A/N: It's finished. It's finished it's finished it's finished. THIS IS NOT IT Σ(っ °Д °;)っ But...it's finished.

And I thinks I will be switching platforms. I'm considering putting this fic up on ao3 as well, but once I do I'll move on from here entirely. However I will finish it here and for the time being it will stay here (^∇^*)

Thank you for reading and if you enjoyed/are enjoying, let me know! (THIS ISN'T THE END (((φ(◎ロ◎;)φ))))

Chapter 33

Gajeel fell, slowly. Though it was actually as if everything to Laxus had significantly slowed down as he reached out to catch him. Exhaustion caught up to him as well, but he refused to let his dizziness stop him from reaching the other before they hit what felt like the floor of the abyss.

"I think they'll be easy," Gajeel smirked, "You sure this is an S-class mission?"

"It is a pretty strong dark guild we're up against, small as it is," Laxus rolled his eyes, "and it's just the two of us. Like you asked. So the job's gonna be more difficult this time, no?"

"Hell no," the iron mage jumped in front of him, nearly stopping the taller man as they walked under the bridge, "I didn't want my cat here 'nd I didn't want your lackeys here because the last time I wanted to go on an S class mission with you…they were all in the way!" He exclaimed, extending his hands in frustration.

"Lackeys…?" Laxus repeated as he walked on, unsure about the nickname for the Raijinshuu. He snorted then, turning to the shorter dragon slayer. "Is that the reason?"

"It was a mess! They kept baggerin' me about what to do 'nd where to go and-Lily kept askin' me if I was okay-of course I'm okay! I'm a fuckin' dragon slayer-!"

"And this doesn't have anything to do with the fact that we're together now?"

Gajeel's frozen in his tracks. Laxus stops as he finds himself ahead of him, and turns to see his partner's deep red face.

"Has absolutely nothing to do with you wanting a little privacy with me?" Laxus teased.

"Wh-I don't know what the hell you're on about," Gajeel stuttered, storming forward before being stopped by Laxus' hand on his shoulder. "The hell 're y-!"

His other hand moved down Gajeel's waist. Taken aback, Gajeel was silent, only staring at Laxus' face as he felt that hand move from his hip and wrap around his own. Laxus tilted his head, curiously and Gajeel bit his inner lip.

"Y-you're gonna th-throw me off, man," Gajeel complained. Laxus chuckled.

"Am I? Hm…"

"Wait-!"

Laxus wasn't normally this flirty with Gajeel. He wasn't flirty at all, never a romantic. Something completely changed with Gajeel that the iron dragon slayer never anticipated, and never expected to fall in love with. He'd been protective of him, both discreetly and openly, and he'd surprise him with public displays of affection every now and again. The fearful, stoic and arguably dense man Gajeel initially fell for was almost unrecognizable, and it was as though he'd quickly fallen for him again.

The issue was, the man was very deep in the closet.

Gajeel never told a soul, not one person knew of his attraction to men, that at least he was certain. He himself hasn't come to terms with it for years and still was unsure of it even upon discovering his initial crush on the lightning dragon slayer. If he were honest with himself, he would say he was still concerned, whether it be about his own sexuality or how others would reciprocate it, especially Fairy Tail.

He figured he'd never have to come out. He'd just live out his life single, no problem. He'd get over his dumb crush in a few months, right? No one had to know what he was into, who he was into…what he wanted…who he wanted…

"Gajeel?"

It's a miracle Laxus saved his life. A miracle Laxus chose his life over the job they were on, and that it turned out he loved him just as much.

"If that's the case," Laxus whispered into his ear, deeply, "You're gonna have to promise we finish this mission. Tonight."

Gajeel felt his spine tingle, tightening his grip on Laxus' hand and nodding. Laxus smiles.

"We'll have a little fun, I'll make this easy," he continues into Gajeel's ear, "Go through the back and do your job, I'll go through the front and do mine…and you don't even have to talk to the commissioner, hm? You just meet me at the hotel. It's room 208. Already reserved."

"You're crazy," Gajeel laughs, "Already ahead of me 'nd everything. We'll get the mission done in less than two hours, Gihee."

