She didn't sleep the rest of the night, which kept Sting up too. Lucy sat at the window, insistent that they would see something again. She could feel Sting's eyes on her the remainder of the night, probably afraid to look away for fear that she'd run out again.

He wasn't wrong. All she wanted to do was go out there and figure out where Rustyrose went, but he wasn't having it. He'd dragged her back inside, arguing with her about this being a trap, and they hadn't exchanged one word since.

She was angry. How could he have not seen that girl?

When she finally detached herself from the window it was already midmorning, and she walked past Sting and into the bathroom to shower without a second glance. The sooner she got ready for the day the sooner they could leave this place, and get back to looking for Everlue and his goons.

Lucy turned on the water, heating it up as high as it would go and stepped in. Her clothing from the previous day felt grimy, and she was happy to rid her skin of the items, letting the burning hot water soak away her troubles for a while.

Usually she would opt for a shower, but not today. All she wanted was some type of noise to drown out her thoughts. Standing beneath the water her fingers skimmed over her collarbone, thinking about her conversation from the day before with Sting. He pretty much refused to mark her, even if his eyes told a different story. She had wanted to argue with him, but didn't know what to say to fight his words.

He was right, she might not be able to handle the affects that marking brought with. He'd be possessive and he'd want to do things to her, it was in the nature of marking. Could she handle that?

Did she even want to? Until recently she hadn't thought much about Sting, now he was a focal point in her life. She trusted him, more than she liked to admit, and he hadn't done anything yet to convince her he was a bad guy.

Still, marking was serious. He'd leave an impression of his magic in her skin, and they would be bonded. She'd never even kissed the man. Letting him leave a part of himself in her was a little too much to handle.

Her fingers moved subconsciously to her lips, the thought lingering in her head. Before Natsu got distracted, he'd been trying to kiss her before marking. Maybe if she kissed Sting…

She finished her shower quickly, trying to dispel the thoughts from her head. She needed to focus on tracking and finding Everlue, not getting sidetracked by Sting. By the time she was finished and dressed she wondered if she was hallucinating again, thinking about Sting for all the wrong reasons.

When she stepped back into the room, he was in the middle of pulling on a new shirt. She didn't expect to react to him, having seen most of Sting's torso on plenty of occasions, and she stopped dead in her tracks when she felt something.

Her eyes widened as she stared at him, taking in the hard lines of his body just before the shirt covered them. He met her gaze as he straightened up, his eyes dark. She wasn't sure why they would be, and didn't bother asking. Hesitantly, she made her way over to him.

Sting remained still, watching her with hooded eyes. She stopped right in front of him, not entirely sure what she was doing. They spent enough time together for her to know this was out of character. What was she even doing?

He seemed to feel the same way. "Lucy?"

She gulped, closing her eyes when she spoke again. "I – I don't know why I came over here."

"You don't?"

Shaking her head, she kept her eyes firmly shut. Her body tingled all over, an experience she hadn't had before. Last night after their talk she hadn't felt this way, so what was the difference now? "No."

Sting took a breath, and several moments passed before he spoke again. "Look at me."

Her eyes flew open as though on command, and she was surprised how readily she responded. His eyes were as dark as before, seeing to eat her up as he stared at her. He leaned in a little closer, wetting his lips before he spoke. "What were you thinking about?"

Surprised, she sputtered. "What?"

He closed his eyes, keeping his hands tight at his sides. "What were you doing in there?"

She hesitated, wondering where this was going. "I took a shower."

His forehead creased, and he opened his eyes again as he leaned back. "That's all?"

"Yes," she replied, recalling her thoughts about kissing him. There's no way he could suddenly read her mind too, right?

He scowled, pinching the bridge of his nose. He briefly glanced over her, something he usually reframed from doing, and she found herself enjoying it.

Just as quickly as the thought passed through her mind, she tried to black it out. Why would she enjoy it?

Her body felt hot under his gaze, something she hadn't experienced before. She'd gotten looks from men before, but never like this. Sting looked like he was fighting with himself to keep from devouring her.

What in the world was going on?

He didn't say anything else, and she started to wonder if he could pick up on her moods. Her body felt alive, wired, and she was hotter than usual, never mind the heated shower. She wet her lips, rocking on her heels as she waited to speak again.

When he didn't, she decided to fill the empty space with the only thing she had to say. "I did think about what it might be like… kissing you."

