A/N Konnichiwa minna~ teehee! I'm not really confident with this chapter~ and this might turn out a bit… uh, weird for you. You might find someone with a 180 degree turn of character but believe me, I tried to justify it. I can only hope the justification is realistic enough. Big big thanks to those who reviewed, followed and fav'd, to the silent readers, to those who PM'd me… I love you all! Again, English is my second language so if you find any mistakes, please feel free to tell me. ^_^ Constructive criticisms are much appreciated. Teehee! XD

Notice: All guest responses are removed in this chapter. :)

Chapter 13: JUST THE PERFECT MATE

Outside the lodge…

Rogue took a few steps away from the lodge, his face void of any emotions. "Intimate, huh?" he mumbled under his breath.

The night breeze hit his face, it was a quiet night. The street was empty – not a strange thing since it was a bit late. But his keen senses couldn't be mistaken, "Come out, I can smell you." Rogue ordered in a monotonous tone.

Just then, a figure emerged from the darkness. "Rogue-sama…" the familiar white-haired girl sniffed. This time, she was wearing simple clothes and was pulling a trolley.

"What are you doing here?" he asked indifferently, ignoring the drastic change that had occurred to his nakama.

A tear crawled down Yukino's cheek, "I was…" she began, "I was… excommunicated from the guild."

The dragon slayer's eyes widened in extreme disbelief as he looked at their guild's former Celestial mage, "What do you mean?"

"T-the big boss is back and… he wasn't pleased with my battle against Mermaid H-heel in the Grand Magic Games. T-that was probably why Minerva-sama came on the third day." The girl explained, trying her best to stop her tears. It was hard, it was painful but she couldn't bring herself to get angry because she knew, deep inside, she had been really weak and arrogant. She shouldn't have bet her life there or at least, she should have begged Kagura to take her life – but it was too late now.

Rogue offered no response but the shock was evident on his features. Nothing else could be heard aside from Yukino's stifled sniffles and the rustling of the wind.

Ashamed of how she was appearing very pathetic in front of her former comrade, Yukino continued, "I… came here because I wanted to thank you and Sting-sama." She paused and grabbed her keys, "A-also… I wanted to give these keys to Lucy-sama."

The shadow dragon slayer gave her a puzzled look, "Why?"

Yukino forced herself to laugh, "Ever since I could remember, I've always wanted to be someone like the Fairy Tail's Celestial mage. I've always looked up to her, even though I only knew her name was Lucy and she has a great body." She touched her cheek and smiled genuinely, ogling his former comrade intently, "But I figured… I can never be someone like her. I don't have anywhere else to go now that I was kicked out of Sabertooth and so I'm giving up my keys to the person who is well-loved by the spirits."

It was then that Rogue recalled something…

"I suppose you love your life as much as I love my mistress… So, as long as she has your mark, I trust you are to protect her at all cost." The lion spirit alleged, it was obvious that he really wanted to charge at Sting – even though he knew very well that his mistress won't take any blow unless the marker died, he still controlled himself to the fullest. He would never do anything to hurt his mistress.

"I don't mind being your slave Eucliffe, but don't you include my spirits in the package! They're not just my spirits, they're my friends!" Lucy yelled in rage.

Rogue's stiff expression softened which didn't go unnoticed by the white-haired mage. "R-Rogue-sama?"

The shadow dragon slayer dragged his eyes back to the speaker, "Yeah, I just remembered something… I get your point – she was really loved."

The next day…

The white dragon slayer could hear wispy voices saying,

"Should we wake them up?" it was a familiar voice – that of Lector.

"You think that's a good idea, ribbit?" the other childish voice asked back – another familiar voice, probably Frosch.

"Where is Rogue-kun when we need his absolute judgment?" Lector asked once again.

"Sting-sama might kill us, you know?" that was a female voice – it was familiar, yeah. But, that wasn't the dorei's voice.

