"Here, take this. Whenever I put my hand on it, it will glow," Natsu informed her, handing her one of the pair of lacrimas that he had bought. "You'll know that I'm there, thinking of you. It works either way, so…" Lucy blinked away tears and looked down at the crystal in her hands. Natsu held onto the other and both lacrimas were lit up brightly.

"D-do you have to go?" Lucy whispered, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Natsu grimaced slightly, emotionally torn.

"Yes… I'll be back before you know it thought, Luce…" He hugged her tightly, placing a kiss on top of her head. "It's six months to a year, at most."

"W-what if something happens to you?" Lucy sniffled, her gaze distracted by the glowing crystals, for a moment, that seemed to intensify in luminosity.

"Gray's gonna be with me," Natsu reminded her gently and then chuckled slightly, "Hate to say that." Lucy gently batted at his chest.

"At least you won't be alone…" Lucy sighed and swallowed hard. "But you andGray are leaving… We're going to be so sad…"

"Luce…" Natsu placed his lacrima down on the living room table and put his hands on her shoulders. "We will be fine, it's just a long job. I'll be thinkin' about you every day. There won't be a day that I won't miss you."

"I know, Natsu… I'm just going to miss you so much." Tears spilled out of her eyes again and Natsu hugged her tightly. He released her from their embrace, kissed her gently, and sighed.

"Happy," He addressed the little blue exceed who had been sitting in the kitchen, giving them privacy. "Look after Lucy, will ya?"

"A-aye, sir." Happy promised. The job that Gray and Natsu were going on was very strict and only allowed two wizards to enter certain places that were required to go, and no magical animals.

"I love you both. Be back soon, take care of the guild while I'm gone." Natsu smiled almost sadly and longingly back at her, and left their house.

Lucy's mind went back to the day that Natsu had left and she picked the lacrima that Natsu had given her all those months ago. Shortly after she picked it up, it lit up bright, and Lucy felt her heart flutter.

"It's been eight months, Happy. Do you think he'll be home soon?" Lucy mused quietly from where she sat, Happy snuggled up next to her on the couch as they watched the lacrima-vision.

"I hope so," Happy began, sitting up and stretching, nuzzling her belly. "He's got a lot to catch up on!" Lucy smiled and patted Happy's head before putting her free hand on her ever growing belly. She had found out she was pregnant a few days after Natsu had left and she desperately hoped that he would be home before the baby was born.

"He really does, huh?" Lucy chuckled, one hand rubbing circles on her belly, the other resting on the glowing lacrima. "Who do you think the baby will be like?"

"Like their Uncle Happy!" Happy replied with a giggle. Lucy rolled her eyes and sighed out a laugh.

"Oh, but of course." Lucy smiled, "I think he'll be home in time, I can feel it. I think the baby's telling me." Happy giggled in response when an excited, love filled voice sounded behind them.

"A baby, Luce?"