Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail - Hiro Mashima does.


"Where's Rogue?" Orga asked, looking around the group for any trace of the stoic dragon slayer.

After sending off Lucy, Rogue seemed to have vanished right away—he entered his shadow mode to run away from the group inconspicuously.

Rogue locked himself at his room, thinking of the stupid things he did in the morning. He didn't particularly enjoyed it—he loathed every second that he avoided her like the plague. Alas, it was needed to be done, to respect his partner's feelings.

After hearing Sting's confession, Rogue felt conflicted and would avoid both his partner and the lady he took an interest to. For him, Sting became his family—the first human he formed a bond with. For that, he refused to take any step closer to the blonde beauty—in fear that he would lose control, and betray his partner's feelings.

"Damn," he whispered, pressing a pillow on his face.


The train ride back to Magnolia was lonely—leaving Lucy's thoughts to run wild. It gave her a chance think of the events the past few days that boggled her mind. However, it also confused her a lot more.

Arriving at her town, Lucy chose to head straight to her apartment—feeling tired from all that happened in the morning. She wasn't even able to blink an eye with all the constant thinking she uncontrollably did during the ride!

Lucy curled on her sofa, pressing her face on the pillow.

"Damn, Rogue. Why can't I stop thinking about you?" she whispered. She suddenly shot upwards, sitting on a kneeling position, "To think you were acting like a jerk earlier! I won't forgive you even if you kneel!" she shouted comically, raising a fist to the air.

"Wow, Lucy. Are you going crazy?" a familiar low voice said.

"Yes, Lucy. What is this kneel you are speaking of?" a female voice said, pausing for a while. "Did someone taint your honor?!" she asked in an authoritative tone.

Lucy whipped her head see her beloved team standing at her door—which was supposedly lock. 'They broke my door again!'

"Luce, what's with you?" Natsu asked, putting a hand on his head.

"…You guys," the blonde whispered in a shaking voice.

Without any warning, Lucy shot forward, falling to the embrace of Natsu who was quick enough to understand what she needed at the moment.

Team Natsu simultaneously freaked out, too surprised that the blonde teammate started crying in Natsu's arms. They were only expecting a "missed you" hug—not a bawl.

Panicking, Natsu flailed his arms, not knowing how to comfort the sobbing blonde currently latched on his torso. Happy flew haphazardly around the room, panicking as well. While Erza stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

Gray sighed, 'These idiots.'

He took a step closer to the blonde, and caressed her back soothingly, "What's wrong, Luce? Tell us," he said in a gentle voice.

That seemed to do the trick as the younger female calmed down—just enough to stop her from crying her eyes out.

With tears still streaming down her face, she wiggled out of Natsu's embrace before turning her attention to the ice mage, "Gray…" she said pitifully.

"What's wrong? You just got back from Sabertooth."

"Yeah, Luce! Did they do something to you? I'll kick all of their butts!" Natsu roared, attempting to run towards the door, if not for Erza holding his collar.

"Enough, Natsu! Let's listen to what Lucy has to say first," the redhead said, scarily.

Happy settled on Lucy's head, attempting to comfort her by his warmth. The group walked towards the sofa, comfortably placing themselves.

"Tell us, Lucy," Erza whispered, putting a comforting hand on hers.

The blonde sighed, rubbing her eyes slightly, "…It's Rogue."

Time seemed to stop as the boys began to get heated—emotions taking over their rationality. No words were spoken as the two scampered to go out, both wanting to confront the said man. However, before they could even take one step further, Erza sent two swords flying towards their direction—barely missing their heads. That seemed to do the trick as the two hotheaded males froze.

"Get back here, and listen to Lucy," the demand lacing her words were not to be taken lightly.

"Yes, ma'am!" they chorused; running back to their places.

"…It's not just Rogue. It's… Sting, too," she said softly, pausing for a moment. Sensing as her two hot headed friends were beginning to get riled up again, she continued immediately, "Sting told me that he…he…likes me."

The four Fairies froze, paling all of a sudden. That was… weird. Moments have passed, and they still remained silent. Peeking from behind her bangs, Lucy dared to look at the stunned faces of her friends.

She sighed, "I don't know how to face him after that. He… acts as if he didn't said anything out of the ordinary."

"So you're afraid to confront him?" Gray asked, leaning on his knee.

The blonde nodded, hugging a pillow closer to her body—as if to protect herself. "I don't want to ruin our friendship…"

"…Lucy, do you like Sting?" Erza asked cautiously.

"Not in a romantic way, no…" she trailed, though a pained look crossed her face.

"…Then," the redhead trailed as if building up suspense, "do you like Rogue?"

The blonde's head darted upwards, shocked at her question. The four stared at her expectantly, as if it was a life and death situation.

"I…" Lucy bit her lip, unsure of what to say. "I…think so." Pausing for a moment, she took a deep breathe, "I think I like Rogue."