Babysitting Criminals While Pregnant *Slow Updates*

Chapter 54

I'm so very sorry!!!!!! *bows a million times* I didn't expect this chapter to be so late! To brief it up, I got a job, I'm full-time, so I barely have time to do anything anymore. I hope this does a little justice for you, quenching down that hunger down. It's not that long, around 1616 words, but I hope that's okay for you.

Anyway, ENJOY~

"Ouchie!"

"What's wrong?"

I don't necessarily ignore the perked chime of Midnight, I just don't want to express that my fetus has ninja kicked me in the spleen. I mean, it's nothing to worry about, or at least I don't think so. The baby has been an active baby since we left Magnolia. I'm glad the baby is okay, but I don't exactly appreciate the sudden jabs and pokes at my organs.

I catch eye contact with him as he peers lazily at me.

"Just be glad you don't have a uterus," I say, tenderly pressing my bump.

A grimace twists his features, nose crinkling. "Ugh...I'm better off not being told that."

I roll my eyes and smile lightly. At least he didn't give me some piss-faced, dismayed insult. It's an improvement.

My child has been active since we left the train station--leaving an emotional Makarov behind. I feel terrible for the old man, really. My heart tugs painfully knowing I've caused confusion and sorrow. Maybe I should've stayed longer? Remincsed a little more? D'oh, why do I feel so bad for my misfortunes?

"Yer doin' it again, Blondie, " Cobra grumbles irritably beside me. "Quit givin' me a headache."

I sigh out, "It's good to be back in Crocus!" I grin.

"Hn." That is what I get from my companions.

"Don't call me that," Cobra grumbles ever-so moodily.

Scoffing, I roll my eyes. I still forget Cobra can read—excuse me—hear thoughts. I nearly snort when catching Cobra's face twist up a little. Poor kid, all of this must be so difficult for him, unable to control his sound magic. See my sarcasm? No?  Well, whatever.

"...Heartfilia?!!"

It was far away, but I can hear someone calling for me. I don't recognize the voice, not at all.

Who...?

"Is that Lucy Heartfilia?!" 

"Oh, great..." Cobra coldly grunts, averting his eye to the side.

I look for the voice that seemed to be chanting my name like worship or something. It truly did have me confused. Most people seemed more amazed and fascinated by Erza and Gray and Happy. My popularity barely dented the shiny name of Titania. Not that it mattered, but still. I mean, I've gotten some recognition for my Sorcerer Weekly pin-ups, but that is, like, the most I get praised for.

"Who is it?" I try to look around Cobra, who is blocking the view of the culprit almost purposely, especially as he moves when I move.

"Don't get yer panties in a twist, Blondie. Just some lowlife."

My brows knit together at the inferior insult, "Hey, now, don't get all high and mighty— "

"Oh my Heavens, it is her!!" 

I can see one or two people dash our way, just barely because Cobra's shoulder is all broad and blocking my line of sight. I do get a glimpse of someone furiously flipping through a magazine as they approach.

"Lucy Heartfilia, I have to say you're more beautiful in person!" The person gushes flirtatiously.

Ah, there it is. That recognition I was talking about. The recognition left millions of eyes on my once hidden body. I suppose I can consider them fans, I mean, after all, they just love my spreadsheets. Creepy, or not.