Thanks to everyone who has favorited and followed and most of all reviewed! You guys kept this story going! And to luffy fan who cleaned it up. You guys are great! Enjoy the chapter!

Rogue and Sting quietly settled themselves in the corner farthest away from anyone else. After a few tense moments, Cana groaned about not letting good alcohol go to waste and that was apparently the signal for the partying to recommence. Music started playing, people started chatting, and within the hour the boisterous atmosphere was almost at the same level it had been before they were interrupted. Almost, since Natsu was still mostly frozen, probably unconscious, and locked up in Freed's runes. A stray spark of electricity sparked off his hair when he snored.

"Don't worry, he'll be fine," Laxus was trying to comfort Lucy. She was feeling pretty guilty about the whole thing. "It takes more than that to hurt Natsu. He'll be loud mouthing around by the morning. Unless you're going to miss your bed partner?" Laxus guffawed as he ducked a pretty good punch from a red faced Lucy.

"Get bent you overgrown lightning rod."

Lucy knew he was just trying to get her out of her bad mood, but he had it all wrong. She did feel a bit bad about Natsu, but he had most of it coming. No, her thoughts turned inward and how she had gotten into her current situation. She was surrounded by all of her friends, but she felt completely isolated. There were things going on much bigger than she could comprehend. The council, the King, and Sabertooth were just the players she knew of. She had no idea where Rogue and Sting's loyalties truly lay. She knew she needed to find a way to prove to both the council and anyone who would want to try and use her that she could take care of herself.

She was lost in her thoughts when she felt a squeeze of her hand. Wendy had never let her go, even after the army regiment had left. She smiled as reassuringly as she could at the younger girl. She didn't want to worry her friends more than they already were.

Gajeel could tell the young mage was barely holding herself together. He felt an annoying need to try and cheer her up. "Blondie, stop with the frowning, it might give you wrinkles. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. There's nothing you can do about it tonight. Besides, we're all in this together. Flame-brain would say the same thing."

"You're right." Lucy flicked his smug face as she stood up. "I think maybe some sleep will help. I have a feeling things aren't going to go smoothly when we get back to Magnolia and Natsu wakes up. Thanks for everything tonight you guys. I don't know what I would do without you."

Lucy stood to leave for her room upstairs when someone grabbed her arm. She looked up and was surprised to see Laxus staring intently at her chest. Her immediate instinct was to pull away and yell at him when she realized he was completely transfixed by her dragon mark. The lightning mage moved his hand from her arm to hover over her breast. She cleared her throat to try and draw his attention.

"I... I'm... I didn't mean to stare, but I thought I felt something from your mark." Laxus was actually blushing, which was hilarious and cute at the same time. He reached his hand up to scratch the back of his neck in a familiar gesture. "I apologize for staring. I wanted to know if you were okay. Sleeping. In your room. By yourself." Lucy looked at him like he had developed a mental defect and Laxus knew he wasn't getting his point across. "Are you okay by yourself tonight? Anyone would be shaken from almost being arrested and taken prisoner by the Royal Army and I don't trust those other two guys as far as Wendy could throw them. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be a few doors down if you need anything."

"Aww Laxus! I didn't know you cared." Lucy winked up at the taller man to take some of the sting out of her barb. She patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks for looking out for me. I really do appreciate it but I don't think I'll be alone for long. Wendy will probably sleep in my room too." Lucy had to suppress a shiver as she laughed and Laxus waved as he walked away. All the blonde wanted to do was get in her room and lock the door. During the conversation with Laxus, it had felt like someone was watching her and it was making her uneasy. She had looked around the room to see if she could spot her stalker but didn't have any luck. Instead, she motioned for Wendy to follow. She wanted the young girl with her before she bolted the door shut.

Damn Rogue thought. That was close. Lucy had almost caught him spying on her. Well she was observant enough to know someone was watching, that was a good thing. He had the same feeling currently, although there were probably dozens of people observing the two outsiders. They were trying to lay low at least until the morning, ideally until they reached Magnolia. Rogue could tell it was bothering Sting as he was drowning himself in his drink. He would give his partner one night to try and forget the difficult trials that lay ahead but tomorrow they would both have to be on high alert. They needed to protect themselves almost as much as Lucy.

