Sting Eucliffe X Reader X Rogue Cheney :: Pt. 1

Part One of Two
AU Before We Begin: This will be split into two parts since all together, the story was too long for one Sta.sh.

Disclaimer: Fairy Tail does not belong to me. 

Setting: Before we start, this will take place a year after Sting became *spoiler* the Sabertooth master. According to the manga and new anime, Lector and the old guild master are still alive. So, let's say Lector recovered the attack and Minerva and Jinema left the guild, leaving Sting as master. M'kay? Good.

~~It's Her (The Reason, My Reason)~~

You wheezed loudly, looking at the obscene building in front of you, mountains and rocks surrounding it with a desert-like atmosphere. Damn...why did they place their guild on a damn mountain? You asked yourself, tugging at your shirt in an attempt to fan yourself.

You wore a (favorite color) strapless top with a medium-length black, lacey skirt, which you regret wearing something so dark on a sunny day, a (favorite color) bag that  hung around your shoulders, and black, fingerless gloves. Your hair was done up in a ponytail with a crimson bow tied to the side of your head that draped down to the middle of your neck, a stubborn lock framed your face. Your feet was "imprisoned" in tan, ankle boots (you needed to hike so you reckoned 'hey these boots will do the trick!' Well since it became ultra hot, you're kicking yourself for thinking that).

It was summer so the sun was beating down on you with its heat which, to most, was a good sign, the symbol of the ending of June Gloom passing by, but to you: it was hell. Anyway, the whole reason why you were out here was that you wanted to visit a certain guild to meet up with your sorta long-lost best friend, Rogue Cheney.

You two had met when you were about 10 and your family had adopted him into the family, your parents never minding his Shadow Dragon Slayer ability (as long as he didn't hurt anyone that is). But he had mysteriously disappeared at 15 along with his Exceed. He still talked to you by sending letters but you never learned his location until now that is. You had always asked around for him in your town when new-comers or weary travelers came by. Whether it was luck or fate deciding to give you a second chance, a kind merchant told you of his whereabouts.

To tell you the truth, you weren't pleased. Seriously? Sabertooth of ALL guilds? You didn't hate Sabertooth but you disliked their arrogance for strength and their looking-down methods when someone wasn't strong enough. What's wrong with weak people? They're nice enough.

Luckily for you, you were a talented mage and hoped they would somewhat accept you long enough to enjoy a nice couple of days with your old friend to catch up on things. You chuckled to yourself at a sudden thought popping into your head.

I wonder how Rogue will react to my surprise visit. Yep, you were coming on a unmarked occasion to give Rogue a little "surprise motherfucker" moment.

Ooo! What if he's still that little expressionless *cough* emo *cough* kid? A giggle escaped your lips, probably making you look insane with just randomly laughing to air. Your heart clenched at the idea of seeing Rogue again but it was in a good way. You actually had a crush on him for awhile before he left...

I wonder if Frosch still has that pink frog outfit I made for her(1)? You wondered, changing the subject. When Rogue found his Exceed at 11 years of age and Frosch was born, she had a crazy fascination with frogs. She was always urging you and him to take her down to a pond or swamp everyday.

The year after, you made her a frog suit in celebration for her birthday. It was a little big unfortunately, due to you not being the best sewer in the world (Mom had to help you). Nonetheless, her reaction was priceless. She went total uber-fangirl on the item, making her pounce you with a big hug and tons of cute cat kisses.

You didn't even realize you were at the door of Sabertooth until you bumped into the hard mahogany wood. You blushed in embarrassment to yourself, glancing around to see if anyone saw you. Looking back at the moment, it was useless considering you were in the middle of nowhere with no one around except on the inside of the guild. 

You stared in awe at the large door, the flag of Sabertooth fluttering in the wind while the stone animal, the Sabertooth tiger, stood proudly on the top of the slanted roof guild. The tiles were the color of blood, dark and rich, while the light gray concrete clashed with the brightness of the roof tiles. Engraved into the wooden door was another Sabertooth symbol, the details were incrticate and full of effort. 

You took a deep breath, trying to calm your fluttering heart. The thoughts of things going wrong rushed through your head, giving you anxiety.

