Three days.

It's been three days since Sting left on his mission, alone.

By himself.

Without Rogue beside him.

Despite not showing large amounts of emotion, everyone in Sabertooth knew how much Rogue cared for people. The most care he gave, however, was to his exceed Frosch, and his partner, Sting. Sting and Rogue had been companions since they were young, and were hardly ever seen out of each other's company. Even though Frosch was his first friend, Rogue had a stronger bond with Sting, seeing as they had similar pasts and fought together as well as lived together.

This was a part of why Rogue was so uncomfortable during the last three days: because Sting wasn't with him. Frosch, Lector, and a few other members of the guild that he was close to had preoccupied his thoughts most of the time, but when he was alone, like he was now in the guild library, his thoughts drifted to Sting.

'I just can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen to him. After all, he attracts trouble like he attracts women…'

Rogue fumed. He hated when random women flirted with Sting. They just viewed him as eye candy to take advantage of, and if looks could kill, Rogue would be a mass murderer by now. Both he and Sting had talked about it before, and while Sting didn't enjoy the attention, he decided to be gentlemanly anyways to keep up his image. Sting always told the reporters that 'he was just waiting for the right girl,' when in reality, Sting and Rogue had started dating. It happened a few weeks ago, after the Grand Magic Games. Sting and Rogue always had a close connection, but they didn't reveal their affection towards each other until after Sabertooth had changed. They became more comfortable with each other's emotions and actions, reverting back to how they acted before joining the previously oppressive guild. This included a lot more teasing, mock fighting, and all around physical contact, and since the two boys had grown and matured it became more than just gestures between close friends. They kept their relationship a secret for a while, but eventually they told Minerva and Yukino about it. The twin dragons sighed in relief when both girls accepted them with a smile, asking why it had taken so long.

As of right now only Minerva, Yukino, Rufus, and Orga knew the details of their relationship. He figured some other guild members knew, seeing as they would occasionally hold hands and would be quite close to each other at times. The only fear he had would be that the reporters found out. He wasn't afraid of people knowing that he and Sting were gay, just that they probably wouldn't shut up or stop bothering them about it. That was another thing he hated: Reporters.

After calming himself down, his thoughts went back to Sting.

'Why didn't I go with him when he left?'

-Flashback-

Rogue woke up to the strangest sight he'd seen in a long time: Sting was packing his bag at the end of their bed. This sight in particular wasn't new to Rogue, as he had seen Sting pack many times before to go on missions. It was so strange because usually Rogue was packing alongside him, and it wouldn't be at 5 in the morning.

"Sting, what are you doing?" Sting jumped a little from Rogues' question, not noticing that he had awoken. "Uh, I-I'm going on a mission…" Rogue looked at Sting, who was looking downwards with a slight frown. Sting felt Rogues' confused stare on him and explained, "I have to go alone this time Rogue, it was specifically requested that the 'White Dragon of Sabertooth' take the mission solo."

Rogue silently stood up from their bed and walked over to Sting. Putting his hands on his shoulders he asked, "Are you stupid?"

Sting tried not to be intimidated by the glare Rogue was sending him and replied, "What the hell does that mean?"

"I'm asking if you understand what you're getting yourself into, Sting! It's pretty common that when specific people are requested for a mission, it ends up being really dangerous to the person. Did you even tell anyone you were taking the mission? Were you going to tell me?"

Sting smiled and looked Rogue in the eyes. "I told Lady Minerva about it last night. After I showed her the request paper she agreed to let me go and told me to be careful. If you can't already tell, I'm taking this seriously Rogue. I do understand that the mission is dangerous, but I need to take it anyway. As for telling you, I was going to leave a note. I didn't want to wake you" Sting explained calmly.

Rogue took his hands off Sting's shoulders. He was a little surprised at his partner. 'This mission must really be that dangerous for Sting to act this serious.'

He looked back at Sting and saw him winking at him, "I love it when you worry Rogue~"

Rogue blushed and hit Sting on the head.

"Ow, hey!"

"Sting I'm still not sure this is a good idea. I don't doubt your abilities, but when was the last time you went on a mission alone? You haven't fought a battle without having me nearby since we met!"

Sting sighed, "I know Rogue, but as much as I want to bring you I can't go against the request. It will only be a few days, I promise."

Rogue still looked troubled. He looked up when he felt Sting's hand on his shoulder.

"How about if I don't come back within a week, you can come find me and drag my sorry ass home?" Sting bargained.

Rogue gave a soft smile, "Fine, but if I have to find you myself, I'll be kicking your ass before I drag it home."

Sting chuckled and took his hand off Rogue, "Sure partner."

The Twin Dragons of Sabertooth walked hand-in-hand down to the entrance of their guild, where Rogue said goodbye to Sting and told him to be careful. Sting promised to be safe, and the two shared a hug before Sting walked away.

-End of Flashback-

He just knew he was going to regret this.