A/N: The last chapter was so sweet that I got you guys hooked up to this story. Hehe. Anyways, here's the next chapter. FYI, for those Stinglu/Nalu fans reading this story, I've published a new story called 'Our Undeniable Love'. Go check it out if you have no other stories to read or check out my finished story of Nalu called 'The Interview'. Okay I'm going to stop babbling so you guys can go ahead and read.

Chapter 8

Lucy's POV

The sudden light that was hitting my eyes was causing me to stir in my sleep. After failing in trying to get back to sleep, I decided to open my eyes. I looked up, surprised at the sudden change in my room appearance but when my brain finally processed everything, I remembered. I was in the grand magic palace infirmary room.

I could feel the aches all around my body so I wanted to stretch out my arms to crack them but I wasn't able to. I looked at the source that was holding my hand down and it was none other than Sting. I blushed upon seeing him there, sleeping at my bedside table, not letting my hand go anytime. He was so adorable. I couldn't help but to lean forward and give him a kiss on his temple. I retracted back immediately when I realized what I did.

Why did I do that? No, the question that has been swirling in my mind for some time was, what does Sting actually mean to me? I actually heard him said the words I love you before he dozed off. I wasn't asleep yet though so I managed to catch it before dozing off as well. Now that I thought back about it, it was making me blush like crazy.

I was happy but at the same time confused. Sting loves me? Oh no god. What do I do? Do I feel the same way about him too? What is love anyway? What I did earlier, was that an act out of love? Does love makes you want to treasure the person in whatever way you can by showering him kisses and all of your attention? I didn't know that I scrunched up my face once again as all these thoughts flowed into my mind.

"You're doing that face again." That one voice that I knew so well broke me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him and he was smiling down at me. "Good morning." I couldn't help but to blush before looking away.

"Morning." I immediately missed the warmth of his hand when he pulled away to stretch his arms out. I took the opportunity to sit up which Sting didn't miss out in rushing to me to help me. Once I was in a comfortable sitting position, I finally stretched myself and god, it was so good to crack all those aching muscles.

"Do you want any food?" Sting asked as he sat back on his seat. I shook my head in response.

"I'm thinking of heading back to my apartment, to take a warm bath and also a change of clothes."

"I'll follow you back." I wanted to reject him but then I thought back that I was still weak and wasn't in a good position to defend myself yet if anything happens so I decided to let him do what he wants.

I slowly got off the bed with Sting supporting me. After we gotten everything, we exited the infirmary. Sting left a note to his guild members, informing him of his whereabouts and also apologizing to them for what he did to them. When I asked him, he didn't want to share with me so I let it go as we continued our walk back to my apartment.

After what seems like years, I'm finally back to my lovely apartment. It's only been days but I missed the comfort and smell of my place. I strolled in before dropping my stuff on the coffee table and headed into my room. Sting took a seat at my couch as I went to take a shower. Honestly, it was tough. The wound that still reside at my stomach stings when water or worst, soap hit it. I had to be more gentle than usual thus my shower took longer than usual that day.

I got out from the shower with only a towel as I stroll over to my wardrobe to grab my attire for the day. I didn't wear my clothes yet though. After wearing my bra and panties, I couldn't help but to inspect myself through my full length mirror. Just a few abrasions here and there still plus my wound that was bandaged up. I couldn't help but to heave out a sigh before walking over to where my findings about Fairy Tail was put up on one side of my wall.

I stared at everyone's face, pictures of them that I managed to get along the way. I should really give up uh? Furthermore, it's obvious that Tigers Claw are after me for some reason. Does it have to do anything with Fairy Tail? I skimmed my finger across every clue that I have etched onto the wall. I dropped my hand as I wasn't able to think the most valid reason for their hunt after me. I was about to walk over to get my clothes when Sting barged in.

"Lucy?! Are you alright?!" I blinked in confusion at his sudden appearance. "Oh Lucy there you are. I thought-" And then he stopped his sentence mid-way, his face turning red at every second. Why was he blushing? Then I looked down at myself and realized that I was practically almost naked. I wanted to scream, and threw whatever things I could grab within my reach but I didn't. I ended up just staring at him.

Slowly, Sting walked towards me and I didn't back away. I was frozen in my spot. Why? I didn't know it myself too. Once he stood in front of me, he brought his hand up and tucked my loose hair behind my ear gently. Soon, he held my chin to make me face him and before I knew it, I felt his warm lips on mine.

