Chapter Dedicated to MoonstoneAlchemist, SissiT927, Stella_Villiana, Illuminated_Moon, Crystalmy188, Tsubaki_Uzamaki, _sweat_tea_ and XxAnnaDragneeLxX ! Hope you guys like this chapter :)

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Time Skip - 3 Hours Later!~

Cynthia's POV

"Hey minna-san! I'm ba-ack?" I arched an eyebrow to see the guild with less people than usual.

"Oh hey Cynthia! Okaeri nasai!" I heard Mira from the counter, wiping a glass cup dry.

"Hey Mira-san, thanks! Um... Where's... everyone?" I asked as I took a seat on the stool in front of her, gazing throughout the guild hall.

"They all went on jobs, well most of them..."

"That's why I couldn't hear any shouting or explosions from outside the guild." I chuckled.

"Yeah... but you have a little job for yourself as well." she smiled.

"I do? By who?"

"They'll be here at any moment."

"Alright then... can you whip me up the usual Mira-san? Onegai!"

"For sure! Be right back." she smiled as she started to make my usual shake.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of small arms hugging my leg. Curious as to know who it is, I looked down to see that it was little Asuka. I smiled at her cuteness.

"Hey Asuka-chan! How are you?" I said, picking her up onto my lap.

"I've missed you Cynthia-nee!" she chirped and hugged me around my neck.

"I've missed you too!" I chuckled and gave a small squeeze.

"Cynthia-chan!" I heard a familiar voice to pipe up. Turning my head towards the source, I saw Alzack and Bisca walking towards us with smiles on their faces.

"Hey there, Alzack-san! Bisca-san!" I waved, still with little Asuka in my arms.

"Mama! Papa!" she cheered.

"There you are... Cynthia-chan! We've been looking for you." Bisca said.

"Looking for me?" I asked curiously.

"Didn't Mira tell you that we were going to talk to you?" Alzack smiled.

"She did...?" I thought about it, and remembered that I had a certain little job. But I wouldn't be able to see who it was until later. Guess that was them. "Oh yeah! I remember, eh he... gomen." I scratched my cheek nervously, making them to sweat drop. "So, what sort of job is it, that you want me to do?"

"Well... me and Bisca are going out on a mission and since everyone is mostly out on jobs, we wanted someone to take care of Asuka for us while we're away. Mira can't watch over her, since she's busy with some chores, Master has to do paperwork and meet up with the council later... and the others..." Alzack nervously said.

"That is, if you don't mind, is that alright with you? Your not busy, right?" Bisca interjected.

"Of course I can! I don't mind at all! Asuka-chan is my favorite little girl to babysit!" I smiled.

"Really? Thank you so much! I knew we could count on you!" Bisca beamed.

"You be a good girl to Cynthia-chan, alright?" Alzack said as he came over to pick up Asuka in his arms and kissed her on the cheek.

"I will Papa! I promise to not give Cynthia-nee a hard time!" she giggled, hugging him tightly and lovingly to her father.

"We'll come right back." Bisca mentioned and kissed her daughter's cheek as well, then Alzack placed her down on the ground.

"See you later, Mama! Papa!" Little Asuka waved.

"We leave her in your hands Cynthia-chan! See you two later!" Bisca waved, as she grabbed onto Alzack's hand and walked out of the guild. I gazed down to see little Asuka who had a cute smile on her face.

"So what do you want to do, Asuka-chan?" I beamed, carrying her onto the other stool beside me.

"Can we have a yummy cake?!" she said excitedly, making me to laugh.

"Of course you can!"

"Here's your milkshake Cynthia! Oh, hi there Asuka-chan! I'm guessing your job already started. Cynthia?" Mira asked, as she handed my drink and waved at the little one.

"Hi! Can I have cake, please?" she pleaded, making the both of us to laugh.

"Yeah, it's already been started! What kind do you want?" I asked Asuka and smiled at Mira who was waiting patiently for Asuka to answer.

"Mhm... strawberry!" she squealed.

"Strawberry it is!" Mira chuckled as she left again to grab some cake.

"Me too please!" I chimed.

"Alright! Two strawberry cakes, coming right up!"

"A-Ano... Cynthia-nee?" Asuka tugged on my shirt gently.

"What is it Asuka?"

"Can we go to the park later?" her eyes twinkling in hope.

"For sure! After we eat cake okay?"

"Yay! Arigato! You're the best!" she jumped happily in her seat, making me to smile lovingly at her.

"Careful! You don't want to fall off, now do you?"

"No... sorry." she said sadly.

"It's okay, just be careful. Then maybe we get you something from the toy shop?" I chirped.

"Really?!"

"Really."

"Okay!" she beamed as Mira came in to place our cakes in front of us.

"Thank you!" Asuka and I beamed in unison, our eyes twinkling at the slice of cake in front of us.

"You two are so cute!" Mira clapped her hands in awe.

"M-Mira-san!" I blushed at her remark.

"I should take a photo of this!" she beamed and ran to the back. I assume to grab a camera?

"Geez... anyways. Asuka! It's time to dig in!" I cheered.

"Okay! Itadakimasu!" she prayed and started to scoop up a piece and ate it. "Oishi!" she stared in awe and continued on eating.

"I'm glad you do! This is Erza-san's favorite!" I said, taking a bite of the cake.

"What's your favorite?" she asked, before taking another bite.

"Well... I have a lot of favorites! I honestly don't know my most favorite. I just love sweets!" I chuckled.

"Me too! But I really like this cake!" she chirped.

"Okay you two! Say cheese!" I heard a happy voice not too far from us.

"Cheese!" Asuka and I grinned with our cakes stuffed in our mouths.

"That was so cute! This will be in the Fairy Tail memory book!" she laughed, looking into the camera that she took a photo of me and Asuka.

"That would be good! For great memories to remember.." I sighed, remembering about the picture of Sting, Lector and I, that was sitting in his picture frame in his room.

"Is something wrong?" Mira asked worriedly and noticed Asuka to place her small hand on mine.

"It's fine! Nothing to worry about." I smiled.

"Alright... you know, you can always talk to me if there's something on your mind." Mira suggested.

"Thanks Mira-san! I'll remember that. Asuka-chan are you done eating your cake?" I asked.

"Hai! Can we go to the park now?" she beamed as I gently lifted her off from the stool and onto the floor to let her stand.

"Yes we can! Let's go!"

"Yay!~" she cheered and grabbed my hand in hers.

"Asuka-chan! Your lucky to have a day with big sister!" Mira smiled softly.

"Yeah! I'm happy!" she smiled.

"Thanks Mira-san! I owe you!"

"It's no problem! You two be safe and have fun now!" she waved as we left the guild hall.

--

"Higher, Cynthia-nee! Higher!" Asuka giggled as I was pushing her on the swing.

"Okay! Hold on tight!" I laughed and pushed her even more, but made sure that she wouldn't fall off. The two of us were laughing, having fun and hanging at the park. I felt like a real mother, since I had to watch over Asuka and have this type of mother instinct. Sometimes I have these memories of remembering my mother bringing me to the park and always holding her hand. I missed her and my father so much. But I couldn't bring myself down to think about it. It was all in the past and I knew that my parents wouldn't want me to be upset. Sighing, I felt a small poke on my side and gazed to see Asuka who looked worried. I didn't even notice that I've stopped pushing her on the swing.

"Cynthia-nee? Are you okay?" she softly asked.

"Mhm... I'm fine. Don't worry! Thank you Asuka for worrying." I smiled and gave a small hug.

"Then... can we go get some ice cream?!" she smiled.

"Ice cream?! But we just had cake earlier... you might get a tummy ache..."

"Please... Cynthia-nee!" she pleaded, making her puppy eyes. I trembled at the sight, who could say no to that adorable face?! She reminds me of myself when I was young. "Alright.. just this once! Just a small one, okay?" I sighed in defeat as she grabbed my hand and started to run.

"Hai!"

"Asuka-chan! Slow down or else you might hurt yourself!" I grumbled, trying to hold onto her hand tightly so she wouldn't trip. But to my avail, we somehow accidentally let get of each others hands and she fell forward to fall face flat on the ground.

"Asuka-chan!", I yelled, running over to her to crouch down and pick her up.

"Cynthia-nee... I-I'm sorry!" she cried and hugged me tightly, making me to hug her back for comfort.

"That's okay, just don't run off too fast next time. Are you hurt anywhere?" I asked, slowly pushing her off from my grasp. She shook her head as a no and placed a small hand on her head, hoping that she still had her hat on, but she didn't.

"My... My hat!" she said sadly, tears slowly coming out from the corner of her eyes, as I wiped off the dirt from her clothes.

"We'll find it! Don't worry!" I chirped and took her hand in mine as I stood up.

"We will?" Asuka sniffed, using her free hand to wipe off her tears. Smiling down at her, I bent down on one knee and wipe the tears off from her face.

"I promise. We'll find it!" I smiled and kissed her forehead.

"Hai! Arigato Cynthia-nee!" making me to giggle.

Before I could even move, we both heard a voice to peer over to us nearby. "Are you looking for this?" Making me and Asuka to look up to see four familiar faces. "W-What are you guys doing here?!" I gasped, my heart beating rapidly.

