Chapter Text
December 18, X778
He finally did it. He won. He was ranked S-Class, as he rightfully deserved and was owed for years. Years prior, he had gone through the trials with complete strangers, with only their guild mark tying them together. No one in their right mind wanted to team up with him.
Although it’s not like he would have picked any of prepubescent children that his old man loved to pluck from the side of the road or the old washed up farts that were taking up space in the guildhall anyways. He didn't need help from some weakling, but his grandfather thought otherwise. He gave him a lot of leeway, but going by himself was where he drew the line it seemed.
He knew he was stronger than the rest of them, he should've been promoted the very first year he participated damn it! The trials were never meant to be won alone and his grandfather shoved that in his face every single time when he would announce there was no successful candidate for that year. The whole thing was rigged against him! He’d end up facing Gildarts somehow and he wouldn't pull back whatsoever which would leave him with no choice but to admit defeat.
If it were any of the other wimps here, he would’ve let them pass! It was obvious what game his old man was playing, he’d needed to actually work with his partner to win.
He had found the concept to be an idiodic choice from the geezer. Once he became an S-Class wizard, it wasn't as if he’d suddenly be all buddy-buddy and go on missions with people. This guild was so weak there was barely anyone who could handle S-Class jobs for crying out loud! That was what he thought in the beginning though, all that had changed this year. When he met them.
It was the perfect opportunity to look to his right hand man, his key to the path up to S-Class. Freed sat next to him on the couch in his father’s home. His father was caught up with a job that made him miss the entirety of the promotion trial and he had yet to return. That was fine to Laxus, all it meant was that he could raid the fridge to his heart’s content for beer that he could share amongst his friends. He could restalk it before his father ever caught wind of it, with the kind of money he was going to earn with jobs from the second floor, he could care less of how much he spent.
“Guys, I hope you know what this means right? We’ve gotta party like crazy!” Bickslow excitedly exclaimed. His Tome-Men were whizzing around in shared excitement, chanting the last words of Bickslow’s sentence.
They were all back in Magnolia from Tenrou Island and Bickslow was quick to call for celebration. He had also been a candidate for promotion and had teamed up with Evergreen, but they knew this year was not meant for them. Bickslow was kind enough to offer a bit of foul play and help out Laxus any way he could, which Laxus declined in a not so kind manner.
He knew he was just trying to help, but it rubbed him the wrong way that Bickslow thought he needed upwards of three people to help him rise to S-Class. By now, Bickslow was used to his outbursts and Laxus was used to him speaking before thinking. It just came with the territory of being friends with each other.
“We’re gonna, but nothing crazy. I’m still feeling the number Gildarts did to me,” Laxus said regretfully. It filled him with rage thinking back to how Gildarts discretely changed his fighting style to allow Laxus and Freed to get the win over him. It didn't go unnoticed and it fueled him all the more to surpass the man one day and claim the title of “Fairy Tail’s strongest”.
In all due time, he thought to himself with pride.
“Aw man, guess no brothel houses or trips outta town.”
“Ugh gross. You're thinking about the ‘now’ too much. Think about the future. I, for one, can't wait for all the new jobs we’re gonna go on! Our names are going to be known through all of Fiore. Imagine it, Fiore’s Finest!” Evergreen had a skip to her step as she walked on the stone path, glad to no longer be cooped up with the other candidates back on the ship.
She had the right idea, they only needed one person to be ranked S-Class to go on such missions which set them to grow stronger at a faster rate than they already did before. Word was quick to spread across the magic community about their magical prowess and Laxus was both overjoyed by the news and furious.
On one hand, he was beginning to form a name for himself, one removed from his grandfather, something he had always wanted since he began working as a mage. But on the other hand, for every person respecting him for who he was individually, what felt like ten other people credited his success to the old man. It seemed as though he could never run from his blood ties and that made his own blood boil.
“I like the way you think, Ever, but don't tie us down to just Fiore, think bigger , think Isgar,” he said with a smirk. They all had such a way with blowing up each other’s egos after a victory.
“When you two say that, it’s best that you might as well go for biggest and say all of Earthland,” Freed said wryly.
They had all laughed at that, any more of this nonsense and their heads would have flown off into the sky. Deep inside though, Laxus revelved in the prospect of the future, perhaps if all went well, that could be the truth one day.
The thought of Freed had brought him back to the present. He had opted for drinking and buying a feast to enjoy at his home. While Bickslow was slightly disappointed, he had promised him that it was just to wind down after the day’s trip back home.
