A/N: Sooooo I saw this fanart and I had to write the thing. This shot in to my head practically fully formed. I just had such a head-cannon of Laxus being sick or not feeling great and wanting to hug Freed and then I added more and more to it until eventually we had this...I had another idea too but I figure one per fan art's enough otherwise I'll be writing every hour of the day!

Laxus would never be quite sure how he'd ended up as a member of Blue Pegasus. Fairy Tail had close ties with them, and Laxus and the rest of the Raijinshu knew they'd be welcome there after Fairy Tail disbanded. They hadn't really known where to go and Laxus had been shaken up by the loss of the only home he'd ever really known. Not to mention the rest of his family. Evergreen had wanted to go to Blue Pegasus because of the guilds host club, she was pissed that Elfman had gone off with his sisters and no doubt wanted to make herself feel better. Bickslow hadn't cared one way or the other and Freed….ah. That was how he'd been talked in to joining Blue Pegasus. Freed.

Freed felt like Fairy Tail owed Blue Pegasus after all they'd done for them both with Tenrou Island and other things. Freed had declared that joining Blue Pegasus would help to pay back the debt they owed them. Personally Laxus didn't think this had anything to do with him, and Freed was taking it too far but Freed couldn't be talked out of it once he'd set his convictions on something. Laxus wouldn't have minded, but he remembered very clearly Freed gazing at some 3D pictures of The Trimens…naked. Laxus growled at the memory.

That would have been enough for Laxus to say no, to put his foot down and refuse the idea…and yet here they where. Blue Pegasus. Laxus didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit. He constantly had women hanging all over him, which normally wouldn't bother him, he wasn't interested and it was work. But he knew it upset Freed and Laxus hated it when Freed was upset. His feelings for Freed hadn't come to his attention until sometime after he'd rejoined the Guild, after talking to Freed, he knew the younger man's feelings for him had started a lot sooner he just hadn't been able to see it at the time.

They'd started messing around during the Grand Magic Games, and they'd been together by the time the Games wrapped up. Just in time for the Ball in fact. Laxus loved Freed deeply, he was his soul mate. It killed him a little bit more each day to upset Freed. Freed might act like it didn't bother him, after all it was nothing he hadn't witnessed before, but Laxus knew it was starting to get to him, even if Freed himself hadn't realised yet. They would get home and Freed would attach himself to Laxus, hugging him tightly. Kissing him deeply. He'd even left a mark or two on him before, on his neck to be exact...which was quite difficult to hide. Not that Laxus really minded, but Ichiya did. Have to keep the patrons happy.

The women where more reserved with Freed, maybe it was because he looked so refined, so delicate and noble. But they kept a respectful distance away, unlike the women who clung to Laxus's biceps and squeezed as close as they could manage. But Freed insisted it was work, and they owed Blue Pegasus. It was pretty much all he'd say on the matter, although his eye had started to twitch recently when doing so. He was hoping Freed would snap and they could finally leave this God forsaken place. And them. The Trimens. Eve. The one who flirted with everyone. Everyone knew he and Freed where together, except for the patrons of course, but Eve would flirt with anything that breathed and he'd taken a particular liking to Freed. Laxus knew Freed wouldn't do anything, he was oblivious and had no interest anyway. Laxus knew it was the default setting for the Trimens, Eve had even tried to flirt with Laxus himself before a scathing glare had sent him running. But it irritated him nonetheless.

Until eventually…he snapped.

Laxus woke up gasping for air, his heart racing. Freed's scream of "Laxus!" echoing throughout his brain. That scream…it was raw…full of fear and pain. He swallowed hard and looked down to see Freed curled up at his side, his arms wrapped around Laxus's stomach, his face snuggled in to his chest. His hair splayed out behind him messily. Laxus drank in the sight, allowing it to calm him down as he reached out to run his fingers across Freed's cheek. That scream had haunted Laxus ever since that day. The day he'd breathed in all the magic barrier particles to save the town they'd been working in. He knew he'd terrified Freed, and the younger man still wasn't quite over it. It suddenly occurred to him if that's why Freed was so insistent on Blue Pegasus, a safe Guild that didn't often have dangerous missions. If that's why Freed insisted on the host work. Because Laxus wouldn't get hurt. Laxus idly started to stroke Freed's hair, running his fingers through the soft strands. He hadn't gotten much sleep, and yet he couldn't bring himself to try and sleep more. He was worried he'd be sent straight back to that nightmare. So he contented himself with being Freed's pillow and gazed at the man while he slept, lightly stroking his hair. Laxus wasn't sure how much time had passed when the other mage sleepily opened his eyes. He knew Freed was starting to wake up when his grip on him tightened, and he snuggled his head a bit closer, before finally blinking open his eyes. Laxus smiled at the sight.

