With the elopement announced and the couple now being around five months pregnant, Lucy was showing a bit more than she was. Their elopement created a mass stir in the public eye where the Dragneel and Heartfillia empire were to surge higher than it ever had in the two decades they have been around. This brought a lot of attention to the households as the parents were quick to whisk the couple away in risk of finding out their pregnancy and unnecessary stress.
Reporters and paparazzi were surrounding their homes for the first couple weeks, excited to get the news on why they had suddenly eloped when there had been no signs of engagement or relationship.
Their parents handled a lot of things for them as they had kept them away on their 'honeymoon' as relayed on to the hungry reporters and they of course had released photos from their engagement photos (claimed they were taken the spring prior) and photos of their blooming relationship they had kept a secret (photos from family vacations and dates the two had gone on) and it was once again calm for the families.
Natsu had finally secured a nice enough home for the couple in the weeks they were stashed away, figuring he might as well get his own list knocked off before his mother were to add onto it some more.
And for the pure selfishness that he got so used to waking up next to Lucy and being able to spend time with her in their 'honeymoon' was enough to push his desire to find a home.
It wasn't the best thing in the world considering it has been on the market for over a year but the location was right in the middle of their homes (a mere fifteen minutes for both respected families and he really struggled with the idea of being so close) but Lucy was happy to know she had both their parents nearby for assistance or company.
The place was run down in the best way—dust collected throughout the many months it had been vacant. A large pool that dipped down to nine feet that desperately needed a good cleaning. A nice tennis court that he knew Lucy would appreciate (even though she sucks) and a basketball court right beside it so he could play and watch her on some days. A large unfinished basement he was sure to make into his man cave when the time comes but the most important parts were just the lovely home that was trapped in time.
He assumes the people who lived there just loved old fashion decoration as the wallpaper that surrounded the home made him feel sick and dizzy. But what really mattered was the space and how much Lucy loved the place when he first brought her over during their honeymoon.
She was all wide-eyed and giddy as she went through the home, plastic littered across the floors as they had already begun painting and doing some renovations that Natsu insisted on before they moved in.
He had a time crunch on his hands and he was determined to get them moved into the home before they returned home and the home perfect by the time the baby were to arrive. But with how things were moving, he wasn't sure they'd be moved in by the time they were to head back home.
Natsu was practically shaking in his shoes as he brought his wife over to their new home, watching her with sharp eyes as they walked through the unfinished home.
"Oh, Natsu," she cooed as she looked out the windows to the large backyard where their respected sport's courts lay. "I love the home. You were so thoughtful." Her brown eyes glistened with appreciation and approval. "How many bedrooms?"
"Five upstairs and two more downstairs once we get the place ready." He came over to stand beside her, looking outside to see the many spring flowers bloom with the warming weather. He turned to look at her, smiling warmly at her. "Want to see?"
Her eyes brightened up as he dragged her down the hall and up the stairs that lead to their bedrooms. He opened up every single room to show her, soft coos and ah's singing through his ears as she peeked in.
Eventually he led them down to their bedroom, opening the large double doors where it brought them into a large room where it hosted yet another door inside of the place. "The main bedroom is cut off into two separate sections. Depending on how you want it, we can make this into a nice office space or living room for us or I was thinking…" He pulled her inside, the blonde looking around in awe as she took in the nice fireplace against the wall to the make-shift sink in the corner. The ceilings were high and the windows brought in enough sunlight to brighten up the empty room. "We could make it into Nasha's room till she's big enough to be alone."
Lucy gasped softly, making him turn and look at her with wide eyes, alarm bells ringing as he stepped forward. "What? Are you okay? Did she kick?"
"You remembered the name I wanted," she barely whispered but he caught it. "Even though it might not be a girl."
The tips of his ears burned with embarrassment but he couldn't bear to look away from the cute pout she had nor the wide glistening eyes.
"Of course," he reached for her hand, holding onto the small ones she provided while he gave it a small squeeze of assurance. "We agreed that I name the boys and you name the girls."
"But you remembered," her eyes were growing glossy and Natsu cringed just a slight bit, preparing for the waterworks his wife was well known for.
"Anyways," he quickly moved on so he didn't have to deal with his crying pregnant wife. "What do you think?"
"I love it!" She wailed immediately and Natsu let out a sigh, watching fat tears roll down her face. "You're so thoughtful, Natsu! I love the home, the idea, the work you put into it, and everything about this!"
Natsu could only hold on to his wife who cried and cried while he allowed a smile to bloom on his face.
The couple were to return back home just weeks later, just in time for their gender reveal party that everyone at the wedding (besides grandma Porly and certain family members) were to attend in pure excitement and curiosity for the baby Dragneel.
Due to her petite structure, Lucy was blessed with her bump not showing till the later stages. She didn't look like she was bloated from a nice meal anymore but more so pregnant as her swollen belly hung over her pelvis. Her clothes officially did not fit anymore (as disappointed Lucy was she couldn't wear any of her nice clothes) but Natsu was kind enough to bring her whatever clothes he had and even offer to take her shopping.
The simple mention of shopping was enough for Lucy to be squealing and clapping with joy as she rushed to get ready and Natsu had to think twice about his decision as he sat in her room.
