Freed sat stock still in the booth the group had chosen. His eyes were wide. He looked uncomfortable in every sense of the word.
"You aren't serious right?" Freed blurted, nervously running his hands through his hair, pushing it all back ineffectively. He felt hot and stuffy in the room, but only to the poor worried mage.
"Completely serious." Laxus confirmed, yet again with a quick nod.
Freed had been repeating that question endlessly as they scoured the town a suitable strip club, unable to believe his current situation.
"You look like you're sweating. Maybe you should take your coat off." Bickslow suggested, fighting and losing to his own grin.
Freed gave him a cold glare.
"It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes!" Natsu sang, his hands ablaze for a moment.
The green haired mage visibly cringed, and dropped his face into his hands. He felt nervousness and the sickening feeling of unpreventable embarrassment creep around him. Lucy had to laugh, just to fight off her own awkward, ill feelings. She wasn't sure if she wanted to be around to see if this was going to really happen or not...but damn her curiosity. She was as interested as everyone else to see how well the prim and proper mage would fair in the scanty lime light.
"I'm gunna go sign you up." Laxus stood.
Freed jumped up, frantically reaching to grab the larger man's arm.
"Wait!" he yelled, hugging both arms around his bicep.
"What." Laxus rumbled.
"Just...can I at least drink first. There is no way I can go up there like this." He begged, a bit annoyed at being rushed.
Laxus raised a brow at him, looking down skeptically.
"You are just stalling." he shook his head.
"I'm not. You think I am going to be able to do THAT with a sober mind?" He asked, gesturing to a man on stage, dancing sensually and entertaining the crowd.
Laxus looked over and considered the others argument.
"Maybe not." Laxus admitted. "Alright fine."
He sat back down, crossing his arms.
"Why did we have to come to a gay strip joint?" Bickslow asked, having previously gotten excited hearing 'strip club' being disappointed with the addition of the word 'male'.
"Obviously they aren't going to let a man up on stage at a women's strip club." Lucy answered with ease.
Bix couldn't find anyway to counter that, and sat back lazily in the booth.
The waiter approached their table.
"Alright what can I get you?" He asked, in a quite chipper tone, clicking his pen.
"Depents. Who's buying?" Cana asked the table, kicking her feet up onto the low table.
"Not me." Freed answered sharply, not feeling very hospitable with his dignity on the line.
"I guess I'll get this round." Laxus shrugged, making everyone light up.
"A strawberry daiquiri for me please." Lucy called quickly.
Laxus chuckled.
"Freeloader." he shot.
She pouted, sinking a little into herself.
"Hey! If you lost your paycheck every week you would be just as eager for a free drink as I am." she protested.
Laxus shrugged, laying his arm over the back of the booth.
"Maybe you should get better at your job." He suggested.
Lucy went red in instant anger, about to blow her top, but Laxus held up a hand in mock surrender.
"Calm down princess. I was just kidding." He soothed. "It's not like I haven't lost good money for my fuck ups. Happens to everyone."
She fidgeted in her seat and looked away.
"Natsu is the one constantly overdoing it." She mumbled.
"I can't help that. I am just way to powerful!" Natsu laughed happily.
The group ordered, saving Freed for last, as he contemplated exactly what he wanted. Everyone was a bit shocked to hear him answer,
"Three vodka shots please."
All eyes flashed to him.
"Actually...make it five" he corrected.
The waiter wrote it down and nodded before leaving to get their drinks.
"You aren't kidding are you?" Bickslow asked, smoothing his hair back.
"I want to be absolutely delirious. I really don't think five is going to do it." He groaned.
Lucy looked to him sympathetically, but couldn't hide her amusement.
"Your friends really know how to get to you hua?" She tried to sound friendly.
He scoffed.
"I'll say." He sat back. "Trust no one." he warned, only half joking at this point.
"If you look at the bright side, maybe this will make you less intimidating to me." She offered it as a sort of silver lining.