The previously embarrassed expression in Gajeel's face completely fades as the idea of sex enters his mind, and Laxus smirks at how easy it is to get him to relax. He knew their relationship was a secret, and he did prefer it this way. It was quiet, no one in the guild asking questions about who or how or when or why Gajeel, though he knew his answer to that question would simply be why not or mind your damn business if it ever truly came to it.

He also liked the peace from the townspeople. Laxus Dreyar was a relatively famous mage. Whenever he showed up and was recognized by people they'd try to speak to him, ask him dumb questions, and if they were women, they would always call him handsome. He used to have a huge ego over it, but he'd discover his lack of attraction to women soon enough.

"Laxus!"

Regardless, his concern wasn't that he'd be outed, rather it was that Gajeel would be outed. The most important condition for their relationship was that it be kept secret, not just for the sake of privacy from the media or having a fun fling for themselves, but because one of them was neck deep in the closet nowhere near ready to come out unlike the other.

Laxus loved tormenting him from time to time, embarrassing him and watching his face burn up just by flirting and doing little things like run his hands through his hair when he walks by him in the guild or holding his hand on the train. All of these things never stopped Gajeel from begging the other to let him swing by from time to time, more and more often just before his whereabouts became suspicious.

But he couldn't let Gajeel be outed. Their history, their meeting, was pretty shit. He couldn't believe Gajeel saw him past all of that. Laxus couldn't let him down. He watched the other slayer run off to do his part of the job, knowing that despite their relationship only having lasted so long, he needed to keep Gajeel safe. That was his promise to keep.

"Laxus?"

Laxus' eyes fluttered open, meeting with Rogue's.

"He's awake?" Tesh stood, Arata close behind him.

"Gajeel-" Laxus grunted, pushing himself up off the cot, "Shit-where-?"

"You're still in the room," The elder spoke, "Your friend is resting well. He seems to be doing much better."

Laxus stared down at his partner as he slept. Pantherlily stood over him. Sweat had beaded off of the iron dragon's forehead but he looked calm despite. Gajeel stirred, and Laxus' breath hitched before he made his way towards the bed, kneeling down to his side.

"Gajeel?"

"..."

"...You awake?"

"...L-Laxus…" Gajeel opened his eyes, finding himself staring at very blurry figures. Laxus placed a hand on the other's head, wiping off the sweat gently and caressing his cheek.

"C'mon, Gajeel." Laxus mumbled, encouraging the other before suddenly only being inches away from his face as Gajeel sprang up, gasping in shock. He stared at Laxus, mouth agape as he could have sworn he were dead seconds ago in his slumber. His shoulders relax as he feels Laxus' breath on him, recognizing the scent as very, very real, and not another warped nightmare scenario he'd been sucked into.

"Laxus?" He said, shakily, gripping the sheets beneath him.

Gajeel pushed himself forward, but Laxus stopped him quickly. He tilted his head downward, towards the bed, where Gajeel took a short glance and understood that they were not at home and had some guests still. Things quickly became clear, where he was and what they were doing. Gajeel was still shaken, their encounter with Cadaver having just occurred, of which every moment felt horrifically real. His parted lips shut, holding his breath as he recollected the events of his "dream."

The elixir. Spirit Park. He'd faced Cadaver. Gajeel faced Cadaver. Was he gone, gone from his head? As those few seconds passed, Gajeel felt nothing. No splitting headache, no nausea, no faint the monster would usually cause just to bring him to his attention. He felt no hands on his body, nothing restricting his movements. He exhaled, nothing restricted his breathing.

Was he gone?

"I uh…I think we need to um…" Rogue broke the silence, whispering to the others though mostly directing towards Pantherlily.

"R-right," He nodded, understanding before continuing, quietly, "We should leave them for now, Laxus can take it from here."

Laxus only eyed them as they left, and Gajeel seemed inattentive. They found themselves alone in the dimly lit room, most of the light coming from the loose magic floating about and the blue stained glass window beside them. The only sound remaining in the little room was the rain outside, which seemed to let up, if only a little.

