CHAPTER 3 - With Love, Comes Pain

"I thought I was going to die, tama!"

Ace sighed, looking down fondly at his Tamadora partner. Tamazo was currently laying on Ace's lap, dramatically resting his arm over his forehead, preaching how he will never take life for granted ever again.

After reviving the fainting Tamadora with Healing Drops, Tamazo screamed about deadly sandwiches and tried to bury himself in Ace's jacket. He cried dramatically about his poor taste buds and not being able to eat ever again.

Devi then smack the Tamadora upside on the head, grumbling, "Quit being a drama queen, devi."

Ace didn't know whether to be worry or not at that point.

Speaking of worries, Ace looked ahead to watch Lance petting his carrier dragon. The Dragonoid said he wanted to be alone for awhile. Ace sighed, wishing to be by Lance's side, but he respected his lover's need for time to himself.

He thought back to the moments after Lance healed Tamazo. The light auburnette was all ready to give the pink haired girl a piece of his mind. No one messes with Tamazo or his family whether it was intentional or not.

Ace stood up. "Ana-" He was cut off by a hand firmly gripping on his shoulder. Ace turned to see those yellow eyes not meeting his, but rather glared at Ana. "Lance…"

Lance whispered, "Look after your Tamadora while I deal with her. He needs you more right now."

Any kind of protest from Ace die right there because he knew his lover was right. Tamazo needs him more than getting even with Ana. "Alright, but please make it fast." Maybe it was either his jealousy or possessiveness talking, but Ace hardly care at the moment.

Lance nodded before the Dragonoid made his way to Ana. Ace saw her sky blue eyes lit up, her pale cheeks turned red, and how her gaze turned dreamy. Ana's whole being practically screams her attraction towards Lance.

Ace didn't know what they talked about, but Ana brightly smiled and ran off while yelling she was going to visit his grandma. He sees Lance running his hand down his face, clearly done with everything. Then, Lance said he wanted a few moments to himself and walked towards his red carrier dragon.

The memory made Ace's stomach turned, making him feel nauseous and uncomfortable. The light auburnette tries to ignore the nasty emotions by rubbing soothing circles on Tamazo's still upset belly. Devi, surprisingly, stayed by Ace's side.

"You and Master Lance don't need to worry about that girl, devi," Devi suddenly said, surprising Ace to look at the Devidra. Devi gave him a smirk. "What you and Master Lance have is far more special than anyone could get in between, devi."

Ace blinked, dumbfound for a moment. He knew Devi doesn't often show his emotions freely, but Ace nonetheless appreciates the Devidra's confidence in his relationship with Lance.

He smiled gratefully, "Thanks, Devi." Ace petted him softly which the Monster playfully batted his hand away. "You say pretty smart things."

"I always been smart, devi." Smugness laced all over his reply.

"I don't ever want to look at another sandwich ever again, tama!" Tamazo whined, breaking the moment.

Devi rolled his eyes at his light counterpart's dramatics. The idiot will be having a sandwich by the time we leave this place. But then again…

The Devidra gave Ana's basket (she left it behind for them to eat) a skeptical and suspicious look. The Monster was sure that Ana made edible rice balls that one time. Both of them didn't get sick like the idiot on Ace's lap.

So, what made those sandwiches different?

Against his greater judgment, Devi made his way towards the basket with what Tamazo dubbed as "deadly sandwiches." He pulled one out - triangle shaped made of white bread with lettuce sticking out of the sides. The appearance looked normal and the smell was pleasant.

Here goes nothing. Devi opened his mouth to take a bite.

Ace and Tamazo saw this and both tried to stop the Devidra. "Uh, Devi-"

"Don't do it, tama!"

Too late. Devi took a big mouthful of the sandwich and proceed to chew and swallow. Silence fell over the group.

For a moment, nothing happen. Devi turned around and smirked at the horror face Tamazo had on. "Nothing wrong with this-" Suddenly, the Devidra's face turned bright red, sweat forming from the sudden heat building up inside his body. Devi felt extremely hot and there was some burning sensation at the back of his throat.

"Devi (tama)!" Lance and Ace (who was carrying Tamazo) were at Devi's side immediately.

Before any of them could do anything, the Devidra shot up like a rocket, letting out a burst of fire from his mouth. "Devi!"

