Turf Wars Chapter 14 – Change

(Sting/Rouge)

As always, I don't own Fairy Tail, just the idea for this story, so I hope you enjoy.

…

"I have all 'A's," Rouge mentioned as he and Sting made their way up the mountain path. "So unless you need the free 'A' I'm content to taking my time," the black haired teen said casually.

"No, I'm content with my grades too," Sting replied. "What was our word again? Change?"

"Yeah. Any idea what it means?"

"Nope," the blonde replied as the two settled into a comfortable silence.

Occasionally, they would throw out an idea that popped into their head as they made their way up the mountain, but they never settled on one idea.

…

"I'm surprised we haven't seen anyone else, or at least heard them," Rouge commented as the two boys followed the small trail they were on. The main trail ended some ways back and they ended up finding a game trail that took them alongside the mountain cliff as it wound its way up to the peak.

"It is strange," Sting commented as he stepped over the small gap in the path. He wasn't fond of this trail, it seemed dangerous but there was no other way so he kept his complaints to himself.

"I think that's Natsu," Rouge said suddenly, stopping mid step as he looked down the side of the mountain. Sting's heart skipped a beat. Natsu meant Lisanna.

He rounded the small turn and stood beside the black haired teen. He looked down the mountain side to see Natsu and Lisanna standing by a bridge, hugging. He couldn't tell for sure, but it looked like he was comforting her. His smile faded when he saw her wrap her arms around him and hug back just as tight.

"That ridge looks old and rickety, just look at all the boards missing," Rouge commented when he saw Sting's sad look.

Sting saw where he was going with his comment. One of them probably almost fell and that's why they were hugging. That's why they needed comfort.

Sting just nodded his head and motioned for Rouge to continue. Before they rounded another corner and lost sight of the two, he looked back and saw them still hugging.

Something inside Sting broke and something else clicked.

No, to say it broke, was off. That something was already fractured, already damaged. Seeing the two of them hug was just the last little drop that sent the fracturing all the way to the other side. His relationship was ending. And that was his Change.

"He likes her doesn't he?" Sting asked Rouge as they walked.

Rouge was caught off guard, not so much by the question, but by the tone Sting used. He turned and looked at the other teen. His face was calm, a little sad, but calm. Sting already accepted it. He wasn't mad.

"Yes, Natsu does like Lisanna."

Sting let out a deep sigh. "Then that is my change. My relationship is over."

"You can still fight," Rouge replied. He had known Natsu longer and wanted him to be happy with the girl he liked. But he also felt close to the blonde and was sad for him.

"The fighting is over," Sting answered. "After today, there won't be any more fighting," the blonde said letting out another sigh. "Besides, I saw this coming. Anyone who watched movies or reads books saw this coming," he said with a tired laugh. "Our relationship has been strained lately anyway."

"I'm sorry," Rouge said. He didn't know what else to say in such a situation. He was an introvert. Being around people for so long wasn't his cup of tea. So situations like these, he was never prepared for. And that's when it dawned on him. "I think I know what my change is."

"What is it?" Sting asked.

"Even though our challenge is 'Change', we aren't the only ones changing. Everyone is, everyone is moving on with life, ending old relationships, starting new ones, making new friends, ending old rivalries," the black teen stated. "I need to move on as well. That is my change. I need to accept that things are different and that the people I was around before won't be there as much as they were. I need to make new friends. Open up a little more," he finished.

"Well it can't be too hard. You already have me as a new friend," Sting said, giving the teen a smile.

Rouge smiled back, "Thanks."

….

Sorry it was so short, I didn't know what else to put for them.