Freed laughed hopelessly and smiled.
"At least there's that." he huffed, feeling a bit better at her attempts to cheer him up.
"See. You are doing a world of good." Laxus praised mockingly.
"Have you ever danced before...like ever?" Cana asked, laying back in Bickslow's arms.
"Other than the waltz I'm assuming?" He asked back and shook his head no.
"Have you been in a strip club before? Male or female?" Bickslow nearly demanded.
Freed shook his head.
They both laughed.
"You're so innocent." The soul mage accused.
"Not really." he denied. "I'm just not public about my sex life."
"Then what do you do?" Cana challenged.
"I am not discussing that here." he declined.
"Come on ya prude." She complained loudly.
Freed rolled his eyes, and noticed the waiter making his way back with a full tray.
They took their drinks, but only Natsu took a drink immediately. Everyone else had their eyes on Freed. He noticed this but ignored it completely, not needing anything to add to his nerves. Studying the shot in his hand he drew a breath, then threw the liquid to the back of his throat, swallowing it fast. He felt his body say no, and send a jolt through his system. He breathed out, feeling his throat burn, and the hot sensation follow down to his stomach.
"Awful. Just awful." He choked, taking the second. He shot it back the same way, feeling a softer shiver and the heat burn thicker in his stomach.
"Damn. I thought we would be here for at least an hour before you got the first one down." Bix admitted, slightly impressed.
Freed licked a drop off the rim of the glass, before setting it down.
"I chose not to drink. That does not make me bad at drinking." He insisted.
"Just makes you a light weight." Cana added.
"Exactly." Freed nodded proudly. "It costs me less when I do want to get drunk. I can only see that as an advantage."
He looked to Laxus, who seemed spaced out, looking off into the distance.
"What's got you so distracted?" Freed grabbed his attention.
"I'm trying to decide if I'm gay." he admitted rather bluntly, adding a smirk showing he was partially joking.
Looking in the direction the blond's eyes had been locked, Freed realized Laxus was watching the dancer on stage currently performing.
"And?" he asked, raising his eyebrows questioningly.
"These people are talentless hacks." He shrugged. "Haven't decided." He shot back some of his whisky.
Freed looked up and shook his head.
"What am I going to do with you?" He sighed, but felt the room start to sway. He stilled his head and put a hand to calm the motion. "That's kicking in nicely." He regretfully informed.
"I'm going to sign you up then." Laxus stood, marching off towards backstage.
Freed watched him go and screamed internally. There was no stopping it now. His stomach turned, making him feel queasy.
"I apologize if I vomit." he groaned.
"You'll be fine." Cana promised, moving over to sit next to him. "You just have to puff out your chest and take it like a man." She pounded her chest encouragingly.
He glanced to his last shot. "I think one more and I'll be good. Here." He took one more of the stout glasses, before whipping a shot to each Bickslow and Cana.
They cheered, clinked the small glasses together before pounding them back.
"Its going to be easier than you think." Natsu spoke up. "Anticipation is the worst of it probably. I mean you are nearly S class. This should be a walk in the park!" He encouraged gleefully.
"I don't know if you would be so cocky if you were in my shoes." Freed stated.
"Pun intended?" Bickslow asked.
Freed scowled at him.
"Yeah I would be. Dancing is easy." Natsu had the sound of utter confidence in his voice.
Freed was tempted to challenge the pink haired boy, but didn't want to spend anymore time in the establishment after his own 'performance' than he absolutely had to.
Laxus strolled back, and gestured for Cana to move from his spot, which she complied to, considering the blond was currently buying her drinks.
"You have a few minutes to freak out first. There's at least one other person in front of you." The lightning mage told him, relaxing back in his seat.
"How many people exactly?" Freed wanted to have a countdown until his death sentence.
"I didn't look." He answered.
The green haired mage could not express his irritation at that remark but let it pass. He didn't need to add anger to his nausea and quickly approaching embarrassment.
