Rogue speed-walked, almost jogged through Magnolia, following the faint scent of strawberries still left there from yesterday evening. Less than ten minutes ago, Natsu's accidental slip of the tongue during a heated argument had let him know just how much Future Rogue had hurt Fairy Tail's beloved celestial mage.
"At least I'm not a monster like him! Someone whose future self kills someone else's future self right in front of their eyes is a monster! Do you have any idea how much you hurt Luce?!"
The Shadow Dragon Slayer had ran outside the guild building where he and his guildmates should have been partying along with the Fairy Tail guild to celebrate their new-found friendship. He'd slowed down only once the structure was out of sight.
Suddenly, a fresh wave of the sweet scent he'd been going after hit him. He rounded a corner to see Lucy balancing on the side of the canal, a cheerful and unknowing smile on her face.
Rogue almost sprinted toward the blonde girl. "Can we talk?" She just nodded, confused by the urgency in his voice. He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry.""Sorry for what?" Lucy asked, tilting her head in a quizzical manner. "Did Sting decide to leave a spider or something for me at the guild again? You don't need to apologize for him all the time, you know."
Rogue just shook his head. "I'm sorry for what my future self did. I was just told just how much he hurt you in particular and I'm very, very sorry." During the entire time he spoke, Rogue kept his head bowed, avoiding eye contact.
"Rogue. Look at me." Rogue lifted his head up, meeting her chocolate eyes. "Don't apologize." Now, it was Rogue's turn to be confused. "It wasn't you. You don't need to apologize."
Awe and astonishment replaced confusion on Rogue's face. "But it was me! I was that, I hurt you, I AM that monster!" Monster. The word kept repeating in his mind like a broken record.
What Lucy did next surprised Rogue even more. She hugged him. "Idiot. Just the fact that you regret what he did proves that you're not him," she whispered into his ear. "You are not a monster."
Rogue stood, frozen, processing what she said. And then he returned her embrace.
Quick A/N: Since this is my first fanfic, it'd be a big help if you could tell me if you liked it or appreciate criticism as long as it's constructive, so feel free to point out both pros and cons. Oh and thanks for reading! If you liked it, please consider dropping a favorite. That's all from me! HappyKitty, signing out!