"Cynthia-nee... you know them?" Asuka tightened her grip on my hand.

"I do. They're from Sabertooth, remember from the games?" I softly said as I got up from my place. "That's Sting-kun, Rogue-kun, Lector and Frosch." I chirped, giving a wave to the four.

"Cynthia!" Frosch wailed, running up to me and hugged my ankle. I gave a small chuckle and bent down to pat her head.

"It's nice to see you too, Frosch."

"Fro thinks so, to!"

"Asuka, you wanna pet her?" I gazed over to Asuka who look slightly afraid of the Sabertooth members. I wouldn't blame her, they were our enemy before... but that all changed now. They've changed. "It's okay. They're good now." I smiled, making her to nod and started hugging Frosch which she said that the exceed was cute. I chuckled at the sight but was stopped to feel a pair of eyes staring at me.

"Hey guys!" I waved and walked over to them.

"I think this belongs to the little one." Sting said, giving me the hat.

"Thanks! We were just about to find it, but luckily you did!" I grinned and motioned Asuka to come over to me which she did. "Here's your hat, Asuka-chan!" I beamed and placed the hat ontop of her head.

"Arigato Cynthia-nee! and um... Sting-nii, Rogue-nii!" she smiled. I looked to see the twin dragon slayers to look at her in shock, and blushed at her sudden outburst making me to giggle.

"You're welcome..." Rogue muttered shyly and averted his gaze.

"What he said... it's no problem." Sting chuckled.

"Hey there Lector!" I grinned and patted his head.

"Cynthia-chan! I haven't seen you since this morning. You left so early." he wailed, making Sting to stiffen and Rogue to smirk.

"Rogue, wipe that face off." Sting glared making the Shadow Dragon Slayer to smirk even wider. I blushed at the sudden topic and thankfully I was tugged by Asuka.

"Can we now get our ice cream Cynthia-nee?" she pouted.

"Of course! Let's go! and well uh... do you guys wanna come? It's on me." I smiled towards the Sabertooth members to nodded as a yes.

Few minutes later, we arrive at the ice cream stand and ordered our icecreams. "What would you like Asuka-chan?" I asked, kneeling down to face her.

"Can I have... strawberry and vanilla?" she beamed, making me to chuckle.

"Of course you can. But only a little bit okay?"

"Hai! Thank you!"

"No problem. Excuse me me sir, can I have a small strawberry and vanilla swirl in a cone please? Oh and a cookies n' cream as well in a cup!" I said to the icecream man who smiled. "Of course! Anything else?" he asked while getting the order. I looked back to see the four Sabertooth members who held grins on their faces. "What do you guys want? Just tell the guy." I chirped.

"Can I get a vanilla cone?" Rogue asked.

"Fro wants the same as Rogue!" Frosch cheered.

"I'll have a blue popsicle." Sting said.

"I'll get chocolate please!" says Lector.

"Alright... your total comes to... 650 jewel." the icecream man said while handing out our icecreams. Before I could even hand him some jewel, an arm shot out and seemingly paid the for the ice cream. I froze and turned to see Sting who gave a toothy grin. "Sting-kun!" I exaggerated.

"What? It's cheap so I paid for it already."

"Of course it's cheap. That's why I offered to pay!"

"No way. This is a token of my thank you for the cooking..." he muttered.

"Thank you Sting-nii!" Asuka chirped, before taking a lick on her ice cream.

"No problem!" he beamed.

"T-Thanks... Now that you mention it.. I never got the reward." I said, arching my eyebrow.

"You didn't pay her yet?!" Rogue and Lector said in sync, making him to gulp thickly. "Well I uh..."

"It's fine. It was worth it anyways. I like to help out, so no worries. Although... Master might be upset about it." I shook in fear.

"Master always wants the jewel!" Asuka spoke up and I quickly placed my hand over her mouth. I chuckled nervously and sweatdropped at the members of Sabertooth had anxious looks on their faces.

"A-Asuka-chan!" I sweatdropped.

"What is it, Cynthia-nee? It's true!" she giggled through my hand.

"Never knew..." Sting smirked.

"Sounds greedy to me." Rogue grumbled as he took a lick on his ice cream.

"Right?" Lector added.

"Fro thinks so, to!"

"Let's all go sit down and finish our ice creams." I nonchalantly said and walked toward the park we were at before.

"Keep the change!" I heard Sting to say. Assuming that it was the ice cream man who looked at us stunned. The Sabertooth members were behind me and Asuka while we still ate our icecreams.

"There's a bench over there!" Asuka pointed.

"Good eye Asuka-chan! Lead the way!" I smiled.