Tamazo gasped and pointed at the fire breathing Devidra. "Devi turned into a Fire Monster, tama!"

Devi threw himself into the lake, hoping the water will cool the fire burning in his body. He came out of the water as quickly as he went in, breathing heavily and laying face first on the ground. Now, he knew what the idiot meant about deadly sandwiches and dying.

Lance picked Devi up, holding him carefully, yellow eyes filled with concern. If the Devidra wasn't tired from the close-call of death, he would weep happily at the fact Master Lance was showing such emotions freely towards him.

"Are you alright, Devi?" Scratch that, Devi did shed a few tears (possibly from that burning pain).

"I-I'm fine, Master Lance! N-nothing can keep Devi down, devi!" Devi exclaimed, reassuring his master that he was right as rain.

Lance wasn't convinced by his partner's words, but decided to give in for now. The Dragonoid cradled Devi, not taking chances of him fainting like a certain Tamadora. He sighed, regaining most of his composure. A small, delicate hand grabbed onto his cloak, making Lance turned his attention back to Ace.

Ace was holding a concern Tamazo with one arm while creating a couple of Heal Drops. He send them into the weaken Devidra, who relaxed more into Lance's arms.

"Thanks, devi," Devi tiredly admitted. That "deadly sandwich" actually hurts to eat. How could she messed up a sandwich of all things?! Actually, who left her in the kitchen alone?!

Ace softly smiled, "Your welcome." He then frowned, "Exactly what did you eat that made you jumped into the lake?"

"And shoot fire out of your mouth, tama?!" Tamazo added, gesturing wildly with his arms.

Devi shuddered, "Things that should never be in a sandwich, devi."

Tamazo turned a bit green, remembering the putrid taste on his poor taste buds. "Mine had something like fish and fruit, tama."

"Stop talking about it," Devi complained, not wanting to upset his stomach any further than it is.

Ace shook his head. He looked towards Lance questionably. "Maybe we should go back home? Tamazo and Devi need some rest."

Lance nodded and sighed. "I'll take the both of you home first." He reached over and laced his hand with Ace's, leading him towards his carrier dragon. Ace slightly blushed at the affectionate gesture, but smile all the same.

Tamazo, however, had a different idea. "Can we go visit Grandpa Vahaton instead, tama?"

Both males stopped, looking at the Tamadora with shock. Devi gaped at his light counterpart.

Lance regained his composure quickly. "Why do you want to go see Master Vahaton?"

"Since when do you call him 'grandpa' anyways?" Ace asked at the same time.

Tamazo tilted his head confusingly as if he didn't asked a strange question. "He told me to call him 'grandpa' since Ace and Lance are together now, tama. He was super happy that his son finally found someone he truly loves, tama."

Ace turned into a darker shade of red while there was a light pink tinted on Lance's cheek. The Dragonoid mentally cursed his adopted father. Devi shook his head, pointing at Tamazo. "That doesn't explain why you want to go see him, devi."

Tamazo pouted, "Because I don't want to be near Ana and her death cooking ever, tama!" A scowl painted on the usual cheerful Monster's face. "She almost tried to poison Ace if Tamazo didn't save him in time, tama."

Ace willed his blush down, looking at his partner with concern. Despite how he felt about Ana before, Ace was sure she meant well. "Tamazo, I'm sure Ana didn't mean to poison you. She probably thought her sandwiches were fine to eat." Ana had to tasted them before thinking of giving them to Lance, right?

Devi came to the same exact thought as well. "And she wanted to give them to Master Lance too?!" He looked up to the Dragonoid. "As if I let her poison you, devi!" The Devidra was extremely grateful to the deities above them that he and the idiot ate one before their partners did.

Lance petted Devi to calm him down. "I won't go down easily like that, Devi."

"Of course not, Master Lance. But I am not taking any chance, devi."

Tamazo continued, "And I don't want her near Ace." He looked up to the light auburnette. "You were finally smiling and happy again, but she got in the way, tama. So, can we go see Grandpa Vahaton, tama?"

Ace hugged Tamazo closer, grateful for his partner's concern for his well-being. If Ace was being completely honest, he didn't want to go home yet. He rather spend more time with Lance than confronting Ana at his grandma's house.

Ace looked back up to Lance with hopeful blue eyes. "Can we?" He wasn't ready to leave Lance yet.

