Chapter 10

Hi! So, I found out its StingYu week! Since it's not my favorite ship (and because I'm busy), I haven't written a story especially for this week. But, this chapter is dedicated to the two of them!

Enjoy!

-(^_^)-

"Come on, Freed-san! Please!"

"I said no. Laxus isn't here, and without him, I can't just make this huge decision by myself." Freed answered.

"Freed-san, I just wanna see her! She might think I'm just some cold-blooded murderer!"

"Well, you are. Remember when we threw away our humanity to protect our loved ones?"

"If we had thrown away all of our humanity, why would we still protect them?" He asked.

Freed seemed to think about it, then replied briefly. "I'm sorry, but without Laxus here, I cannot just let you go."

The blond glared at his comrade, then as he turned away, Natsu walked up to him and handed him his cloak. "Go. I'll discuss it with Freed."

Sting gave a smile, thanking the pink-haired man silently, threw on his cloak, and left.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Natsu asked, once he reached the green-haired man.

"You're not as stupid as you make everyone think you are." Freed replied simply. "When Laxus comes back, you take the blame for that one." The swordsman told him, while walking away.

-(^_^)-

Sting slipped into the apartment he thought belonged to his white-haired friend. He had his hood pulled over his head, so no one would recognize him. Since he couldn't find her anywhere inside the tiny living room/bedroom, he slipped into the kitchen. Not here either. Maybe the bathroom? He wasn't going to enter, in case… you know… But just a glance to see if she was inside. He picked the lock of the door, creaked it open slightly, and glanced inside. And what he saw next made him shut the door as quickly as possible. Inside was a huge, bearded man, checking the mirror. 'What the hell? Wasn't this her apartment?' he thought. 'Maybe she's still at Lucy-san's pl-' "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"

"Shit." Was all that left Sting's mouth before he was thrown through the living room.

"I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" The man roared. He rushed at Sting, who jumped to the side, having recovered from the previous throw. Sting sent his leg flying into the back of the man's knee. He roared and fell on his knee. Sting knocked him unconscious by smashing his elbow into his opponent's head. "Definitely not Yukino!"

-(^_^)-

Said woman was alone in the house that now belonged to her and Lucy. She was cooking, Lucy would be coming home soon from her job. Wearing a blouse and shorts, she was humming a song. Yukino had found a spot in the military, but decided to go to a martial arts school first. Maybe a couple of years in the police afterwards? She had always wanted to be a law enforcer, but was never strong enough. Now was the time to change that.

"I'd add some salt to that." She heard a voice behind her say. An awfully familiar voice. Yukino turned around, staring at the cloaked figure, who gave her a toothy grin. And an awfully familiar toothy grin too. Her eyes widened, and tears threatened to leave her brown, warm eyes. She jumped towards the man that had taken revenge for her and enveloped him in a hug, his hood falling off due to the force of the impact.

Sting was surprised. He'd expected her to be afraid, so he showed her his signature grin. Either that worked well, or she wasn't afraid of him at all. He hugged her back hesitantly. And now he felt her sobbing against his chest. He tightened his hold on her. "Yukino…" He whispered silently. "I'm so sorry." She just silently tightened her hug.

…

They were sitting on the couch. Sting had explained everything to her, not wanting to lie anymore. And with everything, I mean everything.

"So… The people that got rid of the gang that attacked me… Were you guys?" She asked.

"Well, actually, it was all Rogue. We were just with him for back up, in case he needed any."

"Wait, are you… those rumored guardians…?" She questioned, the truth finally dawning on her.

"So that's what they're calling us now? Seriously, all we do is get rid of the people that hurt our loved ones." He answered.

"You got rid of the whole Oracion Seis gang!" She exclaimed.

"Yeah, well… kinda…" he answered. "But listen to me, Yuki, nobody can know what I've just told you, alright?"

"R-Right."

"I trust you." Sting told her.

"Yukino!~ Are you still up?!" She heard Lucy call from the hallway. She shot a panicked glance at Sting, who simply smiled and whispered. "I'll take my leave, then."

"Wait!" Yukino stopped him. "I promise not to tell anyone, if you meet me at the park, every week. Okay?"

"Okay." He smiled, then pulled on his hood and jumped out of the window, just when Lucy came walking in.

"What the hell was that?" She asked.