What if they didn't like you? Or they sneered and kicked you out? How embarrassing would that be! This is for Rogue! You can do it! You argued to your nervous brain. 

With all the mental strength your could muster, you entered the guild building with shaky hands. 

~

The inside of the guild was elegant with luxurious purple rugs with a gold trim and banners stamped with their symbol, the marble floor also tinted purple. The ceiling had a blue niche with a crystalline design, stained windows shedding the room with an eerie atmosphere. The kind of color that intimidated others, you reckoned. White columns surrounded the hallway, leading you into the large room.

Deep green leaf wallpaper was stamped around the niche, rich-looking grapes on the paper looked so real, it was as if you could just pluck them off! Trees with, also, grapes hanging off of them, cast their shadows along the walls. At the end of the room was a small two-step stage with a couch sitting, empty, in the middle among decorative statues and faux plants.

One door stood on each side of the room, people casually talking amongst themselves. Most of the members looked like the belonged to a fancy restaurant or a ballroom rather than at a simple guild.

You cautiously entered, causing some people to watch with curiosity, most with sneers. You could just imagine their thoughts with: 'Oh look a newbie' 'Who's she?' 'She'll probably be turned down like the rest' 'How annoying, another one'.

You gulped from all the glares you were getting. Talk about cold. You grumbled to yourself. I'm not here to join. I'm not here to join, just visiting. I'm visiting for goodness sakes!! You wanted to scream at them, gripping the strap of your handbag tightly.

Ignoring the stares, you scanned the room for the certain Dragon Slayer you knew. You immediately spotted the ebony, untidy hair of Rogue talking with an unknown blond, his facial expression monotone unlike the smirking blonde. He stood out to you like a dark spot in the middle of lights. 

Your heart swelled at the sight of him, an excited blush forming on your cheeks. Biting down a grin, you walked down the hall at a fast pace and past the curious people, eyeing Rogue, your joy becoming overwhelming...your energy building...

"ROGUEEEEEEEEEEE CHENEYYYYYYYY!"

The man himself turned with confusion, the familiarity of the voice striking him odd. as a force tackled him down in a hug. The air was knocked out of him along with his sight blurring, only catching wisps of (hair color) hair. He caught himself before he could fall, noticing two strong arms snaked around him.

You looked up at the taller mage in front of you (finally he was taller than you) with sparkling eyes, grinning a mischievous grin. His appearance never changed with his style of hair: over his right eye. Well, his robes changed but that wasn't the point.

Rogue widened his eyes and stuttered with a shell-shocked face. "(N-Name)?! What are you...?" You let go of your friend and saluted. "Surprise motherfucker!"

"B-But how...?" You already knew what his question was going to be and interrupted. "I have my ways~" You sung, clasping your hands behind your back. "Where's Frosch?"

Rogue sighed, rubbing his head. "You never stop talking do you? Oh gods you're giving me a headache." You frowned, crossing your arms with a small pout. "You're as emo as always Rogue."

"Wha-?!" Boisterous laughter interrupted your greetings, the blond talking to Rogue before was doubled over. "Is this your girlfriend or something Rogue?" He asked in-between chortles.

You blushed a bit while Rogue just snorted and introduced you. "Hell no, this is my old friend (Name) (Last Name). This is Sting Eucliffe, the guild master."

Sting Eucliffe looked about your age with spikey blond hair, slanted dark azure eyes, and above the right one was a thin diagonal scar. His skin was pale and he had his stomach exposed (the view wasn't bad at least). His left ear was adorned with an earring which, in itself, was attached to a prominent metal pendant. A small scar made its way across his left eyebrow.  he only thing that stuck out in his clothing to you was his fur coat and suspenders. You loved suspenders. 

You widened your eyes at Sting and instantly made a small bow. "Nice to meet you Sting-sama!" Rogue scoffed with annoyance while Sting just grinned. "I like this friend of yours Rogue already." He chuckled, waving off the formal greeting. 

You smiled, feeling the sense of acceptance when a sudden gasp was heard behind you. You turned and was met face-to-face with Frosch and another Exceed whom you've never seen before. 

"(Name)!" She yelled, flying up and knocking you off your feet with a hug. Damn! She's stronger than the last time I've seen her. You grinned with a wince of pain. With an 'oof' you landed on the floor with a very happy Frosch in her frog suit. 