You need to be well rested to really party, right? And just like that Bickslow was on board with their little stay-in get together. This scene wasn't unlike the many before it, Laxus basked in simply talking with his friends and filling his stomach. He didn't need any sort of extravagant activity to get him to enjoy himself outside of a good fight.
Bicklslow and Evergreen had retired for the night, not exactly voluntarily though as they drank themselves under the table, quite literally for Bickslow’s case. He was thankful the rug was relatively plush and he took a pillow down with him before he conked out. Evergreen had opted for snoozing in the one person recliner, snuggled up in a throw blanket. That left two men standing, or sitting really.
Freed was nursing a beer can close to his lips, taking small sips from it. Contrary to popular belief, Freed did in fact drink. If he had to guess two words to describe Freed by the masses it was mysterious and rule follower. That was actually three words, okay so maybe two adjectives . He technically wasn't allowed to drink yet, but he had reasoned he’ll be legal by the end of the year, so we could simply round. Freed’s words not his, but it wasn't like he was planning on snitching anytime soon.
And ‘end of the year’ it was, Freed’s birthday was coming up in… exactly a week, he realized. Bickslow would obviously want to throw a party for him too and would likely refuse to combine Laxus' promotion and Freed’s birthday to save time. He thought about the logistics and how much energy it would take out of him to have two celebrations nearly back to back. Perhaps Freed could convince Bickslow he wanted something small this year. Or perhaps… he wouldn't mind backscaling his own, he already had this lowkey party anyways.
It would be the first time he celebrated Freed’s birthday, before they had only celebrated Evergreen’s as by the time both his and Bickslow’s rolled around, they had yet to become close yet. He’d have to think about what to get for the boy, but he could worry about that later. Selfishly, he thought to himself that this night was about him. But that wasn't exactly true, Freed had helped him get here, really they all did, but especially Freed.
Every time he took a sip of his beer, his face twisted slightly in disgust at the strong bitter taste. It was hilarious the first time they made him try alcohol, Freed squeezing his eyes shut so tight and his mouth pulling back in a hard line, but now he had trained his face to better hide it. There was still a reaction though as he continued to study his face. They had gotten rather close to each other as the night drew on.
In the beginning, Evergreen could have comfortably sat between the two boys, but now their sides brushed up together. Laxus had his arm resting on the couch to avoid being trapped but somewhere along the line it had fallen to be slung around Freed’s shoulders. He hadn't said a thing, even as they laughed along to whatever jokes their friends made and Laxus would unintentionally pull him closer to him. Perhaps that's how they got to the position they were in now.
“You must still find me funny,” Freed said, punctuated with a small pout. He was looking directly at him now.
“Whoops, busted,” he chuckled, not feeling an ounce of guilt.
“Not everyone got a headstart like you did.”
“Damn right I did,” he started earlier than even Cana did with the guild’s liquor barrels. If he just took one can from an already opened pack, his father was none the wiser and assumed he had drunk it for himself.
“That isn't something to brag about,” he teased with a small smile.
“Hm, yeah you're right. Guess I should go back to bragging about being the youngest person to become S-Class?”
“I wouldn't speak too loose now, Erza and Mirajane proved themselves to be worthy candidates and I wouldn't be surprised if they earned the title in the coming years.” That made Laxus frown, was Freed trying to trample on his good mood? It was more like Freed that was talking “loose”. It was most likely due to the alcohol and it was Laxus’ decision to make them all drink in the first place, so he’ll let it slide.
“Yeah, well next year I’m going to be one of the proctors, so they're gonna have to go through me if they even dream about becoming S-Class,” he grit out.
Both knew it would lead to a heated argument, mainly one-sided from Laxus, if they continued down this line of conversation, so they silently agreed to drop it. They didn't talk after that and only the sounds of soft snoring filled the room. Laxus needed to calm down a little and decided on taking another swing of his beer with one hand and rubbing small circles into Freed’s arm with the other. Freed stared straight at the lacrima vision, not paying attention to what was actually playing.
Laxus used the time to reflect on the past days’ events without interruption. While the trials weren't the exact same from year to year keeping recurring candidates on their feet, it wasn't drastic and he was able to give the general idea of how things would go down to the new guildmates he now called his team. The entire ordeal was much, much easier with someone he could actually tolerate.