With that, cognizance splashed all throughout the white dragon slayer as he instantly opened his eyes and attempted to get up – yes, attempt – because he wasn't able to do so when he saw Lucy's head resting on his bare stomach. They were sharing the same futon and blanket – though his lower part was the only thing covered.

Slowly, blood rushed up to his face as he immediately pushed her away. "D-d-d-d-dorei! W-w-w-what the hell? I'm n-n-not that kind of guy, you perverted girl!" he roared, shaking the whole lodge.

With that loud voice, he surely managed to wake her up. She sat up, still half-asleep. She turned to look the spectators first – hmm, there were the two Sabertooth exceeds and the Sabertooth Celestial mage with weird expressions on their faces. And then she dragged her eyes to the person who just yelled – blonde hair, dark eyes, topless and chagrined – oh, her dragon slayer marker.

But something feels off.

On impulse, she lazily looked down and found her marker's hand on her breast (This was of course unintentional. In a poor attempt to push her off him, his hand landed on the wrong location). As realization slowly struck her hard, blood rushed up to her face in split seconds.

And just when Sting became conscious of what exactly was he groping, it was already too late.

His hand – as if having a mind of its own – squeezed her breast like it was his first time to get a hold of a honking horn, "S-soft." As if on cue, his cheeks warmed up even more and blood dribbled out of his nostrils, "I-it's real, I see." The blonde man commented, his features manifesting absolute anxiousness and hesitance.

Awkward silence enveloped the room for a while.

As soon as his senses took over him again, he instantly pulled his hand back and tried to explain – uh, please remind him again, why would he care to explain anyway?

A dark aura emanated off Lucy's body, her eyes covered with the shadow of her bangs. "How filthy can you get, huh?" she stood up and cracked her knuckles, "You really went over board this time."

Sting didn't know why but he was feeling kind of anxious, "O-oi, i-it's not what you think, dorei! P-pay resp–"

BAM!

A straight punch in the face had interrupted what he was about to say. "Respect? Is that what you were about to say, huh? How would you expect me to respect someone who gropes my breast while I'm asleep! Go to hell, you bastard!" she yelled as she continuously beat him up.

"And just how many times would you embarrass me until you're satisfied, damn it!" he muttered under his breath as he received her weak blows. He didn't have any idea why he wasn't dodging it but he was glad, she's back to being energetic.

"Damn you! Stealing my first kiss, groping my body~ no one would ever marry me!"

Sting smirked, "If you beg me to and promise to serve me your whole life, I'll consider taking you as my mate – er, wife?" he stated smugly.

A vein popped out of Lucy's forehead, "You don't need a wife, you arrogant bastard who walks like a penguin! What you need is a slave?" she screeched, enraged. Just how does this guy's brain work?

Another insult, Sting winced, "Fits you perfectly, dorei."

It wasn't until a hesitant white-haired girl spoke that both of them stopped arguing, "I'm sorry to interrupt your l-lover's quarrel, Sting-sama and Lucy-sama–"

Lucy became more flustered, blinking at Yukino, she smiled, "Oh, no need for honorifics. I'm just this bastard's dorei anyway… and we're not lovers."

Tears lined into Yukino's eyes as she bowed down in all her fours, "Lucy-sama, can I talk to you in private?"

Sting sat up, looking sharply at the white-haired girl. "What are you here for?"

Staying on the same position, she replied earnestly, "I'm sorry to disturb your honeymoon–"

The white dragon slayer clashed his teeth in ire, "What honeymoon? Who told you these dumb things?!"

"Eh?" Yukino lifted her head up, confusion spreading across her face, "Frosch and Lector said–"

"Oi, I said it's like – LIKE – LIKE they're on a honeymoon. I didn't say they're on a honeymoon! Those are two different things!" Lector defended emphasizing each word.

Frosch scratched his head, "But Rogue-kun said when a boy is touching a girl here–" he placed his paw on his butt, "–and here–" he placed another paw on his furry chest, "they must be on honeymoon. Is it not?"