He watched how she rushed from her closet to her bathroom to back to the closet while he sat on her bed. He didn't know how to feel about sitting in her bedroom while the two were married and expecting, especially with how many times the two had been sneakily in her room freaking out about their newest worry months prior.
But he loved to see Lucy happy, especially with all the stress and rumors and tabloids that had been rising up and he was glad their parents handled the whole media.
He's seen some of the things they were conjuring up online and it not only pissed him off to think that their families were being painted greedy and corrupt, but it made him angry to think they thought of his wife in such an inappropriate way.
He truly did love Lucy and he was going to do everything in his power to keep her happy and away from those god awful rumors.
"Ugh!" Lucy's frustrated groan caused him to be on his feet and immediately walking into the closet. He saw his wife on the floor, clothes scattered and an annoyed expression plastered on her pale face as he leaned against the doorframe to watch in amusement. "None of the clothes I want to wear fit! I'm fat."
Natsu rolled his eyes, earning a shirt to be thrown at him but it barely did anything as it slapped against his thighs.
"Luce, you're not fat. You're five months pregnant."
"Nothing fits!" She cried out, throwing her clothes away from her as it was suffocating. "Nothing!"
"Remember baby, that's why we're going shopping." He reminded her and all he got was a glare in response. "How about you just wear one of my hoodies and leggings?" He tried again, trying to find her a solution before the two were stuck there all day.
"No, it's hot," she pouted, throwing yet another piece of clothing to the other end of the wall.
"Then a t-shirt?"
"I'll show."
"How about a nice dress?"
"All the ones I want to wear don't fit!" She cried out, throwing a shirt harder against the wall making him jump slightly. "Stupid!" She yelled and he wasn't sure if she was referring to him or the clothes but he didn't question it while he stepped further into her closet.
He shifted through her clothes, trying his best to ignore the deadly aura radiating off his wife behind him. It made him go quicker, afraid that he was quiet too long, she might burst again.
Grabbing a nice babydoll dress, he held the dress up for her to take in and she was quiet for way too long making his hairline moisten. The dress was short enough to keep her cool and the stretch and flow in her stomach area to cover up her swollen belly.
After what felt like hours of standing in silence and sweating, her frown deepened and he braced for impact.
"What shoes would I wear?"
The breath he didn't know he was holding was let out and he felt some sort of relief in her question.
"Would you like sandals or sneakers?"
She was quiet once more and it was driving him nuts.
Natsu decided he didn't know if he wanted any more kids after this one. Lucy was already a handful enough but when she was pregnant? He truly felt like he would be the one to die first with all the stress and anxiety he felt whenever she had to make a simple choice.
—X—
Natsu had come to the conclusion that he definitely did not want any more kids if he had to go through this process all over again. The fact that Lucy was already indecisive already on top of her emotions on high gear and the whole thing where she's never been more than a size zero in her life made this experience more difficult than anything.
He's had to calm her down on several occasions and if she wasn't crying, she was screaming and he was sure he had more clothes thrown at him than he ever owned in his life.
It was either too small or too ugly or she was too ugly or she was too fat or the fabric wasn't nice or whatever the hell she rambled on about as he had it up to his neck in complaints.
He was sure he heard the associate weeping in the back after Lucy had gone down this rabbit hole of fashion and how dare she bring her heels as if she would know that the heiress was pregnant. He made sure to leave her a hefty tip to make it up for his wife's emotions but he knew that they probably would never come back with the way the poor girl flinched as Lucy walked by.
On the bright side, they were able to find some new clothes for the cranky woman and to his surprise, she was all sunshine and rainbows as he brought her to the food court and allowed her an ice cream cone before their meal.
She greedily and happily lapped up her frozen dessert while Natsu got some Chinese takeout at the nearby shop.
He felt a lot more relaxed as Lucy was now fed and enjoying herself rather than angrily crying about how her clothes didn't fit.
"Before we leave, I need to find a shirt for tomorrow." Natsu said as he picked through his lunch, seeing how his wife was slathering her own meal in hot sauce. He kept his comments to himself as he had now become accustomed to her eating like he did. It also didn't help that she was burning up most of the time but the doctor had cleared it as normal since none of her vitals or anything showed concern.
"What for?" Lucy hummed, distracted by her mouth-watering plate.
He watched her take a mouthful of hot sauce and noodles, a smile pulling to his lips. "For the gender reveal. I don't think I have any pink shirts."
"Your hair would be pink enough," she said, wiping the corners of her mouth. "I forgot about the shower. I need to find something." She offered a tight-lipped smile, plucking their shared drink to sip.
Natsu furrowed his brow, looking at his wife who was happily sipping on their drink.
"What the hell were we doing this whole time?" His eyes found the many shopping bags scattered near them. "Are none of these for tomorrow?"
"No," she rolled her eyes and Natsu fought the urge to flick her forehead. "They're for me right now."
"Luce, you didn't think for once that maybe you should prioritize your outfit for tomorrow?"
Lucy narrowed her eyes at her husband who quickly lowered his chin, not wanting to have her burst with whatever emotion she was feeling.
