CHAPTER 4 - Take One Step At A Time

Angine sat across Ana who came to her house for a visit. The elderly Dragonoid woman grew curious at the sudden appearance of the young girl. Ana never once dropped by unexpectedly, the girl always calls ahead of time.

What peaked her interest more was Ana's unusual demeanor. The pink haired teenager was normally cheerful and bubbly, but was now looking more nervous and fidgety with every passing minute.

I wonder what happened?

Angine then remembered the phone call from Vahaton hours ago. She immediately connected the dots over the young girl's current state. She needed some answers from Ana to confirm her suspicions, but Angine knew she shouldn't push her to say what she doesn't feel comfortable admitting.

"Ana, dear, is something troubling you?"

Startled, Ana looked at Angine, almost forgetting she was at the older woman's house for a reason. "O-oh nothing, Miss Angine! Just a lot of things in my mind, but it's not something concerning!" She laughed nervously, twiddling her fingers.

Angine gently smiled at the girl. "You can trust me with anything and I promise I won't utter a word to anyone. But I won't force you to say anything until you're comfortable enough to tell me, alright?"

Ana beamed at the other woman, grateful and relieved for the kindness and consideration. If anything, that helped her feel more at ease to speak honestly about her feelings.

"Actually, I was wondering of you could give me some advice. You know, about Lance?" Ana slightly blushed as she mentioned the Dragonoid's name.

Angine nodded. Judging by the young girl's words and her reaction to them, Angine might know where this would go. "What about Lance?"

Ana pushed her forefingers together, giggling to herself. "I kinda...maybe...sort of like Lance."

The elderly Dragonoid woman tilted her head curiously. "In what way do you like him?"

The pink haired teen blushed harder, hiding her red face in her hands. "You know...like how a woman likes a man romantically. The kind where you want to spend your time with that person and feel happy all the time. Not wanting to stay away from them. I...I like Lance that way."

Oh dear, Agine thought worryingly. While she is happy for the girl to experience her first love, another part of her is more concern how to tell Ana that Lance won't ever reciprocate the young girl's feelings.

"Ana, do you truly feel this way towards Lance?" Angine asked, needing to know how far this love was. If it was actually love at all.

Ana nodded, certainty painting over her expression. "I may had been sheltered since my childhood, so I might be inexperience with dealing these types of things. But when I saw Lance for the first time, my heart suddenly felt warm. It was racing so fast that I thought it would explode! I didn't know the exact feeling at the time, but when I saw how gentle and kind Lance is especially towards his Monsters, I felt different. I knew what emotion it was when I saw Lance at the Coliseum. I felt absolutely terrified I might not see him again after he was consumed by the power of the crystal. I knew from then on that I grew to love Lance and I want to be with him forever."

Angine felt touched hearing Ana's genuine and heartfelt confession. Such honest love from the girl shows how pure her heart is. It also pains her to know that Ana's love won't be return, not now and not ever. It's a shame your first love wouldn't come to fruit.

Maybe the elderly Dragonoid woman should explain to Ana about the Dragonoid Bond. It would probably help the young girl understand later on why Lance couldn't love her. It would be beneficial for the sake of everyone.

"Ana-" Angine's words were cut off when Ana stood up and began twirling around the room. She blinked, quite startled at the girl's sudden action. "What are you doing?"

Ana laughed, sky blue eyes gleamed with joy and cheer. "I just feel super happy! Talking about my love for Lance made me all the more determine to confess to him. I will surely get Lance to love me. It'll be like the stories I read back at home. I would get my happy ending with Lance!"

Angine was shocked at the admission. Happy ending? Stories from home? Was all that filled inside Ana's mind all this time when she thought about her feelings for Lance? Granted, all young girls dream for love like from fairy tales, but surely Ana wasn't delusional enough to believe that kind of love works in reality.

After watching Ana continue to daydream and dance around the room, Angine felt a pit in her stomach after realizing it was actually the case. The poor girl believe she will have a happy ending with Lance.

