Risenfromash: A reviewer commented that Freed is making this all much more difficult than it needs to be and I would definitely agree, but Freed is always well intentioned and after years of one-sided devotion to his Laxus it's going to take a lot for him to believe that his friend is reciprocating his feelings and, of course, it doesn't help that neither one of them has ever been in another relationship so they are about as experienced as high school freshmen when it comes to commitment and communication and all those things that are important in a relationship.

Originally, I had estimated that this story would be a four parter, but this is not the end. I have at least a couple more after this. I don't want to rush anything even if Laxus is in a big ole hurry to get some.

Part 4:

Freed rushed to his room and was relieved to find that he had beaten Bickslow to the room. He walked over to the bed where his saber rested leaning on the nightstand. He picked it up and using it as a pointer cast a spell on the threshold of the room that would prevent the door from opening and cast off his robe and towel and climbed onto the bed and closed his eyes. His mind's eye pictured the way Laxus' eyes had gazed into his. Does the man even blink?, wondered Freed. It seemed that he could lock onto Freed's eyes and never let go and Freed never wanted him to let go of his gaze, his lips or his body, and most of all not his heart. Freed's heart had belonged to the Dragon Slayer for a very long time, but to now have Laxus know and appreciate it… it was better than he could have ever imagined.

He hadn't even been disappointed to leave without releasing his sexual tension because sex was so far down the list of things he wanted. Of course he wanted it, who wouldn't want that strong body? But what Freed had most enjoyed was hearing Laxus say his name in that loving, gentle, erotic way he did. Freed was reeling with glee from the echo of Laxus' voice in his head and the lingering musky odor of Laxus' bodily fluids. It was enough to make him forget his logical nature and give in to his carnal desire for the Dragon Slayer.

Could Laxus love me back?, Freed asked himself giddy from his romp with his friend. Gods, I can't think like that! He could have been drunk… though I didn't smell it. Or he could have just been lonely because he couldn't bring himself to keep Brisha around. Freed told himself these things to keep his elation in check but his heart was racing. Laxus had kissed him. Laxus had expressed a desire for his body and to have him do physical things to him. Freed groaned. Thinking about it was pleasant torture. How he would have loved to have stayed in Laxus' bed allowing the Dragon Slayer to fulfill his ever desire, but Freed didn't want them to get too carried away. He didn't want Laxus to do anything he might regret in the morning. But he sure acted like he was enjoying himself, Freed murmured as he remembered Laxus' teasing. He didn't even act ashamed of messing around with a man, but I'm sure he's never done anything like that with a guy before. I would have known about it. Did he seriously just realize that I worship him? Freed laughed out loud. Well, he can be a bit clueless about feelings I suppose. I don't think he knows how he feels half the time due to that wonderful father of his.

'I'm kissing you, Brainiac.' Laxus' had called him that the first day they had met which had of course, been the day Freed fell in love with him. It was love at first sight only it wasn't just his looks that attracted the green-haired mage's affections. There was something about how he spoke rarely, saving his words for important matters and the way he silently observed so much. He was introverted like Freed, but not in the bookish, romantic way of the rune wizard.

Laxus is all man, Freed thought closing his eyes remembering the sensation of playing with Laxus' enormous arousal with his lips and tongue. Oh, gods, he is beyond hot. He should be the fire dragon slayer, not Natsu. Knowing that his friend had trusted him to do such personal things made Freed feel special. Sure, he's let me wash his back before and things like that, but oh, gods, feeling his hand on my…

He lay down on the bed facing the ceiling and gently grasped his excited length in his right hand. 'Flattered', Freed said aloud. He said he was making out with me… and flattered… and uuurrrmmm, Freed pretended that his hand was that of the muscular mage claiming Freed's body as his own.

"Yes…" murmured Freed as he imagined Laxus roughly pushing him down and lining himself up with Freed's body. Being a virgin the next part of the fantasy was hazy in the details, but it didn't matter. All he needed to picture was Laxus hovering over him, whispering orders in his ear, and Freed was pushed to the brink. Tonight was more than he ever thought would happen between the two of them.

He imagined a voice like rolling thunder rumbling out the order, 'Cum for me, Brainiac,' and Freed was lost to ecstasy, moaning and groaning as he made a mess of himself, his seed spurting all over his naked body and his bedsheets.