Thinking back, the complete randos he chose as his partner previous years, he had spent barking orders at them and getting mad when they couldn't follow them. This would then make him so frustrated that he practically went solo and tried to take on the trials as though his partner didn't even exist.
When he thinks about Freed on the other hand, he remembers how easily they fell into step with one another. When he needed support, unfortunately, Freed had always had his back with a barrier or otherwise. It was just like how they tackled missions with the rest of the Raijinshuu. Instead of anger at the idea his grandfather was right, that ‘forming bonds will get you far boy’ or whatever the hell he said, he felt… content. Satisfied. If there was anyone who had to stand by his side as he rose through the ranks of power, he would pick no other than these three.
He focused on the warmth Freed's body brought him as he drew him closer. Freed didn't make any move up until this point towards Laxus’ ministrations but seemed to have been the final straw. He turned to look at Laxus’ once more, eyes searching. For what, Laxus had no clue, but now that he had his attention he needed to say something at the forefront of his mind.
“Thank you,” he said, firm yet quiet as though any louder would shatter the moment.
“Oh uhm,” he looked astonished at a mere three simple words, but he quickly schooled his expression once more. “Think nothing of it. You were destined for this.”
The warmth of another person’s body, Freed’s body, the alcohol, and the praise, all came together to make his stomach churn in the best and worst way possible. It felt vaguely familiar. Offhandedly, he wondered if he ate something bad, the food was from a new restaurant afterall.
“You seem surprised,” as was he. He wasn't one to appreciate the work of others, being more the self congratulatory type. Freed understood this and honestly could have gone without thanks, but it felt wrong to him. Freed deserved more.
“I just didn't think that…” he let his sentence trail off. Hearing it come out of his mouth left him somewhat disheartened, to have him think so lowly of his captain, but he didn't give him any reason otherwise. He had no one but himself to blame for Freed’s perception of his ‘Thunder God’. It was alright though, they haven't even known each other for a year yet, he had plenty of time to change his mind.
“You deserve it, without you, I would still be at the level of weak nobodies the guild hasn't wised up and kicked out. With you by my side, I feel like I can do anything,” he said with ease.
“An honor that is,” he had that look again. The one where he scrutinized every muscle movement of Laxus’ face. He was usually better at this, on missions Freed could do it with a complete straight face to find deceptions in people’s words. Did he think he was lying, even now?
“Believe me, have I ever given you a reason not to?” It was a bit more confrontational than he would've liked, but he wanted to push these doubts aside. For the path they were going to go down, they needed complete and utter trust in one another.
“No. Never,” he whispered, breath falling against his lips. When had they gotten so close? Before he could question him, Freed completely leaned into his space and kissed him.
He hadn't had a kiss since Mirajane. The two had only been drawn to one another due to shared teenage-rebellion and that had fizzled out as soon as it started. He found the rush of being in a relationship exhilarating at first, yet quickly grew to hate it, finding it too much work to maintain. They mutually broke it off, with the help of lots of yelling.
That exhilarating feeling was back, but increased tenfold. Freed’s lips had always looked soft from afar and they felt even softer against his. He didn't want something chaste and so he cupped his hands around Freed’s jaw to keep him tethered to him. Freed was a bit younger than him and he wondered if he was his first kiss. At the thought, he made a little noise in the back of his throat. It pleased him, and he wanted more.
He traced his tongue along the outline of Freed’s lips. Freed parted his lips in a gasp and Laxus took the opportunity to slide his tongue inside. They both still tasted like the beer they drank mere moments ago, the empty cans left forgotten on the coffee table next to his ashtray. No measly beer can could make Laxus feel drunker than when he breathed in Freed’s cologne and shampoo, and if he focused hard enough, his underlying musk. It was gross, but he found comfort in its familiarity.
For as much power it granted him, being a dragon slayer felt like a headache at times, overwhelming his senses with the numerous smells and sounds he encountered in his day to day life. Only made worse from the fact he was in a guide as dysfunctional as Fairy Tail, so he found comfort in the constants in his life.
Truth be told, Freed was a constant in many ways for him. In that moment he was almost angry because the alcohol slightly masked all the scents that made up Freed.
Feeling emboldened by his actions, Freed wrapped one arm around Laxus’ neck and let the other fall further to roam the expanse of his back, letting his hand map out every inch of corded muscle he could reach. Freed was slow, as though the simple action itself was new territory for him. Laxus didn't do slow, but oh how he wished for time to slow to a complete stop, to be trapped here forever in the boy’s embrace.