"Hai! Follow the leader!~" she sing songed.

"That's right guys! Follow Asuka-chan!" I laughed, following her behind and took a seat on the bench, soon along with the others. Asuka was the one on the edge, I was next to her, then Sting on my left and Rogue beside him. The two exceeds were sitting in front of us on the ground, eating their icecreams happily away.

"So.. you never told me why you guys were here." I piped up a conversation.

"We have a break today so we decided to wander." Rogue said, finishing his cone.

"Remember how the Magic Council came at the guild today?" Sting asked me, making me to nod. "Yeah.. what of it?"

"I finished the paperwork so I have free time! I might as well explore!" he grinned, while the Popsicle stick was sticking out from his mouth.

"Don't you guys have motion sickness if you took the train? It would take hours to get here by walking..."

"Err... we do..." Sting started.

"We walked instead." Rogue chuckled.

"Wow..." I huffed, finishing the last bit of my ice cream.

"Cynthia-nee! can we go to the toy store?!" Asuka jumped out from her seat.

"Of course! Is everyone done icecream?"

"Yeah." the three answered.

"Fro thinks so, too!" Frosch smiled, being her hands behind her back.

"Alright. Let's go!" I marched towards the direction of the toy shop.

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Time Skip ~ 1 Hour Later.

"If I win, you have to obey my command!" Asuka grinned at Sting.

"And if I win?" Sting raised an eyebrow at Asuka.

"Then... you have to battle Cynthia-nee!" she smirked.

"Eh?! M'kay! Your on!" Sting smirked, which I sweat dropped.

We just finished shopping at the toy store and I bought Asuka a new toy gun who was pretty pleased with it. I was in shock and annoyed that even the twin Dragon Slayers, were amazed with the toys. Especially the figurines and stuff toys of Dragons. For Frosch, she was amazed and distracted by a frog toy and Lector wanted to have the vests on a few figures. They can be such kids. But it was pretty interesting and funny to watch.

"He'd better not overdo it." I heard Rogue to say beside me.

"If he does, you can beat his ass for me." I nonchalantly said, my gaze towards Sting and Asuka who were getting ready to have a shooting game. Since Asuka had a toy gun that I bought her, Sting had to use his magic but made sure that they were small laser beams.

"On your marks... get set... go!" Lector shouted, making the two competitors to challenge and shoot the most targets on a piece of paper, hanging on a tree trunk.

"Sting-kun can do it! Good luck Asuka-chan!" Lector cheered happily.

"Fro thinks Sting and Asuka will both win!" she danced.

We watched the two to shoot and it seemed that Asuka got the most targets, while Sting was falling behind. Did he really lose his game and do it on purpose? I arched an eyebrow and noticed that Rogue held a smile on his face. Wondering what he was smiling about,I stared back to see the two and noticed that Sting was actually purposely falling behind, making Asuka to win.

I felt my heart to skip a beat. He wanted her to win. We all knew that he would win in reality since he did have more experience and he is a strong mage. But since Asuka was younger and a kid, he wanted her to feel good about herself. He didn't want to be his usual ego self before and actually was thoughtful of Asuka. Not that he wasn't but before, drng the games he was a jerk. Now he's a softie. That was really sweet of him. I smiled in my thoughts. Sting would be a great father. 'Wait... did just say that?! Geez, what's coming over me?! It's... not like we're together or get married.... but it does seem nice...to marry the person you love.' I blushed at the thought.

"I win, I win!" Asuka jumped in joy, making Sting to sigh dramatically.

"Wow... you're really bad at aiming." Rogue commented and saw an irk mark to appear on Sting's head.

"Can't believe that Sting-kun lost!" Lector said in shock. A fake shock, to make it look like it was real for Asuka.

"Fro thinks so, to!"

"Sting Eucliffe got beaten by a girl!" I laughed.

"Cee-chan!" he sighed in frustration but later smiled.

"I lost! Oh man... what would you like me to do Asuka-chan?" Sting fakely groaned towards Asuka.

"You're the pig! So you have to run away and I have to capture you" she laughed.

"W-What?!"

"You said you would do it.." Asuka urged, her eyes getting glassy. He gave a troubled looked on his face and stared at us for help. But instead, we all gave him glares which he sweat dropped in fear.

"Don't make her cry." Lector stated with a straight face.

"Fro thinks so, to."

"You better do it." Rogue added in.

"Sting-kun... you wouldn't want her to be upset." I sighed.

"Okay...I got it." Sting huffed in defeat.

"Yay! And since you're a pig... I want you to say oink oink!", making me and Rogue to stifle a laughter, while Lector sweat dropped and Frosch was being distracted by a flower.