"Great." he groaned back sarcastically, standing, stumbling a bit. He hadn't felt the alcohol in his system until that moment, and thought for a second that he may have overdone it. He moved from the booth, gaining control of his walk by pacing, learning how to move his inebriated and wobbly body. The group wrote it off as nervousness, not paying him to much attention.
The script mage took a deep breath and tried to allow the drink running through system to blur his mind. The more he worried the less the alcohol would work. He picked up the last shot, taking it back quickly, shaking his head at the taste and familiar burn again. He needed to give this drink the control, as much as he hated admitting it.
"Alright. I'm going to wait in line I guess." he set the glass down, reaching to take his jacket off, but paused. If he kept it on that would be one more thing he had to remove on stage. He decided to keep it and made his way back.
"He's one brave little toaster." Bix said in mock pride.
"This is going to make my life." Cana laughed, pulling a camera out of her bag.
"You wouldn't?" Laxus smirked, looking intrigued.
"Bet your ass I would." She rejected, turning it on and testing its film. "Works. Who wants copies?"
Our lovely strip mage...er I mean script mage, had been waiting quite a while behind black curtains, leading to the front stage. They were close to the speakers so all he could hear was the pounding of some upbeat annoyance of a song drowning out his own thoughts. He was grateful his drinks had more time to kick in, feeling a small ease on his nerves, but that didn't prevent the need to take deep breaths every now and again.
He was not the only one having a private heart attack. Many contestants were in fact feeling the same as him. One in particular in front of him was on the edge of a breakdown being consoled by, what Freed could only assume, was his partner.
He did his best to ignore the scene as the line moved on. It didn't help that the smaller room was much more stuffy due to more bodies in a tight area. He needed to tie his hair in an attempt to escape the worst of the heavy heat.
Before long the only ones in front of him were the panic attack and his significant other. He was fully prepared mentally to take the stage after the next act, taking comfort in the little time left.
He was not prepared, however, for the man in front of him to back out the second his name was called, causing a halt in the show. The man pushed past him as he confused announcer tried to get things in order, bringing much more attention to the next dancer subsequently.
As the host fumbled to understand the mix up, the mint haired mage peered around the curtain. He could make out the vague figures of his guild mates through the shine of the stage lights. He had a waver in his confidence until making out the vague figure of Laxus. He needed to look at this as nothing more than another challenge, presented by his leader, another hurdle to jump, another task to complete. Nothing more.
He stood up straight, and exchanged his nervousness for confidence and determination. He would face this problem as if it were any foe, and test his own limits.
"Sorry about the delay," the announcer called over the speakers. "Seems as if 'Mr. SweetThighs' has run off somewhere, but no worries, our next contestant is ready and waiting! Please welcome 'The Glittering Swordsman'!" The crowd cheered happily, but Freed paused.
Was that really the best name Laxus could come up with on short notice. He shook his head, trying not to be amused by that.
The lights went up and a familiar song started. He covered his face trying not to laugh. Fucking...Laxus...
What better song to strip to than 'I love rock and roll' by Joan Jett. Fannnnntastic. This song wouldn't allow a coward to own it. A challenge indeed. No opportunities for mistakes or cute blunders. This song demanded a confidant dancer.
Freed said his last goodbyes to his dignity, before strutting out to the music and blinding lights. He couldn't lie, it was an easy song to get lost in. A good beat to distract from everyone watching him.
Before he knew it he was center stage, matching the beat of the music with his body, swaying and swirling his hips. He was glad the song hid both, his lack of dancing skills and rigidness with its bouncing beat.
The vocals of the song started, as the mage got his feeling for the music, altering his movements to match the rhythm with the chunky melody. Before long he was lost in alcohol, adrenaline, and the sick ass beat, letting go more and more with each cord.