"Hey there! I see you're wearing the frog outfit I made." You groaned from the air being knocked out of you, but sat up, petting Frosch. She grinned, happy tears in her eyes. "(Name)! Fro is very joyous to see you!"

"I'm glad too Frosch~ It's so nice to see you. Who's your friend?" You asked, rubbing her head affectionately.

She purred, headbutting into your touch. "That's Lector, Sting's Exceed." You smiled at Lector. "Hi." You said, waving a bit. Lector was a simple-looking Exceed with maroon fluffy fur and a white belly, the only clothing on him was a blue vest.

Was that a blush on Lector's cheeks? "Hello." He murmured, tracing the floor with his feet/paws. "Aw, is Lector shy?" Sting teased, ruffling his fur.

Lector puffed out his cheeks, looking away in pride. "Of course not." He retorted. "I'm just wondering why she's here." The tone was unfriendly, making you frown. Did my over-exuberance upset people? You thought sullenly, the idea of being friendly and not trying to make enemies backfiring on you... Badly. 

"You make a good point Lector, why are you here (Name)?" Rogue asked coldly, his slitted eyes narrowing. 

You stood up, brushing off your skirt while still holding Frosch lovingly. "I'm just visiting you for a few days, I haven't seen you in years after all. I hope you don't mind Sting-sama." Sting shook his head. "I don't as long as Rogue comes to work when he's assigned a mission with me."

You raised an eyebrow but then understood what he meant. "You're the White Dragon Slayer Rogue talks about? I didn't know that you were also the Guild Master! Awesome!" You exclaimed, your eyes sparkling with admiration. 

"I know~" Sting smirked, making you laugh. "And you're as arrogant as Rogue said you were!"

"What's that supposed to mean?!?!"

Rogue watched the two of you joke with studious eyes, quiet. These two are getting along... he thought, feeling a pang of possessiveness in his chest. He wasn't going to lie, but with you getting along with Sting so well and acting as if you've met years before rather than minutes; it made him envious.

How could someone as obnoxious as Sting get along so well with (Name)? He remembers when he was taken in by her family, and it took months for her to talk freely to him. Was it because I'm the Shadow Dragon Slayer? He inquired to himself.
 
Besides (Name) being more outgoing than usual, she also looks way different than when he last saw her 5 years ago. Unlike her adolescent period where she had zits and was in that awkward stage, everything had grown out. She was taller, her face clearer and body was curvier, not to mention-

Rogue bit back a blush, trying to maintain his monotone form. How could I think like that? She has a really nice smell to her, more so than usual. There I said it. He told himself. It's just how Dragon Slayers think, they can smell people and (Name) smells really pleasant...ARGH! Stop it Rogue! Compose yourself!

You chuckled at one of Sting's humorous jokes when you noticed Rogue being awfully silent. You turned to him and saw him in deep thought, his eyebrows scrunched together. 

Being the silly person you are, you poked his cheek asking, "hey hey~ You there bud or are you in Rogue La-La Land?" Rogue blinked out of his thoughts and nodded. "I'm fine." He assured, pink staining his cheeks from your touch. You frowned, placing your hand on his forehead, much to his surprise. 

"No you're not, your face is hot!" You reasoned, feeling his face grow warm. Rogue grabbed your hands and pulled them down with even brighter cheeks. "I'm fine dammit (Name)!"

You opened your mouth to counter when Sting snickered. "I've never seen you so flustered before Rogue." Rogue gritted his teeth. "Shut up, show-off." Sting just raised an eyebrow, keeping his mouth shut. 

He's never seen Rogue show this much emotion before with another being other than him, but even that was rare. 

Those two must've been real close huh. He thought as the two of you bickered over Rogue's hot face. This girl, (Name), she's really kind for a friend of Rogue's. I would've expected someone as serious Rogue himself to make him develop interest. She's really funny too, not to mention she smells hot...I wonder why Rogue never mentioned her before? Sting wondered, bringing himself back to reality once you two stopped squabbling. 

"Hey Rogue~?" You hummed, rocking back and forth on your heels.

"Hm?"