The lightning mage sighed. A light smile crept onto his face. He pulled Gajeel in closer, and watched as the other relaxed into him, laying against his chest and pressing on his forehead. Laxus could feel Gajeel's exhaustion. It was the exhaustion that came with relief after being in pain for so long. He felt his frustration, that all of this time had been spent the way it had, and he allowed Gajeel to fall limp right on top of him.

He'd kiss him, as he wanted now that they were alone. Laxus knew however that there wasn't much of a secret to keep, at least from Rogue. He was unsure of how well he'd hidden their relationship from the Bellden residents-he was sure he'd done a poor job-and going home and pretending that no one else knew of their relationship would prove to be difficult. The guilt he felt was immeasurable, and he had no idea how to make any of this up to the other dragon slayer. Laxus had no clue how to make this right.

He couldn't think about this right now. Laxus just wanted to be with Gajeel. For a moment their kiss grew deeper and Laxus found himself falling back against the bed, Gajeel's hand wrapped in his as his weight came down further. The kiss lessened, and as it was evident the iron dragon slayer would pass out, Laxus became lost in thought again. As much as he just wanted to return home to his normal life with Gajeel, he worried about the rest of the guild.

How many members knew, now? Did they truly keep their promise to keep their relationship a secret? They had to. In the back of his mind he knew Freed and Mirajane would never reveal their relationship to another soul-Mira wouldn't even tell her siblings, he knew it-and those two would certainly be damned before any word got out while they'd been away this whole time. Laxus worried that the guild may have been suspicious about their whereabouts, where they'd been for so long after the events of Spirit Park. They couldn't all know, they couldn't-

Gajeel slid off of his face, laying on the pillow. Laxus turned to meet his sleeping face. His eyes widened, staring at him for a moment while he slept. Gajeel's breath was warm. Lingering still was his last meal, but there was always a metallic scent to it and him. He looked peaceful.

It was still raining, and Laxus had no intention of moving and disturbing Gajeel. He wanted to just sleep there. He was compelled to, as Gajeel's gentle and quiet breaths lulled him back to sleep.

…

"Here," Pantherlily flew back to their shared booth with a bottle of water.

"Thank you," Rogue murmured, accepting it with very little grace, head lying against their table.

The train back was just as long. The sun had already set, and the mages decided to return home. Rather, Gajeel asked to go home while it was dark, and not while anyone was out and about, as much as he wanted to just continue sleeping.

The rain passed and they emerged from the elder's home and were met by a thankfully small crowd, seemingly gathered by Wellis, who heard the news of Cadaver's riddance. Gajeel tried to keep up appearances, something Laxus noted was more lively of him, but he was still exhausted, and they needed to return home quickly for his sake. They did not leave empty handed, however, instead Gajeel would have food and money, money he could not accept but was given to him regardless. The last thing he had to deal with now was motion sickness from the train.

Gajeel and Laxus were resting against each other on the empty train. Just one more stop, the iron dragon slayer thought, and they'd go straight home.

Magnolia was not at all a busy city at night. It was quite quiet, with most citizens home for the evening already aside from the mages of Fairy Tail or any other stragglers at local bars, especially when it was this late. It was well past midnight with only a few trains left to leave Magnolia's station before the morning including Rogue's. As the train finally pulled in and came to a stop, Gajeel raised his head up and sighed before standing with Laxus, exiting among the little crowd that had been on the train and flowing into the nearly empty station.

"We really can't thank you enough," Pantherlily said, "You've done so much for us, not just today."

"I did what I had to," Rogue nodded towards Gajeel, seeing his fatigue kept him from speaking much.

The next train arrived soon after theirs left, and Rogue took it, waving as his dragon slayer comrades of Fairy Tail saw him off. The train station was as quiet as it was yesterday morning. Few leaves began to gather at their feet with a gust of wind. Gajeel exhales, turning to Laxus.

"You should go home at some point, y'know," Laxus whispers, laughing.

"W's that s'pposed to mean?" Gajeel slurs.

"I don't mean a thing by it," he says, "You don't miss home?"

"I do. But-"

"Then why don't we go to your place?" Laxus suggests, pulling Gajeel along with an arm around his waist, "We can catch some z's and when we're rested…say hi to the guild?"

"The guild…?" Gajeel repeats, a tone of hesitancy in his voice.

"You should, you know," his except partner flies up to his height, "Everyone misses you. They ask about your health."

"That's what I'm worried about."

Gajeel was still ill, weak after over a month under Cadaver's whim. He could feel Gajeel's magic, now more so than he could yesterday, more than he could last week but he was certainly unable to use it properly at his current strength. It could have been tiredness, but he still needed Laxus to hold him up while they walked to his home (though, he admitted to himself that may not be the case). He felt ashamed, still. Even after some of his peers had already seen him in his state. He felt afraid that someone would try to jump him and he'd be incapable of stopping it. Gajeel would just be humiliated…either that, or they'd fucking baby him. He didn't know which was worse.

Despite his disdain for being treated like a child with his first scraped knee, Gajeel found he did like being cared for by Laxus, guilty as he'd felt for it. How he'd ever return the favor for everything he'd done, from rescuing him from Cadaver's clutches twice to tending to him after each time. He felt a love he'd never expected to feel from anyone.

Compared to Laxus' house, Gajeel's apartment was much smaller, which made it no surprise why Gajeel preferred to go over to his place. Laxus had only ever slept over once or twice, and hadn't been there long enough to appreciate anything of his since he hadn't been out to Pantherlily before. Much like himself, and most of the mages of Fairy Tail, Gajeel was a collector, and pieces he'd find from his jobs that he found interesting were about the small space.

His bedroom was a shared space with Pantherlily, the exceed having his own, smaller bed, built by Gajeel himself. Cute, Laxus thought, smirking as he sat on the queen bed with Gajeel.

"Want to shower?" Laxus asked.

"Mmmno," Gajeel grunted, "I wanna sleep for days."

"Sure," Laxus chuckled, hitting Gajeel's arm lightly, "Change first."

They were alone. Pantherlily wished them goodnight and took the couch in the living room, smirking at Gajeel who rolled his eyes. The iron dragon slayer had thrown most of his clothes off and rolled into bed quietly, completely wrapping himself with the blanket. Laxus finished undressing and returned to the bed, lying beside Gajeel and staring at the ceiling. He glanced at a lacrima clock beside the bed, and it had read nearly two in the morning.

The ceiling seemed to be spinning as sleepiness began to take him. Gajeel was still awake, somewhat. Laxus breathed, slowly and quietly, taking glances at the other man as he shuffled again and again. He couldn't help but worry, as though their troubles had not ended and the man they thought to have defeated was still in Gajeel, waiting for something. No. Shake off the feeling. You know it's over. It's done.

"Mmm…"

Gajeel moaned, groggily, and Laxus found himself looking at him for much longer. He couldn't see his face, maybe, was the trouble. He couldn't tell if Gajeel was sound. He kept shifting, stretching slightly and clutching the blanket a bit. Laxus didn't want to disrupt his falling asleep, but he needed to grab the other's attention and call his name.

"Gaje-"

He's interrupted as Gajeel's arm slowly reaches back towards him, looking for him. Laxus smiles and takes it, pulling himself closer to Gajeel and wrapping his arms around him. His head is resting on Gajeel's, and he takes in the scent of his hair. Laxus pauses.

No reaction from that.

Gajeel's okay.

The sun shined on his face, and he awoke, irritated that he hadn't closed the curtains properly before he slept. Gajeel groaned, moving slightly only to find that he was wrapped up by Laxus' large arms, his grip on him rather tight. He didn't mind, though he was somewhat surprised by his surroundings. Laxus wasn't usually over at his place, and after all the time they'd spent at Laxus' house he'd almost expected to wake up there again. The memories of that night-rather, that morning-flooded in and Gajeel understood that he was home again, for the first time in a while.

He had no dream. At least none that he could remember. After nights of countless nightmares it was fine, of course, even before the events of Spirit Park and encountering Cadaver all Gajeel could ever ask for was a dreamless slumber. Weeks of agonizing terror every night had become more than he could bear. He dreaded another night of him, the thought of that monster reappearing in his head made him tense up. That night, though, there was nothing.