"A dragon… A shining dragon…"

-(^_^)-

Sting walked into the park, wearing a blue high neck with a blue coat, and neat, beige pants. He wanted to look good, although the reason he didn't realize himself. Setting his coat straight, checking for any flaws in his attire, he started walking. When he looked up, he saw Yukino sitting on a bench, munching on an apple. She was wearing a blue coat, which was open. Behind it, he could spot her blouse and black skirt. She had a scarf around her neck. Like always, that beautiful blue flower in her hair. She hadn't spotted him yet, so he did what anyone would do to someone sensitive to tickling. He snuck up behind her, using the skills he'd learned from Rogue, and then slowly brought his hands to her sides. His fingers started to go berserk and she burst out laughing. It was definitely a special sight. Seeing a usually composed, disciplined girl break down laughing. Finally Sting's fingers stopped moving, and Yukino stopped laughing, blushing from embarrassment. Sting gave a wide grin, and Yukino smiled, forgiving her friend almost immediately. She got up and they took a walk together. The walk wasn't silent. Sting, like usual, talked his heart out. Anything that came to his mind, came out of his mouth. Well, maybe some thoughts were sorted in the private section. Yukino smiled at his enthusiasm to talk, and gave nods. They walked past an apple tree, and she glanced at the apples. Deciding she wanted another one, she reached for it, but it was simply too high. In one swift movement, however, Sting was in the air, and grabbed a large apple, landing back on his feet. He held it out to her, and she reached for it, but just when she was about grab it, Sting brought it to his own lips, took a huge bite. "Juicy!" He grinned. Yukino pouted automatically, and Sting gave her the apple. They continued walking in a comfortable silence. Sting had his hands in his pockets, while Yukino was eating her apple.

"Hey, Yukino, why did you ask me to come to the park every week?" Sting asked, curious all of a sudden.

"Well, because I missed seeing you, and didn't want you to disappear from my life all of a sudden." She answered quickly, a small blush staining her cheeks.

"What about Rogue?" He asked.

"Rogue? Rogue comes by almost every night." She answered simply, a smile on her face.

"I should've figured he'd do something like that…" Sting mumbled. Yukino laughed.

…

At the end of the day, they were sitting on the grass field, staring at the sunset. "This has been a great day, you know." Sting spoke up.

"Yes, I agree." Yukino replied.

"I will see you next week, right?" Sting asked hopefully.

"I did say every week, so yeah." Yukino smiled.

"Yes! I can't wait!" Sting exclaimed, falling onto Yukino's lap. His head was placed on her legs, and Yukino was flustered. Sting grinned widely, before closing his eyes. "S-Sting…"

"Give me a moment…" The blond muttered, his face peaceful. Yukino silently stared at the sunset, and couldn't help but sneak quick glances at his face. He looked so relaxed. She hesitantly stroked her fingers through his bright, blond hair, and a smile automatically appeared on his face. It's like a load of stress just disappeared. He looked even more peaceful and relaxed now than before. She didn't want to disturb him, so she just sat in one place until the stars came out. Her phone started ringing, and she picked up quickly

"Hello?" she nearly whispered.

"Yukino? Where are you? You should've been home already!" A worried Lucy spoke.

"Right. Don't worry, I'm fine. I'll be right there." She answered quietly again.

"Okay, make it back safely. Call me if there's anything wrong."

"Got it. See you soon." She whispered, then hung up on the call.

She was about to shake Sting awake, when she noticed his baby blue eyes staring into her deep brown ones. When he realized where he was and what was happening, he shot up immediately, a blush dusting his cheeks. "I… fell asleep?" He asked sheepishly.

"Y-Yeah…" Yukino answered with a blush of her own. Sting offered her his hand, and she took it, getting up.

"I'll walk you home." He offered. She nodded gratefully.

The way to the apartment was silent. They didn't know what to say to each other. Mainly they were just confused about their feelings. Sting was starting to realize he liked her. A lot. And Yukino… Yukino didn't know what to think. She always saw Sting as one of her best friends. But what now? Did she actually like him? As more than just friends? She glanced at him, and saw that he was doing the same thing. They averted their gazes, blushing madly.

"Well… we're here." Sting said finally. Yukino glanced up at the building. 'I'll see you next week…" He said.

"Yeah…" She replied. Before Sting could turn away, Yukino hugged him. Sting hugged her back, a smile plastered on his face. "Bye…" She said when she broke free from the hug.

"See ya!" Sting replied cheerfully, then left as Yukino entered the apartment.

…

The Shadow Dragon slipped in through the window. Lucy was reading a book, like usual. But Yukino wasn't here yet. "Hi, Rogue." Lucy said, as she noticed the shadow next to Yukino's bed. Yeah, Lucy knew Rogue came by almost every night. Rogue had told her and Yukino he had no idea where his 'brother' was, but didn't come to school, since people would bug him about it.

Rogue nodded at Lucy. "Where's Yukino?"

"I don't know. I called her, and she said she was on her way." Lucy answered. Just then, Yukino came walking in.

"Where were you?" Rogue asked. Yukino put her bag down and took her coat and scarf off, sitting on the bed.

"Rogue, we need to talk." Yukino looked him dead in the eye, and for a second, Rogue felt fear course through his body.