"We'll find something." He quickly assured and she was giggling beside him in a heartbeat. He felt her scoot over in the booth they were in and the warmth of her unusual heat brought him comfort. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her flush against his body as her giggle sent tingles down his spine. He pressed a kiss against her temple and went back to picking at his food.
"Oh, Natsu," she cooed, her small hand brushing against his cheek as they began to grow red. "You're the best."
"Only for you." he murmured, trying his hardest to not choke and burn up. But the smile on his face said otherwise as his wife giggled.
It was hard to believe the two were already a married couple for a month and every time those sappy words escaped either of their lips, his cheeks were red and his heart was racing.
He has a wife and a baby on the way who loves him and he loves back.
How the hell did this all happen in just a year?
Natsu fiddled with his shirt, an exasperated sigh and the look of irritation mirroring his features. His hair was everywhere, nothing he wasn't used to, but for some reason it wasn't normal today. His hair looked different and it made him frustarted with all it was sticking out but everyone had assured him that it looks exactly the same as it did the days before.
But that didn't stop him from ruffling it and trying to fix whatever issue he had with it in the mirror in front of him.
"You hair looks fine," his wife's voice brought him back as he turned to see her approaching him. "Stop worrying so much. You're going to make it look weird if you keep messing with it."
He was beaming as she came near, her baby bump out in the open as she wore what looked like a sweater dress that hugged her curves like they were meant for her. The baby blue color brought out her golden hair and her pale skin and he didn't realize how much he really likes seeing pregnant Lucy. She was restricted to such loose clothing that the once in a while he gets to see her bump made his skin prickle with delight and a warmth embrace his entity.
His hands found home on her warm swollen belly and he was grinning as he felt her warmth radiate right back on his palms. "You're getting pretty big, Mrs. Dragneel." He let out a low whistle, rubbing his hand around her belly as he ignored the glare she produced. "You look real good pregnant."
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, mister." She chastised but she had a slight blush to her cheeks, a slight smile curling on her lips till it disappeared. "You completely mismatched your buttons, Natsu." She groaned as he looked down to see he had indeed mismatched his buttons on his shirt.
She clicked her tongue and was undoing them herself, fixing up his appearance as he let her. He continued to rub on her belly, enjoying the way it was warm and firm under his touch.
"How are you feeling?"
"My back hurts all the time but nothing I'm not used to," she let out a sigh, swiftly going through the buttons of his shirt. "On the bright side, I think I'm finally not losing hair. I feel like it's grown thicker."
"Your hair does look thicker," he agreed, his eyes on her golden locks he loved so much. "You actually look a lot better. Your face isn't so pale."
"I think I'm finally over the entire nauseous phase and I can actually sleep through the night." Lucy let out a sigh of relief, finally finishing up her buttons as she looked up at him. "But let's hope it stays this way."
"You just let me know what you need from me," he leaned in to peck her against the cheek and he grinned at the way her cheeks glowed red. "You look beautiful, Lucy."
"I told you earlier: flattery won't get you anywhere." She wagged her finger at him, pulling away so she could finish getting ready. He frowned as she pulled away from his hold, already missing her warmth and the feel of her swollen belly. "I need to finish up a couple more things. Could you check with our parents to see if they need any help?"
"Can't I help you instead? I don't want to deal with our parents." He whined, stepping closer to her as she took a step back. He frowned, pouting like a child as Lucy sighed.
"Natsu, I don't think you really want to help me curl my hair and find what shoes I want to wear. I'm already bound to another person, twenty-four-seven." She gestured to her belly. "I don't need another one following me around." Natsu groaned out loud to show his disappointment and Lucy just whirled around, walking away from her husband. She offered a smile and a wink his way, pausing at the doorway. "Don't be like that," she smiled wider as he narrowed his eyes. "We get to see today that I was right."
Natsu snorted, crossing his arms across his chest. "Just you wait. I know Nasha is inside of you right now waiting to join her daddy in his victory."
Lucy was now rolling her own eyes, smiling at his childish remarks. "We'll see when it comes to the reveal. Now, go on and be useful. I'll be downstairs soon."
She disappeared before he could argue and he found himself slouching in his spot. The one thing he hated the most was having to get in between his mother and her planning. She was so anal about everything being perfect that it made his life hell because god forbid the chair is two inches away from the spot she deemed perfect or if the color shade was just a smidge off. She would rip his head off for even mentioning such a thing and he would gladly take on his pregnant wife a hundred times over than his overbearing of a mother who couldn't take no for an answer.
He blames his father for that one. That man spoils his girls too much and even he could see that when it comes to Wendy.
And now with baby Dragneel on the way, that man was more of a menace than he was. His father was head over heels in love with his wife and he could now see why it irritated Lucy every time her mother was all over him.
His father was the definition of helicopter parent lately. With the way he fussed over everything Lucy did or ate, he was around the clock work and emotions.
And Natsu understood of course. There were many times he even insisted Lucy wore bubble wrap to leave the house and many times he would fuss about what she ate but that was his job as her husband and baby daddy… his dad though? Now he was on a whole another level when it came to overbearing and it made it so much worse that that man was also expecting a girl.