"You look like you are doing some heavy thinking."

Rogue jumped at the voice. He couldn't believe anyone could catch him off his guard, but when he looked down at the diminutive guild master, he forgave himself a little.

"Just sorting things out in my head. Nothing more, nothing less."

The old man stroked his goatee and looked deep into Rogue's eye. The dragon slayer knew he had little chance of keeping secrets from the perceptive mage. "Once you get settled in town, I would like to have a private word with you two." He glanced over at Sting's hunched shoulders and sighed. "Please be discrete, I believe it would be beneficial for all of us. My office is on the third floor of the guild. See you soon." Rogue slightly inclined his head as Makarov gave him a wide smile, turned on his heel, and left as silently as he had arrived.

The shadow mage pinched the bridge of his nose. "Great."

The next morning saw everyone loading onto the train. Natsu had thawed out and once he was released from his prison refused to leave Lucy's side. He was one of at least five of her over protective friends. Wendy was still attached to her hip, Levy chatted nonchalantly, Gajeel sat silently with his arm around the bluenette, Laxus was a few rows down and nodded when he saw her, and Gray helped her with her luggage. Once again, Rogue and Sting had situated themselves in the very back corner row, as far from everyone as they could be, but still within earshot.

As soon as the train started to move, Gajeel and Natsu were out for the count. Levy gently held the Iron monger's head while Gray was about to sucker punch Natsu into oblivion. Lucy thought this might be a perfect opportunity to get in a quiet word with Rogue and Sting. She glanced at Wendy who was swinging her feet on the bench next to her.

"Why aren't you sick on the train?

Wendy thought about it and looked a little perplexed. "I dunno. I've never had problems with transportation. Gajeel said it's because I haven't matured as a dragon slayer, but I think it's because of my magic. I can't heal myself, but I think I can stop myself from getting sick. The only time I've ever been ill is when my magic has been really low. I guess only time will tell!" Wendy looked up at Lucy with the most beautiful smile and Lucy smiled in return.

"Well, if you are okay, and you don't mind, would you do me a favor?"

The young girl lit up at the prospect to give her assistance to the blonde that she looked to as an adoptive sister. "Sure!"

The two made their way to the back of the car where Lucy expected to find two miserable dragon slayers. Instead, Sting was looking out the window and Rogue appeared to be looking over some notes.

"Hey! What's up with you two? Why aren't you writhing around like the other idiots?" She stomped her foot. Why couldn't things ever go as she planned? She wanted to get Wendy to cast Troia on them so they would be grateful and talk to her. Now, she was lucky if she could get them to so much as look at her.

Luck seemed to be on her side as Sting lazily looked away from the window and looked her over. Lucy couldn't tell if the look he gave her was a leer or a sneer. She didn't like it either way and was about to tell him so but he decided to speak first.

"Is that how you wanted to find us? Rolling around on the floor and miserable? That's kind of bitchy, don't you think?"

Lucy's jaw dropped as she sent Wendy away to sit with the others. Just because the young girl had heard such language before didn't mean she needed to hear it now. "I came over here to help your worthless hides. I wanted to talk to you about some important stuff, but if you refuse to be civil, I'll just-"

Rogue cut her off with a long suffering sigh and closed his book. "He's just hungover. Please sit Lucy. This is an excellent opportunity to get a few things straightened out before we get into town."

Lucy reluctantly sat next to Sting so she could talk face to face with Rogue. "First off, how are you guys okay?"

Sting blew out a breath that fogged the window and shook a bag that was attached to his belt. "These."

"Yes," the shadow slayer expounded. "We were given an allotment of magical pills by the magic council. They knew we would, in all likelihood, have to travel with you and did not want you to be vulnerable during those times. These are superior to actual magic spells since they are ingested instead of cast outside our bodies. We should never grow resistant to the pills and they last quite a bit longer as well."

"That was pretty forward thinking of them," Lucy huffed. "I wish I could get my hands on a few of them for the Fairy Tail dragon slayers. Traveling with them makes everyone miserable." Lucy rolled her eyes as Gray finally put Natsu out of his misery. "But enough about that, Have you guys thought about where you are going to stay while you're in town? I know some nice hotels that are close to my place and are n-"

She was cutoff again as the other blonde sat up and waved in her face. "Unacceptable. Were you even listening to what Lahar said? Even if we hadn't already bought a property, an off-site location would be against the agreement we made to protect you."