"Do you know any good places to stay while I visit you? I know all of the hotels to stay in are a bit far but I seriously need to work out more-"

"You can stay with us." Sting offered, interrupting your babble. "Really?" You exclaimed happily, hugging Frosch together like a stuffed animal. Lector was sitting on your shoulder, swinging his legs playfully.

"Yeah, I want (Name) to stay with us." Lector stated, playing with your red ribbon. "Then it's settled. (Name), you're staying with us in our apartment." Sting confirmed, grinned broadly while his Exceed and Frosch cheered.

Rogue sighed, "I have no voice in this do I?" You laughed, shaking your head. "Nope~"

~

"Here we are." 

By the time you reached the Twin Dragon's apartment in the rich Bell Towers, the sun had long ago set, leaving the lamp street lights and lanterns to guide you.

You stared in awe at the shining complex of Bell Towers on the inside, a chandelier and light marble floors shined with the brilliant lights. The ceiling was painted with a gold color, crystal sculptures of famous mages were lined up with the halls. Plush couches with fluffy rugs stood under floating candles. Despite the rich interior, the walls were decorated with stones like of a medieval castle.

Behind a desk, receptionists were calling up raging people with happy-go-lucky expressions. Concierges were attending to fancy-dressed people and porters ran all over the place from packages to statues and what seemed like a closet-full worth of clothing. Hell, they even had magic-generated elevators. (2)

It was hard to adjust to the sheer light of the situation with you being a simple girl with middle class wealth coming from a cozy, small town. Bell Towers was one of the richest apartment rooms in all of Fiore, which really showed how elaborate Sabertooth's members lived.

"You going to stand there all day?" Rogue asked impatiently, already a few paces in front of you. You shook yourself out of your trance, following the two with Lector still on your shoulder and Frosch in your arms. 

"Remember (Name), this place is for the rich and privelged. Many here will look down at you because of your class." Rogue explained. "Don't pick fights with them or lead them on, they have been in more intense fights than you and have more experience. Don't speak unless spoken to with these people unless it's with the staff here. Don't look star-struck about this place too, that's just plain annoying."

You pouted a bit. "That was just mean." Rogue rolled his eyes, then grabbed your arm, pulling you near. "Stay close." You nodded, blushing a bit. Glob damn girl hormones... You cursed internally. Sting took notice and raised an eyebrow. "What's got you so worked up? Relax, they won't do anything to her." Sting unclasped Rogue's fingers around your forearm. 

Rogue's body stayed stiff, his stride brisk and firm. "Don't mind Rogue, he just doesn't like the occupants here is all." Sting said casually, glancing at his partner in front of him. 

"Well well, if it isn't the Twin Dragons~ I haven't seen you guys in awhile. Oh who's this?" A sudden voice chimed with energy.

You turned to see one of the hotel's staff due to the distinguished uniform and an overly-happy, fake smile plastered on her face. She looked about 20 with fiery red hair and bright ultramarine irises. A light tan colored her skin, making the blue and white uniform stand out. 

The staff member gave you a glowering glance then went back to her breezy look. "Another girlfriend? Oh you are the player Sting~" You flushed as badly as her hair, Sting taken aback and Rogue remained unfazed, well, that's what you saw in your peripheral vision.

"Ehhh!? I-I'm not-" You managed before Sting threw an arm around you with a chuckle. "Yeah she is! Nothing gets past you Flora!" To add to his emphasis, he kissed your (skin color) cheek. "Now, we'll best be going! See ya Flora!"

You were extremely confused to the max, not to mention chagrined and flustered; you bet the Exceeds were too. Sting grabbed your hand tightly and lead you away quickly, not looking back at the staff member. Your cheeks grew warm at the firm yet soft touch of his callused hand. 

What's going on? Why did Sting even say that, let alone kiss my cheek? Saying that statement was convincing enough... You wondered, your cheek tickling from the lingering kiss along with your deep blush.

Rogue let you two go ahead of him, him following behind so silently, you didn't take notice he was following until you were all in an elevator. As the convoluted-designed steel gates were about to close, you swore you saw Flora's staring eyes flash red.