If his actions didn't show it, his appearance did as his father came out sporting a bright pink matching suit that he paired with a nice floral tie. He wore more pink than Natsu had ever seen in his life and he had goddamn pink hair. He was excited to prove Lucy wrong and even wore a nice pink shirt with white shorts but his father definitely screamed it's a girl! With his outrageous fitted custom tailored pink suit.
It kind of made him sick though as he sneered in disgust, staring at the older Dragneel who was all smiles.
"What the hell are you wearing?" Natsu asked, voice leveled and expression twisted. "You look like a goddamn walking highlighter."
"I am participating in this lovely gender reveal that my lovely wife," he emphasized, leaning in towards his busy wife who merely scowled and ignored him. "is throwing. Your old man here is very excited to know I will be raising a baby girl!"
Natsu sighed out loud, pinching the bridge of his nose as he looked at his father to his mother and back to his father.
"You mean that I will be raising since it's my baby girl and not yours."
"She is mine, too!" Igneel was quick to argue, glaring at his son who rivaled his look.
"She is not yours! She's my baby, dad! You're only a grandpa!"
"I am not just a grandpa!" Igneel scoffed, hand pressed to his chest in offense. "I will be her lifeline! Her number one supporter! She is the love of my life and I am willing to do anything and everything for her!" He declared, hand held up high while the other was planted on his hip.
Deciding Natsu had enough of his father's foolery and seeing how his mother was too busy with finishing up what looked like a charcuterie board, he left them be and made it to the backyard of his home.
He found his in-laws standing outside with Layla pointing where she would like chairs and tables and decoration to the many workers while Jude was trying to make himself useful by blowing up balloons.
Layla herself wore a beautiful blue gown that was satin and reached her ankles, her golden hair tied up in a nice bun with strains of curls framing her pale face. Jude had also worn a matching blue top, the couple barely standing out with the amount of pink and blue balloons that decorated the backyard.
He approached the couple and offered a wide grin when Layla brightened up at his appearance. "Hi, Natsu! Why, don't you look dashing?" She gushed as she fiddled with his shirt, pressing down on the collar. "Where is Lucy?"
Natsu flushed slightly as he greeted his in-laws. "She's still getting ready. Was trying to see if any of you need help?"
"No help required here," Jude waved him off, holding onto a half-blown up balloon in his hand. "I'm sure your guest should be arriving shortly. Why don't you tend to those?"
"Sure will. Let me know if you need anything."
Returning back to the house, Natsu felt slightly irritated that he wasn't put to use and his wife had chased him off like a lost puppy. At least he could see how the day was going to be and he noticed how the Heartfillia's were hoping for a boy, his family was all hoping for a girl. Besides his mother who wore a nice blue top with white slacks, her clear desire for a boy was loud and present.
Even he noticed Wendy running off earlier wearing a bright pink dress that flowed effortlessly behind her while she was chased to do this or that.
Coming out to the front of his home, Natsu was pleased to see his friends pulling up just in time to keep him out of trouble and boredom.
The bright head of fiery red hair appeared first alongside with the dark hair of his best friend. He approached the couple, a wide grin on his face as their keys were handed off to their valet.
"Thanks for coming," Natsu was relieved to see his friends, noticing how both of them wore pink. "And for coming to prove Lucy wrong that our baby is a girl." He grinned triumphantly.
"It's not to prove Lucy wrong," Gray practically shoved him to the side, the two making their way to the home while Natsu chased his friends. "I just don't think Lucy deserves to raise a boy, much less one that comes from you. She already has enough on her plate taking care of you."
"Hey—"
"Hopefully a girl will allow you to calm down," Erza commented making Natsu gawk at his friends.
"What did I do?!"
"Where is the mother to be? Would love to see her." Erza instantly changed moods, a smile on her face as Natsu now noticed the gift bag she had with her.
"She's upstairs. I'm not sure you want to disturb her now though—"
"Nonsense. I'll see if she needs any help." And with that, Erza had left leaving Gray rooted to his spot as he did not want to see a pregnant moody woman.
As much as he found himself adoring Lucy and her courage to be with someone like his rival, he could pass on the mood swings she had every so often. He was a victim of it not that long ago, practically having his eardrums burst and his ice cream assaulted as she screamed at him for taking the last bits of chocolate ice cream.
He swore off chocolate ice cream forever around the blonde as he did not want to go through another screaming match with her about stupid flavored frozen desserts.
A shiver ran down his spine as he followed Natsu to the kitchen once more, trying to see if there was anything they could steal to eat. He shifted the nicely wrapped box in his arm, holding onto the gift that he was yet to sit down somewhere.
"Gray, nice to see you!" Grandine offered a wide smile as she rushed around the island, a handful of fruit in her palm. "You look dashing!"
"Team girl!" Igneel shouted loudly, pumping his fist into the air as he held his other hand up for a high five.
Grandine scowled at him but said nothing as she continued her work, her husband rushing over to the boys. Gray could only chuckle half-heartedly as he high-fived Igneel, a look of disbelief exchanged between the two younger ones.
"Nice suit, Mr. D."
"I have to support my baby girl—"
"She's not yours!" Natsu had to shout and the two had gone back to bickering back and forth.