He feels his partner's lips brush the side of his exposed neck. Gajeel sighs, closing his eyes and letting Laxus run his hand down his arm. "Good morning," he murmurs in his ear, groggily.

Gajeel turns around to face him, and seeing him do so Laxus pulls his hip, twisting the smaller man's body around. Laxus' eyes were as dreamy as ever. Gajeel grins, enjoying his sleepy boyfriend's face. "Mornin'," he responds with a low voice.

"Sleep well?"

"Mhm."

"And how are you feeling?"

"...Like shit."

"Shit?" Laxus raised his head, cocking his eyebrow, "What's wrong? You aren't seeing him again are you-?"

"No-no." Gajeel stops him, "I just…I'm still tired, I feel…it's like I haven't slept in years, y'know?"

"..." Laxus simply stared at him, with an obviously concerned look on his face having no clue what he was talking about. "And you're sure it's not Cadaver? No nightmares?"

"None!" Gajeel holds his hands up to his chest, defensively. "I'm fine!"

The lightning mage tilts his head, exhaling somewhat relieved. "Well," he continues, "I'm starving, and I think Lily's made breakfast."

Gajeel could cook, but he had the tendency to sleep in. So when it came to breakfast, especially, Pantherlily was the one who always woke up on time to cook. Gajeel opened the bedroom door to the smell of eggs, quickly perching himself at the table near the kitchen. Laxus was a new presence at the home, this he understood, and as he watched them talk to each other he moved to the table quietly without imposing, at least trying to. Gajeel had his head down, he noticed, and looked mildly uncomfortable.

"You're still unwell?" Pantherlily continued their conversation, "You didn't catch a cold from the rain, did you?"

"Maybe." Gajeel shrugged, "But I…think I need another day before I go back to the guild."

"And you're not saying this for any other reason?" Lily asked, suspicion in his voice, "You have been hiding from the guild all this time, after all, Gajeel."

"I-what? It's not that, dickhead!" Gajeel counters, crudely, "Just give me another day, I'll be back at the guild when I'm better."

"Alright, alright. Tomorrow. When you're better." The exceed grins, presenting his dragon slayer friend with a plate of fried eggs on toast.

He seemed stern on that tomorrow, Laxus thought, a bit worried for his partner. Though he did seem alright as they spoke that morning. He knew Gajeel was avoiding the guild this whole time, that at any point they could have gone to visit for a day, but the iron dragon slayer's own reservations had stopped him. He was uneasy with the idea of the guild seeing him weak as he was, and Laxus felt guilty for allowing those feelings to build up overtime for the sake of the other man's comfort instead of just taking him to the damn guild.

It was nearly the afternoon when Pantherlily left for Fairy Tail. He and Gajeel shared their goodbyes and the front door to their little apartment shut, locked, and the dragon slayer turned to his boyfriend as the exceed flew further down the road.

"I lied."

"You shithead," Laxus sneered, "You're completely fine?"

"Laxus you dense mother fucker," Gajeel reclined, balancing the chair on just one of its legs, "I really need to have sex with you."

"You-y-what?" Laxus' heart skipped a beat. Sex? Already? Now? Gajeel was completely serious, standing and knocking the chair over, pulling Laxus up off of his seat and dragging him right back to his bedroom.

They hadn't had sex since July and it was the end of August. Arguably, a month wasn't a long time to go without sex. For the both of them it was unbearable, being unable to have each other. Laxus feared even touching Gajeel wrong would hurt the dragon slayer, but here he was, now, ready to take him again as though nothing had happened.

They fell onto the bed, Gajeel over top of Laxus, into a deep kiss that pulled Laxus out of his thoughts entirely. Laxus slid his hands up Gajeel's shirt, Gajeel's moan made Laxus hard and he could feel it against his leg. They pulled apart and Gajeel rolled onto his back, pulling Laxus onto him. Laxus grins, "How eager."

"I've been dying for you."

Laxus kissed and sucked at his lower neck, earning another moan from Gajeel. He loved kissing him, loved tasting every inch of him. Every moment Cadaver had with Gajeel made Laxus sick but he could put those thoughts aside as he had him now, all to himself. And Gajeel felt liberated, able to feel this kind of ecstasy again without pain or restraint.