Once the elevator started moving upwards smoothly, Rogue lifted his leg and, with a stoic expression, round-housed Sting in the face, making Sting let go of your hand and fly into the wall with a loud slam. [AN: (3)]

You and the Exceeds gasped a little, Lector looking furious at Rogue for hurting his caretaker. Rogue took his broad-booted foot and smashed it into Sting's pale face, forcing him down onto his knees.

"You idiot! What are you thinking making a scene like that?! Then out of all things you kiss (Name)? What the hell!! I think your broad statement was proof enough to Flora, you bastard!" Rogue yelled, his ruby eyes blazing.

Sting rubbed his swelling cheek, an irritated vein popping on his forehead. "Hell, you don't even know Flora! She's crazy as fuck and she pisses me off with her constant stalking. Besides, that was the only thing I could think of to get her off my case for now." 

"Dammit Sting! Do you not care for others dammit?! You made things worse! She, without a doubt, will hate (Name) now thanks to you!"

"Well what's a better situation to get her to stop stalking me since you're the apparent oh-so-genius here?!"

"I dunno! I'm not some yandere expert or anything but you shouldn't pull my best friend into your playboy mess you moron." Rogue fired back, his tightly clenched fists starting to flicker with his dark power.

"A-Ah guys?"

"WHAT?!"

"We're here." You squeaked, shrinking back along with Lector and Frosch. The elevator doors had opened, leaving you guys in front of the hallway to Rogue's and Sting's rooms.

Rogue's eyes softened enough for him to lower his voice to normal. "Sorry for scaring you." He muttered, not making eye contact with anyone. "I-It's fine, everyone argues right hehe." You chuckled nervously, wringing your fingers. 

You all walked to the rooms silently. Sting, without a word, unlocked the apartment door by just a touch of his finger, the lock clicking. Once you walked into the room, you couldn't help but choke at the sudden blast of dust. "W-What the heck? Why is it so *cough* dusty in here?" You demanded, hacking up a storm along with the others.

"Oh, we just haven't stayed here in a couple months is all." Sting answered casually, much to your shock. "Seriously?! You gotta be kidding! Months?! Rogue you better explain or else!" You threatened with the raise of your fist. "You shouldn't waste money on an apartment if you rarely go to it!" (4)

Rogue didn't seem fazed by your threat, merely shrugging it off. "We can pay for it, we do pretty fulfilling jobs you know. Besides, we have a place to go if we're ever off a mission. We just came back from a long-term mission for your information." You sighed with exasperation, knowing how dense Rogue can be. 

You observed the apartment, finding it larger than the combination of yours and your neighbors! The carpets were fluffy and soft-looking, not to mention whiter than snow. The walls, like their guild, was painted a rich violet. A coffee table was a red mahogany, a small, clear vase holding a fake flower sat in the middle. Two couches sat besides it with a gold trim and lavender plush.
 
Not much decorated the walls, just an occasional painting. There was a balcony outside, which showed a magnificent view of the town, the light twinkling like the faint stars in the night sky. An iron chandelier provided enough light for you to see three halls, one leading to the left and the two others to the right in other directions.

Dazzled by the scene outside, you set Frosch and Lector down on the couch and burst the window-paned balcony doors open, stepping out into the chilled air and rushed to the edge, looking down at all the lively people at night. It looked like something out of a movie.

"Wooow~" You acclaimed, feeling more lively than ever. You turned with a sparkle in your eye and grabbed Rogue's hand, dragging him out. "Look how pretty it is!" 

Rogue tched, pink tinting his cheeks from your touch. "I see this view almost every night I spend here, it's normal." With irritation, you tugged his ear, much to his complaint.

Sting grinned at sight but then felt a pang in his chest, causing him to furrow his eyebrows. Wha-What the hell? Do I feel...jealous? How weird... he mused, having the urge to join the duo or break them up, anything to make him join in on the fun.

Sting commented. "Hey guys, you should come in. We don't want all the warm air to escape." You gave a pouty face but reluctantly went in, Rogue trailing behind you.

"Awww~ Sting, don't be such a party pooper." You stuck out your tongue before stretching your arms in the arm, a squeaky moan escaping your lips. "Damn, I'm tired."