Gray could only groan, plucking a flute off a plate that was meant to be taken around to guests. He eyed the maid apologetically as he messed up the count, quickly shuffling away as he hovered over the working woman.
"Is there anything—"
"Yes. I need you three to leave." Grandine said without even looking up and it surprised the three of them. "I mean it. If you want to help, get the hell out of my way."
She didn't have to say it twice, the three males quickly leaving the presence of the woman. They ventured off to the backyard where they could see things were quickly moving, seeing how round tables and chairs had been placed around with beautiful wildflowers that brought color to the tables. There were adorable sheets and pencils on the table that allowed guests to cast their votes whether or not it was to be a girl or boy and other baby shower games that were set aside.
A beautiful balloon arch with flowers decorating each side was laid out on a rectangular table in the center where the parents-to-be would be sat at and finally did Gray find the table where gifts were meant to be placed.
He went right over, placing the nice box on top of the table and he offered a wide smile to Layla who was already gushing and running over.
"Hoping for a girl?" Layla teased, letting go of the younger male. "We're team boy!"
"Lucy doesn't deserve another Natsu," Gray laughed as his friend glared at him. "She deserves a bit of peace."
Jude laughed out loud at that, smacking Natsu in the back as the said father-to-be fumed at his friend's explanation.
"Do you need any help?"
"Not at all! Where is the mother-to-be?" Layla asked, looking over at Natsu to see if he knew but he just shrugged. "If that girl is up there creating a problem over a simple outfit again—"
"Don't you know it's bad to talk poorly about the mother-to-be on the day of her baby shower?" Lucy chastised, appearing out of nowhere with Erza trailing her closely. The scarlet-haired woman seemed flustered, trying to ensure she was walking properly and out of harm's way as her baby bump made the appearance of her being fragile.
But the woman was far from fragile as she let out a small huff of air, from either exhaustion or irritation of her mother's comment.
"Lucy!" Layla gushed excitedly, rushing to her side as her father and everyone else approached. "How are my babies?"
"Fine," Lucy let out another sigh, holding the bottom of her bump. "Hungry."
"I got you," Natsu was quick to dig into his pocket, providing animal crackers he magically conjured. He ripped apart the bag and handed it to her, the younger blonde beaming at his gift.
"Thanks, Natsu," she cooed lovingly and Gray snickered, earning an elbow to the rib.
His yelp went ignored as they surrounded the pregnant woman, fussing about this or that while Lucy waved them off.
Erza had wandered off to take in the decor and place her own gift on the table as more people had joined them. Cana and Levy were quick to be at the blonde's side, hugging her tight and gushing about their reunion. Cana had worn blue while Levy uncharacteristically wore pink for the first time, the two grinning about their obvious desire for which sex.
It had become too normal for those to be stroking her belly as they excitedly spoke about the baby.
Natsu hovered over his pregnant wife the entire time, greeting guests and getting into the routine of catching up.
Gajeel had come with Juvia, wearing his same old black clothing which got him an earful from Erza. He didn't seem to care but grimaced as Levy lectured him about the simple proceedings of gender reveal showers. Juvia simply wore blue because it was her favorite color but she claimed it was because she was hoping for a baby boy.
Sting and Rogue appeared with their respected parents in tow. Everyone was dressed in blue besides Sting's mother who wore bright pink.
The Strauss' siblings came in wearing all pink even while Elfman boasted about how manly it was to wear such a color. Jellal even seemed to come moments after, the tattooed fellow sporting a royal blue top that mirrored his hair.
Wendy had even come out to join, the small girl excited to become an aunt at her ripe age of fourteen. Eventually, all friends had come to join in the baby shower and everything was all set up for them to begin games and play.
Lucy was already on her third snack before lunch was served and she had one too many hands touching on her for her to be in a good mood. The only thing that helped her feel better was Natsu's constant reassurance and his presence and the fact that she was surrounded by her friends and family.
By the time it was for the gender reveal, Lucy was anxious as she sat at the table with a full belly. She watched how Natsu and his father got to work on setting up the gadget that would explode with either pink or blue once touched. She rubbed on her belly, wondering if it would ruin her clothing or if it was smart to have Natsu pick out how he would want to announce the sex.
He, of course, opted for the most explosive and biggest way he could announce his baby's sex with exploding powder that would soon fill the air with whatever color. He promised it was safe and he saw it somewhere online and nobody got hurt so she willingly let him.
Now, as she watched how her father-in-law and husband set up this gigantic box and mini tubes of what she guesses powder on to the ground, she could only rub her stomach in reassurance.
She really just wanted to keep it simple and slice into a goddamn cake but she had the whole Dragneel's tell her that the Dragneel household are not simple people and would most definitely like to go out with a bang.
And then with Natsu helping her to her feet, ensuring she was safe and upright, he gently guided her towards the center while their friends and family excitedly waited in their seats to see who was right.
"I don't think this is a good idea," Lucy whispered as she looked down at the lever that had the bold letters TNT painted on it. She did not know who in their right mind would even label it that nor did she want to know how this even worked. "Is it safe?"
"Of course it's safe," he scoffed, slightly offended that she would doubt his protection. "I would never let anything happen to you two."
Lucy rolled her eyes, taking a step back anyways while she held her bump.
"Come closer, Luce! We're going to push down together!" He ushered her over and all she could do was press her lips into a tight line while coming over. "All we have to do is push this lever down and it'll explode into color!"
Lucy didn't respond, just warily looked over at her husband before looking into the crowd where most of her friends looked excited but her mother's eyes caught hers a bit too soon. Her mother also seemed to have the same reaction as her, her brown orbs flickering up from the TNT box to her own face.
"Ready?" His voice brought her back down to earth and she looked over to calculate his reaction.
He didn't look like he doubted his safety for his family so it made her feel a bit better but it still didn't change the fact that she was actively pressing down on a box that was painted to be an explosive.
She placed her hand on top of her much larger and warmer ones, her chocolate eyes flickering in fear as she stared into his dark ones. He grinned widely, lacing his fingers with his.
"Ready?" He echoed, looking at the crowd who held their phones out to record and the photographer and videographer who were scattered nearby.
Lucy squeezed her eyes shut, praying to whoever to keep her and her baby safe as her heart pounded wildly inside her chest.
Feeling the push of Natsu's hand, Lucy pushed down with him for a loud bang to erupt and her entire body jolted as the colorful powder exploded into the air. The bright pink powder decorated the blue skies and loud roars of excitement filled her ears. She looked around in shock before she was looking for her husband, large warm arms wrapped around her figure as Natsu had lifted her off her feet.
She squealed in surprise, latching onto the man who spun her around as he radiated pure joy.
"I told you!" He shouted excitedly over the chaos that followed. "I told you she was a girl!"
Tears pricked her the corner of her eyes as she saw her friends and family rushing over to give her a hug herself, wide smiles and teary eyes looking her way.
Lucy could only laugh out loud, her own tears streaming down her face as everyone gathered around her to cheer.
Something about laying in bed by herself made her feel quite lonely. Maybe it was all the times she had laid next to Natsu while he stroked her lovingly or the way she was five months pregnant and she was back in her childhood home in her own bed by herself that made her so lonely.
Natsu said the house was going to be ready in just a couple of weeks so most likely towards the end of May they would be able to move in.
Not fast enough.
Natsu didn't sleep with her tonight due to reasons he was reluctant to explain but she didn't let it bother her as she drove back home with her parents. The baby shower did a number on her and her ankles. Her ankles had been swelling and making it hard for her to stand or walk for long periods of time and it didn't help that her belly was growing day by day.
While her bump wasn't the biggest thing in the world, she was still carrying more weight than she was used to. If people looked hard enough, they would be able to know she was pregnant but those who were blissfully ignorant to her current state could say she just ate an excessive amount of dairy or food.
It helped with the sneaking around, though, and soon enough the couple were to announce their pregnancy in the next coming week.
But it still didn't help as she was restless. She wanted to be with Natsu and gush about their baby girl and talk about their future. She wanted him to hold her while he told her tales of his time abroad and his childhood. She wanted his soft touches and gentle kisses and she wanted him to reassure her that she was fine.
Hot tears pricked at her eyes and she was embarrassed to feel so sad about such a simple thing as sleeping by herself but this damn baby made her emotions go haywire.
Lucy let out a frustrated groan, throwing her comforter off of her body as she sat up in bed. The large t-shirt that belonged to Natsu swallowed her and her bump but it made her feel worse with the way his scent assaulted her overly sensitive nose. She was craving someone's presence and she would be damned if she woke up her parents for some time together. Her mother would most likely fuss and say it wasn't good for the baby and her father would just agree because that was his loving wife.
So with plans of finding something to do, she swiped her phone from her charger and went through her list of messages before she found the group chat that belonged to her, Levy and Cana.
Sending a quick message, she waited patiently as she stared at the time that blinked back 12:02AM at her.
She wished to the stars that someone was up to keep her company and she was elated when she saw that Cana had messaged her back, words of confusion and concern coming through her phone.
Lucy clapped to herself, picking up the phone to wait for it to ring before Cana's voice came through.
"Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Lucy snapped, her arm resting comfortably on her bump.
"I'm not the one pregnant," Cana snickered over the line and Lucy rolled her eyes. "Well, what's up, mama? Can't sleep?"
"Can I come over? I'm lonely."
"Lonely? Where's that husband of yours?"
"I don't know, he said he has some things to take care of tonight and said he'd rather not come home late and wake me so he'll stay with his parents. So can I come or not?"
"Feisty," Cana purred over the line. "Sure. You want me to send a car or you got it?"
"I'll handle it. I'll be there in fifteen!" Lucy said excitedly, practically jumping out of bed to get some pants on. She didn't bother getting dressed for Cana as she pulled on a pair of loose sweatpants around her waist.
She was really starting to like Natsu's clothes a lot more than her own and she was glad he owned comfortable clothes like this.
Sneaking down the stairs of her home, Lucy was quiet about descending down the normally creaky floors. She didn't even want to know what her parents would do or say if she was to be caught sneaking out and she sure as hell wasn't going to make it known to them till she was at least forty.
