It was such a boring day with no interesting missions or anything and gods knew that when a day turned boring in Fairy Tail, something chaotic would inevitably happen.

First the beer barrels were opened, then foods were piled on the tables. That was followed by music and soon the boring day had turned into one of the many days when they held parties. Guess it was fun as well, but after four days of partying Freed found it mostly just annoying.

For the last three hours he had stayed in the library where he could hardly hear all the noises from the Hall. It wasn't like he hated being with others or partying with them, he just sometimes really needed some time alone. He enjoyed reading books and even though he had already read all of the books from their guild's library – at least those he could get his hands on, who knew what there might be hidden in their guild house after all - he reread them just for fun. There was always something new he had missed earlier.

After finishing yet another book, Freed sighed and put it on the small table just beside his chair. It was one of his favorite spots in the whole guild house, as it was quiet here, he had books around him, the arm chair was really comfortable and the window just beside him let him see what was happening outside.

He chuckled slightly leaning his chin against his hand when he noticed how some of their guild mates were having fun outside, playing some ball game. It had been Mirajane's idea that since it was a warm summer day, they should party outside. Probably just so they wouldn't have to end up buying new furniture for the fourth time this month.

Freed stood up, took the book and he put it back on the shelf turning his back towards the window. Obviously that was a bad choice when suddenly there was a loud crash and in the next second he realized he was lying on a floor, his head hurting like hell.

"Whose idea was to put a window right over there!" he managed to hear an awfully familiar shout.

"You're supposed to just toss the ball, not blast it off like a cannonball!" was another yell and Freed stood up carefully, making sure there was no glass shards on him.

"How's that supposed to be fun?! Who cares, you lost! You owe me a beer!"

"Like hell! Play by the rules you flame burping gecko!"

"Aren't you one to talk, I was aiming the goal! it's your ice that made me slip and the ball broke that window! It's all your fault, ice cube!"

Lucy sighed as she watched how Erza came over to scold Natsu and Gray, but somehow it ended up with Erza snapping for both of them and tossing them across the field and right on table where Elfman, Max and Gajeel had been chatting on. It of course lead to another fight and soon the ball game was long forgotten and they were back to their usual hobby: fighting.

"Looks like it doesn't matter if they are outside or inside, something always ends up breaking", Happy said sitting next to the celestial mage.

"Guess it's some kind of a law of nature, you can't fight against it", Lucy wondered sipping her pink drink.

"Aye..." Happy sighed and he looked up. "Ieeek!" he shrieked bolting up from his seat. Confused because of this behavior, Lucy lifted her gaze as well towards the window and cold shivers ran down her spine like it was suddenly midwinter.

Their very own rune mage was standing in the window that had been crashed because of the ball he was now holding in his hand. His green hair was slightly tousled and it was not hard to guess it was because of that very same ball. His mouth was moving as he was enchanting something, pulling out his sword and Lucy and Happy both knew it was better to move away as quickly as humanly possible.

Freed hopped out in the air, right above the big quarrel. With swift movements he slashed out four sets of runes with his sword, making them hit the ground around the fighters and all runes were linked together instantly. Rune walls hoisted up, trapping everyone inside them at that second.

Softly and gracefully Freed landed on his feet just beside the trap he had made and he sheathed his sword.

"Those who stand inside these runes are thereby trapped and unable to leave until Cana has paid her current tab for Mirajane", he stated.

"They will starve to death in there..." Happy murmured worried, hiding behind Lucy.

Freed paid no attention to all complaints coming from inside his trap and just walked towards the temporary bar counter where Mirajane was working.

"Cranky, are we?" the white haired mage chuckled amused.

"It's their fault, they might have caused a lot of damage in the library with their foolish game", Freed said and he did his best to smooth his hair back in order.

"Please let them out soon? There's no way Cana can pay all the money she owes."

"Hey", Cana slurred leaning against the counter.

"Don't worry, I'm not that cruel", Freed said with a small smile. "They will get out soon after they have cooled down a little bit."

"Thank you", Mirajane smiled. "And well, thank you for stopping the fight before they might really break something more", she chuckled.

"It was my pleasure."

"Hey! Freed!" Bickslow suddenly yelled and the rune mage looked at his friend. "We're gonna play some volleyball at the pool and we need one more, wanna join us?"

"No thank you, we should be planning our next mission already", Freed reminded and the seith mage groaned.

"Not now! We just came back a few days ago!" he whined. "Let's just relax for a while", he said stepping closer to the bar counter.

"If I'm not mistaken – and I'm not – we have been relaxing already for five days", Freed said. "Don't you think that's enough?"

"Nope."

"I'll start looking for a mission", Freed decided and got up, heading towards doors.

"This sucks! If only Laxus was here, he would never want to leave", Bickslow complained and Freed's fingers slightly jolted, but he didn't stop. Let them talk whatever they wanted.