Things are getting more difficult than they should be.

"Ana, please let me explain something important to you." The seriousness in Angine's tone stopped Ana. She patted the spot beside her on the couch, telling the young girl to sit with her. "You must listen very carefully to me."

And so, she began explaining the Dragonoid Bond and their sacred importance to a Dragonoid and their mate. Angine couldn't be the one to reveal to Ana about the true nature between Lance and her precious grandson.

That was something only Ana must find out for herself.


Behind the wall next to the living room door, Rena overheard the conversation between the two. While she felt bad for eavesdropping, Rena was grateful she did. The rosey haired woman quietly sigh, walking away from her spot on the wall and find herself in the kitchen.

Rena didn't know what to do about Ana. She was convinced that Ana's love towards Lance is genuine and real, nothing was fake about her emotions. But after hearing that fairy tale talk and supposed happy endings, it doesn't sit well with her.

Love isn't exactly like ones in stories no matter how much you wish for it to be.

Recalling Ana's confession, Rena couldn't help but humorlessly laugh at the similarity. She remembered how Ace confessed his feelings for Lance to her. His words were almost the same as the ones Ana's used.

She also remembered how Ace told her about his uncertainty and love towards his now lover. Her adorable son always felt insecure about his love because he never knew he could feel that way towards anyone. Ace thought Lance could find someone better than him because Lance deserves the best. He burst into tears after confessing that he also wanted to be that person for Lance.

He wanted to be the person to stay by Lance's side forever even if he wasn't perfect enough for the Dragonoid.

Her selfless, insecure son never saw himself as the best until Lance prove him how wrong he was. That her son was the best damn thing in Lance's life.

The Dragonoid proves that fact each and everyday ever since they met, even when things went south during the war against Jest and his Dominion. Lance won't give up on Ace like how Ace never gave up on him.

Rena saw the pure happiness in Ace's eyes since he finally got together with Lance. She never want anything to ruin that. Ace grew stronger and confident because of his love for Lance.

That's why Rena knew her son will be alright in the end.


Tamazo was humming as he mixed a bowl of dark brown, gooey substance in the kitchen. He awoke from his nap from earlier, energize and refresh despite what happened to his poor stomach. It was truly smart of him to suggest visiting Master Vahaton first because Ace somehow fallen asleep on the way.

Then again, he couldn't sleep well last night. Tamazo will make brownies for Ace to get better!

Filled with determination, Tamazo mixed the bowl with vigor. Devi and Vahaton stay a good distance away from the Tamadora, not wanting brownie goo splattering on them (Devi's words) and because Tamazo wanted to do the baking himself. Vahaton looked more than eager to help, but Devi asked him to stay put since the Ancient of Water needs more rest.

Lance make sure to put his foot down when he saw his adopted father not following the doctor's orders. Vahaton was touched of Lance's compassion even though the other looked more annoyed at him.

"I must say, I didn't expect a visit from all of you. I certainly didn't expect Lance carrying Ace on the way in!" Vahaton laughed full heartedly, smiling at the memory of usually stoic adopted son gently cradling the tired light auburnette.

It was quite a sight. If only he took a picture when he had a chance.

"I am so happy to see Lance being loving towards his mate. Reminds me of my days as a strapping young man, searching for love."

Devi shook his head. "It's not like we have a choice, devi." He crossed his arms, sighing. "Master Lance and the idiot's partner needs more time together because some girl decided to stick her meddling nose, devi."

Tamazo caught his dark counterpart's last words and waved his brownie stained rubber spatula. "Yeah! She even made deadly sandwiches that almost kill me and Devi, tama!" The Tamadora transferred the brownie mixture into a floured parchment squared pan.

Vahaton stroke his beard, contemplating for a moment. His eyes lit up with realization. "Ah...You are talking about young Ana, aren't you?"

