As we laid in our bed after a long job, Rogue and I just couldn't fall asleep. Our thoughts were racing and won't stop. Some nights were just like this.

"(Y/n)? Are you awake?" Rogue asked in a soft voice, turning on his side to face me.

I did the same action, "yes."

"Can't stop thinking?"

I nodded, "same for you too?"

He gave me a weak smile, "yes. I just can't stop. I mean look at you," he said and gestured to my arms. "You were covered wounds and I barely got a scratch."

I took my hand and touched his shoulder, he winced. "That's more than a scratch. Why is this bothering you? I wasn't being careful."

He shook his head, "you were protecting me. Your magic isn't meant for that."

"Still, my body heals faster than yours. Don't you remember the deal we made years ago?" I asked.

"You mean that you would take all the hits? That you would be left with scars and I wouldn't! That was then and this is now (y/n)!" He scolded.

"I know that! But we never changed that! As long as I'm concerned, I should always come out with more scars than you. You and Sting represent the guild more than I do. While having scars can make you seem strong, too many will make you seem weak. Not everyone knows the battle we have fought, nor do they care." I replied.

"We need to change that." He said, sitting up and exiting the room.

I sat up and stared at the door for a moment. We might have already woken up Frosh. I pushed that thought to the back of my mind and followed Rogue.

He dug out the deal we made. "This," he said holding up the piece of paper, "doesn't matter any more. It belongs with our passed selfs." He surrounded the paper with his shadow magic and made it disappear.

"But it does matter." I replied, "that's how we first came together. Sting made us go on a job and then that deal was made. You and I both know that it once existed, there for it still matters."

"What I'm trying to say is that you don't have to protect me."

"Maybe I want too. Maybe I want to make sure that you'll stay safe. Maybe that will give me peace of mind. I trust everyone in the guild, but I trust myself to protect you and make sure that you don't die on a job. Not all of us were raised by a dragon. I still have memories of my parents. Those memories drive me to protect you." I said in the strongest voice I could muster.

Rogue was silent, I continued on.

"And maybe, just maybe, I told you on the day we got married that I would protect you. Not the other way around. I know that you can, but I can protect myself and the love of my life."

He pulled me into his embrace, "I know that you can. I know what drives you and what makes you want to set a dark guild ablaze. Still, please..." he stopped for a short moment, "please watch out for yourself more. You have to protect people and I know that you do."

I wrapped my arms around his body, "I promise that I will do better to make sure that everyone is safe. Thank you for understanding."

"Hey, you have to put up with me for the rest of your life, right? I can't make it too hard on you. For now at least." He said, "at least you know what it means to protect."

"I've always known since I met you."

"What do you mean by that?" He asked.

"You give me a reason to live. For the guild, Frosh, for our city, everything that life had to offer. You've shown me what it's like to be alive. You give me the reason to out my life on the line for someone else Rogue. Something that scares me sometimes but, I would't have it any other way."

He held me even closer, "I love you (y/n), don't ever forget it."