He let out a lengthy, barely audible moan as he lay there panting. Masturbating had never been like that before. His eyes rolled down to access the soiling of his sheets and he blushed. That was incredible and given the circumstances I suppose I don't even need to beg forgiven of the gods, thought Freed with a happy sigh. And he thought I had it bad before and then he goes and kisses me like that… what was he thinking?, Freed thought touching his lips with his other hand. How many times had they kissed? And when Freed had mustered the courage to kiss him back Laxus had only embraced it. He didn't push me away. He actually acted like he enjoying it… and it felt so amazing, Freed's thoughts whirled. What did it all mean? I wonder what's running through Laxus' head right now, he wondered. He's probably telling himself that messing around once with a guy isn't a huge deal, but that it better not happen again. Freed chuckled to himself. If I'm lucky maybe he'll lack willpower like I do when it comes to him.

Freed wanted it to happen over and over again. He wanted to be showered with the lightning mage's affections. Was it Laxus' arms wrapped around him that made him feel so warm or was it that feeling inside of him, that heat that seemed to grow from inside his body as they embraced?

Freed felt himself getting hard again. Gods, see what you do to me Laxus?, he said to himself. Once just isn't enough. His stroking of himself was almost happening subconsciously as he thought about the intensity of his friend's yellow eyes and how they had gazed unblinking at his naked body. Then he leaned over and kissed me and rubbed his naked body against his and… Freed felt his muscles tighten and then spasm. He threw his head back and panted out his friend's name. He lay there on the bed feeling completely spent and happily loopy from the overwhelming sensations, his face red from the exertion and the embarrassment. He had really let loose... twice. He smiled. This was one of the happiest days of his life, right up there with the day the magic had awakened in him, the day he joined Fairy Tail and, of course, the day he met Laxus.

Freed would have been content to lie in bed and dream about Laxus as he fell asleep, but at any moment Bickslow would return to their room and Freed needed to lift the enchantment on the door. He ran into the bathroom to take a shower which he had hoped would wash away the sexy aroma of the man he wanted so very badly to take as his lover, but he inevitably thought of Laxus and found himself once again giving into his animalistic urges making a mess of himself in the shower before once again cleaning himself up and wrapping himself in a towel.

I'll never get any sleep if I can't stop thinking about him, Freed scolded himself as he returned to his bed. Am I gonna have to do it again?!, he asked himself picking up his sword to once again set the enchantment on the door just as the knob turned.

"What ya waving your sword around for? Don't you ever take a night off, Freed?" chuckled Bickslow. "You know what you need? To get laid that's what!" Bickslow threw his arm over the shoulder of his friend. "Next mission, I'm gonna hook you up with some nice person and we are gonna show you a good time."

Freed blushed. "That's really not necessary," he said setting his sword by the bedside once more.

"Naw, man. You can't die a virgin," Bickslow said starting to strip out of his favorite striped outfit and tossing it on the floor haphazardly. Freed had learned years ago to accept the fact that his roomie was a slob. "Tell me, Freed. How close you ever been to gettin' some?"

Freed's head tipped downward a little. "I've had someone make out with me." Freed figured that was a safe way of saying it… that's what Laxus had called it and the shy mage wasn't about to admit that he'd given another guy a blowjob. He didn't expect Bickslow to have a problem with it, but, knowing Bickslow, he was liable to do something insane with the knowledge like go shout it off the balcony of the hotel or something. He was just that kind of guy.

"Don't be too worried. I am fully capable of handling my own sex life," Freed said. "Unlike you. Are you still avoiding Cana?"

Bickslow made an exaggerated grimace like something a cartoon character would do. "Uh, yeah… you know she and I weren't looking to get involved in anything serious."

Freed nodded. "I know, but I think bolting from the guild hall every time she appears is a bit childish, don't you?"

"Damn, Freed. Don't point out my hypocrisy," Bickslow said laughing. "I just want you to have a good time. I don't want you to grow to be an old man and realize that you never did anything wild and crazy. We're not getting any younger you know."

"I know. But you know me, I'm not exactly the wild and crazy type," Freed explained. "It doesn't mean I don't have my share of fun."

"Fair enough, but if you ever want me to help hook you up let me know. You're a good lookin' guy… and way more well-mannered than any other dude in Fairy Tail. It wouldn't be a problem to find someone to give you a little companionship," he said with a wink.

"Were you partaking in companionship tonight?" Freed said sliding under the sheets.

"Naw, I was trying to win back the jewels I lost playing darts," Bickslow says.

"You get it back?"

"Not even close! We better go back out on another job right away or I'm gonna have to be skipping breakfast for the next few weeks." Freed shook his head in judgment of his friend's reckless ways. Why did his friend insist on being so foolish and taking unnecessary risks? "Just for that I'm hitting you up first. Seven am day after tomorrow I'll be at your door demanding oatmeal."