He circled the pole in the middle of the platform and pulled the belt from around his waist off with one hand, making it snap, and dropped down to his knees, rocking his hips. He paused, hearing the long sweet drone of the singer, easing back up teasingly slow, rolling his hips, with a smirk. The crowd hooped and whistled. He left them in suspense, once standing his hands barely rested on the smooth pole in front of him, moving his body tauntingly slow to the next words until the chorus hit.
Hearing the rise he pulled himself on the pole, having more than enough strength to support himself, swinging around with one leg hooked around the axis for stability. He held himself up with his thighs and legs, bowing back, proving to be very flexible. He arched his back,the crowd roared as he removed the buttons to his overcoat, letting it slide down his arms a bit before moving fluidly back up, grabbing the pole with one arm, swinging his body around again, letting half the jacket fall off with the momentum. He could easily feel it fall away, releasing some of the strain on his body from the burning heat caused by the bright blinding lights.
His body slid down the silver beam, dropping to the floor, he dipped his head back again, quickly slipping his other arm from the jacket, abandoning it on the ground. It felt great to be out of that overcoat, and made it easier to move to the thumping sounds.
He slid up the pole completely wrapped up in his own movements, making sure he didn't move too quickly or slowly, keeping his rhythm as perfect as he could manage. He had melting into the song, forgetting about the onlookers, who were none too disappointed with this little 'amature'. He felt his hair tie quickly slipping, tugging specific strands causing an annoyance. He yanked it out of his silky hair and shook the strands loose, making them look a bit wild compared to his natural look. More cat calls and cheers erupted, much louder now. It sent an exciting rush up Freed's spine, but he had no time to become distracted.
His body moved more drastically, and with it more confidently. Stepping to the very edge of the edge of the stage, running his hands up his chest, slipping off his cavat with one hand, unbuttoning his shirt with the other. He discarded the tie, and the shirt soon joined it. His torso was slender and had curves but was muscular and oh so tempting. He had these men on the edge of their seats, ready to make it rain (if the club didn't have restrictions on paying volunteers).
He ran his hands down those smooth abbs that were tempting the room. His hands moved lower and lower on his enticing frame, down to his hips, lower still.
His fingers ran down his zipper, nearly causing an uproar in the business. He couldn't hide his satisfied smirk at the loud cheers. It gave him a sense of power over the area, and he loved it. The anticipation in the mass of watchers was growing only to be stolen away as the script mage made a 180 stepping back to the pole.
The delightful frustration of being denied swept through the customers, many making their annoyance well known with their calls.
The green mage hardly cared, and silenced all of their complaints with ease, unzipping and lowering his pants, as well as his underwear with it. It was enough to see just the base of his groin. Just enough to make them want more.
He didn't hesitate in climbing back up on the pole, but this time to test his own ability. He braced the pole, using it as a pivot to perform a clean flip, and grabbed a hold of the pole tightly, swinging his body around, and with the momentum, lifted his legs above his head, wrapping them around the pole. His green hair rained down. He reached towards the floor, only his carefully wrapped legs holding him up yet again, and ran his hands through his thick hair, pulling it up behind his neck.
For a second he met rich blue eyes across the room. Laxus of course had been watching him the entire time...he had put him up to this sexy little show, but he had hardly expected this. Freed was so reserved the most he hoped for was a sub-par strip tease and an adorable blushing face. No pink cheeks, no shyness in those piercing turquoise eyes. The only thing the man showed was bravery and limitless dedication to his leader. Laxus had specifically planned this obstacle to stump his friend. To make him admit utter defeat. More than just losing a sparring match. He wanted to reduce him to complete failure. He was sure this time he had chosen the pinnacle of his limits. The peak of his ability. Obviously the script mage proved him wrong.
He watched him dance and dominate the pole as well as the audience...and possibly the worst of all, Laxus himself. He could feel something inside of himself stir, a desire to grab him off that mast he was moving against, captivating and controlling the lightning mage's eyes, that refused to look away. Even more than a conflicting sense of lust he couldn't ignore how annoyed he was becoming. Everyone was eating the dancing mage up. He didn't want to regret his decision, but hell, why did these people get to see this side of Freed?