Both Tamazo and Devi nodded, a little perplexed of how he immediately knew.

The Ancient of Water saw their puzzlement. "I might have told Ana where Lance might be this morning, but I didn't think she would actually sought him out," he explained. His expression turned guilty as he sighed. "I made things more difficult for them without realizing. I must apologize to both of you and to the boys as soon as I see them."

The Devidra immediately shook his head. "Please don't be sorry, Master Vahaton. You must have told her that Master Lance was busy with something important and shouldn't be disturb, but she didn't listen, devi."

Tamazo placed the square pan into the preheated oven and set the timer for thirty minutes. He quickly set off to clean the mess he made. "Plus, we already forgave you, Grandpa Vahaton, tama!" He gave the old man a toothy grin. "Nothing to worry about, tama!"

Vahaton beamed at their thoughtful reassurances. While he was still feel a bit guilty for ruining his son's day with his mate, he was more determine to make up for his mistake. Maybe that family dinner he talked over with Rena and Angine might remedy that.

It also wonderful to get to know your future in-laws too!

"What do the two of you think of having a family dinner tomorrow night with everyone? Rena and Angine thought we should eat together at least once in awhile."

Devi raised an eyebrow. "I don't see the problem, devi. Only if Master Lance agrees to go, devi."

Tamazo popped out from the mountain of bubbles he created in the sink as he was washing the dishes. "Yay! More food, tama! Mama Rena cooks the best food, tama!" He began to drool, eyes sparkling at the prospect. "I hope there are omelette rolls, tama."

Vahaton laughed, the belly-aching kind. Devi rolled his eyes good-naturally before yelling at the Tamadora to stop putting more dish soap into the water. Tamazo laughed along with Vahaton, blowing bubbles everywhere.

In the Ancient of Water's opinion, the kitchen haven't look cleaner than ever before the all-out bubble war.

It was nice to have laughter and joy back in his home.


Ace woke up to someone gently caressing his hair. Bleary blue eyes opened slightly, wincing at the bright light. Ace felt a soft kiss pressed on his forehead and a hand carding through his hair. He sighed, closing his eyes again, leaning into the touch. He also heard a soft, but somewhat deep chuckle.

Ace knew that voice all too intimately well.

He opened his eyes again to see the smirking face of his lover. Ace playfully huffed, but send Lance a tired smile nonetheless. "Hey…"

Lance softly chuckled again, using his hand to push back Ace's bangs. "How was your sleep?"

Ace blinked, realizing he was laying on his side on a bed. When did I fall asleep?

The light auburnette also realized Lance was laying in the same position while holding him close. The Dragonoid was wearing his usual black shirt and white pants - minus his signature blue cloak and hat. Ace glanced down to see he was in his white and blue striped shirt and tan pants, but his red hoodie and footwear are missing. He looked back up questionably at Lance.

"Um...how did I…?" Ace trailed off, not sure what to exactly ask.

Lance took a moment to pressed another kiss on Ace's forehead before answering. "You fell asleep on the way to Master Vahaton's house. I moved you to my bed when we got here."

Ace already figure that he fell asleep at some point. "I mean, how did I get into...your bed?" He blushed at the slight implication of his words. Ace can clearly see the amusement in those yellow eyes.

"Oh...I carried you up here in my arms."

Blue eyes widen and Ace can feel his cheeks burn hotter. That means people and especially Master Vahaton saw the Dragonoid carried him almost like a bride or a princess. Ace gave Lance a glare, but it came out more like a pout.

"Jeez, you could've wake me up, you know?"

Lance shrugged halfheartedly. "It wouldn't make much of a difference. We done this many times before, so why get embarrassed now?" He threw in a devious smirk, moving his hand inside of Ace's shirt, caressing the warm skin of his mate's back. "You hardly complain anyways." Lance enjoyed hearing the gasp, the wide blue eyes staring at him with shock, and the blossoming streak of red across Ace's startled face.