He decided to do a little exploring of his own and let one hand travel up Freed’s jawline into his long almost silklike hair. When he had first met him, his hair had only fallen a bit under his shoulder but now it reached as far as the small of his back. It required him to tie it so as to not get in the way of fighting, but tonight his hair was allowed to flow freely.
He wondered why he allowed it to grow so long, not like he had any complaints god no, and the answer was as simple as “I like how it looks,” fair enough. He liked it too and he especially liked it tangled in his hand.
Freed’s hand had finally reached the end of its journey as it was now playing with the bottom of his shirt’s hem as though asking permission to enter. Every once and a while, it would accidentally make contact with his bare skin and it sent a shock up his spine. He burned with embarrassment every time he jumped from his touch, bringing their bodies even closer together. Never in his life would he imagine a rune mage could electrocute him, but Freed seemed to have a lot of surprises in store for him.
Before he could get a taste of the pale skin hiding beneath Freed’s clothing, a loud snort blared through the room.
Bickslow. Bickslow was here, so was Evergreen and they were in the middle of his father’s living room. Kissing.
He pulled away from Freed as though he really was burned by his touch and he looked at him in utter panic. It was so fast that it left a string of spit between their lips for just a second before it broke off, separating them completely.
The weight of the situation dawned on him. He had kissed another boy. He had enjoyed it, more than he ever had with any girl. He had wanted more and would have continued to indulge himself if it had not been for Bickslow’s snoring.
Freed was staring back with a look of absolute horror, frozen in place at what he just did. He had scooted to the far end of the couch and Laxus felt as though he was stranded at sea. He wanted nothing more for the waves to crash over him and have the ocean swallow him whole.
“I-I I’m sorry Laxus, I. I didn't mean it!” he rattled out. He looked so… scared of him. Freed quickly looked down to collect his errant emotions and get them under control. He didn't allow himself to be seen by Laxus any longer.
It left Laxus to wait in silence and to stew in his thoughts as Freed did with his. He was panicking. Why did he like it? He never felt that way about guys before, only girls. Freed did not remind him of a woman. His long hair was not indicative of femininity, all it told Laxus was things he already knew, that he was disciplined, disciplined enough to maintain such a length in such pristine condition.
He was still growing much like him but he was already starting to put on some muscle and he could only imagine his shoulders would broaden as he aged. His residual baby fat fading away to reveal the sharp cheekbones lying underneath. When he held his jaw, he already felt how defined they were becoming. He was getting more and more handsome the longer they spent together. In a way, it was not surprising that he found himself drawn to him in such a way.
He wondered what Freed found attractive about him. His height? His muscles? He was still a ways off from the body he wanted, leaning on the lanky side despite how much he worked out.
It doesn't matter. What Freed found attractive about him, that is. He couldn't entertain this. He had to stamp out whatever… this was or else it would crash and burn, enveloping both in the flames. He needed to save Freed from the trouble he would bring them. They were meant for fame, for power, for success, this held no place in their shared destiny. The fear he felt was proof enough.
He noticed the slow rise of Freed’s head and observed his movements. He already had a calm mask placed upon his face and he hated how it was directed at him. The real Freed was reserved for him and now he was the one to make him hide it.
“I…” he swallowed thickly and Laxus watched how the lump in his throat bounced. “I did that with a lack of judgment. And… I'm sorry for that Laxus, sincerely. I do not wish to change the dynamics within our group. If you are willing as I am, we can both pretend this never happened.”
It was almost too easy. Freed laid it out clearly for him, to leave it all behind. Hatred filled him once more and it showed on his face if Freed’s hardened yet guilty expression was anything to go by. It was the right move, the path of least resistance, yet he resisted all the same. He silently cursed Freed for kissing him, introducing this feeling to him and ripping it away immediately. He knew the sensation was going to haunt him, the phantom touch of wandering hands and plush, pillowy lips for days to come.
“Fine,” he hissed out. He didn't know how Freed would interpret his anger, he had a talent for reading him and he prayed he understood that he wasn't disgusted at him. He couldn't even parse where else to direct his feelings, was he disgusted at himself instead for enjoying it, but wouldn't that imply Freed was disgusting for making him feel disgusted? But Freed and disgust shouldn’t coexist together in a sentence.