"Fine..." Sting said, getting down on all fours, imitating a pig.

"Oink oink?"

"Now run before I get you!" Asuka charged at him, and he ran... well dragged himself away from her. Pretending to be afraid, but not forgetting to say the pig sounds.

"This is funny and interesting to watch." Rogue brought a thumb to his lips, his chest vibrating in slight laughter.

"It's cute." I grinned.

"You like him, don't you?" His question caught me off guard and stared at him wide eyed. "Your face says it all." he noted, making me to blush.

"N-No I don't!" I stammered, averting my gaze.

"It's okay Cee-chan... we all know."

"W-Who knows?" I squeaked.

"Almost everyone and you said you like him." Rogue held a smug grin.

"I did not say that!"

"But you asked me about who knows about you liking him." he sneered making me to blush a deep red.

"Sh-Shut up!" I uttered.

"Don't worry. I won't tell him."

"You better not, Rogue-kun."

"Oh I will... maybe." he laughed, as I face palmed myself.

-----

Sting's POV

I lost my bet in the battle to Asuka, but only on purpose. I didn't want her to cry or feel bad. I wanted to make her smile and feel good about herself on winning. Who would want to make a child cry? Who ever would... are idiots. I had to pretend to be a pig while Asuka chases me and 'kills' me. This was pretty embarrassing to me... afterall I am the Master of Sabertooth. How did I end up like this? Oh well, I didn't mind anymore. I didn't want to disappoint either Cynthia or Asuka. It was actually fun playing with her... she is the first kid that I played with, despite of my horrible socializing.

Still crawling away on all fours from the little Asuka, I could faintly hear a laugh from a familiar someone. Bringing my gaze towards the source of the voice, it was Rogue who was talking to Cynthia who soon laughed at her shy face. I felt a pang of jealousy in my heart.

Why was he laughing at her? He looked like she was being bothered by something, but what? I wanted to get up there and held her tightly in my arms. To kiss her soft lips, feeling her skin against mine and laugh with her. My dragon instincts are starting to crave within me, letting a growl escape from my mouth.

"Pig's don't growl! They say oink, oink!" a little voice peered beside. I jerked a little to forget that I was still playing with Asuka who gave a frown. "Ah... gomen! I mean, oink oink!" I sweatdropped and started crawling away again from her. I felt a stare and slightly turned to see Cynthia who looked over to me worriedly, a fist near her chest. I blinked and gave a smile to reassure her. I didn't want her to worry, I wanted her to smile. I gasped in surprise as I felt a light weight being pounced on my back to see Asuka, who wrapped her arms around my neck and grinned.

"I caught you! You're dead meat!" she laughed, making me to chuckle.

"Oh man... I lost to the great Asuka!" I dramatically said and lifted myself up the ground slowly to make sure that she wouldn't fall off.

"Cynthia-nee! I won!" she called over to Cynthia who laughed. My heart fluttered at her soft features, her melodious laugh ringing through my ears. She was just perfect.

"I can see that Asuka-chan! Good job!" Cynthia waved as I held onto Asuka's legs, who was still clinging onto my back.

"You lost again Sting." Rogue muttered with a sly grin.

"Shut it..." I snorted.

"Don't be shy of losing to a girl, Sting. We understand."

"I am not shy! Shut your trap!"

"Hai Hai... " we both turned to see Cynthia who clapped her hands to interrupt us. "No more fighting kids. We don't want to upset Asuka-chan, now do we?"

"N-No..." Rogue and I muttered under our breaths.

"Fro thinks so, to!" we heard Frosch to speak up while Lector grunted.

"Good. What else would you want Sting-kun to do for you, Asuka-chan?"

"Cee-chan!" I whined like a little kid, but received a glare from her making me to shake in fear.

"Hm... I want Sting-nii to... run around the whole town!" I heard her to squeal behind me. My eyes went huge and I stiffened, why do I have to run around the whole town? I noticed to see Rogue grinning. Asshole. He seems to be enjoying this. I looked over to Cynthia gave gave a nervous smile, feeling worried about me and Lector and Frosch who were just smiling. I gave a sweatdrop and grabbed Asuka from my back to place her gently on the ground.

"Just one lap, right?" I asked Asuka, arching an eyebrow and she nodded.

"Here I go..." I sighed and started to jog. From a distance I can hear Rogue to chuckle. Damn him. I'll kick his ass!

After 20 minutes running around town in a full circle, I came back to see the sun setting down. My lungs lacked oxygen, it started to slightly burn. My body heated up, I was sweaty but not too sweaty. I mean, this wasn't too bad of a run for me to handle. But this town was huge! Even bigger than ours! I panted, gasping for air and jogged over to the group who were sitting under a tree, waiting for my arrival. Asuka's requests will be the death of me.

