I am sorry for the delay. I've been to Fuerteventura and trust me, I had the chapter ready. I did. BUT the hotel Wi-Fi had this very website blocked, God knows why. So, I'll add the next one in two days.

Now, enjoy. And no, I still do not own FT.

We've lost it

Chapter 3

Since Sting wanted some time to consider their… situation, she was not sure whether or not her plan was good; reminding him of the right things seemed to be worthy to give it a shot, still, she had her doubts. She didn't want to lose him. That was why she had written to one of her friends, Mirajane, a psychologist, who actually specialized in counseling marriages.

She told Lucy that the strategy was rather good — as long as she was not invasive. Sting definitely wouldn't like to feel overwhelmed and he could react badly to that. Moreover, Mirajane advised her to make life easier for him; Lucy was supposed to show him she cared by taking care of her husband himself. Even though the blonde wasn't sure she understood it well, she promised to try.

All in all, Lucy went back home with a feeling she actually, truly had some plan.

For the next three weeks, Lucy was trying to make it all easier for her husband. She was making him food, cleaning the house… And, in reality, she was surprised to realize that it was what she wanted to do; really wanted to do. Taking care of her love was truly fulfilling. Moreover, all the small, tender gestures were back in use from her side. Whenever she saw Sting standing or sitting somewhere, she had an urge to pet him, or caress his face, or even plant a soft kiss on his cheek or, when she was feeling bold, his lips.

At first, the man was reacting with surprise or even a frown; nonetheless, he was accepting those manifestations of feelings. After a few days, he got used to it and even responded with a peck or a hug of his own. Sting was trying to help his wife in the everyday things, but she was almost self-reliant, which, at the beginning, met with his hesitant approval. Even though he knew she was probably trying hard to save their marriage, meaning not everything she was doing was out of need, he still appreciated her efforts. And she had gained in his eyes.

Lucy was extremely happy that Sting was corresponding to her deeds. When she was coming from behind the man and hugging him, he was sighing and turning to catch her, too. When the woman was talking to him and suddenly reaching out to touch his face, he was smiling slightly and kissing her hand. And, sometimes, when she was in the mood and leading her hand down along him, he was catching the idea and voluntarily having sex.

What made them both happy was that they stopped crying in the nights, in the pillows and with each other. Now, the nights were calm. Maybe not typical for the marriage, but still.

It was a huge progress.

"Lucy?"

The woman blinked and gazed at Sting, who was lying next to her, staring at the ceiling.

"Yeah?"

"Can I talk to you?"

She frowned. "You always can."

He shifted uncomfortably. "Fine. Listen… Uh, it's about my, ekhm, let's say, decision." Lucy cocked a brow at him and nodded slowly. She didn't like the tone he was using and she immediately prepared herself for the worst.

But… what was the worst?

"So, although I must admit it's gotten better lately… I'd love to ask you for some more time."

"Oh? It's fine, I—" She started responding, her heart nearly exploding from momentary relief. However, he sent her a silencing glance and she shut her mouth, wide-eyed. He then looked back at the ceiling, avoiding his wife's sight.

"But in a different way."

Lucy, who tensed again, squinted her eyes, musing. Different? How different? Was she too nagging in her advances? Was she somehow bothering the man? Did she somehow overlook Mirajane's advice? And why, for god's sake, was he not even looking at her?

"Meaning?"

Sting seemed to fight an inner battle to utter the next words, his face was twisting and grimacing. He was almost struggling to remain peaceful, apparently.

"I'd like to spend some time… in peace."

Now, it was her time to consider his words. In peace? Meaning, what exactly? So maybe she really was overly nagging.

"Okay…" She said quietly and slowly. "I can simply pull out a bit…"

"No, I don't think you got me." Sting sent her a nervous glance and cursed. "Listen, I… I wanted to ask you to stay with someone else for a while."

The woman gasped and widened her eyes.

What?! H-he wanted her to move out of her own house? And why, so that he could collect his thoughts? And what was that with his attitude, couldn't he understand she was the one to both help him and solve it out with him? He was acting so strangely, so terribly odd because he wanted her out.

He should've known that one of them cannot save the marriage. Not alone. It required two people. She knew that much already.

