A/N: Hey guys, hope y'all enjoyed the end to Remedy. Here's another one-shot update. Part two of the previous one because I really wanted to. Mika talks to her dad about the same question she asked her mother. How'd he know? Also added her witnessing a tender moment between her parents. Small warning, Gray may seem a little OOC, reason being, he's a dad.

Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters. If I did, GraLu would've been endgame.

• Red String of Fate •

Falling in Love (pt. 2)

It was an early rainy Sunday morning. The kids were still asleep, and Gray was due back that evening. Maybe he'd be back earlier. She hoped so, but whatever the case, Lucy was happy either way. Gray had taken a month-long S-class mission with Erza and Natsu, and she and the kids missed him. She could tell his absence was wearing down on all of them. Silver wasn't one to show that anything bother him, but Lucy could tell. As for Mika and Layla, both always asked if he would be home, and she always said "soon." Lucy wanted to be able to say, "Welcome home."

She wasn't a huge fan of these S-class missions, but they paid well and provided for all of them. Gray didn't go out on S-class missions too often unless duty called. Lucy didn't go out on many missions either because someone had to watch the kids. Speaking of which, Silver would have to be the one in charge today because she had a doctor's appointment in about thirty minutes.

Lucy hummed as she prepared a cup of wild raspberry tea until, suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her. Her mug slipped out of her hand into the sink, and the urge to vomit burned her throat. She coughed instead, gripping the edges of the sink, her knuckles turning white.

"Uh, mom, are you okay?" she heard Silver ask.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. Just..." Lucy realized she wasn't just tired but exhausted.

"You look a bit pale, mom," Silver commented worriedly. "Why don't you lie on the couch, and I'll finish making your tea."

Lucy smiled. "Very well. If you insist."

A short minute later, Silver delivered her tea, and she sat up and cradled it in her hands, taking small sips.

"Thank you, Silver."

"Yeah, of course, mom. So I'm guessing I'm holding down the fort until you come back?"

"If you don't mind."

"No, I have plans around one, and you should already be back by then, yeah?"

"Yes, I'll be back around 11ish, and you can go off with Laurel."

Silver groaned. "Mom!"

Lucy giggled, ruffling his hair. "I'm just teasing you."

The doorbell suddenly rang.

"That must be Wendy," Lucy said. "That's my cue to leave. Stay out of trouble. I expect the house to still be standing when I come back."

Silver shook his head and crossed his arms. "Mom, I'm not Uncle Natsu."

She put on her coat and shoes and smiled. "I know, I'm just used to saying that."

"Well, see you, mom."

"See you soon. Breakfast's in the fridge!"

It was about ten in the morning when Gray finally stepped foot in Magnolia. The weight of exhaustion hanging over his shoulders seemed to lift as he saw the daily bustle of life despite the rain. He could hear Natsu's shout of excitement, and Erza's sigh of relief, and he barely registered their parting words because he was finally home after a long-ass difficult mission.

Home, he thought warmly.

It was still something he never thought he'd have. Three kids that always kept him on his toes with their shenanigans and a beautiful, loving wife. The thought of surprising them with his early return had a small smile stretching across his lips. It wasn't long before he arrived home, fiddling with the keys and the lock, and opened the door. Before he could even say a word, he was tackled onto the floor.

"Dad, you're home!" Mika cried happily.

"About time!" Silver said.

"Papa!" Layla shouted joyfully.

He laughed. "Yeah, yeah, I'm back."

"You just missed mom. She left not too long ago," Silver stated.

"Yeah, something about errands and a doctor's appointment," Mika mentioned. "Mom said she'd be back by noon."

"Papa, papa! Can you tell us about the mission?" Layla asked.

Silver: "Yeah, how'd it go?"

Mika: "Was there some giant monster or demon you, Aunt Erza, and Uncle Natsu took out?"

Layla: "Or some mean big bad boss?"

"Woah, woah, woah, one at a time. One at a time," Gray calmed them down. "And what was that about your mother?"

"She's at the doctor," Silver informed. "She hasn't been feeling 100% lately."