"Took you long enough." Rogue groaned in irritation.

"Sh-Shut... up." I hollered, gasping for breath after my run.

"Yay!~ Sting-nii is so cool!" I heard little Asuka to cheer for me.

"Thanks Asuka-chan! Took me awhile but I made it." I smiled and patted her head.

"Tired?" I heard her soft voice.

"You could say that... Just a little. Nothing to whine about." I smirked towards her and she chuckled.

"Here, you need." she passed a bottle of cold water to me.

"Thanks!" I said, taking the bottle and took a gulp, feeling the cold liquid down my throat.

"You're welcome. It's almost getting late and we should start heading back to the guild, Asuka-chan." Cynthia sighed. Why did she sigh? Did she wanted to stay longer? Or she didn't want to go back yet? Many question were popping in my mind, finding a solution.

"Awww... Okay! Let's go Cynthia-nee! But..." Asuka mumbled lightly.

"But?" says Cynthia curiously. Asuka turned to face me and place a huge grin on her face. Here we go again.

"I want you to... give me a piggy back ride home!" she giggled.

"Alright!" I said, lowering myself for Asuka to climb on my back.

"Get on Asuka-chan! Careful though and hang on tight so you won't fall."

"Hai! Sting-nii!" she said and carefully got on just fine. This should be a piece of cake. Carrying her on my back was like lifting a feather. "Let's head back to Fairy Tail!" she pointed into the direction of their guild.

"Okay! Hold on!" I said.

"Wait!" she shouted, making me to stop in tracks. Rogue, Cynthia, Lector and Frosch were confused and stared at her in confusion. I cocked an eyebrow and turned my head a little, to face Asuka.

"What's wrong Asuka-chan?" I asked.

We all looked to see that she turned her gaze towards Cynthia and then towards me. I wonder what's up with the little one? I hope it's something good. I felt a few sweat beads to form on my face. I didn't know that I was nervous to hear her answer!

"Asuka-chan?" Cynthia slowly spoke up and walked towards us.

"I want you and Sting-nii to hold hands!"

"H-Hold hands?!" Cynthia and I blurted in unison, making everyone to either smirk or smile.

"Yeah! Hold hands now! All the way back home!" she giggled. I kept quiet, not wanting to force Cynthia to do it, if she didn't want to. As much as I wanted to, I can't force something to do something that they don't like. But at the same time, I don't want to upset little Asuka or make her cry. I stared towards Cynthia who was watching us intently, her purple eyes were reading my very soul. I could get lost in her eyes. They were beautiful.

"I-I...guess we should do it... and I don't mind." Cynthia blushed as she went up to grab my hand. My eyes went as wide as dinner plates to her answer. She didn't mind?! Does that mean she likes me? I felt my heart to skip a beat, my insides were clenching tightly, I felt my blood to heat up in sheer excitement. In happiness. I intertwined our hand and gave a squeeze. It's not like we haven't held hands before. I missed her smooth and tiny hands in mine. Our hands fitted perfectly. I gave a small blush and we both averted our gazes.

"This is interesting." I heard a voice spoke up and it was none other than Rogue and his annoying comments. I rolled my eyes only to make him smirk.

"Fro thinks they're cute together!"

"I do too Frosch.They look like a married couple!" Lector to grin. This made me and Cynthia to deepen our blush.

"Now that you mention it... it does look like it. Looks like Asuka is their daughter, even though they don't have the genes." Rogue chuckled. I noticed Cynthia's face to grow a bright red. She's so cute when she's embarrassed and shy. I chuckled at the sight, and she seemed to hear me, making her to stared down at the ground. Probably to avoid her gaze from me and the others. So shy.

"Let's go!" Asuka chirped while placing her hands on my hair, playing with it.

"Alright, let's go!" I smiled, starting to walk down the path with Asuka clinging onto my back and Cynthia's hand in mine. Meanwhile, the other three were following us behind giving these evil grins, making me to shiver and sweat drop. Mostly it was coming from Rogue and Lector. As for Frosch.... let's just say that he would always smile.

Did we really look like a married couple? I really liked the thought of it. Thinking about me being married and having a wife by my side... I would like to start my own family soon... hopefully with Cynthia, of whom I love so much. Even if she doesn't know that yet, I will tell her soon.

Watching her to take care of Asuka earlier, it made me to feel warm on the inside. I could tell that she deeply loved the little girl to pieces. She looked like a real mother. She would be an amazing mother, as a matter of fact. She can cook and bake incredible food that I've tasted at the Sabertooth party, she can clean and organize a lot of things, strong-willed, cares deeply for others. She's got the whole package.