The rune mage stepped inside and he just stopped in front of the huge mission board, not caring about Nabb who was there just like always. But Freed had gotten distracted enough by Bickslow's words, he just stood there and hardly even read what was written in mission sheets.

What was so bad about him wanting to stay with Laxus? Freed was perfectly aware of how other guild members were talking about how Freed was so devoted to the lightning dragon slayer it was weird. They gossiped and tried to figure out why the rune mage was so devoted, what was it that was driving him to do whatever he could to make Laxus happy.

Love. That was what they all guessed. He could practically hear all the whispers, saying how he was actually in love with Laxus, no one knowing what Laxus thought about that. Poor Freed, he would just throw his life away that way. How foolish he was, torturing himself like this and not trying to find a new love. How ridiculous he was when he was following Laxus' orders so blindly.

Freed huffed. That was not what he did at all. It was true that he wanted to help Laxus, but he wasn't a mindless idiot who did whatever Laxus happened to ask.

It was actually a bit funny too when he thought about it. Maybe most of them felt a bit sorry for him, but not one had ever said anything about him being gay. Freed had never said it out loud to anyone, but it was like everyone already knew. They didn't care about that. He was happy about that, that was why he had decided to not care even if everyone were quietly talking about if he loved Laxus that way or not.

He did. And he hated himself every day because of it. Laxus would never forgive him if he heard about it. Laxus trusted him, let him come close to him, they were best friends – Freed slightly smiled. Yes, he was Laxus' best friend – and teammates. Laxus thought they were friends, if he heard about his feelings, he would definitely feel betrayed. Like Freed was staying near him only so he could ogle his muscles and power and so on. Freed would never do that! He admired Laxus because of who he was, not because of how he looked!

He would never betray Laxus. He would always be the Thunder God's trusted captain and a friend and he would take care of his team.

"Freed!"

Freed almost jumped and he opened his eyes. He hadn't even noticed he had closed them at some point and he looked at Evergreen confused.

"What you're doing standing here, smiling creepily? You make Nabb look like he's actually doing something", Evergreen huffed.

"It's not... It's just difficult to choose between all these", Nabb quickly defended himself and left them alone.

Evergreen crossed her arms still looking at Freed.

"So, did you find a mission?" she asked.

"Not yet", Freed said, maybe slightly angry because he was surprised like that.

"You weren't even actually reading them. What's the rush? We got enough money from our last mission, we don't need to go anywhere for a few weeks."

"There's no point in just loitering around and doing nothing."

"Excuse me, but I happen to actually have something to do."

"Elfman does not count."

"You... I would never... How dare you!" Evergreen almost screamed, her face all red and Freed chuckled. "I'm not talking to you anymore! If you want to go to a mission, go by yourself you stupid nerd! Like I would care!" Ever hissed and she stomped away.

Freed looked after her amused, but he returned his gaze towards the mission board again. So Bickslow and Evergreen both didn't want to leave... He could always take a solo mission, but he didn't really enjoy going out to a mission by himself. Sure it was peaceful but he always ended up wondering – and worrying – what others might be doing.

But there wasn't really anything for him to do here. Laxus was away and no one knew when he might return. It might be at any minute or weeks later. Bickslow and Evergreen were both enjoying dates with their loved ones...

Finally Freed took out one of the missions. It was challenging enough so he wouldn't get bored, but he would still be able to do it alone for sure. And it would only take a week to complete, he was sure that Laxus would be back after that and before the lightning mage would leave again, he might have a chance to suggest that they would go to a mission all four of them.

Freed stepped beside the bar counter where Lisanna was working now since Mirajane was working outside.

"I will take this mission", the rune mage said and Lisanna was surprised.

"Just you? Not Bickslow and Evergreen too?" she asked, taking the mission sheet. "It's not that I question your strength, but are you sure you want to go alone, Freed?"

"I will be fine, Lisanna", Freed assured with a nod. "Thank you for your concern."

"Well, if you're sure... Why don't you ask if someone wants to join you?"

"I could, but the truth is I don't really work well with just anyone", Freed said with a small smile. "We might get along with others better now, but it doesn't change the fact that we mostly only can work with each other. So it's better if I go alone."

"I hope you know what you're doing", Lisanna said and she wrote down what mission Freed took. "Though, I know you're smart enough to make sure you will be alright", she smiled.

"Thank you, Lisanna."

"What should I tell for Laxus if he comes back before you?"

Freed blinked confused, looking at the white haired girl.

"Shouldn't I say something to him?" Lisanna smiled. "So he won't wonder where you are or get worried."

Freed chuckled now.

"That is really thoughtful of you", he said. "But don't worry, he won't. He will probably visit here just to say that he completed his mission and then go home and sleep for a few days. After that he wants to drink."

"You really do know him well."

"We've been friends for years after all."