"W-well! Th-that's because-!" Ace was too fluster to say his words straight.

There was no denying the fact that they both knew Ace loves being carry by Lance.

The Dragonoid can't help but feel proud of making his mate react like this, appreciating more of how the color red compliments Ace so well. It honestly made the smaller teen all the more desirable and tempting.

Not only that, he has Ace all alone in the privacy of his bedroom with him.

So, can anyone blame him for taking a step a bit further?

Lance effortlessly lifted Ace (who let out an adorable squeak) and placed the light auburnette on his back with the Dragonoid hovering over him. His mate looked absolutely beautiful, sprawled beneath him on his white bedsheets.

Ace stared up into those intense yellow eyes. He shivered when he saw the sheer amount desire and love in those yellow orbs. He immediately turned his head to the side, suddenly feeling hot and exposed under such intense gaze.

"D-don't...don't look at me like that," he quietly stuttered, turning more red after hearing Lance softly chuckled. Ace felt fingers gently grabbed his chin to turn his face back to face his smirking lover. Lance smoothly glide his fingers down from Ace's chin to the column of his neck and further down to sneak his hand inside Ace's shirt to caress his side.

The Dragonoid leaned down, brushing his lips against Ace's redden ear. "You have to speak up more." He nibbled the earlobe for good measure, eliciting a sudden cry from his mate. "What do you want, Ace?"

Ace squirmed a bit, shivering at the touch. Lance smirked more when he felt the shivers running through his mate. Ace always get quite sensitive whenever they go further in their...exploration. He pulled back and raised an eyebrow, waiting for the light auburnette's response.

The younger teen bit back a whimper, noting how unfair Lance can get. His lover knew full well how sensitive the smaller teen gets when they do this. The Dragonoid always takes pleasure of taking advantage of said fact. Ace swallowed the lump in his throat, licking his lower lip. He peeked under his eyelashes at Lance.

"Please kiss me again?" Ace blushed harder as he requested aloud.

Lance couldn't deny Ace's request, not with those blue eyes shyly begging him with a sweet blush and seeing those plushed lips parting ever so slightly.

When Ace saw Lance leaning down closer, he can't help but slowly closed his eyes. His heart racing for miles as a pair of soft, cool lips captured his own warm ones. Ace moaned, quickly losing himself into the tender passion. His hands finding their way on Lance's shoulder, gripping slightly to ground the light auburnette.

Lance, however, had a complete different idea. The Dragonoid swiftly captured both the younger teen's hands with one of his. He pinned them above Ace's head in a gentle yet firm grip. He used his other hand to push Ace's shirt up more, stroking the smooth abdomen and palming the slender waist.

Ace's eyes blew wide opened. He parted from the kiss with a gasp. "Lance!" Ace was panting, staring up at Lance with slight shock and wonder. "Wha-?" He was cut off by another deep kiss. Ace whimpered, shutting his eyes again. He mewled as the hand continue caressing his skin.

Lance immediately parted the kiss and descend downward to kiss and gently bite Ace's neck. In one particular sensitive spot, Lance bit down hard enough to leave a mark, drawing a cry from the light auburnette. The Dragonoid soothed the stinging area with his tongue. He caressed his lover's waist to calm him.

Ace can't help but shiver and moan at every touch from his lover. It felt like every touch leaves something burning on his body. A pleasurable burning. Lance loves every moan and noise coming from his mate's mouth. The Dragonoid returned upward to nipped at Ace's bottom lip, tracing them with his tongue.

Ace felt a tongue caressed his bottom lip. He immediately parted his mouth open and moaned as the wet organ continued to explore his moist cavern. Ace tried to press closer, arching his back a bit as his hands were currently occupied. Both teens lose themselves further into the same heated passion and love like before.