Freed laughed and Bickslow gave him an odd look. "You ok?" the possession wizard asked.

"Yeah," Freed answered. "Don't I seem ok?"

"Yeah, you do… but somethings different. You seemed so uptight earlier and now you're all… happy, I guess. Laxus have you wash his back again or somethin'?"

Freed smiled goofily. "Something like that. I did take a bath. It was very relaxing. They have a lovely bath house here."

The possession wizard eyed Freed suspiciously. He had the feeling there was more to Freed's 'relaxation' than he was sharing, but Bickslow was too tired to pry. "Well, have a good sleep," he mumbled as he climbed into his bed.

"Good night," Freed said as he placed his head on his pillow. He had been blessed with wonderful friends, was a member of one of the foremost guilds in Fiore, and now his big secret was out of the bag. It might have awful repercussions, but at that moment he felt lighter because the weight of all the guilt and shame he had been carrying around was lifted. Sure, tomorrow Laxus would probably say they could never be like that again, but now that the truth was out there he knew Laxus didn't hate him for loving him. He just hoped that Laxus didn't try to get him to change the feelings in his heart, because after the events of this evening it would be even harder for Freed to stop loving the lightning mage. As long as I don't have to deny how I feel I'll be able to survive with one sided love and who knows maybe someday when he gets married his wife will understand and she'll let me live with them…

The next morning, as was their usual custom, the Thunder Legion members met on the first floor of the hotel for a hearty breakfast before heading to the train station. Evergreen and Laxus were already at the table drinking cups of coffee and eating some sausage and eggs when Bickslow and Freed arrived.

Freed studied Laxus and immediately noticed that he had no goofy grin on his face so Freed did his best to suppress any sign of the joy that had been welling up inside of him all night. It would be embarrassing to be grinning like an idiot because of last night when Laxus seemed totally normal.

Bickslow surveyed the table. "You scooting your number one fans out before breakfast now?" Bickslow asked amused by the absence of Brisha at the morning feast.

Laxus shook his head. "She left last night."

Ever crinkled her nose. "That bad, huh?"

"The opposite. Last night was amazing," Laxus said his eyes raising from his cup of coffee to meet Freed's. He said the words slowly staring right at his friend, "But I guess some people feel it's the wrong thing to stick around after… or maybe she wanted to make it easy on me. I dunno."

He's talking about me, Freed thought. Is he mad I left? He couldn't actually think we were suddenly going to start doing it, could he? I thought he was just goofing around.

Ever snorted, but gave no indication that she knew anything unusual had happened. "Then she doesn't know you well enough. Anyone who knows you would know you aren't shy about telling people to get lost."

Bickslow agreed, "Like that one red head. What was it you said to her, that time? 'Woman, there is work to be done. Either go home or prepare to become a lightning rod.'"

Laxus growled. "I'm not proud of that, you know," he mumbled before taking an especially long sip of coffee.

Ever laughed. "Don't feel bad. It was the only option you had left. You'd tried every other way to tell her to get lost and no one likes someone that clingy. She was like Juvia for gods' sake and she wasn't even a mage. It would have gotten her killed. I think her obsession with you rivaled Freed's." She smiled mischievously at the rune mage who glared back at her.

"Now, now, if you tease Freed, I'm gonna have to tease you about your infatuation with a certain manly man," Bickslow snickered as he crudely signed to the waitress that he needed a cup of coffee.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Elf and I are just friends," Ever said defensively.

"You carry a photo of him in your bra," Bickslow said slyly.

Ever sat down the forkful of food she was about to eat. "How in the hell do you-"

"My babies see all, baby," he said intentionally antagonizing the leprechaun.

Ever jumped up, shouting, "You little shit-"

"Knock it off," Laxus growled. "We've only got a couple more minutes before we need to leave and I'm not having the Thunder Legion turn rowdy and destroy the place we're more professional than Flamebrain's team."

The three nodded their agreement. Natsu's team of Erza, Gray, Lucy, and Happy had been dubbed 'Fairy Tail's strongest team' while the Thunder Legion had an extended leave of absence due to some very long involved missions they had taken and it had rubbed Laxus the wrong way when they returned to find that they were no longer given the respect they deserved. Erza and Natsu were indeed strong and Gray was talented, smart, and versatile, but calling them the 'strongest team in Fairy Tail' was laughable and Laxus did not like thinking that their actions were seen as representative of the guild as a whole. They're a bumbling bunch of teenagers! And Natsu's so clueless he can't even figure out he's in love with Lucy, the thought was accompanied by a strange feeling deep in his gut. Maybe he does know. Maybe he's just scared to admit the truth because they're such good friends. His eyes flicked to Freed. Did he and Natsu have something in common besides being kick ass Dragon Slayers? Laxus growled. He really didn't want to consider that he was as romantically clueless as the Salamander.