Lance pulled Ace closer, kissing the 'cross' pattern on top of his mate's hair. He couldn't deny Ace anything even if he wants to. "I don't see why not." The Dragonoid was more than happy to be by his mate's side. Even it mean enduring Vahaton's embarrassing questions and antics later.

Ace beamed and kissed Lance's cheek in response.

Tamazo winked at Devi, mouthing "mission accomplished." The Devidra rolled his eyes, but was impressed with the Tamadora's quick thinking. Not that he will tell the idiot anyways. It will only fuel the Tamadora's already big ego.

They all aboard the carrier dragon who then took off towards Crocus.

Ana skipped through town, a pep in her steps as she hummed. She spotted a cafe up ahead and decided to get herself something to eat. Today was a good day so far, so she wanted to treat herself to something sweet.

I wonder if Lance likes my cooking? Ana giggled, thinking how impress the Dragonoid must be feeling about her cooking skills.

When she got near the cafe, she spotted three familiar people sitting at a table near her. She perked up at seeing her friends after so long. "Garnet! Charo! Tiger!" she cheerfully called them, waving her arm.

Tiger turned around on his chair, his cheeks stuffed with food, waving his fork that has a piece of chicken on it. "Hey Ana, want to join us?"

Sitting beside him was Garnet who was elegantly sipping her cup of tea. Her eyes were closed, but she nodded at the same. Sitting opposite to Garnet was Charo. He smiled, waving back to Ana with his free hand, his other hand occupied with a glass of soda.

Ana briskly took the sit opposite of Tiger (the one between Garnet and Charo). She leaned her arms on the table and propped her head on her hands. "How is everyone doing lately? I haven't heard from all of you for more than a month."

Tiger swallowed and gave a low burp (cue a disgusted look on Garnet's face). He coughed to clear his throat. "I've been back at home, rebuilding my hometown after Aget and his goons wreaked most of everything." He gave a toothy grin and thumbs up. "I also been assisting Master Eldora! As her first apprentice, I will be tending to her needs as she's recovering."

Ana's eyes gleamed with concern. "Master Eldora is still injured?"

Charo's turned face serious as he answer Ana's worries. "Her battle against Jest in the Coliseum left major damages to her body. Master Vahaton said it was a miracle she even woke up weeks ago because of how much Jest absorbed her energy."

Tiger also added, jovial and determined in his red eyes. "But Master Eldora is strong and something like that won't take her down! She'll be up at her feet in no time!"

Ana leaned back, relieved and happy. "That's good! I hope she makes a full recovery." She turned her attention to Charo. "What about you, Charo?"

The small blond smiled brightly. "Like Tiger, I also been helping Master Torlie with rebuilding Liberia and replanting the trees that were destroyed during that time when Klein and the Dominions took over the city. We also been trying to rewrite the books that were lost in the fire."

Tiger gave Charo a shocked glance, whispering in awe. "That's a lot of books to write."

Charo nodded, green eyes filled with determination and certainty. "Yeah, but it's worth the effort to bring back the history lost in that terrible fire. Even Klein is helping!"

Garnet gave her comrade a skeptical eye. "Are you sure he won't do anything shady? Or is it something about getting redemption?"

Ana intervened, "I think it's wonderful to give Klein a second chance! Charo, you're a really good person and an amazing friend." She had finished placing her order for tea to the waiter.

Charo blushed, hiding behind his glass of soda. "It's nothing that great!"

Tiger shook his head, crossing his arms. "I don't think I have the guts to trust him after what he had done to everyone. So, Klein is lucky to have you as a friend and ally, Charo."

Charo turned a darker shade of red, averting eyes in embarrassment. Garnet took her cue to talk next. She placed her teacup down in its cup plate, the loud clang grabbed the others' attention.

"As for me, I've been helping out Master Herriot and Morgan with the aftermath of Jest's crumbled ruling. People were still wary about the former members of the Dominion, so we became meditors. Not only that, I had been doing my concerts and idol campaign to spread cheer and joy to Dragonoids and humans alike." There was a devious glint in Garnet's brown eyes, causing Charo and Tiger to leaned back in their seats. "It's a good thing those ex-Dominions are willing to do anything to get on the people's good sides again."

Clueless as ever, Ana joyfully clapped her hands again. "At least they're doing something to help everyone!"

Garnet gave Ana a side glance, crossing her leg over the other. "What about you? Something good happened? Because you looked more perky and glowing when you came over here."

Ana blushed, shyly averting her eyes which instantly grabbed their attention. Garnet gave her a sly look, Tiger let out a toothy grin, and Charo's eyes brighten with curiosity.

"Well, who caught your eyes, Ana?" the blonde idol asked, raising a slender eyebrow. Ana twiddled her fingers together, smiling nervously.

"No one...I just met with Lance an hour ago and left him something I cooked this morning. I hoped he loves it." She mumbled the last part, but the others heard her clearly. Their reaction were anything but good.

Charo bit his inner cheek, giving the other two a discreet worried look. Tiger shared Charo's worries, absolutely silent for once. Although Garnet's face was passive and blank as she sips her tea, her mind was racing fast.

Ana didn't see their reactions or was aware of the tense atmosphere. Although, she gave them a questioning look. "Do you think Lance have someone on his mind? You know, does he have anyone he likes by any chance?"

He does, all three thought at the same time. The image of their light auburnette friend with gentle blue eyes and a smile shining bright like sun flashed across their minds. That kind of expression was rare to find on Ace's face during the times when facing Jest and his loyal followers.

All of them were extremely relieved and glad that their friend was finally with the love of his life.

But will this recent development from Ana, who they consider as their friend, change that?

Ana tilted her head, curious of why the others were quiet all of the sudden. "Something wrong?"

Charo broke out of his thoughts, shaking his head. "Nothing! I was just...surprised! Yeah, surprised!" He stuttered more, "W-well, we never knew you have eyes on Lance."

Tiger let out a nervous laugh, scratching behind his head. "I mean, it wasn't like it was a secret or anything. Lots of ladies love Lance! Have you seen his fanbase? Those girls are terrifying!"

"And coming from the guy who doesn't know anything about love saids a lot, Ana," Garnet quipped, earning her an irritated glare from Tiger. "So...you like Lance, huh? What made you like him in the first place?"

Ana's eyes became dreamy as she sighed happily. "I met him when he came to my village and it got my attention instantly because not many people ever go to my village. His mysterious aura attracted me at first and when I saw how gentle he was towards his Monsters, I felt my heart racing." She turned her head back to the others. "Seeing Lance like that made me think he was like real prince in the stories I often read at home. My feelings bloomed into love later when I saw how courageous and strong Lance was defeating Jest."

Tiger leaned over to Charo, whispering, "She does know we were there too." Charo shushed him gently.

Ana continued, "After that, I started wanting to spend time with Lance, getting to know him, and maybe confess my feelings for him. People always said we have all the time in the world, but a part of me wanted to tell Lance before someone else caught his eyes." She gave the others an uncertain look. "Should I tell Lance how I feel about him?"

Charo and Tiger looked towards their blonde female companion, hoping she'll answer for them. She sets her teacup down, reaching over to the teapot to refill her empty cup. Once she done, Garnet crossed her arms and stared at the fidgety pink haired teen.

"I can only say that you should tell Lance at your own pace. If you want to confess, then go confess. But remember that there's a possibility of him not returning your feelings." Again, the image of her light auburnette friend flashed across her mind.

Ana gulped, hesitantly nodding at the blonde's words. "I know...but I think I have a good chance with Lance."

"What you're going to do if Lance doesn't like you like that?" Tiger asked bluntly, running his hand through his light orange hair. "Ouch!" he groaned when he felt Garnet kicked his shin. He glared at her which she ignored in favor of sipping her tea.

Ana went quiet for a moment, her eyes downcast. Charo reached over and placed a comforting hand on her arm.

"Are you alright?" the blond asked, concern filled in his green eyes.

Suddenly, Ana stood up, sky blue eyes blazing. She roughly knocked Charo's hand off of her which caused his chair to tilt sideways dangerously. "Whoa!" Charo flailed his arms to balance himself, but it was all in vain as he collapsed onto the ground. "Ow…" Charo moaned in pain, the stinging sensation from his right ankle indicated it might be twisted or sprained.

Her abrupt action also caused Charo's fallen chair to collide with the unexpected waiter walking by their table. Unfortunately, the waiter was holding a tray full of food and drinks which slipped from his hands and landed on Garnet. "Kyaa!" she screamed at the mess covering her and flung her teacup into the air.