That also meant she had to walk to Cana's but her house was a fifteen minute walk at best so she slipped on a pair of fuzzy boots and a light jacket to keep her warm. She snuck out through the back door, not wanting to create any noise or suspicion if she left it unlocked. She made sure to stay away from the line of cameras that lined against her fence and backyard, back pressed against the wall as she sneakily made her escape.
She really had to thank Natsu for all those ninja movies he invested his time into as she felt like a real life ninja for once, the tight grip around her phone in her pocket providing reassurance for her getaway.
Once she had made it to her gate, she quickly unlocked it and made a swift getaway where she was on the path of her driveway. She was feeling giddy with the idea of seeing her friend and not being lonely as the cool crisp air nipped at her skin.
She wrapped her jacket around her tighter and kept her walk brisk, seeing how the dark sky twinkled in the very stars she and her mother whisper to. She asked for their protection as she ventured down the lit up streets, the familiar feeling of her going to Cana's house while growing up brewing deep in her chest.
She was excited for her own baby girl to grow up with friends like she and Natsu have, her hands coming to rub against her belly.
"I am so excited to meet you, Nasha," she whispered softly, her own soft pitter patter of her feet echoing into the night. "You have a whole village behind you. I'm actually going to one of your aunt's houses," Lucy hummed to herself excitedly, speaking as if someone was listening. "I know she will always be here for you and so will your aunt Levy and Erza and Lisanna and…" she trailed off as she heard the hum of a car behind her.
She instinctively moved over, ensuring the car had space to drive past her as she resumed her conversation.
"And of course you have your uncles," she giggled softly, thinking about the many people who were excited to watch over a baby Dragneel girl. "You have your uncle Gray and uncle Elfman. Uncle Elfman is actually aunt Lisanna's and aunt Mirajane's brother—"
Feeling the eerie feeling of being watched, Lucy turned over her shoulder to see the car she heard earlier slow down, almost as if they were to park.
It made her brows furrow as that was abnormal in her neighborhood, especially at an odd hour like this.
Something in her gut told her she was in danger and she didn't stop to pick it apart, her feet picking up the speed as the slow of the car made her heart thump loudly. She gripped her phone tight in her pocket and continued her trek towards Cana's house, the top of the large home coming into view as it showed she was close.
Which meant that sooner or later she would be able to be caught on their home cameras and if anything were to happen, they would have video evidence of her disappearance.
"No," Lucy whispered to herself, skin prickling in fear. "Nothing is going to happen to me." She told herself, her warm belly bringing her assurance. "Nothing is going to happen to us." She spoke to Nasha and herself. "I'm going to call Cana—"
Holding up her phone to call her friend, the sound of the car door opening had her whirling her head to see what was going on. Her eyes widened as she watched two men dash over towards her, a gasp flying out of her lips as her body went into overdrive and she began to run.
She nearly fell on her face as her sweatpants started to slide down her waist, the blonde hiking it up as she tried her best to run with a melon attached to her stomach.
Her calves burned and she tasted blood in her mouth with how harsh she panted, her feet working overtime to steer closer to her friends home.
But it was too late as she felt the arm encircle around her and she was thrashing, screaming out loud to alert someone—
Her screams were muffled as she felt a cloth cover her mouth and nose, her eyes widening as she flailed her arms around. She tried to swipe at the one who held her but the sudden feeling of fatigue and drowsiness overcame her. Her own body grew heavy and the next thing she saw was complete darkness.
The next morning, Layla got up feeling refreshed and ready for a day full of baby adventure. While Layla had wished for a boy, she was equally excited to have a baby girl introduced to the family. Besides, she knew she still had more chances at a baby boy with the way Natsu and Lucy were. She had no problem waiting but her only sense of purpose now was to buy anything and everything for that baby girl.
Her first thought was to wake her own baby girl up, to take her shopping for baby clothes. Layla had a blast when she had Lucy, dressing her up in the newest bows and dresses.
With the brightest colored hair and warm chocolate eyes, she was a splitting image of her and she was too excited to see what baby Nasha was to look like.
Making her way down to Lucy's room, Layla could only hum a soft tune as she thought about all the places they could visit. She could possibly bribe her with dessert if Lucy were to be too fussy and she giggled to herself at how adorable and alike her daughter was to her, even though pregnancy.
Maybe it was since they were carrying girls but it all made everything so much fun and exciting.
Knocking on the door, Layla waited for a heartbeat before she was poking her head inside. She noticed that Lucy wasn't even in bed, her comforters kicked off and bed unmade. She walked further into the room, closing the bedroom door as she wandered to the bathroom.
"Lucy, honey? Are you still experiencing morning sickness?" She went over to knock on the bathroom door. "Do you need—?" She was cut off as her knuckled push opened the door to an empty bathroom.
This made her furrow her brows in confusion and she turned back around, surveying the room as if she might have missed something. Her balcony door was closed so she wasn't there so Layla went over to her closet, opening the door to peek in to see it empty and dark.
She wondered if Lucy had been whisked away by her husband, the older blonde making her way out of the bedroom to go find her cellphone.
Lucy usually told them she would be out and about and it was only eight in the morning so there was no way she was already out with Natsu. Unless they had something planned but she was sure she would have been told or Lucy would have notified someone about her departure.
