A:N: I love me some Rolu. If anyone is wondering about Rogue's personality I'm trying not to make him too ooc. I mean he's best friends with Sting, so he can't be completely uptight. Plus Rogue is a man, not a boy. And he's got some baggage. Just like Lucy. I feel like this is how Rogue would act knowingly or unknowingly when faced with a woman he desired. I think he'd be polite yet playful. But that's my take. So apologies, if anyone becomes too ooc, or any spelling or grammar mistakes. And as always big shout out to the reviewers, love u guys! then, without further adieu, Chapter 5 people!

I own nothing. Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Chapter 4: Chezza's Palace: Part 2

After they were far enough away Lucy slowed her pace and let go of Rogue's hand. His hand had been larger than hers naturally, but it had also been surprisingly warm. Quickly she rubbed her hands together to try to reclaim that warmth, to no avail.

How had she found herself on the way to a lunch date with the Shadow Dragon Slayer? Ah, yes, the pushy friend. But when Lucy reflected on the previous event, she couldn't really blame her friend. If she had been in her shoes she probably would have done the same.

Lucy peeked to the side at Rogue as they walked quietly. He really did resemble the man in her dream. His hair had grown quite a bit since she had last seen him, it was tied back in a small ponytail now. She noted that he had discarded his previous wardrobe style for a black and white leopard print kimono. She could tell he wasn't wearing a shirt underneath, when he had put his hand to his chest earlier she had stared at the small patch of naked skin that his lose kimono had left exposed. Lucy gulped. Then returned her attention to making her way to the cafe.

To think in another life, we were mortal enemies. Lucy simply couldn't equate the sadistic man from the future who had murdered her, to the smiling man beside her. So she decided to simply abandon that line of thinking all together, and get to know this Rogue Cheney a little bit better.

"So what brings you to Crocus? Are you here on a job? Or pleasure?" Lucy started off.

Rogue gave her a sidelong glace. "A job. I finished it yesterday not too far from the city, so I decided to come in to town for a meal and a hot bath."

Lucy nodded approvingly. "I can't say I blame you. It's started to get more chilly in the days now. A good meal and a hot bath sounds like just the ticket. The only thing I'd add would be curling up in front of a fireplace after, maybe throw in some ale for good measure. Nothing wrong with warming up from the inside I always say."

"Do you now? And it's funny that you should mention those things, I had the house ale with my dinner last night, and there was a fireplace in the room as well. Which I took full advantage of I assure you."

Lucy laughed. "Now that's my idea of a Friday night. Sounds like you found yourself quite the fancy place, which hotel did you stay at?"

"It didn't really seem too fancy actually. It looked like a typical small modest inn. It wasn't until I reached my room, that I understood just how precious of a jem I had found." Rogue seemed to be recalling something particularly nice, as his eyes had a glazed far off look to them. "And I believe it was called McCoy's Bed and Breakfast."

"Oh, I think I know where you're talking about. Not too far from here? An older gentleman runs it with his wife and grandson I think." Lucy mused.

"That sounds about right. I believe we have reached our destination." Rogue nodded to the cafe up ahead.

Lucy returned her attention forward, "We have indeed Mr. Cheney. So do you want a booth, a table, or to just sit at the bar?" Lucy asked as they walked up.

"The bar?"

"Kk sounds good. Two for the bar please." Lucy told the hostess once they reached the entrance.

The hostess grabbed two menu's and handed them to Lucy. "Just head on back and sit where you like then Lucy."

"Thanks Meesha!"

After they reached the bar Rogue asked, "So do you know everyone here?"

"Pretty much, yeah. This is my favorite store in the world, and I like to hangout in the cafe sometimes when I'm working on an article. Plus as you saw, I'm good friends with the owner, Chezza." Lucy supplied.

"I see. So you are a writer then now?"

Lucy nodded yes. "I try to be, I work for Sorcerer Weekly right now. I just finished up a doosie of an article too."

"What kind? I was wondering what you were up to after Fairy Tail disbanded." Rogue said as he studied the drink menu.

A brief shadow passed Lucy's face before she answered. "Yeah, it happened right after Tartaros. That's when my life as I knew it came to an end. Once again." She smiled ruefully.

Everything had happened all at once, she reflected. Tartaros, Fairy Tail, Natsu... Aquarius...

"Lucy?" Rogue tried to reclaim Lucy's attention.

Lucy startled then said, "Sorry, I got lost there for a second." She finished with her usual smile.