"What? I didn't touch her butt, frog!" Sting immediately opposed, "And don't listen to Rogue, he doesn't know anything!" he smirked arrogantly, oblivious of the dark aura arising around the Fairy Tail mage. "And maybe you've seen wrong, it was her who was hungrily groping my gorgeous body. Damn it, dorei. Even if you ask me, I have better taste, no? But since you were sick, I gave you the privilege to touch me. Thank me late–"

BAM!

A solid kick in the groin.

BAM!

A new and improved kick solely developed for uninvited visitors and/or perverts.

And she attacked him continuously without giving him a chance to even breathe. "Stop it do– stop it!" he was shouting as he covered his groin area from further injuries. He wondered why he wasn't fighting back even with just one hit – he's the great Sting Eucliffe for Pete's sake. Just one hit will do – but it was so hard. "Lucy!"

With that, Lucy stopped, panting exaggeratedly as she let go of her marker. "Damn pervert!" she mumbled.

Sting rolled on the futon as he cursed his life for marking the Fairy Tail mage.

What made her stop?

It was her name. It was the first time she heard him call her by her name.

Flustered, she decided to drop it off. "Where are we, anyway?" she prompted to no one in particular, her mood miraculously brightening.

Mood swings. Sting dropped his jaw.

"Fairy-san is a monster." Lector whispered cautiously with his mouth wide slightly open.

"Fro thinks so too, ribbit!" Frosch grinned as he raised his paw.

Recovering from the shocking scene she just witnessed, Yukino spoke, "Uh, Rogue-sama said you guys were on your way back to the guild. By the way, Lucy-sama… Can I have a minute with you?"

"Ah, right?" Lucy stood up and looked around for her valuables, "It's better to hear everything from Rogue-kun rather than this pervert anyway!" she spat, emphasizing the last words in disgust.

She really loves embarrassing me, damn it! Sting thought to himself, "Oi, dorei!" he called out, still soothing his groin area by trying out different positions. "Don't take too long! Let's eat together or I'll kill you!"

Lucy ignored him, Yukino followed the Fairy Tail mage not after giving Sting a teasing smirk. "You really want a girlfriend, huh?"

"Fuck you! Out of my sight, weakling!" he cursed the girl who in turn, instantly slid the door close.

"I want you to have this," Yukino said as she pushed the two golden keys in front of Lucy who was gawking at her in disbelief.

"Huh?" was the only word that came out of the Fairy Tail mage.

Yukino smiled, "You have the other ten golden keys, its best when all of them are together, right?" she explained, "To be honest, I have always known you, Lucy-sama. I'm sorry for the rough treatment when we first met. It's not that I want to but being nice to anyone with a different guild mark would make me weak in Sabertooth's eyes." She sighed, "I really envy you."

Lucy waved her hand in denial as she laughed out, "You're joking, right? Being with you even for just a few days, didn't you realize you've accommodated me well?"

The white haired girl smiled as she stared at Lucy in admiration, "You really are a nice person." Yukino only had the chance to take care of Lucy whenever Sting and Master Mai instructed her and yet, the Fairy Tail mage was telling her otherwise. "Thank you."

Lucy shook her head and pushed the two golden keys back to her side which made her blink in surprise, "Take these back." She said firmly, "Celestial spirits aren't toys. You're still in contract with them and I know you care for them as much as I do. The day they signed a contract with you is the same day they've entrusted their selves to you. Don't betray their trust and keep moving. I don't have any idea why you were giving them up just like this but having them around will make the load lighter, don't you agree?" The blonde took the tea placed in front of her and sipped a little, as she placed it down, she smiled warmly, "Because I'm sure, they love you too."