His fist tightened as he watched. He tossed back his whisky and wondered how much longer the song would last.
Freed had long ago broken away from staring at his commander, and had made his way high up on the pole, bracing himself up with one leg, the other hooked around the pole, and an arm holding him out. He held on tight, and swung his body around again, hugging the pole close before dropping down quickly, catching himself just before the ground. He ran his hand through his hair to push it out of the way, and pulled himself up with the pole, throwing his body back, not letting go of the pole, as the song ended with a punch.
The crowd cheered and Freed felt relieved finally. He was hot, and now dripping in sweat. His muscles ached from the unexpected work out. His ears rang from the loud music and all of the noise.
Freed picked up his clothes, not trying to hide how tired and satisfied he was. As he sauntered back, his cloak dragging on the ground. He glanced back, and gave a wink to the crowd, blind to him from the lights, before slipping back behind the curtains.
He took deep breaths and sat out of the way, loving the seemingly cool temperature of the shadows now. He could feel his head spinning now, realizing he had blocked that out before. Now he felt sick and ready to hurl. His hand slipped over his stomach, offering a small amount of mental comfort to sooth the churning inside. The mage didn't keep track of how long he sat there, catching his breath and waiting for the world to slow down. How much spinning had he done on stage? Had he really taken off his clothes? Where did his hair tie go. He didn't care. Not at all. What he thought would have made him feel shame brought him pride. Freed won. Won against Laxus. Won against his punishment. He didn't just complete his task, he destroyed the goal, demolished the finish line and stole the gold. He laughed to himself triumphantly, glad he had this chance to show his dedication.
The feeling of satisfaction only grew more intense when he saw Laxus walk backstage. The smaller man's smirk grew.
"Enjoy the show?" Freed panted feeling rather dignified.
Laxus looked disappointed in knowing he had lost this little battle, but strangely glad his friend could meet the assignment.
"Yeah...actually I did." he replied honestly, leaning on the wall, close to where the smaller sat.
Freed nodded, offering his hand up to the blond.
"Then help me get dressed again. I'm exhausted."
Laxus chuckled lowly, and pulled him up to his feet.
"I didn't know you could dance like that." He commented, the movements repeating in the faux dragon's mind.
"I didn't either." Freed laughed, running a hand over his face.
Suddenly he punched Laxus in the shoulder, positive it would hurt himself more than the blond.
"'I Love Rock and Roll?'" he questioned. "Out of every song you know? Every song you have ever heard?"
"I don't know." Laxus shrugged as Freed slipped his shirt back on. "I didn't want to put on a crap song, and I figured it was one you knew." He paused. "Next time I'll just put on some classical shit. See how you like that."
Freed rolled his eyes.
"There will not be a 'next time'." He promised.
Laxus raised an eyebrow at him and an evil smirk crossed his lips.
"Really?" Laxus asked. "Yeah, I don't think I would want to see you up in front of all those people again...but..." he paused and ran his hand up the green haired man's neck, up to his cheek, causing him to look up, slightly confused. "Maybe a private dance would be more fun. " he suggested and started to button up the front of Freed's shirt.
That made the script mage's eyes wide.
"L-Laxus!" he stuttered, thinking he must have heard him wrong.
The large man jerked him close, the others tired body unable to fight against his hold.
"But you would have to give me more of a show than you did for these jerks." He glanced down his body, making the tired dancer realize his pants were still low and unzipped.
Freed jolted and rushed to correct the mistake, but instead found himself pinned up against the wall, both hands being held back by the powerful brute in front of him. It made his breath catch, feeling this man become so aggressive. He begged his body not to tremble.
"I thought you wanted me to dress you?" Laxus reminded, pressing closer, his head dipping low to lick a bead of sweat from his captives neck, feeling him jolt in surprise. "Keep your hands up." He ordered, relaxing his grip.