"Can I suck you off again?" Gajeel asked.

Laxus only chuckled, before sitting up and pulling his underwear down, his cock springing out erect. Gajeel smirks before moving down the bed, reaching his head down to Laxus' dick and leaving his lips on the tip, looking up at the man. "Damn," Laxus mutters as he places a hand on Gajeel's head, stroking his hair, "All yours, love."

He closes his eyes and moves his head down, beginning to swallow Laxus' cock. Gajeel shivers as he moves further down until he reaches the base, his lips meeting skin and hair. He gags and Laxus moans whipping his head backwards. It's difficult not moving with someone sucking you off but Laxus wants to thrust into him so badly. He twitches, aches as Gajeel bobs his head slowly easing his way down Laxus' shaft.

He feels Gajeel's hands right below his ass, pulling him towards himself and pushing his dick deeper in Gajeel's throat. He did like it rough, Laxus remembered, and the iron mage knew Laxus was being hesitant. Gajeel gave him an annoyed, impatient look. Laxus took the hint without a second thought.

Gajeel's body trembled as he let Laxus use his mouth. The bigger dragon slayer caressed his face, playing with his hair as he slid in and out of his throat. "F-fuck," Laxus stuttered, nearly losing momentum, catching himself on the bed. The feeling of his wet lips around his cock was overbearing. Gajeel shut his eyes, tasting cum.

Pulling off his dick, Gajeel licked his lips and leaned back onto the other end of the bed, grinning and panting. "C'mere."

Laxus raised his eyebrows. Gajeel was a sight to behold, legs slightly spread like that and mouth dripping with saliva and semen unashamed. He was a bit dazed but still unfinished, still hard in his own underwear, dripping with precum. Laxus pulled the man's underwear off and laid him flat on the bed, he wrapped his arms around Gajeel and Gajeel wrapped his legs around Laxus.

He left marks on his body with his lips, from his shoulders to his chest, stomach, and inner thigh. Laxus would stretch Gajeel's ass with two fingers, which made the other moan and curl his toes. "Just from that?" Laxus teased, "Antsy."

"I-I can't- Just fuck me!"

"Just fuck you?" Laxus repeated, pushing his fingers deeper into Gajeel. "That what you said?"

"You h-heard me dammit j-just fuck me!" Gajeel stammered, clutching the sheets beneath him. Laxus smiled. He pulled his fingers out of Gajeel and placed his member at his entrance.

"Whatever you say, babe." Laxus pushes himself deep inside. Its rough and raw but it felt good. Gajeel presses his hands against the bed frame for support as his partner thrusts into him and he moans, seeing stars with every push.

"Fuck…!" He swears, throwing his head to the side, "Laxus, more…! I can't fucking take it!"

Laxus leans in again, holding him as he moves in and out of him. Gajeel's words become nonsense and Laxus groans into his ear. Gajeel scratched at the man's back and Laxus let him as though it were completely numb. It felt so good. He felt so good. Laxus missed all of this, having Gajeel all to himself. He felt somewhat selfish, claiming the man as his own, but he knew he'd be damned if anyone took Gajeel from his clutches like that again.

Gajeel felt as though his mind were going blank. This was what he wanted, right? It felt so good, he could not deny, having sex with Laxus again. He felt better. That fucking monster was gone for good, and he was back with Laxus. He could live the life he wanted to without fear of that bastard Cadaver. He could go back to the guild and see his friends. He was completely fine.

Right?

"I'm cumming-!" Gajeel cried out. Laxus held him tighter. He felt his body heat up and shake as cum flowed into him. He'd cum on himself and Laxus' stomach. The larger dragon slayer's momentum slowed to a halt and he collapsed onto Gajeel. He kissed the side of his face.

"Blanket." Gajeel mutters.

"Hm?" Laxus reaches for it, "You're sleeping like this? Again."

"Mmm…"

Laxus huffs, pulling the blanket over the both of them. "Gross," he comments jokingly, burying his face into his neck and wrapping himself around the other beneath the blanket. "And you are going to the guild tomorrow. Right?"

"...Mhm."