As if on cue, Yukino's tears burst out but still managed to let out a genuine smile. "I figured you'll say that…"

Lucy panicked. "H-hey, are you okay?" she looked around for a napkin or a tissue – anything that can be used to wipe her tears away. Giving up, she stood and wiped Yukino's tears with her hands. Her clothes are useless – really.

With this, Yukino cried more and reached for both her hands, "Y-you're touch… it's so warm."

Surprised, Lucy could only smile. She walked around the table and embraced the crying girl for comfort. "Shhh, it'll be okay… Don't worry."

Yukino wept more loudly earning the attention of the people in the small restaurant but both girls chose to ignore their prying eyes.

The former Sabertooth mage never felt this relieved before. The comfort and warmness Lucy had provided her today was exactly what she was looking for in ages. She wished to join Sabertooth a year ago because she was longing for nakamas like this – but she was mistaken. Sabertooth wasn't a guild for those who were longing for these kinds of relationship, this kind of bond – Sabertooth was for mages who were longing to be on top – alone.

"How pathetic?" Sting growled as he leaned his back against the wall of the empty alley way next to the lodge they were staying. "Finding comfort in another guild's mage… That's enough reason to be kicked out."

"She was already kicked out, should I remind you?" Rogue chirped indifferently.

Sting smirked, "Oh, it slipped off my mind."

"I still can't believe Master Jiemma did that to her?" the shadow dragon slayer furrowed his brows in disgust.

"Ah, the old man's back, huh? It's for the best, you know? She should be grateful she managed to walk out of Sabertooth alive and intact." The white dragon slayer shrugged, "Weaklings like her deserved it, anyway."

With that, the blonde man walked out with his stomach grumbling, "Ah, I guess I have to kick Yukino out of here too. She's taking too much of my dorei's time." He huffed coolly.

But even before Sting could take another step, Rogue spoke in a serious tone, "Sting."

The blonde man raised both of his hands and folded it against the back of his head, looking over his shoulder, he raised a brow, "Yeah?"

"Don't make her fall in love with you."

An awkward silence ensued. Even with the busy street, it seemed like the time stopped for the two dragon slayers. Sting dropped his hands to the side, "I don't intend to." He faced forward, "Maybe you should remind her that. Girls are all over me, you know? It can't be helped." He leered arrogantly.

"Don't make her fall in love with you if you don't intend to claim her. I don't want to witness the same thing all over again." Rogue grunted, memories threatening to accumulate his mind any second.

Sting smirked as he walked out, "Now, now, Rogue… Don't show your weakness. That Fairy crap isn't your dragon parent. And she doesn't interest you, right?"

Rogue glared at Sting's retreating back, "I changed my mind. She's a rare kind – just the perfect mate."

Weird emotions swirled inside the white dragon slayer. Hearing that from his partner who would actually prefer to stay with Frosch all through the night on Christmas Eve and would look at the body of Ms. Fiore in front of him without even the slightest interest – was definitely ominous.

"Are you serious?" Sting hissed without looking back.

"You should know that best."

"..."

And there it was – the challenge had been laid on without any warning. Everything was unexpected.

Alright, truth be told. Maybe Sting really did mark Lucy on purpose – but it was all because he wanted to lure Natsu into fighting him. He wanted to know badly who's stronger. Of course, he never intended to claim her. Is that so bad?

Lucy was the closest girl to Natsu – but he never realized the girl was this dangerous too. Who would have thought that the same girl would interest his unresponsive partner in just a few days?

What's with this girl anyway? Maybe it's time he figures out…

"It's her choice. I just got to mark her first. If you'd consider anyone a rival here, it must be Natsu-san. But don't get me wrong, as long as she has my mark, I'll keep her from looking to other males. I won't allow her to fall to anyone else, even you." Was the only smart response Sting could come up to.

.

to be continued…

A/N Aaah~ I'm sorry! Forgive me if there isn't much fluff between Sting and Lucy yet – please be patient on this story, aha! :) And yep, I was talking about Yukino on my A/N above.