Chapter 25

Leo's POV

Since the day she moved to Crocus, and joined Sabertooth, my only wish as that she didn't fall in love with any of its members. I just couldn't stand looking at another version of a heart broken Lucy. I still wasn't fully over that flame-brains way of rejection on her. But the day came, and I hated it. That day, was Lucy her kiss with that light-bulb?

They kissed, and I witnessed it through my key. For the first time, I felt heartbroken watching my best friend kiss him. It was the first time I felt this way. The funny thing was that I had so many emotions circling around my mind that it excluded anger. I wanted to do something, or summon myself and let them both know how I felt. However it wouldn't change anything, and if I did then I would only be making ne problems for myself with Lucy. She likes him –maybe even loves- and there was nothing more I could do. If I summoned myself and kicked his ass- like I did the first day we met- then she'd never forgive me, plus it wouldn't make me feel any better about myself. All I could do was watch, and contemplate why I told her my reasons for saying "it's because of you" to her. I slapped myself on the forehead that day after I went back into my key. It hurt really hurt her, and of all the things I never wished to do it was hurt my own master. To think me, Leo the lion, would fail yet again at protecting the person in love. Just like with Karen Lilica, it all hurt just the same. How could I even call myself a leader when I can't even protect the people I love?

"L…Leo." I heard Aries say, in her usually nervous voice. I turned my head and saw the ram next to the royal blue mermaid. Normally I was glad to see Aries. On occasions like these when I feel upset she would try to calm me down using every ounce of her shy and sweet voice. Aquarius was the complete opposite.
"Uh…hey guys." I said trying to sound eager to see them both. Really I just wanted to be left alone. Seeing what just happened made me want to just take a minute to just ease my mind, and I really didn't want to lash out at either of them.
"Ur…we…uh…are you…" I knew what she was gonna ask me. She was twiddling her fingers, and looking rather sheepish. Great, I'm so on edge Aries afraid to ask if I'm okay. I gave her a weak smile and said.
"Don't worry guys, I'm fine." Aquarius heaved out an irritated sigh that made Aries flinch. Uh-oh, she was in her mood again. If Aquarius was in one of her moods again, then know that my anger will flare when it's as weak as a lit candle.

"I need to speak with you Leo." She said. Great…now I get lectured.
"Aquarius I…" I tried to get out.
"I don't care, you just need to listen to what I have to say." She snapped. Aries was gone the minute she snapped. Now I was alone with the Water devil. She floated next to me and looked up at the Celestial worlds dancing stars. We usually see what's going on around Lucy through our stars. Its usually like their projecting movies into our heads to show us exactly what's going on with her. Since I'm one of her go-to spirits, plus the leader, I watch over her. For Aquarius to be next to me and looking at these stars, really surprises me. Usually whenever Aquarius and I are left alone she would start with her usually annoyed remarks about Lucy, then reprimand me about getting too involved in her personal life. Then I would fire back and we would argue until she decides she's had enough. This time felt less chilling and warmer. I looked at her, and saw no signs of her usually strict cold eyes. For the first time, I could finally see the softness of her indigo eyes.
"Leo, you really shouldn't get so involved in her life." She started. Oh boy, here we go. "I knew something like this would happen…so that's why I'm here." I was confused. How would she know something like this would happen?

"Well…I guess you should explain." I said, putting my hands in my pockets.
"Alright." Aquarius said. "Well, back when I was still Layla's celestial spirit, we basically had what you and Lucy have right now except I was a lot more territorial than you." I was shocked. Normally, I didn't think Aquarius would be the one to get that territorial jealous feeling. The feelings I was going through right now.
"Really?" She rolled her eyes in response.
"Yes, and that was about the time when I found out she was dating Lucy's late father Jude." Now it was getting interesting. "I…hated him. I hated him so much to the point where anytime I saw him I would want to grab my urn and drown him in water." She had her urn equipped and it was giving me chills all over. That guy probably had it rough then.
"But…no matter how I felt, what was important was Layla's happiness. And as long as she was happy, then I was." She managed to grow a smile on her cold face, which made me feel a little less heartbroken. Also knowing now that Aquarius and I have that territorial feeling in common was extremely relieving.
"So…I guess I should talk to Lucy and Sting then huh?" I asked sheepishly. She gave me a firm nod.
"Yes, you do." She said. "And you need to do it with your heart, and tell them both how you feel instead of moping about it." I pang of guilt struck me. I now knew that the way I've been acting so far was similar to a winey brat. I'm a leader, and now I need to really start acting like one. This was the first time I truly listened to Aquarius and her advice was really helpful. I was thankful to have that moment to talk with her and now I knew exactly what I meant about "It's because of you."
"Thank you for that Aquarius." I said, and we watched the stars together.

Lucy's POV

"Sting! Natsu!" I yelled. I was tied to a pole and was forced to watch Natsu and Sting fight to the death. Like vicious, blood thirst animals they attacked each other without magic, but with dragon claws and teeth. Neither were going down, but all I wanted to do was stop it while I could. Nothing was tied around my wrists, but I still couldn't move them. Being retrained while watching two people fight like barbarians was just insane to me. Towering over them both was Lissanna looking like a complete devil. I trembled as I saw her, and all my other guild members from Sabertooth scream horrible things at me. Then my former guild mates rose and threw trash at me, and laughing demonically. Then in the middle of the field…Sting layed defeated in his own Pool of blood, while Natsu stood over him. He looked at me with his bright orange eyes and pointed at me.
"Shame!" He yelled. The others followed, and their words flowed through my ears. It was like they were being jammed into my brain, and I could feel the pain from it.
"Stop it!"
"Lucy!"

I recoiled, and opened my eyes to find Sting's worried face over mine. I immediately stared into his eyes that stared at me with care. Then I remembered what I saw in my dream. The picture of seeing him lying on the ground-bruised, blooded, and dead sent waves of electricity throughout my body as I lunged toward him, squeezing tight. Why do nightmares have to look so real? I shut my eyes, and just thought about something that made me less upset. I thought about us smiling, and laughing when we were talking in Crocus's large park. The thought of him helping me out with those creeps and him just being there for me when I needed a laugh or hug. Those thoughts made me feel a whole lot better.
"It's okay…everything's fine." He said tenderly. "It was just a bad dream." He says that like it's a regular thing. But I knew I was safe.

His warm, muscular arms were holding me close. It was strange though. Just last night, I held Sting in my arms when he needed me. Then we kissed, which was something I needed to talk to him about, and now here I am in his arms when I needed him. Oh Lucy, we're gonna have to have a long conversation with your decisions. I mean, I didn't mean to kiss him last night, but he was there and he looked so broken. He looked like me moments after I was thrown out of Fairy Tail. It's just, when we did kiss…I really liked it. I kissed him first, and doing it not only made me feel bad for taking advantage of him, but it made me feel amazing knowing how I truly feel. Even if he felt bitter, I tasted sweetness in his lips {similar to the sweetness of whip cream, or a vanilla milkshake}. I looked over at my nightstand and saw two half full mugs of Cocoa, the gate keys, and my clock. While looking at this, I just remembered something incredible today.

"It's the day of the festival!" I nearly screamed. Sting chuckled.
"Oh yeah, how could I forget." I pretty much leaped out of bed, and ran to my wardrobe.
"Ya know it's only 9:30 right?" He asked. I didn't care. I wanted to get in as much fun before I had to go back to training and doing jobs. Today I was in the mood to just have a great time with my friends, and guild mates.
"I know, that's why I'm getting ready." I finally picked out some clothes to wear, then realized Sting was still here and he most likely needed to shower too.
"Er…Sting…if you want you can shower before me." I offered. He chuckled then said.
"Only if you shower with me." He's been taking lessons from Minerva…which means, I know exactly how to counter that.
"Hmhm…okay." I said in my most alluring voice. He was flustered this time. His face burned bright red, and his eyes were wide. The funniest part was his drooling over me. I knew that would work.
"R…really?" He asked. I giggled like a little girl, and batted my eyelashes.
"Maybe…maybe soon, but maybe…after the festival ends." I wink, and once I've just about gotten him as red as a heart I close the door to my bathroom.