"I do feel a bit sad if he won't worry about you", Lisanna said and she looked slightly sad. "You, Bickslow and Evergreen are his closest friends, I hope he won't treat you badly."

"He won't", Freed smiled. "That is just his way to relax after a long mission. When he goes to drink, he will ask us to go with him usually, then we catch up what all has happened and things like that."

"I see. Well, I'm still going to mention him that you're out for a while", Lisanna promised. "I'm sure he would be confused if he didn't see you around here."

"If that makes you feel better", Freed nodded and he turned around. He should probably head out right away, so he should pack his bag and go to the train station.

Week went by quickly at the guild, everyone doing what they were doing and enjoying their time if they were taking some time off from missions. The clock kept ticking until it was getting dark outside and Bickslow and Evergreen looked at the door.

"It's unusual that Freed doesn't stick with his schedule", Evergreen frowned. "The mission should last only a week, he should be in Magnolia already."

"Maybe he's just mad at us?" Bickslow snickered. "Because we didn't want to go to a mission? Maybe he just went home and is sulking there?"

"You know Freed wouldn't be that childish. He took a job so he will finish it by giving a report how everything went. He's definitely going to come here", the fairy mage said leaning against her hand. "That is if nothing happened to him…" she murmured slightly worried.

"You're thinking too much, baby. It's our captain! If someone can take care of himself, it's our Freed!" Bickslow cackled his dolls giggling as they flew around them.

"Our Freed!" they chanted.

"I know that", Ever said.

They heard voices behind the big doors and looked over.

"See? I bet that's him", Bickslow grinned.

The doors opened but instead of seeing green hair, they saw blond hair and Laxus stepped in carrying his big backpack. He really looked like he had been out for a while, his clothes were dusty and Evergreen could almost smell him all the way from other side of the hall.

Laxus just stepped ahead towards the bar counter and talked with Mirajane. After that he noticed Bickslow and Evergreen, walking towards them. Ever sneered and hold her nose as the Thunder God came closer.

"You stink!" she said and Laxus rolled his eyes.

"Nice seeing you too, Ever", he grunted. "Can't help it, haven't had a chance to bathe for six days."

"How did your mission go, baby?" Bickslow asked as Laxus sat down. "You look tired."

"It was a pain in the ass, but everything went fine. Where's Freed?" he asked looking around confused. Usually Freed was in he guild house still at this time of the day and he would be reading somewhere at the hall but he didn't see him anywhere.

"Freed took a solo job a week ago", Bickslow said.

"He should have come back today but it's already this late", Evergreen sighed. "Maybe he really did get a bit mad at us…"

"Mad at you?" Laxus asked.

"Yeah, he wanted us to go to a mission together but we wanted to stay", Bickslow explained.

"Maybe he just missed a train?"

"Freed missing a train? That's unheard", Ever said with a dry laugh.

"He might already be at his home", Laxus said and he wasn't too worried. "Maybe he decided he would come here tomorrow?"

"Guess that's possible… If he's tired enough…"

"You'll see, he'll be sitting here tomorrow and reading his books like always", Laxus said and he got up. "I'm going home too, I need a shower and then I will sleep for a few days."

"Alright, I'll head home too", Bickslow said. "See you guys later", he said.

Evergreen stayed just a little while longer. She couldn't help it that she was still worried, even though he knew Laxus was probably right.

In the next day they still didn't hear a thing about the rune mage. Laxus was a bit confused, but not yet alarmed and he calmed down Bickslow and Evergreen who were starting to get worried. Freed was fine. Maybe the mission just took a bit longer than was expected? It happened sometimes. Maybe the train broke down and Freed had to walk home? That was possible as well.

But after it was five days since the day when Freed was supposed to return, they finally had to admit that something was terribly wrong. It would not take this long for Freed to come back, no matter if the mission would take longer or the train might not work or anything.

Something must have had happened.

"We have to go find him!" Evergreen yelled as once again they had arrived at the guild but still there was no sign of Freed. No one had seen him or heard of him. "If the mission would really take this long, he would have contacted with us by now!"

"Yeah, I agree with Ever", Bickslow said and Laxus nodded.

"We have to find out where he went", he said.

They stepped at the bar counter where Mirajane was working.

"Do you know what mission Freed took?" Laxus asked.

"So something is wrong?" the white haired bartender asked and she sighed. "I knew he has been away for too long…"

"That's why we're gonna find him", Laxus said. "So what mission was it?"

"There should be a copy of the sheet somewhere", Mirajane hummed as she went through the papers.

It took a while but she finally found the right sheet where was Freed's name, as he had taken the job. She gave it for Laxus, Bickslow and Evergreen to see.

"It doesn't look like anything that should bring him difficulties", Evergreen had to say.

"Yeah, this is way too easy for him even if he's alone", Bickslow agreed.

"So let's go find out what's wrong", Laxus said taking the paper and turned towards doors. "He better have a really good explanation for this", he grunted as they started their hunt.