Sting's POV

I was pacing around her living room as I waited for Lucy. Why was she taking so damn long? Usually, she wasn't this long. And that's when I panicked. Did something happened to her? I quickly dashed to her room, slamming her door open. She wasn't in the bathroom so I turned to look at her bedroom and I immediately regretted it.

She was safe and sound but she was standing there in nothing but her bra and panties. I felt I was getting hot and I wanted to back away but I didn't. I started to inch closer to her instead. I wanted her to get away from me because I was afraid that my dragon instincts were taking over but at the same time, I wanted her to stay.

Surprisingly, she didn't move as she just stood there. My face was now just inches away from her. I tucked her loose hair behind her ear before sliding my hand down to her chin, tilting her face up to make her look at me. The next thing I knew, I dipped down and claimed her lips. It was a just a peck on her lips but I felt aroused. I wanted more but I restrained myself and pulled away from her as we looked at each other with heavy lidded eyes.

"Lucy…" What she did next surprised me because she walked towards my chest and wrapped her arms around me.

"I'm scared Sting." She spoke, though her voice was muffled. "They're coming for me." I immediately grabbed her shoulders quickly yet gently to break us apart as I looked at her in the eyes.

"No Lucy, they're not. I'm here and I will protect you. They're not going through me that easily." She looked at me with worried all over her face. "I promise." My eyes strong and determined as I looked at her, letting her know that I wasn't bluffing. She nodded before she started to look away with uneasiness. Well who wouldn't when I was staring at her with no clothes on.

"I, I heard what you said last night." I blinked my eyes in confusion at her. What was she talking about? And then it hit me. I thought that was just a dream? "Is it true?" No words seems to be able to come out from my throat now so I just nodded back in reply wordlessly. She looked up at me with those dazzling brown eyes of hers. "I think I'm in love with you too Sting." And my heart leaped. I immediately picked her up and spun her around, earning laughter and pleads from her to put her down and so I did. I swooped down and claim her lips once again as I hugged her close to my body.

"You don't know how happy I am to hear that." I said once I broke our kiss.

"Please take care of me Sting."

"I will." I declared as I pulled her to my chest for another hug. She wrapped her arms around my waist and I couldn't help but realized that she was so perfect in my arms. She looked so small and fragile but yet, she was such a strong and cheerful girl. I didn't want to let her go but sadly, Lucy pulled away.

"I guess I need to get ready for work." She chuckled nervously as I looked down at her. Argh, me and my damn dragon hormones. I immediately took out my jacket and throw it over her. She stared at me, clueless and confusion clearly spread across her face.

"You're glad that I'm the guy who saw you like that. Make sure you don't let any guy see you like that or not I will tear his limbs apart." I said before walking out of her bedroom. I went to plop myself down on her couch as I rested my face against my palms. I needed to calm down. She wasn't ready yet and I didn't want to scare her. Minutes later, I heard footsteps approached me before I felt something soft landed on my head. I looked up and realized Lucy dropped my jacket on me.

"Come on, let's go." Before I let her walked away, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her to my chest. "Sting, we got to go or not-" And I silenced her with another kiss to her lips. I broke our kiss and her face was heavily flustered.

"You were saying?" I couldn't help but to smirk at her, earning a punch to my shoulders.

"Not funny." She pouted before turning away and headed for the door. I just chuckled slightly, amused at her adorable character before following her in tow.

We exited her apartment as we walked to the direction of the grand magic palace, hand in hand. I could tell Lucy was clearly shy about it but I didn't care. I wanted people to know that she was mine. We arrived at the grand magic palace soon after where Jason immediately jumped to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, crying out loud about how happy he was that she was alright. Though there was no ill intention, I still didn't like the fact that another man was touching my woman. I broke them apart and glared at him which caused him to bid farewell to Lucy quickly before running away. Lucy blinked in confusion before looking at me.

"What did you do?" I scoffed.

"Nothing." I said before leaning against the railing. Lucy looked at me suspiciously before she leaned beside me as well. Soon, the lacrima vision appeared to display the guilds' ranking. No surprise there that my guild was first but after them was Tigers claw. Honestly I was shocked. So they are that good. Unknowingly, I clenched my fists as I saw their guild appeared on the lacrima vision.

A/N: And that's it for this chapter folks! Aww. Isn't that sweet? Sting and Lucy are a couple already. Squeals! My question to you guys is, what do you think is going to happen next? Stay tune to find out. Next chapter will be out in the next 2 days. Please don't forget to leave a review before you go, thanks!