The Cloud's Anchor

Secret's Out

A/N: I am so sorry that i haven't updated this story in so long. School reopened and I have been swamped with work. This story is also coming to an end so I am a bit reluctant to update. I don't want it to end!! I have got a few ideas for new stories but they will have to wait for a bit. In the meantime, please enjoy the latest chapter of The Cloud's Anchor.

P.S.- A huge thanks to all those who are reading this book and adding it to their lists and voting on it. I love you guys!

Disclaimer: Seriously, Khr! will never belong to me. Rights to the author, Akira-sensei.

Stella was surprised at how...affectionate Alaude was. He was usually so reserved and private that his advances to establish physical contact with her were refreshing. He would greet her with a kiss, hold her hand while they were walking, and kiss her on the forehead when they parted. He hugged her when he had to go somewhere and of course, ravished her whenever he got the chance to. She reciprocated, of course, every single time.

 Her displays of affection were more random. A chaste kiss when she came to collect her paperwork, a peck on the cheek when they went they separated, running her hands through his hair while he took a nap in her lap. They had already established their own rituals as a couple, one of them being him escorting her to her room at night, after dinner, and just holding her close, basking in each other's presence. Then she would pull away and smile, making his insides twirl around and disappear into her room.

This newly-found couple just had a little problem- no one else besides the two knew about the change in their relationship. The others had always given them their own space so when the two were doting on each other, nobody else would be present close to them. It was not that the duo was trying to hide it from their friends; they were just so busy. The recent attack had resulted in an influx of paperwork and the Guardians were battling with that. Meanwhile, the excitement of a new place had worn away and now the orphanage kids were back to their rowdy selves, resulting in Stella having none to little free time. The few hours she managed to get, thanks to the maids and the Guardians, were consumed by the Cloud Guardian.

The raven head sighed as she closed the door of Niel's bedroom. The eight-year old pant enthusiast had insisted on going on a walk alone in the woods to observe some plants, conveniently forgetting that the woods housed several dangerous beasts and none of the adults were free to take him there. It had taken several hours of negotiation but finally Stella had convinced to postpone his adventure for a few days.

Suddenly she bumped into someone, breaking her reverie, and a familiar hand came to cup her face. Gazing upwards she saw the twin blue orbs she adored filled with amusement.

"Are you preparing for a zombie apocalypse, Mon Cher?" he put an arm around the Light-Flame user to steady her and the girl snuggled into his chest.

"I won't even be able to make it to an apocalypse, too tired." she mumbled and hummed slightly as his other hand started stroking her hair. It was so very relaxing and the raven head yawned and closed her eyes. She whined when she was pulled away from the nice, warm chest and pouted at her lover.

"Dinner first, then you can go sleep," he promised and pulled her with him towards the staircase. On the way he asked a maid, nicely because one should never be disrespectful to the Vongola maids if they want to live, to set up the dinner and call the rest of the Guardians. As they walked Alaude glanced sideways to see that Stella was rubbing her eyes to wake herself up and the cute, child-like image of the Light flame user made him chuckle.

The duo entered the dining room and took their usual seat beside each other. Stella scooted her chair closer to the skylark and put her head on his shoulder. The blond did not seem at all surprised by this action and just closed his eyes to catch a few minutes of peace as well. Suddenly he opened his eyes, which had an edge of mischief to them, and leaned away, making the head on his shoulder float in the air without support. The owner of said head turned to see what was wrong but was greeted by his lips meeting hers in a kiss. Instantly awake she deepened the kiss, exploring his mouth leisurely. That addicting flavour of his- peppermint and coffee- invaded her senses and felt that she could never ever grow bored of kissing the man in front of her.

The two were so busy that they did not notice the door opening and seven figures entering the dining room (well one did but he could care less). A loud 'HHHIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!' broke the two apart and Stella turned to see the Guardians and Elena standing there, gaping at the scene. Knuckle had put his hand on Lampo's eyes and the young noble was trying to get it off.

The silence was broken by Elena squealing loudly.

"THE SHIP'S A SAILING!! ALAULLA BECAME CANON! ALL PRAISE THE LORD!"

Her fiancée looked smug and Asari just looked plain uncomfortable. Giotto still had his mouth open and G was smirking. Questions were fired rapidly at the new couple.

"Since when?"

 "How?" "Why?"

 "Are you pregnant?" were the major ones. Stella blushed at the last one, the colour deepening when the Cloud whispered in her ear, "We can make that happen."

Finally Stella grew irritated with the others, she just wanted to eat and sleep already. Suddenly the room lit with a thousand multi-coloured Flames, making the others shut up. Stella dissipated the illusion and barked at the others to sit down. The maids brought the food and the raven-head told them the whole story.

"You couldn't have told me before?" Elena looked hurt as she pouted at her wine glass.

"Sorry, El. I'll make it up to you at the sleepover." This seemed to satisfy the blond aristocrat as she happily resumed her meal.

The males at the table looked confused but unanimously decided to stay quiet. Women could be scary.

The meal over, the Vongola Guardians returned to their rooms or offices. Stella and Alaude stopped in front of the former's bedroom and like every night she embraced him, breathing in the scent of coffee and parchment, along with something that was so fundamentally Alaude.

"I don't want you to leave," she admitted as they parted. His fingers tucked her tresses behind her ear as he smirked.

"Your liberal thinking sometimes baffles me, Stella," the raven head stiffened at the sound of her name coming from his lips and the skylark frowned. Did she mot like it when he called her name? His question was answered when she said in a barely audible whisper, "Say it again."

So he did, and no sooner had the word left his mouth that her lips captured hers in a bruising kiss. It was slow, deeper and left Stella craving for more.

"I take it I have permission to call you by your name." he looked so very pleased with himself but Stella did not have any intention of reprimanding him, instead nuzzling her face into his neck.

"Absolutely, now leave before I end up returning the gesture."

"Oh you will be, soon, very loudly." She reddened and snapped her neck up too look at him. Backing away she stuttered, "Eh-I-what?"

Alaude smirked at her and leaned forward, making to kiss her. Automatically, she closed her eyes and waited. When he still didn't kiss her, she opened her eyes to find him staring at her face with a genuine smile on his face. She huffed and looked away but, fast as lightning, he grazed her cheek with his lips and leaned away.

"Sogni d'oro, Stella." With that he sauntered away leaving behind a very flustered and frustrated Light-flame user.

Sogni d'oro= Sweet Dreams