The teacup was filled with hot tea which was thrown across Tiger's lap. The light orange haired teen yelped in pain and jumped from his seat. "Hot! Hot! Hot!" Tiger grabbed the pitcher of ice water and pour the liquid onto himself. "Cold! Cold! Cold!"

Maybe that wasn't the brightest idea he came up with.

Ana gasped, covering her mouth with her hands, realizing what she had done. "Oh no! I...I'm so sorry!" She grabbed a handful of napkins and tries to clean the food stains off of Garnet, but it only leaves more smudges instead.

Garnet stopped Ana, directing a miffed glare at her. The pink haired teen backed away slowly, not wanting to makes things worse. Garnet noticed the looks from the bystanders, so she held in her anger because a lady must have self-control.

Even if you want to throttle the source of your ire to the ground.

Garnet slowly stood up, grabbing a towel from the waiting waiter who came to the scene. She looked over to Tiger, his waist covered by his yellow and black jacket, who was helping an injured Charo onto his back.

"Like I said, do want you want, but I hope you don't do anything you'll regret later," Garnet warned. She puts down the money on the table and she walked towards the two males, regal even when covered in food. She helped Charo onto Tiger's back.

"Let's get you look over by a doctor. Your ankle doesn't look too good."

Charo nodded, wrapping his arms around Tiger's neck as the older teen readjusted his hold on the small blond's legs, careful of not hurting him further. "It mostly stings, but I'll be fine."

Ana watched them with a remorseful expression which caught Charo's attention.

"I'll be alright, Ana! I know you didn't mean to do this! I already forgiven you!" Charo smiled reassuringly at Ana which helped alleviated some of her guilt. The small blond was truly an angel in Ana's eyes.

Tiger gave her another toothy grin. "Yeah! Anyone could've done that! Probably more worse than ever!"

Garnet didn't say anything as she kept her back towards Ana. The blonde already said her piece before. She walked ahead of the others.

"Come on! We need to get Charo to the doctors!"

The males said their quick goodbyes to Ana and Tiger jogged, mindful of the precious cargo on his back, next to Garnet. Ana watched them go as they disappeared from her sight. The pink haired teen sighed as she heads back to Angine's house, completely forgetting the mess left behind in the cafe.

She needs to think more about her feeling towards Lance before deciding to confess. She hopes she has the time to do so.

Meanwhile, the three heading towards the nearest clinic were in various states of panic. Tiger being the one most agitated along with a nervous looking Charo. The reason was because of Garnet.

Garnet's posture was stiff as she walks ahead of them, her eyes narrowed with anger, and she was cursing below her breath. Some words that are too mature for children to hear.

"That girl better watch herself before she regrets crossing with me." Garnet took a deep breath. She mentally counts to ten and back. Today had been stressful enough and it wasn't even three in the afternoon yet.

"What are we going to do?" Charo asked, biting his lower lip. "I don't want anyone getting hurt." Especially after everything that happened with Jest.

Tiger swallowed the imaginary lump in his throat. "Well…"

He doesn't have a clue what to do in a situation like that. If it was about a battle, then he'll say go in and fight at full power. If it was about confessing, then he'll say just go for it and be honest.

But if it was about your friend trying to win over your other friend's lover, then he got nothing.

Garnet took over and answered Charo's question. "There's nothing we can do except hope for the best."

"But Ana-"

"She's a big girl who can handle herself. The same with Ace and Lance. This is something between the three of them and no one else." Garnet pinched her nose, exhaling deeply before looking at the other two. "We just need to be there with support as their friends."

Tiger and Charo exchanged concern glances, but nodded in agreement. Their blonde female friend was right. If their friends need their support, then they'll give it to them no question ask.

They just hope everything will turn out alright in the end.

If only it was that simple.

Author's Note: Third chapter! I had this in my head for the last few days and I wanted to write it so bad! I am glad it came out alright too!

We have our next victims! Ana has done it again! Devi falls victim to her deadly sandwich. Poor Garnet, Charo, Tiger, and the innocent and hard working waiter! He did nothing wrong, but got caught in the drama. Pray that he didn't lose his job.

Also, you guys might notice I keep referring back to Jest and his Dominion many times here. Reasons why will be revealed later because somethings did happened. It all involves between Ace, Lance, and their relationship. Jest was also being a pain in the ass, butting in their developing relationship too!

Leave a review or a comment! See you guys next chapter!