A/N: Hey everyone! So sorry for the update later than usual. I was busy with work, other stuff and partying over the weekends. Heh. I hope this chapter can make up for it. Enjoy! Oh and yes, a biggest thank you to my fellow readers who's been dropping reviews and following this story throughout(:

Chapter 11

Sting's POV

I felt a sudden light hitting my eyes, causing me to stir in my sleep before I slowly opened them. I looked on my right and was agitated with the morning light mocking me. I got up and shut the curtains closed before getting back on the bed again. I cuddled with something warm in front me though. It smelt sweet too. I opened my eyes and saw that Lucy was fast asleep, naked? I blushed madly when last night's event came crashing down on me.

We made love to each other last night. It was a night that I would never forget. I couldn't help but to smile widely upon seeing this beautiful angel, snoring lightly as she curled up to my chest. I elevated myself up, using my left hand to support my head as I rested the elbow on my bed while I used my right hand to play with her blonde locks. She was the greatest gift I have ever gotten and now, she would always be by my side. She was my mate.

I carefully inched forward and kissed the tip of her nose which I might have woken her up because she started to stir in her sleep before she slowly opened her eyes. After blinking a few times, those big brown eyes of hers stared into mine.

"Sting?"

"Morning." I swooped down and kissed the top of her head.

"Morning." She greeted me back before she stretched her arms out but she quickly retracted them down to their original position. Panic filled me in automatically.

"Are you alright Lucy?"

"I'm fine." She looked up at me again before switching her eye contact to my chest. "Just a bit sore." Her cheeks started to turn red, most probably embarrassed about saying it out loud. I just chuckled. Relief took over when it was nothing that serious. "What's so funny?!" I shut her up as I swooped down and kissed her lips this time instead. Lucy was startled by my sudden reaction but she soon relaxed and reciprocated the kiss.

"I love you Lucy." I said after breaking our kiss as I rested my forehead against her.

"I love you too Sting." She smiled sheepishly at me before her face expression turned into something more serious. "Are you prepared for your battle later?" I heaved out a huge sigh.

"Did you really had to spoil the moment? By bringing up that asshole?" I pulled away from her as I sat at the edge of her bed, the blanket was the only thing that was covering my dignity.

"Well excuse me, I'm being concern for my boyfriend's safety." Lucy pouted as she crossed her arms. "But Sting, I'm serious. Is just going to be a clean fight right?" I didn't look at her, more like I didn't dare. I know full well that it wasn't. I was going to kill that guy in my hands later.

"Yeah, it will." I immediately felt guilt washed over me when those words left my mouth. It sucks that you had to lie to the person you love but it was for a cause. A cause that will protect her forever.

"You're lying."

"No, I'm not Lucy."

"Then why are you not looking at me?" I wiped my palm over my face in frustration before turning around to look at her.

"I'm looking at you now Lucy, happy?" She eyed at me suspiciously before her face turned soften.

"Sting please." She held onto the side of my arm and I had too much guilt weighing over my shoulders that I turned my gaze back to the ground instead. "I don't want anything to happen to you."

"And it won't Lucy." I pluck up my courage to face her again. I grabbed her hand that held my arm into my large hands. "But this is something I have to do Lucy. I promise to protect you and this is how I am going to do it."

"By killing someone?"

"That someone almost killed you!" I accidentally raised my voice at her. Though I didn't intend to but by the way she was questioning me, it was as if I'm doing something wrong.

"The word is almost. I wasn't killed and I'm right here in front of you now." I released my hold on her as I started chuckling. I felt like I was going crazy by laughing at how she was trying to persuade me. I grabbed my boxer, wearing it before standing up and pacing around.

"No, no, Lucy." I stopped and looked at her in the eye. "I'm not going to take any chances again."

"But this is not the way Sting." Lucy held the blanket, covering herself.

"THIS IS THE WAY!" I blew and I saw Lucy flinched upon my outburst. "Listen Lucy that guy almost killed you. He fucking stabbed you and you're going to let him go away. Weren't you telling me you were scared yesterday? They are still after you and for god sakes, we still don't know for what reason!" I punched her bookshelf, causing some books to fall out from their place.

"Sting." Lucy's voice was laced with anger as she stood up, bringing the blanket along with her as she walked over to me, trying to grab my hands. "Stop it."

"Stop what Lucy? From loving you and wanting to protect you?!" I moved my hands away from her reach. Lucy glared at me before looking away, her hair covering her eyes.

"I think it's best you go Sting." I opened my mouth and then closed it again. Unbelievable. If she doesn't want me around, fine by all means I will go. With haste, I grabbed my clothes and wore them back. I walked out of her apartment, slamming the door shut after me.

Lucy's POV

Once I knew that Sting was out of my apartment, my knees gave in making me dropped to the ground. I covered my face with both of my hands as I cried. Why was I crying? I didn't understand it myself too or maybe I did. I was crying because I was scared. I was crying because of me. I was crying because I know it's my fault that Sting is going out there to kill another human being.

Yes, I was head over heels when he said he loves me and he's doing this to protect me but honestly, this is not the way. I just want Sting to get over this battle like how he always does so that he could come back to my arms. We would then hold hands as we walked back to my apartment, cuddle on my bed together after we have a delicious meal. I won't be able to go on if I lose him.

Fairy Tail was a big hit for me so when Sting came into the picture, he painted my world with pretty colors that I didn't know still existed when Fairy Tail was gone. He showed me what love was. I didn't know I could fall in love again. My love for him is much bigger than I ever had for Natsu. Maybe I didn't really love Natsu after all. Maybe I did but how a sister would adore his brother.

I stopped crying as I looked up and the wall where I listed Fairy Tail's location came into my view. I decided to get up, grabbing my clothes in the process as I threw them over me. I walked over to the wall and stared at everyone's faces. I felt my eyes getting teary again. I really do miss everyone but what can I do? Everyone finally moved on so I have to also and that is to have a future with Sting ahead.

I fist pumped in the air to give myself motivation before scurrying off to the bathroom. I needed to get ready and head over to the grand magic palace at the soonest. I needed to see Sting before his battle. I wanted to tell him that I was sorry and I was ready to have a life ahead with him so nothing should happen to him and that, he has to promise me.

I left my apartment, making sure I locked it before running towards the arena. Along the way, I bumped into people but I quickly apologized before hurrying along. I wanted to see Sting. I wanted to jump into his arms and give him a good luck kiss. I don't care if people saw or if people commented. He was mine and I was his. More specifically, I was his mate and he was my partner for life.

Upon entering the arena, I stopped as I took a good look around, hoping to spot the same hair color as mine. I was panting heavily from my run here so when I saw him standing on the opposite side of where I stood with his guild mates, my eyes widen in happiness. This reminds me the first time when we saw each other. We were standing opposite of each other. We seem so far away that time but now, we were this close. I was about to head over there but Jason came into my line of vision.

"Hey Lucy! You're here! Great timing, I need you to give me a gist of what happened yesterday."

"Hey Jason." I fidgeted as I greeted him back. I kept looking passed his shoulders making sure Sting was still there. I was getting more nervous as I looked at him from far. His handsome features outlining his face as he stood there with his hands shoved into his pockets. "Can we do this later? I need to settle something first."

"Er, sure I guess-" I didn't let him finish his sentence as I ran passed him.

"Thanks Jason!" I shouted back as I turned my head over my shoulders. The crowd were already filling in the arena so I had to squeeze my way through to Sabertooth.

"Alright everyone, this is the battle you've all been waiting for. Sting, the guild master from Sabertooth versus Haru from Tigers Claw." Oh no, the commentators have started. The crowd started cheering as the lacrima vision focused on both of them. Haru was already walking into the arena, a smug look on his face whereas Sting didn't look as excited as he was about to make his way down. Please don't go yet.

"Sting!" I shouted for his name though I know it was pointless as the crowd cheers were winning over my voice but I didn't give up. As I shoved my way through the crowd, I kept on shouting for him but he didn't turn to look at my direction before he exited. I dropped to my knees as I watched him go. I bit my lip as I felt tears were forming at the corner of my eyes. I looked down as I let my tears fell.

"I'm sorry Sting. I'm sorry."

"Did you called me?" I opened my eyes and looked up to see Sting bending over with a smile on his face. I immediately jumped into his arms, wrapping my arms around him.

"Good luck Sting." I said to his chest before turning my gaze up at him. I tiptoed and kissed him. I guess he was startled by my reaction because it took him a while to reciprocate back. I pulled away first as I stared into that blue eyes of his.

"Promise me you'll come back to me, safe and sound you hear?" Sting giggled before he replied me.

"I will." He then moved his hands up to cup my cheeks. "I love you."

"I love you too."

A/N: And that's a wrap for this chapter folks! To be honest, I'm thinking of ending this story soon because I have a little writer's block going on. If you guys can help me out, that will be great on how I can proceed with this story. Leave a review on your way out. I would love to hear from you guys(: