"Do you have your room key?"
Wide eyes looked up at him apologetically. He gave her a small nod, amusement not yet leaving his face.
"It's no problem. Common."
Rogue accompanied her to her room. Once in front of her door, he commanded a shadow to go under it and unlock it from the inside. Juvia watched with curiosity as he did this.
"Good thing you're one of the good guys," she said as the door swung open in front of them. One side of his mouth pulled up in a smirk; Juvia felt satisfied with herself that she managed to get such a response from him.
She stepped inside and turned to look at him, who had remained standing where he was.
"I suppose you want this back now," she said, reaching to take off the cape. Rogue stopped her by placing one of his hands on hers.
"It's ok. You can return it later today. I will make arrangements for you to stay one more day, seeing as you got no sleep. Is this hotel alright or should I reserve room at another?"
Juvia was surprised. She was meant to leave in a few hours with Gray back to Magnolia. Do I really want to ride a train for hours with Gray?
"Thank you, but you've done so much for me already…"
"Nonsense. As part of the Sabertooth guild, it is my duty to ensure the safety and well-being off all residents and guests. If you left as is, you could catch a cold, develop a sleep problem, or even miss your train stop. How would I explain that to your guild? It's decided. You're staying at least until tomorrow morning."
He knew he was rambling but couldn't seem to stop. At best, his excuse for making her stay seemed…overprotective? What is wrong with you? Pull yourself together.
Juvia listened to his explanation while trying not to have a big smile on her face. The further he went, the redder his cheeks became, but she wasn't about to stop him and point out no one in Fairy Tail would come chase him down to demand anything. She knew that he knew that as well.
"I was supposed to be traveling with… a guild mate… but I suppose he can go on ahead without me, if necessary."
He noticed her hesitation. Was her 'guild mate' the reason she had ran away crying? He felt a spark of anger towards whoever he was. How could he let her leave like that? Now that he thought about it, maybe it was for the best if she stayed in Wichita one more night. In the least, it would clear her head from whatever that brute did to upset her.
"It certainly is absolutely necessary. I will let the concierge and your guild mate know about the change of plan. You just get some rest."
She felt a little panicked that Rogue and Gray would talk. What if Gray thought she was seeing Rogue? Then she depressingly remembered the events that led to him finding her on the bridge. Maybe a little jealousy would do Gray some good. Besides, seeing Rogue tomorrow again wouldn't be so bad. He is… sweet, in his own way.
"Okay, then. I will. Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome. Goodnight. Or morning. I'm not sure what is appropriate given the time." He face palmed in his own mind. He usually wasn't like this.
She smiled up at him as she began closing the door. "Goodnight, Rogue."
He turned to leave and rolled his eyes at himself when he heard the door close. Sure, she's cute. But that doesn't give you an excuse to behave like a silly teenager around her, he scolded himself.
He was on his way to wake up the man drooling on the front desk when a man in boxers ran inside. From the guild mark on the man's chest, Rogue assumed that must be who Juvia was talking about.
Gray recognized him immediately and rushed to him with a desperate look on his face.
"Rogue! You might not remember me- I'm Gray Fullbuster from Fairy Tail. I really need your help. I can't find my partner anywhere! Maybe you can use your dragon slayer senses to find her? Natsu is pretty good at tracking that way."
Rogue didn't like the way he referred to Juvia as his 'partner'. Trying to keep an emotionless look and tone, he put his hands over both of Gray's shoulders and looked at him in the eye.
"Calm down. Juvia is back in her room."
Gray visibly relaxed at hearing this. His next thought was to go check on her and try to explain things. Based on the wet city he encountered when searching for her, he knew she must've been very, very upset with him.
"Thanks," Gray said, attempting to go towards her room. However, Rogue was still holding onto his shoulders.
"She is very tired. It's better if you don't bother her. Also, she will be staying in Wichita for another day. Sabertooth will pay, of course, so no need to worry about that."
"But I have to go talk to her. She doesn't- she just walked in- I didn't- Wait, it's none of your business anyways. Let go of me. I have to go talk to her."
Gray managed to push Rogue's hands off him. He had gone from flustered to defensive quickly. Rogue narrowed his eyes at him.
"You're why she was crying."