"Ah, this is nice~" I sigh happily as I sink into the steaming bath water.

My muscles quickly melt into relaxation against the intense warmth of the water. Of course, I can't feel heat as much as I used to, but I can still feel some of it. I felt the discomfort release for the first time since before I had a huge baby bump.

"I hope so," Yukino says while she dries her hands on the hand towel hanging above the sink. "Are you sure you're okay to be in hot water?"

"The baby is fine, Yukino," I chastise her lightly. "It helps with the backaches."

Yukino gives me a curious, but concerning look, "Are you in constant pain?"

I shift in the bath and move my hand to my bump, feeling my child move slightly under my skin.

"Only when he rests on my spine. Or uses my organs for soccer practice."

"He?" Yukino tilts her head.

"It's a guess," I say with a small laugh. "Seems I keep confusing everyone."

"It's quite alright, Lucy-san." Yukino says. "Everyone has their wishes."

"Sting doesn't seem to be as understanding as you," I mumble sourly, the abrupt thought angering my mind like a headache. I look at my friend and see the guilt she harbors on her face. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said---"

"Sting has been acting very boyishly toward your decisions, and I'm sorry for that," She cuts me off. "He and Rogue have had their personalities amplified since they happened to meet you in Crocus when you moved here. Sting's acting much like a child, and Rogue is more brooding than usual."

"And you think that's something to do with me?" I give her a questioning look.

"No, no, I---" She falters and sighs. "I don't know what I think. You should wash up. It's been a long afternoon. You must be tired."

The moment she said tired, I felt an oncoming yawn within my throat. I nod, agreeing with her and grab my wash rag. I slosh it around in the water and squirt some of my skin moisturizing body wash.

"I'll give you some privacy. Call for me when you're done, okay?" Yukino left me in the bathroom to clean myself.

Had I upset her by what I said? It seemed like her whole attitude changed in a split second. I frown but rub my arms with the soapy rag. Maybe she saw how eager Sting was to feel the baby kick earlier. I chuckle under my breath, his beaming face when he asked to feel.

I caved and let him. He seemed so impressed. And proud.

Sighing out, I peer out of the small window above my bath. I wasn't worried about peeping toms, we were on the third floor of the apartment building after all. Plus I don't think anyone could try to sneak up on us with Cobra's excellent hearing and sound-prediction magic.

As the light fades from the sky, the snow seemed so be thicker as it falls. Not that I'd admit out loud, but my usually favorite season made me feel empty in my chest, like there was nothing there. An unknown hole of pressure and emotions. The depression I have feels like the weight of a dead whale. Maybe a dragon. I don't know.

I have this fear pooling inside me, though I don't know why.

"What a mess we're in, huh?" I say softly, my attention flickering down to my stomach and dread on the future my baby would have.

I dip the rag in the water again and begin to wash myself all over so I wouldn't keep Yukino waiting too long.

Maybe I'd sleep a little better tonight and the baby wouldn't active much.

.

.

Sniff.

Sniff.

Exhale.

I'd know this scent anywhere! Natsu frantically smells the air. Yes. This is Lucy's scent! He thought she smelled weird the last time they were together.

Her scent, and a few others. Those Dragon Slayers from Sabertooth, that other Celestial Mage, and two other scents...

Sniff.

Why did they smell familiar?

Sniff.

It suddenly clicks.

The scents were from members of the Oracion Seis. Specifically that creepy guy, and that snake guy, who so happened to be Dragon Slayer as well. He felt the growl rumble within his throat before he realized he was even growling.

His dragon becomes infuriated and Natsu panics a little. He can feel himself begin to slip under the beast's control, and the spell. He couldn't resist the beast during that night, or the night he bit Lucy. It was too...strong...

It was beyong pissed other males were around her. So much so their scents began to lace with hers, the beast hating it seemed to be an understatement. He fights against it, and it burns him inside as it retaliates against him. If Natsu had to chose who go up against, he'd rather get beat down by Erza. And Mira. Maybe Gajeel and Gramps. Hell, he'd rather go up against Gildarts!

Tug!

No! No! He'd already put his friend through so much! Please don't! Natsu grips his head, earning some weird looks from the few people still on the lit-up street, though they hurry way when they see his dilemma, frightened by how dark and sharp his features became.

The beast didn't falter and easily overpowered Natsu's mind and body. Looking around for those two oafs, the beast smirks when he feels their magics.

No one will keep him away from his mate and child.

Not even some stupid cult.

No one.