Sting's POV

While Lucy showered, I needed to calm myself down. I didn't think she would get so good at flirting back, which worried me since I always saw myself as a master at it. Well, next to Minerva at least. The blood finally calmed in my face as I stood to stretch my legs. I was in the same clothes as last night, except…I stunk.
"Ugh…I should probably take one after her, I reek." I said to myself.
"You're telling me." I turned and saw the kitten-Leo-standing behind me. My attitude swiftly changed and now I was suspicious.
"What are you doing here?" I asked. "I thought only Lucy could summon you?"
"Hehehe, I usually come on my own terms." He said with a grin. I rolled my eyes. "But seriously, I'm here to talk to you." I stood still, as he adjusted his glasses. It's not like him to talk to me so calmly. Wonder what's up?

"Uh...sure." I said, then sat down on the edge of Lucy's bed. "What is it?" He placed his hands back in his dark pockets and sighed.
"I saw you two kiss." He said. I felt the air around us chill, like a cold breeze blowing between us. How could he have seen us kiss? Before I ask, anything he continues with lighter words. "And… I know I can't stop you two from loving each other." The air begins to warm up, and the tension I began to feel dimmed. He looked calmer, and relaxed. My guess was someone probably talked some sense into him.
"Be honest with me…Leo." I said, we weren't looking at each other. We were probably better off, since we'd start fighting as usual. "Why...do you have such a problem with me being around her?" His answer wasn't immediate. With a sigh, he said…
"I…honestly don't know." He said. "I…just try to protect her in any way necessary. She saved my life, and since then I vowed that I would always protect her." His voice grew shaky. Is this the same kitten I squared off with?

"Leo…" I said. "Is it may be possible…that you see her as a younger sister instead of a friend or master?" He paused. I was never the best at figuring people out, so it was worth a shot. I usually just try to live life without getting too emotional, or without people who get so emotional. With Lucy, it's difficult at times since she's so sensitive, but with Leo he's so much like me that it shocks me. He bottles his emotions up, and lashes out at people passively. I got him al figured out.

He began to chuckle. I was confused, but when I looked over, I saw him wiping a tear away.
"Yeah…I guess that's the reason." He said. Now I understood. His master, Lucy, is basically like a little sister he feels he needs to protect all the time. In his eyes, I was most likely seen as a threat to him. "Hehe…listen. I may not fully support this, but if it makes her happy then I guess I'm happy." Then I began to chuckle.
"Man…you really are like a brother." I giggled. "You've got nothing to worry about, I'll keep her safe." We were both laughing now. Giggling, and heaving out heavy breaths. I guess this means we're bonding for the first time. He held his hand out-decorated with two gold rings-and with one smirk, I shook it firmly. He started glowing gold, and the last thing he said before he left was.
"Take good care of her." He was gone. Back into the celestial world, but a part of me wished he could stay so we could get to know more about each other. But for the first step, we broke down our walls and finally called a truce. An insufferable war that finally ended with a peace treaty I guess.

Lucy stepped out of the bathroom-wearing a hot pink skirt, and tank top-and asked.
"Was Leo here just now?" I would've said yes, but I thought she would get mad. So I did the opposite.
"Nope…I was just murmuring to myself."

Thank you all so much for reading this chapter. If you would like then you may leave a review and let me know what you think. If this chapter seemed short, I apologize. I figured since I'm nearing the end of this story I'll try and extend as much as possible for all of you guys. Once again thank you all so much for the love and support, and as always...Stay beautiful

P.S I will be working on other stories after this story is complete. And also to all writers out there, keep doing what your doing, and don't let anybody try and take your passion of writing away.