Gray heaved a sigh, several thoughts filtering through his head at once. He felt the urge to head to the doctor and check in with Lucy, but he knew she'd be back safe and sound and tell him everything. Besides...

"You guys ate?"

"Yeah, momma left us food in the fridge," Layla said.

"They're some left for you," Mika continued. "Want me to warm it up for you while you get settled back home?"

"I would be forever grateful," Gray smiled. His gaze turned to his son. "What about you buddy? What's up?"

"Nothing really. I was going to meet with the gang and train later today, but I guess we could meet up earlier now since you're back."

Gray blinked. "What are you waiting for? Get out of here. I'm not stopping you."

Silver smirked. "Thanks dad. See you later."

"Later, kiddo."

His midnight blue eyes landed on his youngest, Layla. "And what about you, princess?"

She gave a toothy smile. "I lost a tooth yesterday."

Gray chuckled when she pressed her tongue through the small gap. "Yeah? Did the Tooth Fairy come by last night?"

Her eyes widened comically and before Gray knew it, Layla was sprinting up the stairs dragging her stuffed teddy behind her.

He sighed, leaning his head against the back of the couch, his exhaustion sinking in. His eyes were about to shut when Mika sat next to him with a plate of eggs and bacon.

"Oh, that smells good," he mumbled, waking up.

"Mom made it this morning before she left."

He couldn't help but slightly stuff his face. It's been months since he's had good, good food. As he ate with vigor, Gray could feel his daughter's stare burning the side of his face. He didn't know if it was because he was eating four pieces of bacon at once or if he'd grown another appendage somewhere.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I was just wondering how you fell in love with mom."

Gray swallowed loudly, setting his plate down onto the coffee table. "What made you think about it?"

"Well, I asked mom when you were gone," Mika explained with a shrug. "I just wanted to hear your side of the story."

Gray sighed, leaning back into the plush couch that made him want to close his eyes. "To be honest, I was attracted to your mother the moment I met her."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Gray smiled fondly. "But I didn't really fall in love with her until a while later. I don't remember the exact moment, but it was like a switch had flipped, and I couldn't see myself with anyone else but her...or want to see her with anyone else."

Mika sighed, pursing her lips. "You and mom kind of talked about the same thing, about a switch."

"Did she?" Gray sweatdropped. "Love isn't simple, I suppose. It's hard to explain. But, uh, one thing that really stood out about your mother is her ability to forgive. Her heart is so big, it's endless. I found that really attractive as well."

"So...I guess it just kind of happens," Mika concluded.

"Yeah...pretty much."

There was a short silence.

Mika's brows furrowed. "But-"

She stopped when she saw her father trying to fight to stay awake.

"I'll grab a blanket."

"S'okay," Gray said, opening his eyes. "Takes me a while to fall asleep."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, tell me what I've missed the past month or so."

Mika smiled. "Well..."

Lucy's jittery hands fumbled with her keys, and she apologized as Wendy gently took them from her and opened her door.

"Thanks, Wendy," Lucy softly said.

The bluenette smiled. "Of course. Remember what I told you?"

"Yes, everything."

Wendy searched her gaze and nodded in satisfaction. "All right then. If there's anything you need, any questions, just let me know, yeah? I'm always here to help."

"Thank you, Wendy," Lucy smiled. "I should be fine for now."

"Take care."

Lucy waved and watched the bluenette stroll off and meet up with Romeo ways ahead. She smiled fondly as she saw Wendy slide her hand into his. They walked off in their own world. Nostalgia hit Lucy, and she softly pressed her palm against her stomach.

Walking through the door, she announced her arrival. "I'm home!"

She took off her shoes and coat, wiping away some stray droplets tickling down the side of her face. She grabbed the groceries she happened to buy on the way back home and placed them on the island. She sang softly under her breath while taking everything out and putting them tactfully in the fridge and pantry. Lucy smiled, satisfied at her work. They were well-stocked for the next month or so. She pursed her lips, suddenly worried that it actually wouldn't be enough. While everyone else was eating for one, she was eating for three. She leaned against the kitchen island in thought until she saw a note sitting in the fruit bowl.