"Mornin'" Laxus said softly.

"How long have you been awake?" Freed mumbled, voice heavy with sleep. Still not completely awake. Laxus shrugged.

"Don't know, a few hours" Freed looked at him, concern on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothin, just had a bad dream and couldn't get back to sleep" the concern on Freed's face didn't vanish, but he did wriggle up Laxus's body to bring their faces level, before cupping Laxus' face with one hand and giving him a sweet, gentle kiss. Laxus brought his hand up and tangled it in Freed's hair, cupping his head. I didn't mean to worry him but….I'm not gonna not take advantage of that. He smiled in to the kiss. Freed eventually broke away and buried his face in Laxus's neck. Laxus would have been quite happy to stay like that all day, except for the fact they had to get to work. Oh joy. Laxus didn't mind work, he wasn't afraid to work hard, but he didn't enjoy this work and today…he really wasn't in the mood, he still felt slightly on edge, the nightmare lingering. But he'd made a commitment, despite his better judgement. He groaned and let his head drop back to the pillow, feeling Freed lightly kiss his neck. He really, really didn't want to get up.

A few hours later and a grumpier than usual Laxus was sitting on one of the seats in Blue Pegasus, his usual ladies sitting around him. There was one lady in particular, who'd had her eye on Laxus, and she always flirted heavily. But it was always verbal. The other women never did anything more than touch his arm, or hug it. But this particular lady had evidently decided that today was the day she'd make Laxus hers, or whatever the hell was running through her head. Laxus could feel his already worn out patience, thinning even further as the woman flirted on and on. He really hoped Freed couldn't hear what she was saying, she was being..more forward than usual.

"Laxus, you're just so handsome" she cooed. "I wonder what it would be like to….." the woman put her hand on Laxus's stomach, her hand running down his abdominals. Laxus snatched her wrist before she could get any lower. Eyes snapping up to where Freed was seated, hoping he hadn't been looking in his direction.

But luck wasn't on his side, and the day obviously wasn't going to go as he wanted. Freed was looking right at him, and Laxus saw the look in his eyes quite clearly. Pain, hurt, and anger. He watched Freed's fingers twitch towards his sword…that wasn't hanging in it's usual place. No weapons where allowed in the club after all. He watched as Freed opened his mouth to yell, probably something about "No fawning over Laxus!"…before it snapped back shut without uttering a word and his hand clenched in to a fist.

"I'm sorry" Laxus mouthed at him. Freed just nodded slightly and Laxus wanted to punch something. Laxus turned back to the lady. "Sorry, no intimate touching" he growled. The rules of the club where no touching aside from hands or the odd touch to the arm. Something certain ladies always tried to press further and further but Laxus hadn't encountered a lady quite so brazen before. She adopted a coy look. It didn't suit her, nor did it have the effect she was hoping for.

"But I'm tired of waiting for you to make a move" she purred. Tough shit, you'll be waiting a long time lady. Why don't you take up knitting or something, if you need something to do with your hands. Laxus adopted his usual smirk.

"I don't make the rules" he responded. She pouted. "And I'm not allowed to make a move on anyone" he said with satisfaction. Thems the breaks kid. He internally cackled. He never thought he'd be grateful to Ichiya for anything. Laxus was so busy with his inner glee that he didn't notice what his little fan was up to. That was his mistake.

She was edging closer and closer to Laxus, until she was pressed against his arm. If he'd been paying attention he might have been able to get away, but he was too busy gloating about his smart manoeuvring of the rules. Freed will be so proud. He internally chuckled. Laxus was never great at remembering rules…or caring about them in fact. He mentally patted himself on the back. Job well done Laxus. The lady slid one hand down Laxus's arm, he didn't think anything of it, it wouldn't be the first time someone had groped his bicep. It sickened him a little to think of it but..he was actually used to it. The arm slid around his own, hugging it to her chest. Laxus internally sighed. Why do they always want to hug my arm? It's not a body pillow. He internally grumbled. He didn't notice what the other hand was doing. For a dragon slayer…it wasn't his most shining moment as all of his senses failed him.

The lady's free hand snaked out, coming up to touch Laxu's face, Laxus was forced to look at the lips fast approaching his face, he started to bring up his free arm, the one not locked in a death grip, to push her away. What the fu-Laxus's thoughts where cut off because suddenly the lady was repelled. Laxus hadn't gotten a chance to push her away himself, his hand was hanging there in the air, ready to shove her away. But the lady had been pushed back seemingly by nothing. Laxus caught a glimpse of a flicker of purple. Freed. Laxus snapped his head around to where Freed was sitting. The other man's body was rigid, his hands clenched in fists. He was upset…and furious.

"Excuse me ladies" he threw out to his companions, before quickly crossing over to Freed. He gently touched his shoulder. "Freed-"

"Don't. It's fine."

"It's not fine Freed" Laxus growled. He could see how upset Freed was, he wanted nothing more than to hug him tightly. Freed knew Laxus had no interest in women, but he didn't like it when someone touched his Laxus. Normally he would make his displeasure known but as Freed kept insisting..this was work. Freed opened his mouth to say something but the two where interrupted by the arrival of Eve.

Great. Just what this moment needs. Laxus scowled.

"Freed, you're looking more angelic than usual today" the Trimen purred, sidling up next to him. Gag me. Of course, Eve was one of the Trimens. They didn't sidle. They glided. But Laxus refused to acknowledge that fact. So Eve sidled. Laxus narrowed his eyes. Eve was chattering on and Laxus found himself getting more and more annoyed. He'd practically been molested and Freed, despite throwing out some runes and quite obviously being upset about the matter…was smiling and chatting to Eve as if he wasn't at all bothered that his boyfriend had nearly been kissed by someone else. Nearly been touched by someone else. Freed was oblivious. Laxus knew that. It wasn't his fault, it was just how he was. He didn't realise when someone was flirting with him, like Eve was quite obviously doing. He just chattered away like they were having a normal conversation. Laxus felt his teeth grind. He could hear the warning crackle of his lightning.

"Freed" Laxus growled out.

"Your hair is just….so stunning…so silky" Eve was saying, reaching out to touch Freed's hair. Oh I don't think so kid.

"Thank you, I do spend rather a lot of time taking care of it. I did have it short once but I-" Laxus snapped. The brat was touching Freed's hair, the flirting was blatant and there was Freed about to throw out his hair care routine. It's not his fault…it's not his fault….Laxus reminded himself. But it didn't matter. He was exhausted. He couldn't stop thinking about that awful dream. He'd nearly been molested twice and Freed was just standing there, chatting away to Eve who was, as usual, flirting with him when he knew Freed belonged to Laxus. Laxus felt angry and that was putting it lightly….but also a little hurt. He knew, deep down he knew Freed was upset by what had happened, it was obvious, but everything got on top of him in that moment and Laxus just felt like Freed didn't care. Lightning flashed down, hitting the floor perilously close to Eve. Laxus was breathing hard, trying to keep a hold of his temper. It had been all he could do to make sure it didn't actually hit the kid.

"Laxus!" Freed shouted. Admonished him. He spun on his heel and stalked out of the club, ripping his tie off and throwing it away without a word. He needed to get away.

He stormed back to the apartment, lightning crackling around him. Storm clouds rolling in fast. Good. It matches my mood. He burst through doors until he finally ended up in their bedroom. He could smell Freed everywhere. Laxus took deep breaths of Freed's scent, pacing towards his side of the bed where the scent was strongest. He felt the exhaustion hit him and he sank down on to Freed's side of the bed. He picked up the other man's pillow. The one he used when he wasn't using Laxus as one. It was a rare occasion but it did happen. Laxus sighed and buried his face in it, steadily breathing in the calming scent that was Freed. He's going to be so mad at me. Laxus thought, before everything went black.