And she knew him well. She knew he treated it seriously; out of the house, out of the life.

She couldn't believe Sting. He was as bold as a brass! To tell her just like that that he wanted her to move out? That egoistic asshole! She was hurt and wanted to cry. However, she was also enraged. The way he asked her of that was simply not approvable.

Thus, not saying a word, she pulled herself up and got off the bed. She didn't even glance at her husband.

"Lucy, I know…" Sting started, but was cut in short by her glare when she stopped and partly turned to him, raising one hand in front of herself. He expected her to explode, to yell at him, to react.

Yet, she answered quite calmly.

"I need to call a few people. Don't you think I need to find a place to stay?"

With that, she exited the room and grabbed her cell phone. She wanted to cry, but knew she couldn't do that in front of Sting. He didn't deserve her tears. Knowing she wouldn't hold it during the talk, Lucy grabbed her coat and pulled on her shoes, then left the flat. With trembling fingers, she found Juvia's number and called her. Her friend answered after two signals.

"Yeah?"

"Can I come over?"

"Now?"

"Yes."

Juvia fell silent for a moment. "Something's happened."

"Exactly."

"Sure, do come."

"Thanks. I'll be there in five."

Lucy hurried to her friend's house, feeling tears pooling in her eyes. A few people she as passing by eyed her curiously, but she didn't stop. Soon, she was ringing the doorbell to Juvia's flat.

The bluenette opened up at once and scrutinized her friend. "Oh God."

Eucliffe rushed inside and sat down on the couch, covering her eyes. In another second, she started sobbing and literally burst out crying. Juvia quickly got to her and embraced the broken woman.

"Shh, Lu, it's fine… It's gonna be okay…"

"H-he told me to move out for a while." She sobbed. "Can you believe it? He was so bold about this fucking issue. I really am nothing to him! But why, oh why does it hurt so much?"

"What?" Juvia exclaimed, shocked.

"He said that he wanted more time and he wanted peace…"

"That prick! He's not for real!"

"What will I do now?" Lucy wept. "What? Tell me, Juvia, tell me, because I don't know anymore…"

"Shh. I'll make a room for you here." Lockster began planning, immediately taking her friend's staying for granted. "We'll divide the rent and it'll be all right."

"W-will you help me with taking some of my things?" She asked hoarsely. "I can't leave it all there…"

"Obviously. We just need to wait for your husband to leave…"

Lucy nodded and cried harder. Life was cruel; now, she had to sneak into her own house, watching out for not meeting Sting…

"Fuck. I want to fucking die."

Sting felt terrible when his wife left the room, seemingly collected. She was strong, but he also knew that she was extremely sensitive and vulnerable… He frowned when he heard that the front door closed with a slam and deep silence fell upon the house.

Shaking his head, he stood up to inspect the flat, but Lucy indeed had left… Well, he supposed he had played it the worst way possible, but he wanted to be true to her. He was tired and had problems at work; he didn't want to deal with his private life as well for now. Still, he wanted to talk to Lucy when she got back — there were things to be said between them.

Yet, the woman did not return for the whole day. And the other. Sting had no other choice but to go to work, deciding not to wait anymore. He was rather preoccupied, but guessed she had already stayed with someone. Probably with Juvia, he supposed.

He was not sure whether he should be happy about the lack of protest or actually be sad. Yet, he knew he should be more at peace with himself than he was now.

After all, he wanted that.

Lucy and Juvia went into the flat when they were sure that Sting was in the hospital. They gathered some irreplaceable things and clothes for the blonde and quickly left the place. Lucy was hesitating over leaving a note, but her friend clearly stated her disapproval. So, the women returned to Juvia's place and unpacked the blonde's things.

"Lu, do you need anything?" Juvia asked once they were done.

"No. I think I need a moment alone." She replied quietly. "Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate what you're doing for me and I love you, but I need a second."

"No wonder. You love him and managed to make the feeling burn again within yourself. But don't worry, you'll see that he comes for his precious wife sooner than you'd think." The bluenette sighed and went towards the door, where she stopped and glanced back.

"The question is, would you take him back?"

Would she? Should she?