"Ah, good morning, Virgo!" Layla stopped the maid who twisted and bowed immediately. "Have you seen Lucy at all this morning?"
"No, lady Layla. I have not seen the princess since yesterday."
"Has anyone seen Lucy?" Layla began to worry, her eyebrows knitted.
"No, milady, but I will ask around. Is something wrong?"
"Not at all," Layla waved it off, dismissing the maid. "Just curious. That is all."
Virgo was once gone, leaving Layla to rush to her bedroom to collect her phone she always forgot to bring around. Jude was in the bathroom, showering for his day while Layla sat down on the edge of her bed to scroll through her phone.
She called Lucy first, the rings echoing on the other end before it went straight to voicemail. This made her heart thump wildly as she quickly called Natsu right after. His phone rang three times before she heard his sleepy voice over the line.
"Natsu? Natsu, it's Lucy's mother. Can you hear me?"
"Good morning," he sounded surprised as he tried to shake off his sleep. "Is everything alright?"
"Natsu, is Lucy with you?" She started to gnaw on her bottom lip, her leg bouncing with worry.
"Lucy?" He echoed. "No, she's not with—"
"She's not?!" Layla immediately interrupted, her worry growing ten folds.
She heard shuffling on the other end and his voice seemed clearer. "Is something wrong? Is Lucy missing?"
"Oh dear, I don't know where she could be! She's not in her room and the other place I could only think of is yours. She isn't answering her phone either!" Layla cried out as panic started to settle in.
Natsu, hearing her panic, tried his best to soothe her as he was already getting dressed.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Heartfillia. I'll call around and see if I can find her, alright? No need to panic. Lucy is a strong, smart woman and I'm sure she's fine." He assured Layla but she still couldn't help but feel the overwhelming feeling of fear. "I'll call you with an update, okay?"
After a minute of her fighting her inner dialogue, she agreed, asking him to keep in touch as the call ended.
Natsu went right to work, calling up her friends first as he trekked through his home in a rush. Levy's phone went right to voicemail and he had left one, asking her to call him back immediately and he then rang Cana. He was for sure she was also going to go straight to voicemail but the slurry sleepy voice made him sigh out in relief.
"Cana! It's Natsu."
"Natsu?" She sounded confused.
"Is Lucy with you?"
"Lucy?" She echoed, confusion still laced in her words.
"Yes. Lucy." He repeated, his hands reaching for any set of keys in the bowl. "Is she with you?"
"No, she's not with me." He heard her yawn over the line. "She was supposed to come over last night but never showed up. I'm pretty sure she just fell asleep. I don't know why—"
"Wait, what? What did you just say?" He felt his entire body freeze.
"About what? That she was supposed to come over last night?"
"Yes, that." He hissed. "What time was this?"
"I don't know? Twelve?"
Natsu felt his body grow cold, goosebumps pricking his skin as the hair began to rise on the back of his neck.
Millions of thoughts ran through his head, his heart thumping loudly as he imagined the worst.
"Hello? Natsu? You still there?" Her voice echoed in his ear. "Hello?"
"Cana," he spoke harshly, his grip on his phone tight. "Lucy never came back home last night. Her mom just called me asking if she's with me and she's not."
There was a long pause on the other line and Natsu thought she might have hung up, his hand pulling the phone away to check but it was still going.
"Hell—?"
"Let me call her and see if she picks up. I'll call you back." The slight panic in her voice didn't make him feel any better but he agreed anyway, hopping into his car of the day.
He started the car and let out a sigh, running his face down his face.
He was going to give her a mouthful when he saw her because what the hell was she thinking of leaving the house that late at night by herself? At five months pregnant, too? He was pissed that she did something so reckless and by herself. Who did she think she was?
But through his anger, worry was stronger in his system as he thought about his wife.
Where could she have gone?
Is she hurt?
Is she safe?
Is the baby okay?
Was she alone?
Did someone take her?
So many thoughts swirled in his head as he didn't even think twice as he answered the phone. "Did you get in touch with—?"
"Natsu Dragneel," a deep distorted voice echoed in his car and Natsu instantly sat up straight, his skin prickling at the unfamiliar voice. "I have your wife, Lucy Heartfillia. If you want her back safe, you will do as you are told."
Anger washed over him all over again and he clenched his fist tight, glaring at the screen that showed unknown. "Who is this?! Where is Lucy?!"
"She is safe… for now."
Chills ran through his spine and he slammed his fist into the steering wheel. "Where is she?! Who are you?! Do you know who I am—?!"
"We are aware of who you are and who your wife is," he sounded leveled and calm even through Natsu's shouting. "If you want your wife back in one piece, you are to wire us a million dollars. You have forty eight hours or your wife dies."
His blood ran cold, his eyes widening at his threat.
"Once I get my hands on you fuckers, you're—!"
"Forty eight hours, Mr. Dragneel. Your time is ticking."
And with a click, the call ended and all Natsu could feel was the cold chills that ran down his body.
notes: something to stir the pot… i may have gone a little off course with the original plot but we need something besides fluff, right?! Lets see where this goes..