Hey ma,

Dad came back early, so he told me I could go. Mika put Layla to sleep for her nap. See you around dinnertime.

Silver

Lucy's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. Gray. Gray was back home. He was finally home.

She checked the living room, and a fond smile graced her lips when she saw Gray passed out on the couch. His face was peaceful, hair long, some strand falling over his eyes and tickling his cheeks. She gently sat down on the couch, lifting his head and placing it gently on her lap. He grumbled some nonsense, his nose brushing against her stomach. She hummed gently, her hands playing with his hair and gently tracing his jawline with delicate fingers.

It wasn't long before Gray's eyes fluttered open. Brown clashed with dark blue.

"Hey," his voice graveled

"Hey you," she smiled, kissing the top of his forehead. "Welcome home."

Gray hummed, closing his eyes again as she continued to play with his hair. "Did you miss me?"

"Is that even a question?" Lucy giggled. "Of course I did."

"I'm sorry I have to leave you for so long."

"We talked about this Gray," Lucy sighed, pinching his cheek. "I understand."

"Hey, ow!"

"So how was your mission?" she asked, as he groggily sat up rubbing his cheek and sending her a playful glare.

"Believe it or not, Natsu and Erza were able to hold it together and not cause any collateral damage."

Lucy eyes widened sarcastically. "Wow, even you?"

"Hey, I'm the sanest out of those two."

"Right," she chuckled.

Gray rested his elbow on the coach, able to rest his head on his hand. His eyes peered through hers. "How are you feeling?"

Lucy scrunched her brows. "I'm fine?"

"The kids told me you weren't feeling well lately and went to the doctor today. Anything I should be concerned about?"

She shook her head with a smile. "No, at least I don't think so."

He raised a brow, the silence egging on.

"Well, um...twins," she whispered slowly.

Gray blinked.

Lucy chewed her lips, trying to gauge his reaction.

The prolonged silence unnerved her, but the look in his eyes was all she needed. The slight terror in his eyes caused her to jump up in surprise, her lips quivering. She wasn't expecting this reaction. But then again, she and Gray hadn't talked about having more kids...

"I- I- I'll just-"

She turned to flee, but Gray grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his lap.

"Goddamn it, woman. At least let me react!"

"React? I saw it in your eyes, Gray. You look terrified!"

"That's because twins, Lucy! Twins!" Gray emphasized, eyes wide in horror. "How am I going to tell them apart?! Hell, I call Layla Mika sometimes and vice versa!"

Lucy swatted him on the head. "Idiot! That's what you were worried about?! You scared me there!"

"I don't know, Lucy. I'm pretty freaked out."

He suddenly paled, eyebrow twitching.

She deadpanned. "What now?"

"What if they're girls?! I'm going to have to watch out for five of you now!"

"Calm down!"

"Calm down?! Mika's just that age, and-"

Lucy swatted him on the head again. "Stop being such a dad, geez!"

"Well, I am one. Can't help it."

"Are you happy?" Lucy asked softly, her concerned eyes searching his dark blue ones.

Gray's face softened. "Of course I'm happy, Luce."

"Good," Lucy smiled, kissing him fully on the lips. He happily returned it. "Because they're both girls."

Lucy laughed as Gray just about died again.

"Hey mo-"!

Mika stopped, seeing her mother and father talking with soft voices. She bit her lip, debating whether she could wait or not. And she decided, yes, she could because her mother hasn't seen her father in a while, and it affected her more than it did her, Silver, and Layla. Because she loved him, and Mika wanted to see that, what love was all about.

She heard bits and pieces of their conversation and there was a tense moment, but it immediately calmed down with laughter and her mother swatting her father on the head jokingly. In the end, the only thing that mattered was the way they looked at each other with smiles on their faces and a glitter in their eyes like they were each other's world, which they were. Her parents went in for what she believed was a kiss, so she turned away and headed back upstairs with a small smile.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed it! If you have an specific requests, PM or just leave a comment about something you think I should write about! Anyway, have a nice day! Also wanted to apologize for not updating in a while. Life tends to do that.