Sting chuckled, ruffling your hair. "Really? I can't tell with that kind of energy." You blushed, you mentally cursing the stupid, nice feeling of his rough fingers prickling your skin again.

Rogue narrowed his eyes a bit. "We should change into pajamas and have a pajama party!" Frosch suggested, making your (eye color) orbs light up. "YES!" "No." "Yes!" "No." 

You growled at Rogue, Rogue growling back. "Unlike you Miss Lazy-Ass, we have a job tomorrow!" You blew a hair from your face.

"Fine, ya emo ratty mc-fatty." You reached into your bag and pulled out your pajamas and toiletries. "Where is the bathroom." You said bluntly, your tone made the question more of a demand. Rogue, an irritated irk still on his forehead, pointed to the single hall which lead to the kitchen but also had a door in the middle of the hall. You went into the white and purple bathroom and changed.

The moment you stepped out, a shrill shriek followed by the sound of a door slamming was heard. You rushed to the scene, where Sting laid, panting, in front of the door, which you presumed was his. "You OK, Sting?!" You asked with worry. 

He shook his head, Rogue coming out of his room in his sleeping attire of a plain black shirt and dark long shorts. 

"T-There's a big-ass s-spider in my room."

Four types of laughter resonated throughout the room. You laughed, slapping your knee. "Oh man Sting! And I thought my fear of bugs was bad!"

Despite Sting's protests, You pushed him aside enough to re-open the door. What you saw on the bed made you freeze in your happy expression. When Sting meant big-ass spider, you thought a quarter size right? 

WRONG with a capital W. No, it was the size of his bed, which it was lying peacefully on. It was brown, large, and hairy; a fucking big-ass spider with Nope written all over it. You shut the door gently, turning to Rogue with a smile plastered on your face before coming out of your shock. You screamed bloody murder and jumped onto Rogue.

Rogue stumbled by your sudden weight. "What the hell-?!" "IT WAS THE FUCKING SIZE OF THE BED ROGUUEEEE!" You screeched with Sting. "YOU'VE BEEN GONE FOR SO LONG THAT A FUCKING SPIDER TOOK RESIDENCE IN STING'S ROOM! DAMMIT ROGUE!" 

After Rogue managed to calm you (which took coaxing words, three cups of herbal tea, and a soothing back rub), you all sat on the couch; discussing sleeping arrangements:

"Your argument is invalid, it's my room."

"I'm the guest!"

"THIS IS MY HOUSE!"

"It's technically an apartment."

"I DON'T CARE! I MAKE THE DECISIONS AROUND HERE! I VOTE I SLEEP WITH (NAME)!"

"EH?! HELL NO!!"

"Don't go there. Just...don't even, you pervert."

"I thought we shared this apartment anyways."

"Yes, we do but-"

"But your ego and inner pervert are both bigger than Elfman's dick."

"E-E-EXCUSE ME?!?!"

"ROGUE! HOW VULGAR!"

"It's true though."

"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!"

"Now, don't go assuming things. It's rhetorical."

"T-THAT'S STILL VULGAR DAMMIT WHAT THE HEL- Hey where did (Name) go?"

Sting and Rogue scanned the room for the said girl, wondering where she went when they spotted a flash of (hair color) wisps in the direction of Rogue's room. They both widened their eyes in realization.

"(NAMEEEEEE)!!!!!" They both yelled out in unison once they heard the sound of the door slamming and locking. "Sorry but I'm not sleeping with two bickering boys! G'night!"

You sighed and leaned against the door, sliding down as the Slayer duo pounded against the door, shouting for you. Frosch and Lector were already in the room, sleeping somewhat peacefully in small individual beds (you very much envied them). 

Rogue's room wasn't very dark as you imagined but actually looked familiar...

You widened your eyes in realization then softly smiled at the well-known room, the memory coming back with bits and pieces. "How cute...." you smiled blissfully, tracing the wooden bed frame. The room looked exactly like Rogue's old room from home, the one he had before he left.

Besides the shape of the room and the size of the bed, everything looked the same. The color on the walls were coated in a light shade of brown, the sheets were pure white with two pale blue pillows fluffed neatly besides each other.

The drawer next to the bed was a light maple wood with a white lamp, the only light that lit the whole room. On the far side of the wall was a big window open to the night-life outside. Ruffled, white curtains were tied back with black string, adding to the decor of the simple room.

Paintings of scenery were hung the walls with a scribbled signature of black on the bottom right on each one. Upon closer inspection, you realize it read Rogue Cheney on all of them.

"I never knew Rogue was a painter..." you muttered, brushing your finger against the dried paint where the brushstrokes made their mark. They were quite good, you had admit so you couldn't tease him about it...or could you?

Glancing at the ticking clock above one of the paintings, you made out the late time of 11:00 pm. You internally shrieked, knowing you would be dead tired in the morning.

You jumped onto the bed, throwing the covers over you and reached out your hand to flicker the light out when you spotted something glistening in the drawer where it was slightly cracked open.

You guessed it would be no harm if you took a quick peek, right? You sat up on the bed and leaned over, opening the creaky drawer. The only thing that lied in the wooden case was a picture in a protective frame.

You picked it up and examined the photograph closer. It was of you and Rogue, when you were younger! You felt genuinely touched that Rogue would keep such an old photo of you and him at 11!

The picture was taken in black and white, a feeling of nostalgia washing over you. Your childhood, a now-dusty house, looked so new back then...

Your much younger self was grinning while side-hugging (more like smashing) Rogue to your side while he had his mouth agape with complaint, his hands against your side trying to push you away.

You giggled at the cute memory, you had just met Rogue and he was so secluded, it annoyed your hyper, affectionate self! You gently set the picture down and flicked the lamp off.

You snuggled into the covers, pulling the fluffy comforter over your shoulders to keep you warm. You tossed and turned, trying to find the right position to sleep in. You concluded to flipping over to your stomach and nuzzling the over-stuffed pillow into your form.

Everything is so warm... you thought hazily, your mind drifting off to sleep. You couldn't make out what you were doing exactly but how late it was and how warm your body was, a light sweat breaking out on your skin.

You foggily remembered the symptom of getting really weird dreams if you became overheated at night so you kicked the covers off, curling into the still-warm pillow. Something seemed off, like something smelled really really good, something that made your heart flutter. You cracked open an eye and peered at the pillow snuggled to your body. An instinct tugged at you that it was the covers so you sniffed it.

Your heart clenched at the familiar scent and started beating fast, your body stiffening.
Oh my glob did I just-?!
Yes you just did (Name), you practically sniffed Rogue because his natural scent is tainted on the covers. Not to mention you were-
STFU BRAIN!!!!!
You mentally argued, your cheeks burning (and not just from the heat).

You grumbled profanities and flopped down on the pillow, the sense of Rogue invading your nostrils. Irritated out of lack of sleep, you flung the pillow across the room. You pressed your head against the mattress and forced yourself not to move. If you didn't   move for 15 minutes, you would fall asleep sooner or later.

During those few minutes, you imagined all the possibilities of tomorrow. You should suggest to the twin dragonslayers to go shopping with you and tour the town. It'd be fun to catch up on the adventures of your beat friend and his Exceed. Not to mention, his own comrade that must have his own story to tell. 

You grinned at the anticipation of the future as your mind slipped into unconsciousness.

~

You were anxious. Like super, duper, uber nerve-racked to the core! Your spouse would be here soon and he would get a BIG surprise...No not even an adjective can describe you right now. So many emotions were swirling inside of you, you couldn't decipher them all.

"I'm home (Name)!" Whoop there he is. You faked a smile and stood up from your couch, greeting your husband with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. "How was work?" You even faked the usual cheeriness you held in your voice when you welcomed him.

He signed, ruffling his hair while stretching. "The same as usual. There's always missions to do at Sabertooth." You giggled quietly but it faded as quickly as it came. Your husband frowned, giving you a side-long look. "Is...everything alright?" He asked hesitantly.

You sighed, shaking your head. You lead him to the couch and sat down, picking at your nails. "I have some news." 

"Then speak your mind, I won't mind." To confirm his nonjudgemental love for you, your husband leaned forward and kissed you softly yet passionately, caressing your cheek in the process. He pulled away and leaned back against the couch to await your news. "It's alright sweetheart, I won't be upset. You can tell me." You breathed deeply.

"I-."

~