It was a little early for me to think of marriage but, possibly in the near future.I would most likely make her mine, tomorrow. I will make sure of it. She is the only woman I would love, she stole my heart.

I've fallen hard for her. My one and only Cynthia.

---

Cynthia's POV

Sting's and my hand were still intertwined while we were only a few minutes away from the guild. This was slightly embarrassing but found it cute at the same time. Even if me and Sting held hands before, I still find it slightly embarrassing.. it's not like we're together anyways. Only as best friends. After what Rogue said that we look like a married couple, many ideas popped into mind. I knew that my blush deepened in color, my tummy had the fits of butterflies and my heart to beat rapidly. Damn this shyness!

The sun was setting and it felt peaceful. I breathed in the air as we walked a little bit closer to the guild. I felt at peace. I hope everything stayed like this. But I still felt missing the few pieces in my heart. And I knew exactly what it was.

"We're here!~" Asuka sing songed, breaking my thoughts to stare up at the guild base before placing a smile on my face. I felt someone to stare at me and saw that it was Sting who smiled gently at me. His eyes were filled with kindness, admired and like he was drawn towards me. I blushed at his gaze and gave out a nervous laugh.

"I-I think this is where we have to part ways..." I felt a twinge of pain in my heart.

"Huh? Oh.. y-yeah..." Sting murmured, his voice was sulky. He gently placed Asuka down on the ground, letting her to stand.

"Arigato Sting-nii!" she hugged his leg, making Sting to be taken back but held a smile. I watched as he bent down to face her and gave her a big bear hug, whispering something in her ear. Probably saying you're welcome? 'This was so adorable! I wish I had a camera to take a picture of this. He would be such a great father.. What am I saying?! That was too early for me to say something like that. But he does look like a father figure to Asuka... it was mildly cute. A family to have of my own, huh? Wonder who would be my husband in the future? Wait.. let's not think about this right now! Stop it Cynthia!' I mentally groaned trying to take these thoughts away.

I continued to watch as Asuka was unwrapped in Sting's embrace and ran over to Rogue to give him a hug on the leg as well. He stiffened at her touch, but he slowly went to pat her head awkwardly. I can see a small smile to tug at his lips. Guess he wasn't use to the kindness from a little kid. I gave a light chuckle. Then she went over to the two exceeds giving them hugs ad kisses on the cheeks. Lector was blushing and Frosch giggled.

"Cynthia-nee!" Asuka ran over to me and clutched on my hand.

"What is it Asuka-chan""I have one more request for Sting-nii!" she beamed.

"What would that be?" I arched an eyebrow.

"I want you two to kiss! Kiss now!" she demanded.

"W-What...?!" I squeaked. I froze to hear her words ringing in my head. Did I just hear that right?! Little innocent Asuka wanted me and Sting to kiss in front of her? Not to mention, in front of Rogue, Lector and Frosch?! Where did she get that idea! Kids can be so... frightening sometimes. I shuddered at the thought. Not in disgust but in sheer excitement and like I really wanted to kiss him. I just don't know how he really felt about me. I am a little confused, if he only liked me as a best friend or not.

Even so, I was intrigued on feeling his lips pressing against mine. Although we 'kissed' before when I was cooking and tripped on Sting. Our lips barely moved in sync, instead it just stayed there, lying on top. I wanted there to be movement, but I was in shock when we crashed into each other all of a sudden. He was shocked as well, his eyes said it all.

"Sting-nii! Kiss Cynthia-nee!" she said with a pout.

"I think you should do it. You don't want to make her upset." I heard the familiar words from Rogue who crossed his arms and watched us with a huge smirk. I felt a blush to rise on my cheeks once more, and I was so stiff. I couldn't even move, I even averted my gaze from everyone.

"Aren't those words familiar to a someone...?" Lector smirked.

"Fro thinks so, to!"

"W-Why ask so suddenly?" Sting stammered.

"Cause Mama and Papa kiss! So you two should kiss too!"

"B-But... we're not a Mama and Papa, Asuka-chan." I said this time, forcing myself to face her.

"Sting-nii said he would do anything I tell him too.." her eyes getting glassy. I stiffened once more. I didn't want to make her cry. I didn't want to be the bad guy here. What would Bisca and Alzack say if Asuka told them that?! I didn't want them to think badly, nor did I want Asuka to get in trouble. I watched as Sting kneeled down to face her and lifted a hand on her shoulder.

"Asuka-chan... you can't force someone to do something they don't want to do." he said softly. He was so kind to her, but something bothered me when I saw his other hand to clench into a fist, then unclenched it. Was it bothering him so much? He looked pained but tried to hide it in front of Asuka.