Laxus stared at his green-haired friend. Was this love? Was he in love with another man? Freed's eye met his and Laxus felt as though Freed were a gravity mage pulling him towards him and those kissable lips he had. Laxus slammed his coffee mug down as he choked on his last slurp. Ever turned to look at him.

"You forget how to drink?" she said arching an eyebrow. Laxus was usually a more composed man but he'd been acting weird that morning and Freed was unusually quiet even for him. It made her wonder what had happened after Laxus had shown up at her door the night before. She would keep a close eye on those two. It's gonna be hella funny if these two become boyfriends. I don't know who's more clueless about relationships, and I think Freed might be against premarital sex, Ever thought to herself. And we know our Laxus isn't. She chuckled under her breath as Laxus' coughing began to die down.

On the way to the train station, Freed couldn't get his mind off of Laxus. Had his coughing fit at breakfast been because he was ashamed of what he'd done or had he been flirting? Freed was never good at recognizing flirting. One of the others always had to tell him when someone was coming on to him. His brain just wasn't programmed to recognize it. He was far too logical when it came to real life… now in some of the books he read that was something entirely different. He could always tell what characters were falling for one another in a book. So, why's it such a mystery in real life? Freed grumbled under his breath. Laxus glanced over at him. Shit, did I say that aloud? Freed thought as his eyes grew wide from embarrassment.

I wonder what he's thinking right now, Laxus wondered. Does he have any idea of what he's started? He's acting so god damned normal it's hard to tell. But he loves me, right? It isn't just a physical thing. Right? If it were wouldn't he have let me have him? And who the hell does that? He just ran out. How did I end up leaving him unsatisfied when he's the one who wants me? He's gonna have to get one thing straight. If we're gonna mess around like that I'm the one who is going to be in charge.

Laxus had to admit to himself that the revelation that Freed had a thing for him hadn't been a total shock, maybe he had been in a bit of denial about Freed's feelings, but the way Freed had pleasured him had been a complete surprise. The rune mage had been so unreserved. He had given himself completely… until he ran off. Is he scared?! It had been a long time since anything had scared the accomplished wizard. Well, I guess I'll just have to get him over his fear. He smirked. Next time I'm not going to let him get away from me.

The teammates had gotten a private compartment in the train and Freed by happenstance was first in. He took the seat riding backwards by the window, Ever was next and sat across from him and Bickslow sat beside her taking up more than his allotted space, his 'babies' bobbing around Ever and pestering her as she placed her luggage in the overhead compartment.

Laxus took the last available spot by Freed without any ado, but being close to him like that made Freed flush a little so he opened the window. The group chatted for a bit and then the conversation lulled and Bickslow said he was gonna try to catch some z's and Ever pulled out a copy of Sorcerer Weekly she had purchased prior to boarding. Freed stood up and opened his bag and pulled out a book he was reading about a famous samurai.

On the train ride to their mission he had found the book very engaging, but he was now having a very hard time concentrating on it. Laxus got up and left for a bit and then returned and assumed his spot next to Freed. He put his headphones on, crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and fell asleep. Seeing him in his headphones reminded Freed of when they were younger. The two of them had really grown up together.

Laxus opened his left eye. "Aren't you bored of staring at me yet?" he asked. Freed let out a little yelp at being discovered and Laxus grunted. "It's ok. They're asleep."

Freed's eyes scanned their companions who did indeed appear to be fast asleep. "Why should that matter?" Freed asked innocently. "What would you want to say or do that you wouldn't want them to know about?"

Laxus smirked. Freed was flirting with him. "Gee, I can't imagine," he said suddenly placing a hand on Freed's thigh and pulling his chin his way so he could kiss him.

"Laxus!" Freed sputtered mid-kiss as Laxus laughed.

"You're so nervous. It's hilarious," Laxus said returning to his sleeping position. "You act like you're going to get in trouble with your parents or something."

Freed glared at the other man. "Don't make fun of me for taking things seriously."

"'Things?' Freed, you take everything seriously. You're going to die a young man if you don't loosen up some."

Freed frowned. "You sound like Bickslow."

"Yeah, but I bet he's never kissed you," Laxus said smirking.

