Part 2: Shadows of Magic (Rogue Cheney X OC)

Chapter 58

Hope's P. O. V:

Back in my and Alec's apartment, I sit on the edge of my bed, Rogue beside me. We'd left Malba city earlier than the rest of my teammates so I could tell Rogue the reason he couldn't come on the mission, and to decide if I'll go back to Fairy Tail or not.

When I finish explaining everything, Rogue asks me seriously, "So, the reason you were worried about the job and have been acting weird this morning, was because of what happened to our future selves?"

I blink my purple eyes a few times before I nod and reply, "Yes. If we had gone on that mission, I would've been killed after Gray-kun killed Frosch. But, then, Natsu-kun intervened, and took the job request himself. If it weren't for him... our futures would have definitely happened. I just couldn't bear to lose you like that, or Frosch."

Tears well up in my eyes at the thought.

"But it didn't happen, and Frosch is still here, and so are you."

I smile softly at my mate as I reply, "And I always will be here with you, even if I do go back to Fairy Tail."

I turn my head to smile at the crimson eyed male. He smiles back at me.

I ask, "By the way, Natsu-kun kept saying he'd protect me during the mission, just like he promised you. What was the promise?"

Rogue replies, "Just that he'd take over the job and give us all the Jewell, and that he needed you for the job, but he said he'd protect you no matter what and that I shouldn't worry about you. I'm not sure, but it might've had something to do with our future selves."

"Maybe," I murmur, thinking back to how terrified the Dragneel had sounded in the torture cell, right when Gomon was about to lop off my head. That had to be one of the reasons he was so terrified. "Natsu-kun... why did you...?" My thought trails off as I smile to myself.

"I was still worried when the idiot ran away with you," Rogue says, frowning. "How could I not?"

"Oh, Roguey. Natsu-kun protected me amazingly," I say, giggling at my mate's pouty expression. "You know he would never let any harm come to me, promise or not."

"I could've protected you just fine, since I am your mate, but I am glad that Natsu got here when he did," Says Rogue. I giggle again.

Rogue cups my left cheek in his hand, and my eyes flutter closed as we lean in. Our lips meet and we kiss deeply. I feel warmth and happiness spread through my body as we kiss, and Rogue grips my waist with his other hand to tug me closer to him, deepening the kiss.

When we pull back, Rogue lovingly caresses the dragon mate mark on the left side of my neck, making my skin tingle from his touch. "What will you do now, Hope-chan?" He asks, and I knew he's referring to my decision.

"I don't know. I really want to go home to Fairy Tail, but both you and Sting have done so much for us in the past year."

"It's fine, Hope-chan. Nobody is forcing you," He says gently.

I lean into Rogue and he wraps an arm around my waist, as I lean my head against his shoulder. Rogue gently pulls us down to lay on the bed, and I snuggle into his side, resting my head on his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around me.

"Let's just stay like this for awhile," I murmur, as I continue to think about my decision.

Around ten minutes later, Alec and I stand at the train station, after having our Sabertooth guild marks removed. Rogue and Sting are seeing us off. I'd had my guild mark removed as we'd decided to return to Fairy Tail. I gaze up at my mate, a soft smile on my lips.