Sting eyebrows shot up, and almost immediately she felt the room charge with energy. He jerked back from her instantly, spinning on his heel to stomp towards the window. "Fucking hell."

Lucy frowned, stunned by his reaction. Did she do something wrong? A blush sprouted across her cheeks, embarrassed by his obvious rejection. "I – I mean if you want to of course. I thought it would come before, uh… before any type of marking ever could."

He banged his head into the wall, loudly, and she jumped at the sound. He was going to hurt himself using that much force. "Why me?"

She moved forward, wondering why on earth he wanted to beat himself up. "What are you doing?" she asked, touching his shoulder. He jumped like she'd burned him, spinning around all too quickly.

"God don't touch me," he groaned, looking away from her. He took a breath, glaring down at the floor. "Don't say things like that, Lucy."

"You asked," she snapped, narrowing her eyes. "I'm not lying."

"Stop," he hissed, lifting his head again to glare at her. "Just stop fucking talking, please."

She pressed her lips together, annoyed. Her hands shifted to her hips, and she took another step closer, getting in his face. "Don't talk to me like that! Just because you don't like the answer doesn't mean you get to be a jerk to me."

He scowled, running a hand over his face. "Trust me blondie, it's not that I didn't like what you had to say."

Lucy paused, confused. "Then what is your problem?"

Closing his eyes, Sting took a breath. She could tell he was at war with himself, but she couldn't figure out why. After a moment he lifted his head, taking a step forward until their chests barely touched, glaring down at her. "My instincts tell me to act when I hear things like that from you. For the love of god, don't tempt me."

She frowned, tilting her head to the side. "I'm being honest with you," she said, her voice softer now. "I don't… I can't think about you marking me right now. You were right, I couldn't handle that. But… I don't know, doesn't kissing come before something as serious as marking?"

One side of his lips pulled up in a smile, but the heat in his eyes didn't fade. "Usually, yeah, I guess so. As far as a relationship might go, that would make sense. But the instincts of a dragon slayer are different. It's less about courting and more about claiming. We've already gone over this; you don't want to be claimed."

"No," she agreed, the word sending a rush of unease down her spine. He looked ready to jump her at any moment, but she found herself unwilling to let the topic drop. If she did, who knew how long it would take to get up the courage to ask again. "I'm not ready for anything like that, mates or not. I just, I thought I might understand my feelings more for you if I actually kissed you."

Sting hesitated, and she could see the war behind his eyes. "That's not a good idea."

"Why not?"

He huffed, shaking his head as he looked someplace above her. "Because I have no idea how I will react if you let me kiss you."

His words sent a surge of excitement through her body, and Lucy was surprised how that made her feel. After everything she should be more cautious, but something about Sting made her want to test the waters, just a little.

Who knows, maybe it had something to do with the knowledge that they could be mates. If they might end up spending their lives together, she wanted to know that they would be compatible.

She decided to take charge, realizing Sting wouldn't let his guard down. He was forcing himself to remain restrained, and unless she did something he wasn't going to. She shifted forward, their chest pressing together as she rose up on her toes, one hand resting against his chest for balance as she pressed her lips to his.

And just like that, their world exploded.

Sting's arm wrapped around her waist, the other threading through her hair to hold her in place. The kiss she gave him was chaste, intensifying a moment later when he grabbed her, deepening the kiss and letting his tongue dance across her lips. He pulled her flush into his body, and her hands instinctively wrapped around his neck.

She gasped, letting him take the lead. It was more of a reaction than she had expected, but the feel of his lips pressed to hers sent a jolt of electricity throughout her body, awakening parts of her she usually didn't focus on.

He kissed her roughly, her lips matching the intensity of his. Her fingers played with the hairs on his neck, delicate nails dragging along the skin there as he kept her pressed into him. She felt good, perfect, tucked into his body, and every single inch of his was charged from the contact.

Lucy gave him entry into her mouth when he ran his tongue along her lips the second time, enjoying the way his tongue fought with hers. He pulled her closer, impossibly so, and despite herself she groaned into his mouth, her skin dancing to life as he touched her.

Sting growled, turning them swiftly. She felt her back press into the wall, Sting pressing into her as he continued kissing her, his hand on her back tracing little lines. She gasped, her fingers tightening on his neck as he worked his magic on her, causing her body to heat up.

She knew she should be panicking, freaking out at being pressed back into something solid, covered by this man. She couldn't make herself care, going limp in his arms as he sucked on her bottom lip, gently biting down before letting her go, trailing little kisses along her jawline.

Lucy groaned again, every action sending jolts of pleasure through her body. She'd never been thoroughly kissed like this, and the experience sent her on a high she didn't think she'd soon come down from. The hand on her back had pushed up her tank top, and his hand touching the skin there left a heated path along her skin. Her breathing had increased, and she was panting as he started kissing from her jaw down her neck, leaving sloppy kisses along the way.

Her fingers dragged along his skin, from his neck to his shoulders, she couldn't hardly focus as he teased her, nipping the flesh of her neck. Each time he added pressure she let out a little gasp, her nails clawing into his skin.

He felt good, amazingly good, better than she'd ever felt before with someone before. He kept kissing her until he reached the juncture at her neck and shoulder, sucking at the skin there for several moments before he groaned and pulled back, letting go of her to press his hands into the wall behind her instead of touching her skin.

Lucy's eyes flew open, immediate rejection flashing through her mind. His breathing was labored too, and he rested his forehead against hers for several moments before he spoke.

"We can't," he breathed. "We need to stop right now."

Lucy panted, her fingers still running over his skin. She felt alive, elated, and she couldn't imagine letting him stop there. Kissing him set off more inside her than she expected, and to stop so quickly had her heart clenching. She didn't expect to enjoy it so much. "W-why?"

He blinked, opening his eyes to stare at her. One hand came away from the wall, ghosting over her sensitive skin between her neck and shoulder, causing her to shudder. "If we don't stop… I'm going to mark you."

She shuddered again, the words that had frightened her to this point sending an unexpected wave of excitement through her. She couldn't imagine letting him go just then, every inch of her body hot and bothered from having him this close. It had to be the heat she felt between them, but for some reason his words stirred a different feeling inside of her, and she almost gasped when she felt an unexpected warmth blossom between her legs.

He inhaled sharply, pressing his hand back into the wall again. She heard the plaster crack, and wondered if he'd end up breaking the wall. "Fuck Lucy."

She let her hands shift to the front of his body, dancing lightly over his chest. She'd never really gotten the chance to touch a man like this before, and although Sting seemed to be fighting with himself she couldn't help but trace the lines of muscle beneath his shirt.

She knew she wasn't helping matters, but she felt entranced. It was like the world outside them was a haze, and she couldn't imagine stepping back into it. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

This was Sting, not somebody else with ill intentions. She could enjoy herself for a minute without fear. It wasn't fair, he was fighting with himself to stay in control, but she wanted to relish in this bliss for a moment or two longer.

Finally, she exhaled, placing her hands flat on his chest. The unfamiliar warmth remained, but she didn't know what she could do about it. "Okay."

He pulled away from her, and she could feel how hard he had to work to do so. They were still breathing hard, even though they hadn't kissed for many moments, and Sting took several steps back before he managed to look at her again.

She inhaled sharply, noting the familiar dragon scales on his cheeks once more. His eyes were still dark, and she could see the emotions dancing there. She'd awakened a part of him that he tried very hard to keep away from her, and there was no changing that now.

Lucy reached up, gingerly touching her lips. They were swollen from kissing him, her cheeks themselves on fire. Slowly her eyes scanned over him, taking in his disheveled appearance before her pupils widened, stopping at the bulge that had formed in his trousers.

He huffed, barely drawing her attention. "What did you think would happen?"

She wet her lips, turning her attention down to the floor. She only intended to give him a chaste kiss, and somehow things slipped out of her control. Her body was bothered, overheated, and seeing the same reactions from Sting's did nothing to help her state of mind.

Somehow, again, she'd gone and made things worse.

Rigidly, she turned away from him, trying to straighten out her wayward hair and she moved towards her already packed back, snatching it up in her haste to escape the room. "I – I'll go check us out."

Behind her, she heard Sting let out a groan before the door closed behind her. "Yeah, you do that."

Sting had absolutely no plans for what to do next. After relieving himself upstairs he joined Lucy in the lobby, silently berating himself. Why, why did he let that happen?

Running a hand through his hair, he replayed the moments in his head. He couldn't let that happen again. She wasn't ready to be marked, they weren't ready to deal with the severity of the choice, and he would not have the self-control to turn her down again. If she kissed him a second time, he'd mark her right there.

Groaning, he pinched the bridge of his nose as she came into view. He should've known better, the moment he started getting little whiffs of her from the shower he should've left the room and let her find him downstairs. If he had just played it sage this never would've happened.

She hadn't gotten scared of him, which was the only good thing. Fuck, he'd been able to smell her arousal when they kissed. It almost tipped him over the edge just thinking about it.

Shaking his head, he walked up to her, his bag slung over his shoulder. Uncomfortable or not, he couldn't just abandon her now. She still wanted to go through with this absurd quest, and there was no way in hell he'd let her continue on alone. Rustyrose was still hanging around, and there was no way he'd leave her alone with that fucker nearby.

She cleared her throat as he approached, but didn't manage to say anything. After several uncomfortable moments of staring her eyes skirted away, and she got up swiftly to make for the exit. He followed silently behind, keeping a step or two between them as they walked.

He had a raging headache, and not just from their heated make out that morning. As they walked down the street every one of his senses as alive and roaring, on high alert as he glanced at passersby. He kept waiting for someone to stare at her, set him off again like those two fools in the hallway last night.

He was itching for a fight, something to relieve the pent up energy that was slowly overtaking him.

"I don't know where we're going," Lucy called, stopping in front of him. He nearly ran into her, sidestepping at the last moment to pause at her side.

Sting cocked an eyebrow, surprised. This was the girl who always had a plan. "No ideas?"

She shrugged, looking uncertain. "I have no idea where these people typically hang out. The magic council isn't going to tell me anything, and it's not like people just have this information offhand. Sometimes the papers don't even report it."

He nodded along, tapping his chin. "I don't know honestly. There are a dozen towns in this half of Fiore that could be a headquarters. Without actually knowing something-"

"I want to go back to Everlue's," she interrupted, turning to face him. "The best clues are going to be there. We've found nothing here in Crocus that's going to help us."

Sting froze, his blood going cold at the idea of taking her back there. She might be alright with what they did earlier, but if he took her back to the location where she was assaulted he figured that would be the tipping point.

"No," he said flatly, glaring at her. "Absolutely not."

Lucy scowled. "You're just supposed to be here helping me and making sure nothing happens. You aren't going to dictate were I go. Everlue's is the best option right now. I'm sure there's something there at the hideout that will help us."

He shook his head, unfazed. "That's a godawful idea Lucy. Anything there was already cleared out by the Royal Army. We both know that. Going there is going to do nothing but stir up bad memories."

She held her ground, glaring at him. "It's not like we have any other ideas. I'm not going to wander around aimlessly until something comes to me. That's a waste of time, and people's lives are in danger. If you don't intend to help me Sting then just leave me be."

Sting pressed his lips together, glaring at the back of her head as she turned and stomped off. She had no idea where Everlue's home was, not when she'd only been partially conscious on the way back. He wasn't worried about her locating it, not without his help. And there was absolutely no way he'd take her back, come hell or high water.

He followed behind her, keeping his eyes trained on her form. After this morning there was no doubt in his mind that they were mates, not with the way she felt pressed into his body. He'd never heard a girl moan like she did, never felt someone so readily turn to putty in his hands. If he hadn't spoken up and ruined it he fully believed she would've let him mark her.

He had to maintain some sort of self-control if he intended to keep traveling with her until the mission was complete. She responded too perfectly to his body, and he could not chance kissing her again. She could only test his self-control so many times before he snapped and bit her. Once that happened, there would be no turning back. He would have to wait to mate with her, but once the mark was in place it would be so much harder.

Sting inhaled deeply, following the delicious scent of her shampoo as Lucy stormed through the city. He hoped she didn't get brave and try to kiss him again. After seeing her responses this last time, he knew for certain he'd give in, and the thought was scary even to him.

A/n: I've been gone for a while now, haven't I? Figured I could come back with a little bit of romance snuck in there for you lovely readers.

I'm sorry it took so long to update, my drafts and plans got derailed when I lost them, and we've been going through the horrific process of buying a house. We're under contract, so fingers crossed that it all ends up good! We should be moving next month, so who knows what that will do to the updates here, but I wanted to make sure I got you guys an update so you know I haven't abandoned my stories.

Please leave a review with your thoughts. It's hard to pick up after you've been away, so any thoughts that you guys have are greatly appreciated. Until next time!