"Ssshhhhh!" Freed said hushing his friend. "Do you want the world to know?"

Laxus laughed. "It's not the world. It's Ever and Bickslow, and I'm pretty sure they both know you have a thing for me."

Freed defiantly turned his head away from the Dragon Slayer. "I don't know about that. You only figured it out yesterday."

Laxus' eyebrows arched. Freed was in a fighting mood apparently. He found it very arousing, because there was no doubt in his mind that he was going to be the one to win. "I never claimed to be especially bright. And I'm still processing," Laxus paused. "But I warn you that if you do anything too cute I may drag you off and have my way with you."

Freed rolled his eyes. "I doubt that."

"Just watch out that's all I'm saying," Laxus warned and without another word the lightning mage closed his eyes as though he was going back to sleep.

Freed sat there confused. Did Laxus just threaten to have sex with me?, he thought. I'm pretty sure that constitutes flirting. But flirting doesn't actually mean anything, right? Freed wasn't sure. He had no experience with this. Sometimes when a woman would show a particular interest in him he would later be told by other members of the guild that she'd been flirting with him, but he was always oblivious to it in the moment. Had Laxus ever behaved this way with him before? Freed searched his memory banks. He remembered an epic snowball fight between the Dragon Slayers and some of the other members of the guild and Laxus and Gajeel had snuck up and ambushed him from behind pelting him with snowballs, but when Gajeel had made a move on Freed Laxus had proclaimed loudly, "Back off. Freed's mine" before upending him into a snowbank. Their bodies had been close and Freed remembered how Laxus had been on top of him, hovering over him as though they might make love right then and there. Only thing was as soon as Laxus had sufficiently shown his dominance over the rune mage he had jumped up and proceeded to chase Lisanna across the field of snow shouting that he intended to show her no mercy. It's just a game. He doesn't mean anything by it, Freed thought feeling disappointed.

At the same time, Laxus was acting like there was going to be a reprise of last night and Freed had been so sure that was going to be a one-time thing. Is Laxus just going to torture me from now on? Freed worried. Does he think it's funny?

Freed angrily opened his book with an exaggerated flip of its binding and he heard a very quiet snicker from Laxus. Freed's nostril's flared. Is he really going to behave this way? It's so childish!, Freed grumbled to himself. Why can't he just be gracious and let me down easy?

"You just gonna sit over there muttering to yourself?" Laxus asked in a hushed tone.

This agitated Freed even more. Laxus thinks he's so awesome, so perfect, that no one is allowed to be angry with him? Just because he can take down Natsu in one punch or his father's entire guild by himself?

Freed's inner monologuing was cut short by Laxus standing up and looking down at his friend. "Come take a walk with me," Laxus said. Typical! He doesn't even say 'please' he really has very poor manners, Freed thought as he sat there contemplating whether to follow his leader's order or ignore him.

Laxus rolled his eyes. "You know you want to," he said gently.

Freed stared right at Laxus and refused to stand up in clear disobedience of his order. Laxus' eyebrows went up. Feisty today, isn't he? Laxus said to himself. Hhhmm. I suppose I can make him think he's winning. Just this once.

"Freed, don't be like this. Come take a walk with me and we can," he groaned out the abhorrent word "talk." He paused. "Please."

Freed smiled and stood up, slowly. "I knew you had the capacity to use manners somewhere deep down inside."

Laxus grunted. Has Freed always been this annoying? He asked himself. He seemed to think Freed usually did whatever he told him to without questioning it. Laxus wasn't sure if he liked Freed getting all defiant and back talking. Course, it gives me an excuse to knock him down a peg or two, Laxus thought as his eyes roved over Freed's body. He wasn't sure how long this thing… whatever it was would last between the two of them, but he was sure of one thing it definitely wasn't over. Not with the sensations coming from his heart and his groin. He was feeling an overwhelming need to claim Freed as his, and if they had some damn privacy he would have been undressing Freed right then.

"Gods, I want to fuck him," Laxus thought. He took a deep breath trying to clear his mind for a little experiment. Mira in a bikini, Lucy with her shirt all ripped up, that stupid Fiore princess who always wore that dress that looked like a teddy… Dammit! None of those things registered nearly as much arousal as Freed. I guess he's not the only one who's got it bad, Laxus mumbled to himself as they left the compartment. As soon as I get the chance, I'm gonna take him so hard he won't be able to sit the next day. The thought made Laxus laugh.

"What?" Freed asked nervously.

"Oh, nothing. Just looking forward to getting home," Laxus said with a twinkle in his eye.