After a few moments, Lance was the one to broke the kiss this time. He was out of breath, but quickly composed himself. The Dragonoid opened his eyes to fondly gaze down at his utterly beautiful mate, who was panting excessively and meeting his gaze with half-lidded, glazed blue eyes. Using his free hand, he cupped the side of Ace's face, stroking him affectionately.

Ace nuzzled into Lance's hand, not breaking their eye contact. He calmed down enough to finally speak. "Lance…" His voice sounded raspy and wreaked. His mind turned mushed by their amazing heated engagement. Honestly, there was actually nothing for him to say at that point other than his true feelings.

"I love you, Lance." Ace smiled, eyes gleamed with love and joy.

When he felt Lance released his grip on his wrists, Ace made no movement. He watch his lover picked up each of his wrist and kissed them tenderly before placing them back by his side. Lance then cupped the other side of Ace's face, holding him gently and lovingly. The older teen too had nothing to say at that point other than his own feelings. He confessed with the same love and joy.

"I love you too, Ace."

Lance leaned down once more and kissed Ace again. He couldn't get enough of kissing his mate and he knows Ace felt exactly the same. All too quickly, Lance parted away and rolled both of them back into their original positions.

Ace snuggled closer to Lance, gripping onto the Dragonoid's black shirt and nuzzling his face against the pale neck. Lance snaked his arms around his mate, pulling him into a protective embrace. He used his hand to card through the soft, light auburnette hair like before. Ace sighed in contentment, smiling at the warm feeling pooling inside of him.

After minutes of cuddling and holding each other, Lance bended his head down to touch Ace's forehead with his own. Ace nuzzled back affectionately, giggling.

"I should take you home to your mother soon," Lance whispered, not wanting to break the tender atmosphere surrounding them.

Ace hummed, "Probably." He said that, yet he made no movement to move from his comfortable position in Lance's embrace. It felt nice and warm, almost like being in heaven. However, he doesn't want to subject his lover to his mom's protective wrath for coming home late.

"Can you carry me again?" he asked, too placid and warm to move from his spot. Ace selfishly wanted to stay in Lance's arms forever.

Lance smiled, "I'll be happy to."

After a few more moments of cuddling, Lance withdrew his arms and raised his body up. As he get off of his bed, Lance put on his blue cloak and hat he left on the table next to the bed. He grabbed Ace's red hoodie and handed to the light auburnette. Ace sluggishly put on his outerwear and raised his arms up towards Lance expectantly.

Lance internally laughed at the action, finding such gesture cute from his mate. He carefully gathered Ace into his arms again (arms under Ace's back and knees) and gently lifted him up. Ace gripped onto Lance's cloak, nuzzling his face into the fabric.

The younger teen leaned up and kiss his lover's cheek delicately. "Thanks." The other hummed and kiss his mate's forehead in return.

Lance walked out of the room, carefully not jostling his mate as the Dragonoid makes his way down the stairs. Once he reached the main hallway, he heard distant loud noises coming from the kitchen.

Ace lifted his head from Lance's shoulder and raised an eyebrow after hearing the same noises. "Tamazo and Devi." He didn't need to ask who would make a ruckus in the kitchen anyways.

Lance's sharp ears picked up another voice. "And Master Vahaton apparently." He made his way into the kitchen before stopping immediately in his track at the entryway. Ace blinked a couple of times, rubbing his eyes for a good measure to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

Literally, there were piles of bubbles and suds almost on every surface of the kitchen. In the middle of the area were Tamazo, Devi, and Vahaton flinging handful of suds at each other. The Monsters were exchanging insults and war cries while the Ancient of Water laughed merrily.

Ace sighed, giving Lance a fond exasperated glance. "Am I the only one who thinks this is normal?" With Tamazo and Devi in the same room, things like this is pretty normal by their standard.

Lance thought the same thing as he sighed as well. The Dragonoid gently deposited Ace on the counter next to them, the only dry surface area in the kitchen. Lance raised his hand and created many Water Drops, sending them at the bubbly mess. The Water Drops gathered the bubbles and suds, effectively clearing them away. Soon later, the kitchen was clean and sparkling along with the three troublemakers.