Rogue knew his partner was enjoying baiting the other wizard, and he could admit it to himself that the fish-like gaping motion Lucy was making was very funny indeed. However, he decided to fill her in before her imagination ran away with her. "Your apartment building has been appropriated for this mission. It is being remodeled as we speak to accommodate the three of us without too much intrusion into your personal space. It should be finished by this afternoon. One of us will be on the same floor with you while the other may take their leave or reside in the apartment below. This is non-negotiable. The extra room on your floor will be separated to maintain your privacy, but the door will never be locked. For your own protection we must have immediate access to you at any time during the day or night. We will attempt to minimize our presence in your daily life." At that, Rogue stopped and looked deeply into Lucy's eyes. "Unless you wish it otherwise."

For her part, the Celestial mage kept her calm on the surface, but inside she was a maelstrom of emotions. She was furious that all this had been done without her consent or input, but she also knew that the arrangement made sense. She had no idea what to make of Rogue's last statement and decided to dismiss it completely for the time being and focus on things she could deal with. "I appreciate your forethought in regards to my privacy. This is going to be weird enough as it is. Since you obviously don't need my help with housing arrangements, have you two figured out how you're going to do this with me?" When Rogue grinned and Sting actually laughed, Lucy knew she misspoke and turned a lovely shade of pink. "Oh for the love of…! I mean the whole bodyguard thing. Like are you going in shifts in days or hours and who is going on missions?" The pair were still very amused and not in least bit trying to hide it. "I give up, you two have the maturity of twelve year olds."

The dark dragon slayer stifled his laughter and grabbed her hand before she could leave. They both jumped as the now familiar spark passed between the two. The other blonde didn't seem to notice the change in the atmosphere and Rogue discreetly jerked his head at Lucy. She got the message loud and clear. Not here, we'll talk about this later.

Sting gazed back out at the quickly passing landscape. "We figured we would change off every 12 hours unless there was something else going on. Whoever's on duty when you go on a mission will go with you, again, unless something comes up or one of us has a particular interest in said mission." He blew out a breath before he closed his eyes. "Like that would ever happen."

"You jerk!" Lucy tried to slug the arrogant ass when she felt a slight tug on her wrist . Rogue had never let her go. She looked at his face and saw a small frown appear. She wasn't sure if he was upset with her, with his partner, or with himself, but he quickly blanked his façade and released his grip.

"We can work out more of the details once we're all settled and have a chance to relax a little. I doubt your Master will be sending you on any missions for a short while. For the time being, please trust us Lucy, and know that we are going to be professionals and as unobtrusive as possible for the time we are together."

Once again, Lucy was at a loss for words. Rogue's demeanor had turned so cold and clinical in just a moment's time. Maybe he was just as much of an ass as Sting was, but did a better job hiding it. Whatever. "I'm going back with my friends, " the blonde stood and took a step away. "Unless you need anything else before we reach Magnolia?"

"We will escort you home once we have arrived at the station." Rogue was very firm with his instructions and dismissal. "That will be all for now."

She huffed and walked away, not once looking back.

Sting squinted one eye at his partner and sworn brother. "She's trouble."

Rogue tilted his head back and prepared for some quiet and rest. It would probably be the last rest he would have in some amount of time.

"Indeed."

A/N: I am truly sorry it took so long to get this chapter to anybody who s still reading. Holidays and life and I broke my freakin hand. Boo. And I was kind perturbed with the manga, but in the end, I love Fairy Tail and I really like my story. So here you are.

I plan on going back and changing some of Sting's attacks in To Claim a Dragon, but that is all I'm going to change. I started this story at the beginning of the Grand Magic Games, so a lot of stuff is straight up wrong, but we're going to go for A/U I guess? I am going to keep everybody's attacks and stuff as close as I can.

I hope everybody sticks with me, because this is going to be awesome. And epic. I am going to be fleshing out a lot of relationships and hopefully everybody will be as engrossed in this story as I am. Please review if you can and tell me what you think. I enjoy so much from hearing from everybody. And its awesome to read about speculation and pairings. ~sniff~ i LOVE YOU GUYS!

-Miss Randi