"You promised our bet though..." she pouted, staring towards the ground. I felt my heart to quicken up in place.

"Err... maybe next time. Just not now...?" he nervously laughed, a sweat drop appeared and got up to stand.

"M'kay..." she said sadly. My heart just dropped to see her so upset. I could never bring myself to make a kid cry. Unless they are really bad and snotty kids. Asuka is my favorite girl! I loved her to bits and pieces, she's like my own little sister I love. All of a sudden, I heard a light sob coming from her. I looked down to see her small hands into fists, she bit her bottom lip, tears coming out from her eyes sliding down onto her cheeks. Then onto the dirt to leave the wet drops visible.

I sighed and forced to myself into what I getting into. Might as well do something to cheer her up. I've lost my memories when I was young meeting Sting and them. I wouldn't want a child to go through the same accident as me. I would never allow that. I'll make sure that Asuka has memories that will brighten up her mood. Ones where she can cherish and remember her childhood. I took a few steps and groaned in my thoughts as to what I was about to do. I hope I don't regret it.

"Asuka-chan!" I said, as she lifted up her sobbing face.

I stood in front of Sting who had a confused look on his face and arched an eyebrow at me. I sighed as a blush came over my face. I went on my tippy toes to swiftly brought up both of my hands to cup his cheeks, and leaned myself forward. I felt my heart to quicken up its pace, to hear my heart beat to thump loudly.

My chest tightened as I closed the space, shutting my eyes as to what I was about to do, and soon I felt my lips to gently make contact with his soft ones. I could hear a few gasps from the four who were watching the scene being unfolded. I felt Sting to tense up, his face in shock. Groaning in my mind, telling him to respond so I wouldn't look stupid... which I already think I do. I pressed my lips even more, wanting him to respond.

Seconds later, I felt his muscles to slowly relax. He snaked his arms around my tiny waist, bringing me closer to his well toned and broad chest. There was not a slight excess of space between us as he kissed me back. Our lips were finally in sync. Locking and moving with one another. His lips were so soft, his kiss felt passionate, demanding, comforting and I felt safe within his grasp. I tiptoed even more, begging more of his kisses. I wrapped an arm around his neck, tangling my hand in his soft blonde spikes as the other was leaning against his chest with my hand still resting on his cheek.

This kiss felt amazing. It was perfect. I felt like I've belonged and it was so affectionate. Like I was meant to kiss him. A spark was ignited as we started to deepen our kiss. I didn't love him... but I do like him... ALOT. I felt weak in the knees, but he tightened his grip to support me from falling. Is this what it feels like to be in a blissful moment? To feel kissed by someone and felt so secure and protected from anything. That your fears and worries would just vanish? I wanted to stay in this position forever.

"Ahem. Can you guys please get a room." we heard a voice to snicker, followed by a cough.

"Woah... never saw that coming.... Cy-Cynthia-chan.... Sting...kun..." Lector said in shock.

"F-Fro.... thinks... so, too."

"Yatta! They kissed!" Asuka cried in happiness.My eyes opened in wide shock and noticed that Sting did as well. We quickly let go our of lip locking and embrace, which I felt the cold air hitting against me. I felt a shiver to run down my spine. Sting stared at me stunned after our kiss. Our passionate moment together. I felt my cheeks to rise up in heat. My body was burning, my lips were still tingling after our first real kiss with actual correspondence.

My second kiss. Well technically my third-ish kiss with Sting. Except that the first one was with him...Zeref. It still pained me that he stole my first kiss. But I couldn't think straight. Sting's kiss was more meaningful. It felt so powerful with strong emotions as we kissed in sync, it was as if he was trying to tell me something.

"Cynthia..." he said in a loving way. I felt my heart to skip a beat again, my face burning like it was about to explode. I took a few steps towards Asuka and instantly grabbed her small hand in mine, then turned to face Sting and the other members with a slight bow.

"G-Goodnight! I... uh...um... s-see you soon..." I mumbled, and dashed inside the guild, but made sure that Asuka could catch up with my pace.

"See you again soon!" Asuka yelled happily as I brought her inside, giving them a wave.

I left without saying another word, leaving them speechless and stunned at the event. Little did I know, most of the guild members were watching us from afar through the windows and smirked as I came inside the guild with Asuka by my side.

'I can't believe that I just did that. Kill me now.' I groaned in my thoughts, but felt happy about it at the same time.

I placed my fingers on my lips, gently gliding them to still feel, like as if his lips were still lingering on mine. It felt so nice. And I was craving for it...

Even more.

----

They finally Kissssssedddd. ^o^

That is all xDDD c: