A Train Ride Home

Memories Part 2 Chapter 4

"W-what?"

"I win," the blonde said, grinning cheekily.

"But... But... You just..." Rogue stumbled over his words, still trying to piece everything together.

"Kissed you?" He nodded.

The other shrugged. "I guess I just wanted to."

"But," he was at a loss for words. "You don't like me like that, do you?"

Another shrug. "I've wanted to do that for a while, and I'd like to do it again sometime."

The shadow dragonslayer turned bright red, causing the Sting to laugh.

"You're cute when you blush."

"I am not," the raven haired one protested.

"If you weren't I wouldn't have kissed you all those years ago." More blushing.

"So what does this mean for us?" Rogue asked cautiously.

"It means," he answered, grabbing his partner's hand. "That I like kissing you, and we'll just have to see."

Looking into those sky blue eyes, Rogue cape to the conclusion that was enough for him. To hold Sting, to call him his own, was more than enough for him.

-

"Mmmm, what are you thinking about?" the blonde asked, coming up from behind and wrapping his arms around the other's waist.

"Just us."

"What about us?" Rogue blushed a deep shade of scarlet.

"Nothing," he muttered, refusing to meet his partner's gaze.

"Reminiscing?"

"Maybe a bit."

"Me too," the white dragonslayer said, letting his arms fall back to his sides as he brushed past Rogue and off the train. The shadow mage followed with a sigh, secretly wishing the blonde's arms had stayed around him just a little longer. The pair still lingered in the awkward in-between; more than partners but not quite lovers. Their love for one another was apparent behind closed doors, but limited in the public sphere. The train ride had been quite the deviation from the norm, not that Rogue was complaining. He followed Sting down the platform and out the doors, just close enough to let their hands brush as they walked. As they turned onto the dirt road back to the guild, the shadow dragonslayer felt a warm hand slip into his own. Their fingers intertwined, returning to each other once more. Time stopped all together as Sting leaned over, his lips brushing Rogue's softly. Startled, the shadow dragonslayer started to pull away, only to have the blonde pull him closer.

"But the guild–" he started to mutter, but was quickly silenced. Sting's lips were soft against his own, only entrancing him further. The kiss was all too short, and they were on their way soon enough. Approaching the guild, Rogue pulled away, detaching himself from his partner once more. It was their little secret after all. Before he could stray too far, Sting's hand brushed against Rogue's, intertwining their pinkies. The shadow dragonslayer flushed bright red, but made no move to release his hand. Attached, if only by a finger, they made their way through the guild. Maybe, just maybe, Rogue could get used to that.