Lector Ships It! (A Sting x Yukino and Rogue x Minerva Fanfiction)

Chapter XII: Akane Resort

[Yukino]

They caught the first morning train to Akane Resort. Sting looked at the train in pure disgust and contempt. As soon as the train started moving, Sting became motion sick and keeled over in the seat. His face was tinted a sickly green.

Oh no! Yukino thought. Next time I'll try to get some medicine or something, though I doubt it'll work. In the meantime I can do this...

Yukino scooted over to Sting's side of the compartment, let him lean on her shoulder. She stroked his back, murmuring calming sentences as Sting was slightly less miserable. She was about to use magic to relieve him, when Sting slid down her shoulder and her head fell into her lap. He had fallen asleep so quickly.
Ah, he's so cute like this. Maybe I should just watch him breathe for a bit.

And so she did, watching he gentle rose and fall of his chest, until she fell asleep herself. Next thing she knew, five hours had passed and they were at Akane Beach.

"Sting! Wake up! We're here!" Yukino shook his shoulders gently. Sting didn't even move. He was out cold.
Hmmm... I'll do this then.

Yukino leaned in and kissed him on the forehead. As she predicted, Sting's eyes flew
open and he stared wide eyed at her.
"Wha-?!"

"Shh, just don't say anything. We've arrived." Yukino shushed him with her finger, as she could feel him getting ready to blabber on and on. Instead, she felt Sting reach for her hand. She didn't pull it away, and enjoying the texture of his palm on hers.

"We should go to check into the hotel." Yukino said, smiling up at Sting.

Sting sniffed the air when Yukino wasn't looking. Hmm, that's strange...but nevermind. It can't be.

*At the hotel*

A young woman greeted them at the reception desk.
"Hello, what may I do for you?"

"Hi, we have tickets for a one week stay at the resort. Our reservation should be under the name of Yukino Aguria or Sting Eucliffe." Yukino wondered how Rogue had even gotten the reservation now, since the place was busy at this time of year.

"I see your names here; can you please present your ID cards?"

After dealing with the credentials, they thanked the lady, and went up the stairs to the seventh floor where their room was.

When they used the room card to unlock the door, Yukino saw that there was something wrong. Terribly wrong.

There is only one bed! A singular queen sized bed! Sure, the couch would be fine, but still! Does that mean that Sting and I have to share it? I bet Rogue and Lector planned it...
Yukino was gawking at the bed when Sting also noticed and put his hand to his forehead.

"Damn you Rogue and Lector!!" Sting screamed.

Sting and Yukino both blushed profusely at the mere thought and agreed to settle this matter when they got back.

"Can you wait for me just a second?"

"Sure, Yuki..."

Yukino quickly went into the bathroom and stripped her coat off. Underneath, she had her date outfit on. It was a sleek, velvet fishtail dress, that had magical properties that made the fabric change color according to the wearer's mood. It was v-neck but not too showy. She changed her shoes to glittery dark blue heels, and put on a new rose ornament with pearls in her hair. It was perfect.

She stepped out gingerly, feeling very self conscious, as she saw Sting's jaw drop.

"You-you...look so beautiful!"
Sting less completely transfixed with her beauty. Her figure was absolutely amazing.

"Thank you... Now, let's go to lunch. I hear there's a great cafe on this street."

In the lobby, Yukino went over to ask if they could change to a room with two beds, but the lady said everything else was all taken. Well, I guess it's not the end of the world if we're not naked.

The coffee shop was simple but sweet, just for some refreshments, but Sting ate like crazy. I guess all dragon slayers do...

Sting suddenly stopped eating and got this look in his eye.

"Yukino." He said very seriously. "I need to tell you some important things."

"Go on, no need for such formality."
Hm, he's usually childish and carefree. What could possibly be on his mind? Right now he's acting like Rogue, which is certainly saying something.

"Listen, I just wanted to have you forgive me completely. I-I know that it has been a long time, and your scars would rather not be reopened, but I just need to tell you what I did back then was just as bad as what Jiemma did. Not standing up for you at the moment you needed me most is something that will be on my conscious forever. I just really hope that I can make it up to you by making the guild an even better place than it is now. I understand if you can't accept me and the past, I just wanted you to know another time, that I hope you can forgive me."

Yukino listened intently. She had absolutely no idea that he still harbored that grudge against himself. She had long even forgotten about him not interfering, and loved Sting without any regret.

"Sting. Don't ever think that again. I've never, ever, been mad at you for that! Not once! I simply just wished for change of Sabertooth while I was exiled. I truly harbor no hate or unforgiveness for you. Let it go, after all, time ticks forwards not backwards."

"Thank you... a huge burden has just been lifted off my shoulders."

Yukino leaned over from across the table.
Sting looked into her eyes. They were like the galaxy itself, full of stars and dreams and possibilities.

"Sting Eucliffe...I love you and I always have."
Yukino confessed.

"Take this as proof I have long forgiven you."

Without warning, she pulled him into a kiss, full on the lips. Sting's eyes dilated, and after a brief moment of hesitation he melted into the kiss. It was endearing and passionate, and Sting was so glad the one to give him his first kiss was Yukino. Her lips tasted like strawberry, with a hint of vanilla. They finally broke apart, both gasping for oxygen. She looked down and saw that her dress had turned a pleasant magenta.

An elderly couple from the nearby table quietly commented to them: "Aww, you guys are so cute! How long have you been dating?"

Yukino and Sting exchanged a look.
"Since now." They said together and blushed.

"Young love, am I right?" The old man said teasingly to Sting.

"Good luck being together!" The elderly woman said to Yukino.

"Yeah..."

The elderly couple said goodbye and left. Yukino watched them leave, holding hands casually, even when old. I wonder if Sting and I will spend our days like that someday.
She looked up and read the sign of the coffee shop. The name was Lotus Cafe. She would remember this place forever, as her and Sting's special place.

"So to be official, Yukino Agria, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Yes! Of course I will Sting!"

They sat in comfortable silence, looking into each other's eyes, saying the things that cannot be said with words.

Out of the blue, she heard Sting growl. "I was right...dammit! I guess a dragon slayers' sense of smell never lies." He muttered under his breath.

"Sting? What's wrong?"

"A battle may start soon."

"What?!"

"ROGUE, GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!! YOU TOO LECTOR!"