I'll always be right here," she then pointed to his head, or where she thought it was, weakly, "and in there. I'll never truly leave you, I'll just be with Grandpa Igneel... and Éclair," Nashi's breaths began to grow longer. Natsu and Lucy held her closer. She didn't have much longer and it scared them. Everyone was surprised when a small laugh came from Nashi's lips.

"Even though... I didn't have very long... I'm very thankful... for the time I was able... to spend with both of you," tears pricked at the corners of Nashi's dead eyes, her lower lip quivered, "Thank you, Mommy, Daddy... thank you... for everything."

Natsu and Lucy stared at their child in disbelief. Since they had known Nashi, never ceased to surprise them. She truly was special and they didn't deserve such a child. Natsu sniffled, pushing back a strand of Nashi's hair.

"It' us, that should be thanking you." Lucy nodded her head.

"Yes, you have been such a beautiful gift to both of us. You gave us back the hope that had died before you were even born. T-Thank you Nashi."

Natsu and Lucy's eyes became fuzzy. Nashi felt small droplets fall onto her cold skin. Natsu kissed temple, rubbing his cheek against her soft locks lovingly.

"Thank you, Nashi. T-Thank y-you."

Nashi had never felt such overwhelming love in all her life. She smiled the biggest smile she could, her eyes drifting shut, for most likely the last time. The girl whispered with the little breath she had left.

"You're welcome."

"NASHI!"

"Ahh!" Natsu shot up from his bed in a cold sweat. He panted heavily, trying to recollect himself. He rubbed a hand on his face, whipping away the sweat that drenched his brow. When his breathing had evened, he looked around the room he was in. He recognized it as his own bedroom and let out a sigh of relief.

It was just a dream.

As his eyesight adjusted, he heard light breathing beside him in bed. Natsu turned to look at the individual lying beside him. Lying right beside him was his wife Lucy. Her blonde hair was sprawled across her pillow carelessly. She looked so peaceful in her sleep Natsu couldn't help but smile.

He couldn't believe that they were married and even had a child. In the past it all seemed like a distant fantasy just out of his reach. Now, it was dreams come true. It was hard to imagine how it could have been. The memory of Nashi and the dark guild, Scarabs Wings, was still imprinted in his mind and he knew it would never go away, but that didn't matter. He could live with it, because that future wasn't going to happen. Now that Natsu had changed it, none of those things were going to happen. Granted, everything else didn't happen either: him and Lisanna dating, Gajeel and Levy didn't get married, all his adventures with Nashi before he knew she was his daughter. In the deep recesses of his heart, he felt bad for altering the future, but if it was destined, if it was meant to be, there was not a doubt in Natsu's mind that everyone would be happy.

He lay back down on his side facing his beautiful wife. He lifted a hand and gently stroked the side of her cheek. Lucy's closed eyes twitched for a moment before they opened, revealing her brown irises.

"Sorry," Natsu mumbled smiling, "I didn't mean to wake you up."

Lucy smiled at him lovingly, "It's okay." Natsu readjusted himself as Lucy snuggled into him. Natsu let out a content sigh while Lucy relaxed.

"Why were you awake?" she asked softly, sleepiness evident in her voice. Natsu threw and arm around her and held her close. They lay in silence for what felt like hours until Natsu finally decided to respond.

"I had a bad dream."

His wife hummed in understanding, "The one about, you know, Nashi?"

Natsu nodded. After Nashi was born, Natsu had finally explained to Lucy that he was actually from the future, or in a way he was. She didn't fully believe him at first, but then pieces started to come together like how he knew Lucy had intended on running away or how he knew she was pregnant with their daughter. After that point, Lucy didn't have a hard time believing him. It was shocking to say the least that her future self was kidnapped and that their daughter was... killed. She couldn't even imagine it, but Natsu actually lived through it. He often woke up in the middle of the night, crying due to the horrifying memory.

Lucy took bother hands and placed them on Natsu's cheeks, guiding his eyes down to hers. He looked so torn and damaged.

"Natsu, you don't have to worry anymore," she said softly.

"But, what if it happens again?" he asked, his eyes sad. Lucy leaned her forehead up against her husbands, rubbing it tenderly.

"I know you Natsu. You are the strongest man I have ever met. I know you will never let any harm befall Nashi or me. You would use all the power you posses to protect us."

"But-" Lucy silenced him with a tiny peck on the lips. He stared at the woman before him in bewilderment.

"I don't doubt you, so don't doubt yourself." He stared into her chocolate eyes for what felt like n eternity before he chuckled. He smiled lovingly at his wife and pulled her into a hug.

"Thanks Luce, for believing in me."

"If you won't believe in yourself, I will." Lucy pulled away enough to kiss her husband. It was just a simple, sweet kiss, but it was enough to make Natsu fall in love with her all over again. Natsu smiled against her wife's lips and Lucy did the same. Just as they were about to break apart, a small cry came from the corner of the room. Natsu pulled away and looked back at the baby crib. He looked backa at his wife as she giggled cutely.

"You're taking care of her this time since you woke me up."

Natsu chuckled, pushing himself off the bed, "Go back to sleep," he whispered, kissing Lucy on her temple. He strolled sluggishly up to the crib, smiling as he leaned in. Squirming uncomfortably inside the crib was a small baby, a little over a month old. She had pink hair on the top of her head that matched her fathers and was wearing a light pink onesie.

Natsu shushed her quietly as he reached in and picked up his daughter. He grabbed her blanket and held her close to his chest. So Lucy could go back to sleep, Natsu left the room and into the hallway. He walked down the hall and into the playroom that their daughter would one day use. He stood in front of a window, overlooking the city of Magnolia. It was in the middle of the night, however Natsu could still see some lights spread out.

The child in his arms whimpered. He bounced her up and down gently, trying to calm her down. When that proved ineffective, Natsu did the only thing he knew would soothe her. He sang.

Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forevermore

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart,
Always

Why can't they understand the way we feel,
They just don't trust what they can't explain.
How know your different
Deep inside us, we're not that different at all.

And you'll be in my heart,
yes you'll be in my heart,
From this day on
Now and forevermore.

Don't listen to them, 'cause what do they know.

We need each other, to have to hold.
They'll see in time, I know.
When destiny calls you, you must be strong

I may not be with you, but you got to hold on.
They'll see in time, I know.
That your there together 'cos
You'll be in my heart,
Believe me,
You'll be in my heart.
I'll be there from this day on,
now and forever more.

Ooh you'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

Always
I'll be with you,
I'll be there for you always
Always and always

Just look over your shoulder.

Just look over your shoulder.

Just look over your shoulder.

I'll be there always.

The child's cries began to cease. Natsu looked down at the infant in his arm to find that she was asleep. He smiled as he her small breathes fill the room. Memories of Nashi's death flashed through his mind and Natsu clutched her closer to him. He wouldn't let it happen, not if he had a say in things. He used a single finger to brush a piece of her pink hair.

"I'll always be here Nashi. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."