He wished he was not in his father’s house and on the opposite side of Earthland, but he also wished he stayed while everyone else left and if he had to shock his two snoozing friends, then so be it.
He could not have Freed comfort him in the quiet, subtle way he was skilled in doing because he was the cause of his stress. He was scared that if he let him try, he’d do something he’d truly regret and lose the only good thing he had going on. For all his wishes, the one he wished most of all was that he could say more than what he would now.
“Forget it. Just make sure to never do it again.” His chest hurt at his own words, but saying this would hopefully mean it would never have to hurt like this again. He was running away, but there was no conceivable way he could talk with Freed about the implications of that kiss without destroying something. They both fooled themselves that this was the best option and there was no backing out now.
“Understood,” his face was perfectly calm with no sign of emotion. It was as though the kiss didn't even happen, all while Laxus was still left reeling. He needed to get away from him.
He stood up quickly and he looked at the clock. It was past two in the morning and he’d be lucky if the thoughts of Freed would allow him to escape into the realm of sleep any time soon.
“Freed,” he stared up at him from his spot on his couch with a hint of hope一good, that meant he didn't ruin everything right?
“Please, stay. I just… need to be in my room. If you guys leave tomorrow before I wake up… I’ll see you at the guild okay?” he finished softly. This was the best he could do, he was terrible words and this night was a perfect example of that. It was a silent plea for Freed to not hate him, for him to know he didn't hate him, he could never.
“Of course,” his tone not completely devoid of emotion like it was earlier and for that he was eternally grateful. It was a small victory but he would take it. Laxus didn't have any more energy to speak and walked out of the living room. His feet felt heavy as he dragged himself away into the bathroom.
He locked himself inside and instantly turned on the sink. He cupped his hands under the cold rushing water and splashed it onto his face. He dragged his hands up and down his face for a good couple of seconds before he finally gathered the courage to look at his reflection in the mirror. He was breathing heavily, as hard as he was during the trials, all over a stupid kiss. He held the edges of the sink with a white-knuckle grip and leaned in close enough to the mirror that his breath was bouncing back at him.
He was looking back into orange eyes, pupils drawn into slits that shook ever so slightly. He didn't know how long he stood there, just staring. The sound of water became white noise that made his head buzz.
He didn't want to think at all. He needed to distract himself, even for just a minute. He squeezed his eyes shut, hard and when he opened them again again, his pupils were rounded once more. He broke out of his paralyzed state by grabbing his toothbrush and beginning to brush his teeth.
But that too didn't help. The strong, biting mint dulled the longer he brushed and the repetitive motion of his hand did nothing to take his mind off the boy sitting a few rooms away. What was Freed doing now? He did not brush his teeth either, but he didn't bring anything. Would that mean he’ll just skip it and retire for the night? If he stepped out, would he already be fast asleep? Or would be like Laxus and be possessed with bouts of insomnia, brought on by one another? He did not want to find out, so once he was done he went the opposite way of the living room, up the stairwell, and into his bedroom.
He collapsed onto his bed as though his string were cut loose and he buried himself into the numerous blankets and pillows he owned. His friends all made their respective comments on his… intriguing choice in animal printed bedding, but it wasn't enough to scare them away from laying down on it themselves. Regret rolled in waves at the fact that his nose could now hone into the scent of Freed who had sat down on it to make plans for the trials before they had set out for Tenrou Island. He even remembered him saying he should wash them!
“When you return home an S-Class mage, you should be welcomed with a fresh set of sheets.” It had been both teasing and nagging, simply trying to encourage Laxus to do some basic house chores, since his father wasn't making sure things got down around the house. He was practically a man now, he could do things himself. Yes, just like how he had to manage being a dragon slayer all by himself.
He cussed out the lazy, past him for not getting off his ass and just doing it, the now “future-him” had to deal with the consequences. How did he ever hope to sleep when every time he took a breath, he would inhale Freed. It drove him crazy with the desire to run back out there and kiss him once more, damn what the world would think. But that was his emotions talking, Evergreen had once said he was ruled by his emotions and as expected, he got mad at her, proving her point.
He squeezed his eyes shut tighter and held a pillow to him closer, burying his face in it. He realized belatedly that this was the pillow Freed used to recline his back on as he strategized. At this point he couldn't care less as the faint smell actually helped lull him asleep. Finally, his punishment was over and he fell deep into slumber. When he wakes up tomorrow, the nightmare would be over and everything would be back to normal.