was walking the floor, "Hey Romeo! Go tell the chef we need a Natsu platter!" Romeo gave his father a grin and a nod, disappearing into the kitchens.

"You named something after me?" Natsu sat up and happily accepted the glass of water Macao slid his way.

"Nah, that's just what we nicknamed your ridiculously huge usual order," Macao gave him a wink. "I'll even give you ten percent off today, since you're all on your lonesome and you look pathetic."

Natsu frowned, "Tightwad old man, I know that's a coupon you have out right now."

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth Natsu," Macao laughed. "Where's your other half today?"

"The girls are having a baby shower for Levy, no boys allowed. It's cool though, I stole some of the cookies before she wrapped up the platter she was taking."

Macao snorted, "I bet you did."

"Yea, she wasn't exactly happy about it but I was late to get to work with Gajeel! I needed energy! He went to go workout over his lunch, the stress of everything is really winding him up. I needed a break from Gajeel so I came here, he's really winding me up! Also I wanted to talk to you," Natsu leaned forward. "Can I ask you a serious question?"

"I suppose, can't promise I'll have an answer though," Macao said as he leaned back against the back of the bar.

"This might seem out of nowhere, but what made you decide to marry Romeo's mom?"

"Asking the hard stuff today Natsu?" he frowned. "Well you know, I didn't exactly get a happily ever after. I'm not sure I'm the one you should be talking to about this kinda stuff."

Natsu tilted his head, "Just because it didn't turn out perfect, doesn't make your experience not mean anything."

Macao tugged at his collar, "Hmmm, well looking back now, it was a decision of desperation. I felt like I was losing her and I didn't want to let her go. So I did the best thing possible for a failing relationship, went and bought the biggest ring I could afford and asked her on one knee. I think she accepted because she thought it was a sign that I was putting her first. She was always complaining that I worked too much, or that I didn't pay her enough attention."

"Do you regret asking? I mean if somehow you could go back in time would you change your decision?"

"Well . . . no . . . I mean, I got Romeo out of the deal. I might be biased, but I think he's pretty awesome. Plus, we did have a few really good years in the beginning, I really did love her. Hell, I probably still do, even now when I don't know where she is anymore. Unfortunately we just didn't quite work, like two puzzle pieces that fit together but have the wrong patterns on the top. We kept trying to pretend we were compatible when we weren't. She needed someone who could put her first, and come home every night. I needed someone who could love this place as much as I did, and respect my dedication and passion for it. In the end she folded before I did, she just couldn't pretend anymore." Macao sighed deeply and leaned forward unhappily on the bar.

"I'm sorry man, I shouldn't be asking you these things. I didn't mean to ruin your day." Natsu rubbed his chin and stared hard at the water in his glass.

"Nah, I'm fine. Really at this point I'm over it . . .mostly." He moved to catch Natsu's eye, pointing a finger in his face. "Now don't you go thinking that you and Lucy are anything like that. My old lady never looked at me the way Lucy looks at you. I might be a glutton for punishment when it comes to women but I still know a woman in love when I see it."

"You really think so?" Natsu asked with a grin.

Macao relaxed and smiled back, "Yea, I really do."

Levy opened the door and was surprised to see pink and blue balloons everywhere. She furrowed her brow, "But these aren't Erza's colors . . ." Then her mouth dropped open when she came far enough into the house to get a full view of the living room. It was currently packed with her friends and a mountain of presents. In front of it all was the extremely nice double stroller she had been dreaming about all last week but thought she would never be able to afford.

"Surprise!" they all shouted, large grins on their faces.

"Oh, you guys!" Levy started to cry.

"No, no, no! No tears sweet mama!" Cana came and gave her a big hug.

"I can't help it! It's the hormones," Levy sobbed, "and that stroller is so beautiful! Oh god, I'm excited about a stroller. Who am I anymore?"

Lucy laughed and hugged her from the other side, "Even I have to admit, that stroller looks pretty awesome!"

Cana leapt in it, "Yea look it even fits my ass, and it corners like a dream! We've been playing with it the whole time we were waiting on you guys!"

Juvia came over and gave her a hug as well, "Juvia is so glad Levy likes the stroller!"

"But it's too much! I can't believe you got it!" Levy cried into her friend's shoulder.

Juvia waved her off, "Juvia is so excited to spoil the babies. Levy wouldn't be able to stop me, it's my pleasure." Juvia motioned to the middle of the room, the coffee table was stacked to the brim with children's books. Juvia smiled shyly, "Juvia also had everyone write a message in a book for Levy and Gajeel's little foxes! Juvia thought Levy would approve."

"Oh Juvia! That's perfect!" Levy wiped her cheeks and walked towards the table picking up a board book of Goodnight Moon and turning the first page to read a message from Makarov.

Cana clambered out of the stroller and turned to face all the women in the living room, "Alright ladies! Everyone make sure to get a mimosa, the party is just starting! Guest of honor has arrived and it's time for the games to begin! Who's first for cornhole?"

"Cornhole?" Levy asked.

"Oh Levy, look what I made! It's amazing!" Cana grabbed her by the arm and showed her the setup on the back porch.

Levy squinted her eyes in disbelief at what she was seeing, "Are those pink and blue, sperm shaped beanbags?"

Cana jumped in excitement! "Yes! Aren't they awesome? I wanted to make the boards look like giant ovaries, but Lucy and Juvia vetoed that, the party poopers."

Levy laughed, "Cana, you're too much!"

Cana winked, "Every kid needs at least one crazy aunt right? Just working on filling my role!"

Gajeel yawned as he kicked his boots off at the door. It had been another long day. He was working on putting a multilevel deck on the back of a house. Gajeel was tired from the labor and from Natsu trying to be cheery, he needed a shower and a bed. He headed over to the living room to start shutting off the lights and stopped when he heard humming coming from the other side of the house. Gajeel turned and followed the sound, a small smile forming on his lips. Levy was so rarely awake when he got home this late, this felt like a treat.

He found her in the future nursery, happily alphabetizing the book shelf. She had the changing table set up with diapers, the beds made up with their sheets. It was a peaceful sight. When Juvia had warned him that a lot of stuff would be coming home, he had expected chaos, but clearly Levy had already worked hard to make sure everything had it's place.

She turned to him and smiled, "Hey love, look at all these books! Aren't they great?"

He came up behind her and wrapped her in a big hug, putting his hands on her extremely large belly and resting his chin on her head. "Ahh, you're gonna make these kids nerds before they even have a chance!" he teased.

"Well, I can't exactly give babies blowtorches and iron rods," she said, relaxing into his hold.

Gajeel grinned, "Says who? Redfoxes have to be tough. We should give them chainsaws right out of the womb, gihihi."

"Gajeel!" Levy turned and furrowed her brow in pretend anger. "No chainsaws! Juvia did get them both something very you though." She freed herself from his hold and went to pick up the box on the table. She turned to open it, revealing two stainless steel baby rattles.

Gajeel nodded in approval, "Good, we gotta get these kids lifting weights as soon as possible."

Levy laughed, "No silly, they are baby rattles!"

He smirked and picked one up, shaking it to hear the gentle ding. "Those are pretty cool."

She set down the box, "Oh, and I have to show you what Juvia gave us!" She waddled out of the room as fast as she could, then came running back in with the double stroller, "Isn't it beautiful?"

Gajeel set the rattle in the box and walked over to get a better look at it. "I never thought I'd be saying this about a stroller, but this thing is pretty slick looking."

"Yea, isn't it! I'm so excited! And mom got us the carseats we need, Lucy helped me install them in the car. I put all the diapers into the diaper stacker and the clothes are all washed and put away. I even packed my hospital bag!" Levy nearly hopped in excitement.

Gajeel felt a twist in his gut, he was so worried about her. What if something went wrong with the babies and they came early? What if something happened to Levy when she was giving birth? She was so tiny and yet she was carrying two. It killed him not being able to take some of the burden. Should she be nesting yet? Was it a sign they would be coming soon? "Isn't it a little early to be making all these preparations?"

"No, not really. There's a chance I won't be able to do much of anything soon, it was already pretty hard to bend over to put the baby blankets in the bottom drawer!" she chuckled. "The doctor might end up putting me on bed-rest too which would mean I couldn't do any of this. Plus you know, big chance they could come early, twins usually do. We've only got like six weeks left until I'm thirty-eight weeks and most come before that!"

He scratched the back of his head, "I know, this just makes it so much more real."

Levy gave him a sweet smile and wrapped her tiny arms around him as far as they could go with her large belly in the way. "Isn't it crazy? I can't believe they are going to be here so soon! Part of me can't wait, the other part of me is terrified!" She pulled her head back and looked up at him. "Umm Gajeel? Can we start sleeping down in the guest room for a bit?"

"Sure Shorty, whatever you want," he pushed her hair behind her ear so he could see her face. "Tomorrow's my day off so we can move what you need downstairs."

She sighed, "That will be great. Lily follows me every time I hobble up there and I'm worried it's going to turn into that scene from Indiana Jones. You can guess who's the giant boulder."

Gajeel grinned, "Gihihi, now don't go crushing my cat, I happen to like him. Poor guy doesn't know how dangerous it is to hang around you these days."

"I know! I'm so big now that if I fell on him he'd go splat," Levy complained.

"Nah, you ain't that big shrimp," Gajeel grinned, then swiftly lifted her into his arms.

"Gajeel! You're going to hurt your back," Levy protested.

Gajeel walked in the direction of the living room, "Like hell I will! I'm a RedFox, we're strong. We lift weights right out of the womb." Her laugh was music to his ears.

When Yukino hopped in the backseat next to him, Sting was so excited he couldn't sit still. His knee bounced awkwardly to the music Orga played on the radio while he listened to Rogue be able to ask her normal questions about her day. He wished he could add more than an "awesome" or a head nod. He just kept over thinking everything he was going to say, and by the time he could interject, the conversation had moved on. He had to get his head right, this wasn't usual for him.

Sting wished he had gone into the bakery the first time he had passed it after the wedding, or that he had just asked for her number when they had been working with her. Now, half a year had passed of him watching her through the window, and she no longer felt real. Sting had built Yukino up so much that it felt like trying to talk to a celebrity. He envied Rogue and Orga's nonchalance. Maybe a drink at the club would help relax him so he could be a normal human being again.

When they got there, the line outside moved quickly, though the bouncer didn't look at anyone's ID except for Sting's. Bastard even looked disappointed when he saw it was real. The inside of the building was dark, packed, and loud; the opening act's set already in full swing. He had come here with his friends many times, this was the usual; thumping base, random flashes of light, cramped quarters, the smell of booze mingled with perfume and sweat. Normally it wouldn't be a problem to lose his friends in the crowd, just circle around, they would show up eventually.

Tonight though, he couldn't lose her, he wanted to keep Yukino in sight. The guys plowed on ahead, trying to get a drink at the bar before the main event began, he looked back at her and Yukino gave him a wide grin, she seemed just as caught up in the energy as he did. A few more steps forward and he felt a tug on his shirt. He looked back to see Yukino struggling to keep up. He grabbed her hand and was surprised at how such a simple touch could have such an affect on him. Sting was grateful for the noise and the heat of the place, it hid his weighted breaths and the flush creeping up his cheeks. He pulled her forward so that she was positioned ahead of him, motioning for her to follow his friends, but he didn't let go of her hand. She gave him a grateful smile and pushed onward. The whole way to the bar he felt like he couldn't see anyone else, he just watched the girl in front of him as if she were a dream about to float away, disbelieving her hand was really in his.

Natsu was so happy to be home. He and Gajeel had been determined to have Sunday off so they had worked hard to finish the deck. Natsu hoped it had been worth it, now it was almost dark out, Lucy had been home for hours. She really needed to learn to swing a hammer. The day would be much more pleasant if he had to look at her butt crack instead of Gajeel's.

He quietly shut the door and slipped off his boots. Natsu knew exactly where she would be, and he hated to waste a chance to make her jump. He crept through the house towards the office, where he found her sitting at the desk, writing her novel. Writing might not be the right way to describe it. The computer was on in front of her, but instead of actually typing, she was staring at the wall, making strange expressions, and moving her hands in imaginary conversation. Happy watched her from his perch on her bookshelf, tail twitching, apparently just as amused as Natsu was by her strange behavior.

Natsu restrained the urge to laugh out loud and tip toed behind her. She was so in her own little world that she didn't notice him, even when he was right behind her. Quickly, he placed his hands on her shoulder and loudly whispered, "Hey Lucy!" in her ear.

Lucy's eyes opened wide and she jumped in her seat, grabbing her chest and shrieking. When she came back down to earth, Lucy scolded "Natsu! You jerk! You scared me!" She scowled and pushed him out of her space.

Natsu double over in laughter, "Oh man, that never gets old!"

Lucy smiled and sighed, "You are such an overgrown toddler. Are you hungry? I can put something together for you if you like." She stood to head towards the kitchen.

Natsu dragged her in his arms, "Yea, I'm hungry, hungry for Lucy." He placed a hand behind her back and pulled her tight up against him, kissing her firmly and nipping her lip.

Lucy wrinkled her nose, "Natsu, you smell pretty bad right now."

"I do not!" Natsu feigned offense. "That's the smell of hard work and manliness!"

Lucy snorted, then grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the kitchen, "Now you sound like Elfman. Come on, I'll make you something for dinner while you hop in the shower."

"I don't complain when you come home smelling like butter!"

Lucy giggled, "That's because you like the smell of butter. I have to shower just to get you to leave me alone!"

"Yea . . . that is a good smell," Natsu hummed.

Lucy took him by surprise by shoving him into the bathroom. "Get clean."

"Okay, okay, I'm going." Natsu went to turn on the water. "Want to go see a movie or something tonight? I don't have to work tomorrow."

He heard Lucy pull out a plate and something from the refrigerator. "Can we just stay here tonight? I promised Yukino I'd be available in case she needs to be rescued."

"Rescued? What does she need to be rescued from?" Natsu removed his shirt.

She made loud noises, digging through the pots, "She's going to a concert with that Sting guy and his friends."

Natsu laughed as he undid his belt and dropped his jeans, "She needs rescue from Sting? Maybe we should just go to the concert. I could keep him on his best behavior."

"No Natsu! That would be so embarrassing. She doesn't need a dad! Besides I've been to that place before, it's so crowded and smelly, and guys keep trying to put their hand on my butt. No thanks."

"I keep trying to put my hand on your butt too, you need to be better at sharing Lucy." Finally free from all of his clothes Natsu jumped out of the bathroom, "One last chance before I wash all this good stuff away!"

She just sighed and shook her head. Lucy pointed to the bathroom behind him, "Get in that shower now or no more butt touching . . . ever."

Natsu slumped, "See! So stingy!"

Lucy turned back to the oven, turning the burner on under her frying pan. "Natsu . . ." she said in warning.

Natsu grinned at her back, "I'm going, I'm going." He walked back into the bathroom and stepped into the shower, "but when I finish I get to touch your butt all I want!" Her response was just another snort.

The band was magnificent! Their energy was pouring through the crowd causing bodies to bounce and move, entranced by the sounds of the drums and guitars. Yukino loved it! It was loud and claustrophobic, and the smell was not exactly pleasant. Her parents would have hated it but she couldn't stop smiling. The music and the beer were making her feel more relaxed and free than she had been in a long time.

Her one regret was, with all the noise, she couldn't get a word in with Sting. She had tried a couple times, but it had just ended up in a confusing back and forth version of the game telephone. There was no understanding anyone with the music this loud. So Yukino had given up, letting herself dance and enjoy the band. Her time with Sting would have to wait.

A couple guys who had had too much to drink began wildly flinging their arms around, dancing like madmen in the area just in front of her. They were hitting everyone around them, fists flailing like windmills. One came in her direction, surprising her. She held up her arms to block the hit but was saved last minute by the pull of two hands firmly on her waist. She looked up to Sting's smile and wink. He tucked her in close to him as Orga stepped forward to kindly, or maybe from his expression not so kindly, tell the maniacs to leave.

The ruckus calmed when a bouncer headed in their direction, causing the men to flee, but Sting didn't push her away. She felt his hesitation, his hands began to lift from her sides and he held his breath tight in his chest. For a split second Yukino thought he would fully let go, but then he breathed out deeply and wrapped his arms more firmly around her, pulling her into a hug. Sting's breaths felt irregular and short as if he was waiting for her protest, but she wanted to be there. It felt safe and warm, and his touch was exciting and new; so she leaned back into him to communicate she welcomed his hold. He relaxed and began to sway with the beat of the music, his breath warm behind her ear. Her heart raced and she couldn't wipe the smile from her face, she was giddy from the sensory overload. If this was what it felt like to be hugged by him, what would a kiss feel like?

Cana watched the last of the drunks hobble out the front door with a relieved smile on her face. Bacchus locking the door was the best thing she had seen in a long time. She was tired, it had been a long day. All she wanted was to go home, take a long bath with a glass of wine, and sleep for all of tomorrow.

"Stay and have a drink with me Cana?" Bacchus asked.

"Nah, there's a bathtub with my name on it back at home."

Bacchus leaned over the front of the bar to look her in the eye, "That tub could have my name on it too."

Cana snickered, "I think I'll pass."

Bacchus grabbed his chest, "You wound me babe!" He gave her a wink, "Keep turning me down and I'm going to start taking it personally."

"I told you when you started, working here is a death sentence for our old arrangement." With a grin she went about cleaning up what was left on the bar.

"But I never thought you would hold out this long!" He backed away from the bar with his arms outstretched, "How can you ignore this wild soul?"

Cana raised a brow, "How about you stop with the pick ups and actually start picking up?"

"You work too much, you know that? When's the last time you had any fun?" Bacchus frowned. Despite his words he started working at putting chairs on the tables. "I never see you have anyone waiting around for you after we close. You got someone I don't know about meeting you at home?"

"Nosy," Cana scoffed. "For your information, I don't."

"What?" he turned to her in surprise, "You can't be serious."

"I don't need a man to take care of my needs," Cana said with a wicked grin.

Bacchus grabbed his head in anguish, "Cana! You can't say that kind of stuff and not at least invite me to come watch."

Cana made a confused face, "But I thought I just did."

"Cold, woman, you are cold," Bacchus frowned.

"Yet you keep coming back for more frostbite," Cana crossed her arms and grinned.

Bacchus came back over and leaned across the bar in her direction, "Don't you miss me at all though?"

"Miss you? I see you every night!"

"You know what I mean."

Cana stepped forward, leaning in his direction. "Why do you keep trying so hard? You've never worked like this for something in all the time I've known you."

He searched her eyes, leaning a little bit closer, "Well you've never made me."

"You're making it very hard for me to stay true to my word," Cana frowned.

Bacchus chuckled as he ran a thumb along her jawline, "That's kinda the point. You should just give in Cana, when I know what I want I don't give up. I'm just stubborn like that."

She smiled, "You're a pain in the ass."

"I know," he leaned in further to close the distance, pressing his lips on hers. Cana just grabbed the sides of his head to pull him closer. She was too tired tonight to care about being good.

Thank you so much those who reviewed, I'm so glad you like my story!

NekoKittyGirl, GummiBears824, SunFlowerChrysalis thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a line.