Which Rogue was more than happy to return. "I think I can understand, just a bit." It was Rogue's turn to take on a far away look. "Everything changed for me during the Eclipse incident, then once again after Tartaros. Hell, apparently I have a whole childhood that's been sealed away from over 400 years ago."

His expression turned pained. "I don't even know who I really am, let alone trying to find my normal again. One day though... I hope, pray, that I can remember how to live normally once more."

Lucy silently stared at the Dark Slayer. Then she gave a small smile of sharing before placing her hand atop Rogue's knee, and giving a gentle squeeze.

"I think we'll both be ok eventually, it'll take time... but, oh hell this was supposed to be a friendly catch up session, I'm so sorry Rogue! I didn't mean to bring the mood down..."

Rogue placed his right hand over top Lucy's smaller one and closed his eyes while shaking his head. "Not at all Lucy. You know I haven't talked to anyone about all this stuff before. With you I just sort of blurted it out though. I thank you for listening, and if you ever need someone to talk to as well, I think I could return the favor."

Lucy could feel the warmth from Rogue's hand once more, and it was comforting. She hadn't discussed the past in well over a year herself, I think maybe Rogue and I have a lot in common.

"But you still didn't answer my question." Rogue broke in.

"Buh?" Was Lucy's oh-so intelligent response.

Rogue laughed aloud. "The article you wrote. What was it about?"

"Oh! That! Hehe sorry. It was a typical what are they up to now, with famous mages all over Fiore." Lucy smiled broadly, "It went over quite well, and Jason offered to make it an open ended article. So he'll pay me to catch up with my friends in the future."

"Sounds like a dream job."

Lucy's smile turned quiet along with her tone, "Ah, but this girl has many dreams Mr. Cheney."

Rogue's hand was still atop Lucy's, and he was looking for words when the bartender came up.

"Hey, Lucy! Tom Collins?" The bartender seemed to be a man in his 30's, with a crooked nose and a sunny smile.

Lucy snapped back to reality and removed her hand from Rogue's, then turned to the bartender and said, "You know me well Marcus. But it's a bit early in the day for that." Lucy laughed. "I will take a chef salad, no dressing, and a strawberry smoothie though, if you don't mind."

"Anything you say pretty lady!" The man the turned his smile towards Rogue. "And for you, sir?"

"I'll have the lunch special, with a hot cocoa."

The bartender then collected the menu's and went to prepare their drinks.

They ate their meals with gusto, and chatted about this and that and about everything really.

Lucy told Rogue about how she had first met Natsu, and then joined Fairy Tail. She told him about the seven years she lost, and all the wonderful friends she made. And, of course, she talked about her spirits and the stars.

Rogue spoke to Lucy about his missing childhood, and his friendship with Sting. Being adopted by the aristocratic Cheney family, and about working solo now that Sting was Guild Master and could hardly ever escape his paperwork. And, of course on his part, he gushed about Frosch and hot springs.

They found they both had a borderline obsession with baths, and loved the smell of rain. They found out they had many things in common actually.

Both had such a good time talking with one another, that they quit paying attention to the time. Eventually though the bartender came back around and Lucy tried to ask for the check. "Yeah right, and have Chezza kick my ass? Good one Lucy." Then simply walked away.

Lucy held her side as she laughed, "We've been talking so long Rogue, I'm starting to get hungry again."

Rogue laughed right along with her and said, "Same."

Lucy's laughter died down and with a friendly smile she asked, "Wanna have dinner at my place? I have a fireplace~. I'll order us some Chinese, and we can talk some more, if you like?" Lucy blushed a bit and looked away. "Sorry, it's just been so long since I've..." She trailed off.

Before she could blink Rogue was up out of his chair leaning over her. One hand on the chair behind her and one on the bar. As Lucy began to recognize that Rogue had trapped her, he bent down and whispered suggestively in her ear, "You had me at fireplace."

He then pulled back so that Lucy could see his face again. They both looked at each other a moment before they started to laugh.

Rogue stepped away and gave Lucy a formal bow. "May I escort the Lady Heartfilia home?"

Lucy recognized the formal invitation and answered in kind. She took Rogue's outstretched hand and allowed him to place her own atop his arm as he drew back to his full height. "You may, I am in your care Mr. Cheney." At that they both smiled conspiratorially to one another before leaving the cafe and headed off towards Lucy's apartment.

It would be some time before they realized that they never did get Rogue's shirt.

A/N: And that's all I have for now everybody! Hope you enjoyed the story so far :) NEXT UP we have them Lucy's and... SHENANIGANS!