Tamazo pouted, "Hey!" He wanted to complain, but was silenced by Lance's pointed glare. Devi looked both embarrassed and mortified that his partner caught him doing something so childish. Vahaton, on the other hand, wasn't fazed by his son's glare.

"Ah! Lance, my boy! It's about time you and Ace came down. You missed all the fun we had down here!" Vahaton turned his attention to Ace who was still sitting on the counter. "Ace, it's good to see you again. I hope you're well rested."

Ace blushed, scratching his cheek with his finger. "Sorry about that."

Vahaton waved his hand dismissively, eyes smiling. "Don't worry about it! I am glad that Lance is taking such good care of you. He's turning into a fine gentleman ever since he met you." He gave Lance a wink.

Lance lowly growled, turning his head away so no one could see his pale cheeks turning a bit pink. Ace chuckled, reaching out and grabbed Lance's hand, lacing their fingers together. The light auburnette turned his attention back to Vahaton.

"He's been looking out for me since we first met. I promise to take good care of him too."

"I know you will, Ace. You're both lucky to have each other." Vahaton looked at the clock on the wall and gasped. "Oh my! It's getting late. You should get home soon."

Lance discretely rolled his eyes. "That's why we're here in the first place." He tightened his hold on Ace's hand.

Ace turned his head towards Tamazo, who was putting something in a small box. "Come one, Tamazo! We have to get going."

"I'm coming, tama!" He flew to Ace's side, holding out his box excitingly. "Look Ace, I made brownies all by myself, tama. Grandpa Vahaton and Devi said they were delicious, tama!"

"I said they were surprisingly edible, devi," Devi muttered, crossing his arms.

Ace smiled brightly, proud of his partner. "Good for you, Tamazo. Mom and Grandma will be happy to eat these." He petted Tamazo's head affectionately.

"I made them for you too, tama!"

Devi flew to Lance's side and whispered, "He said that yet I seen him ate the whole first batch before making another, devi."

Lance took a glance at his partner and noticed the leftover brown crumbs around Devi's mouth. "He's not the only one." Devi noticed Lance's glance and swiftly wiped away the evidence around his mouth.

Ace giggled, pulling Lance closer to him by their laced hands. "Come on. Let's go before my mom decides to wait behind the front door again."

They don't want that to happen again. Once was enough.

Lance wasted no time in carrying Ace back into his arms. Tamazo and Devi flew ahead while waving at Vahaton. "See you later, Grandpa Vahaton, tama!"

Vahaton waved back, chuckling. "Have a good night!" As the old man watched the teens leave, he spotted something very interesting. "Wait a moment, Ace!"

Lance stopped his track and Ace looked over Lance's shoulder with a questioning look.

Vahaton pointed a particular spot on his neck. "Make sure to cover that bite mark."

Ace squeaked, blushing madly as he hid his red face in Lance's cloak. His Dragonoid lover only smirked, pressing a kiss on Ace's temple. Ace muttered something that only made Lance smirk more.

Vahaton smiled, watching them leave his house. Young love. Oh, how I miss those days.

He laughed again when he heard Tamazo asked, "Did a bug bite you, Ace, tama?"

"It's nothing!"


Author's Note: I haven't stop grinning while writing this chapter! I want a lot of love between Ace and Lance! (giggles) I might have gone a bit overboard with the kissing, but I can't help but imagine them being this affectionate and passionate towards each other! It's a beautiful thing!

Ana...I'll let you guys say something about that. I will say her feelings are actually genuine, we can't help who we feel towards to. She unfortunately is too naive to realize that fairy tales don't exactly happen in real life.

Good news! No one got hurt if you don't count the emotional disturbance Ana caused us.

Also, I'll be finishing this story first before my other two, so they might be very slow to update. But I'll still be writing them as we speak. Wish me luck!

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