Freed didn't know what to think, and kept his hands above his head, crossing them over each other. His body wiggled, feeling the strong man's hands start on his shoulders, running down his chest, over the stomach that had taunted the room, and low to his pants line. The script mage groaned, feeling two fingers slip under the elastic of his boxers brushing against sensitive skin. He forced his body to stay still, feeling the contact against his skin as Laxus slipped the material back to their place and buttoned his trousers. He didn't know getting dressed could be so...damn appealing. He had a tightness growing in his stomach. A blush grew on his face, knowing Laxus would notice, and indeed he did.
"You know, usually people get hard when they are taking off their clothes." He teased, and pulled his face up to see that adorable shyness.
Freed grimaced, unsure of what to say, other than.
"Sh-ut up."
Laxus chuckled again, pulling his face closer.
"I never thought you would be such a dirty pervert." He scolded tauntingly. Before the younger man could defend himself the blond kissed him roughly.
After his 'display', Laxus was not sure what he felt exactly. All he knew is that this little fucker was hot, and making him want to find somewhere private. They could skip getting him dressed all together, if only provided an unlocked storage room, very unlikely in a club like this.
Freed eagerly kissed him back but pulled away before he could get entranced the embrace. He did not want that kiss to stop, but there were people, undoubtedly counting the seconds until Freed came back, eager to get some cracks in at him.
"They are going to wonder where we are." He announced softly, the regret thick in his smooth voice.
Laxus sighed, knowing he was right. As eager as he was to explore these new urges, he didn't want to rush in some cramped storage room.
"I wonder how thick our walls are." Laxus stated bluntly, nibbling on Freed's ear. "Because I'm going to make you scream my name later." He spoke lowly, sending a shiver through Freed. "and if you think I give a fuck if the others hear, you are dead wrong." He added and pulled back.
He gave Freed a funny look, that caught the green haired male off guard.
"Put your damn hands down." Laxus laughed, shaking his head.
Freed blushed again, and grabbed up his coat, belt and tie.
"R-Right." he stammered.
The two rejoined the group. Freed had to hold his jacket his lap, too hot to put his coat on, and unwilling to show the world how flustered he had become.
He felt like everything was just a dream. None of it could have been real.
"I want a cosmopolitan." He sighed, wanting to relax now, nearly dropping into his seat.
"I thought you would want to sprint out of this place as fast as possible." Bix laughed, leaning forward.
His tikis flew up and invaded Freed's personal space.
"Good job!" One sang.
"SexxxxXXyyY!" Another sang tauntingly.
"Say what you will." He shrugged in retaliation. "I did a great job."
"And you are holding up. I thought that Vodka would have you loopy right now." Cana laughed, having heard stories about the last time Freed had been drunk.
"I think I have too much adrenaline or panic in my system to be to hilarious." He admitted. "Now someone buy me a cosmo!" He ordered, playfully.
Bickslow snickered.
"I'll get ya one baby. I offered to pay the last time ya drank and never came through." he offered and stood up, going to the bar.
The script mage ran his hands through his hair, attempting to smooth it back.
"So. What did I miss?" He asked.
"Nothing. We were all watching you." Lucy admitted. "As funny as it would have been, I have to say I'm pretty glad you stopped at the pants. I don't know how I would have ever spoken to you again."
Freed nodded, smiling
"Oh yeah. I already knew that outcome. It takes a lot more than a dare to make me strip down completely, drunk or not."
"Could have fooled me." Laxus chimed in.
"I never said there were not exceptions to my rules. They are just rare." Freed defended himself.
"And also named Laxus." Cana added.
"Oh another Laxus joke? Oh Dreyar me, what will I ever do to cope with the pain." Freed mockingly worried.
The table burst out in laughter.
"What the hell did you just say?" Laxus roared.
"It's a pun. Ya know, dear, Dreyar." Freed shrugged. "It's great." He felt great. He had nothing to worry him now, and could really get into this 'vacation' thing they were on.
Lucy shook her head giggling.
"I apologize that you have to see me out of my level head Lucy and Natsu, but now that I'm getting relaxed those shots are really getting me." He added.
Bickslow came back with the bright red drink with an orange twisted peel on the rim.
"Thank you." Freed smiled, taking the glass, leaning back, sipping it.
"Girly ass drink." Laxus shook his head.
"Tasty." Freed smiled, unaffected by his input.
"Oh, by the way! I ran into someone I think you want to talk to." Bix grinned and snickered.
Freed frowned and saw who had followed his friend over.
"Oh god." He set the drink on the table, so he could cover his face with his hands.
"You guys all know Rufus Lore." Bix introduced.
"Hello." The blond greeted the table, then looked to Freed. "It's good to see you again."
Freed nodded, looking up.
"You as well. Though I wish it could have been on a night when I did not have such...a lusty agenda." It was impressive how this script mage could compose himself even when so drunk, if the need arose. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?"
The masked man looked a little amused.
"I'm gay?" He answered, not sure what Freed had been expecting.
Freed closed his eyes and shook his head.
"No, why are you here. I thought someone of your standing had more refined tastes than amateurs."
Rufus nodded. "Oh right. I didn't really have a choice. We were passing through the town and a friend of mine insisted I didn't have any real objections. Besides. You never know when you might find a diamond among the coal."
The way he eyed Freed made it all to clear what he meant by that, and Laxus was not to fond of it.
"Aren't you to refined to parade yourself before the common men?" Rufus questioned back.
"Yes well, I would rather be on display than be a liar. I lost a bet." He stretched a bit in his seat, feeling his body tense up. "I would invite you to join us, but I think my pride has taken enough blows for the night."
Rufus nodded understandingly.
"It's perfectly fine. I don't believe I will find anything to best what I've seen so far..."
Again, it was all too obvious to the lightning mage what this man meant.
"so I am taking my leave. I will be in Magnolia again soon. We should get together and catch up." The masked man offered.
Freed nodded happily.
"Of course! That sounds fantastic." he agreed.
With a nod, the long haired blond man left for the exit.
"He likes you." Bix sang joyfully before the other man was hardly out of hearing range.
Freed sat back and sighed.
"He does not." He rejected, taking another drink from his glass.
Laxus looked away, scowling at nothing in particular.
"Oh please. It was painfully obvious he was flirting with you." Lucy added.
Freed shrugged.
"He's...not really my type." He phrased his words carefully, with a glance to this leader.
"I thought you liked blonds?" Bickslow tried to coax Freed.
"I do." He nodded.
"Not only do you two dress properly and come from high society, you're both wizards and close to the same skill set. You two would make since." Cana knew what her boyfriend was attempting, and joined him. They could both see how much Laxus hated the topic. A vein was nearly visible on his forehead.
"Maybe so. In theory we would be perfect for one another." Freed nodded.
Laxus growled a bit, refusing to say anything, despite his annoyance.
"But..." Freed smiled to himself, looking down into his drink. "I've never stuck to the conventions I should...Yes Rufus and I make perfect sense. " his voice dropped a bit at the end. He glance up and slipped his hand into Laxus, leaning on his shoulder. "He is not my type." He finished shortly.
Laxus seemed not to notice how close the other mage was, not paying him any attention.
"So what is Freed?" Cana asked. "Come on, spell it out for us."
He shook his head and smiled, more amused at her pestering now.
"If it's not obvious, I am more interested in those who are very unlike me. Why would I search the world for a love identical to myself? Not only is that vain but very close minded. Variety is the spice of life they say."
"And you Laxus?" Lucy chimed, leaning forward.
He looked over with his usual blank face. His eyes shifted to Freed and back to Lucy.
"I like having him around." He shrugged, not understanding what she wanted to hear.
She sighed, leaning back. "Figures." She scoffed. "Freed's such a romantic, and Laxus is just blah!" She giggled.
The group chuckled, Freed feeling a soft squeeze on his hand from the larger man. He moved closer and felt a heavy arm drape around his shoulders.
"Natsu." Freed piped up, catching the pink haired mage's attention. "You've been very quiet...What do you look for in a significant other?"
The dragon sat up and looked around the booth, everyone's attention being drawn to him.
"That's easy! Someone who never gives up! And always sees the brighter side. Someone who always up for a challenge!" He announced.
Freed noticed how the fire breather glanced at Lucy.
"Someone who's always fun to be around and up for adventure...someone who's got my back through thick and thin."
Freed nodded.
"All good qualities. What about looks? I prefer blonds...do you have anything like that?" all of this was formality. He knew the answers already.
"Well...Yeah I like blondes...on the right people. I like lighter hair I guess...but dark eyes..." he looked up. "I don't know. I never really think about looks."
"Same." Freed nodded, taking another drink from his glass.
"But you just said you like blonds?" Lucy pointed out.
"But I never disclosed why." Freed reminded. "In the end looks matter very little. You fall for the appearance as easily as you fall for the one who owns them, at least in my experience. "
Natsu looked wide eyed for a moment before stealing another glance at Lucy... was Freed right? Did he like bubbly blondes with deep colored eyes because...he liked Lucy?
"You are all way too mushy." Laxus scolded gruffly.
Freed smirked and kissed his the curve of his sharp jaw.
"Indeed we are." he nodded.
The group stayed and talked for a bit before noticing the hour. The sun would be up before long.
"Let's finish our drinks. I think we should head back to the hotel. It's getting pretty late." Freed mentioned.
"Sounds good." Lucy agreed, in a large long yawn.
She looked to Natsu, who nodded.
"I'm beat." he stretched.
The group agreed, not staying much longer in the club.
They walked back to the hotel, and to the floor with their rooms. They were all close together and in the same hallway.
Freed had to remind Bickslow and Cana to be more quiet every time they chose to spoke. Lucy and Natsu both seemed too tired to cause any trouble, and Laxus was quiet as always.
Freed unlocked his room and allowed Laxus in first, facing Natsu and Lucy.
"Are you two feeling alright? I hope we didn't keep you to late."
Lucy shook her head and stretched her tight muscles.
"No its fine, but we are sleeping in tomorrow." she promised.
Bickslow had Cana up against the door to their room, not being shy in running his hands over her body, kissing her furiously.
Cana fumbled to unlock the door, pulling the handle making both of them topple back, laughing. Freed was positive he heard something shatter but didn't let it bother him.
"I think thats true for all of us. Goodnight." He waved before going in his room.
Natsu looked to Lucy, who leaned on the door frame as she turned the key.
"Lucy..." he spoke softly.
She looked up.
"Yeah?" She answered.
Natsu paused, thinking over what he wanted to say...
"Ah...lets spend the day together tomorrow." He suggested.
The key wielder studied his face before smiling, giving a nod.
"Sounds great." She agreed.
Natsu grinned.
"Night then. Don't let Ever harass you to much." He warned, before turning to his shared room.
"Ah...actually..." Lucy paused. "Could I room with you? I think Ever already made it back to the room." She nodded to the handle that was now stone.
Natsu laughed.
"Sure. Come on." He called.
Okay. This was kinda hit kinda miss. It was tons of fun to write, but also very challenging which is why I decided to go with a strip scene. Its kinda out of my league. I tried to make Freed's little show somewhat in his character, as well as not be too cringe worthy. I really try to avoid any OC moments, but with a bit like this its a little impossible.
Just a side note, Freed and Rufus are my major Bro-TP, for obvious reasons, but who better than the Minstrel Who Sings to the Red Moon to shake up some drama?
Thanks so much for taking some time out of your day to read this. I am really proud of this story so far and it brings me so much joy to know others are enjoying it.