Dragon Family Values

Disclaimer – I do not own Fairy Tail

Summary: A touching moment between Gajeel and Rogue.

Author's Note #1 – I'm using the 100 Theme Fanfiction Challenge for this collection. I thought it'd be something different.

Author's Note #2 – This one I am rating T for TEEN.

Author's Note #3 – These drabbles are pretty much one-shots and are not related to each other in any way unless otherwise indicated.

Dark (Rated T)

"I smell a shadow brat," mumbled Gajeel when he entered his home. He'd just returned from a long solo mission, and he was looking forward to eating some iron and then sleeping for at least three days.

Those plans flew through the window when he caught the scent of a familiar shadow dragon-slayer. But what was he doing here? And where was he?

Setting down in his things in a messy heap on the floor, Gajeel trudged through his simple apartment in search of Rogue. He checked all of the potential spots the younger dragon-slayer could have been hiding, but he wasn't in any of them.

Crossing his arms, Gajeel growled. Where the hell was he? Maybe…

The iron dragon-slayer marched to his bedroom. Well, the scent was definitely stronger in here, but Rogue was nowhere to be seen. Crouching on the floor, Gajeel peeked under the bed. Nothing. Well, it was worth a shot.

Sniff.

Gajeel's head whipped around at the sound and he raised himself from the floor. The closet? Really?

Ripping the closet door open, Gajeel stared down at Rogue, who was sitting on the floor with his knees drawn up to his chest. "Why the hell are you sitting in the dark in my closet of all places?"

Rogue gradually raised his head, turning his tear-filled eyes toward the other dragon-slayer. "Shadows are meant to be in the dark."

Gajeel swallowed a groan. He didn't even want to get started on how much that didn't make sense. Instead, he asked, "What's got you all worked up?"

Rogue remained silent.

"You must be here for a reason. What is it?"

Rogue tightened his arms around his legs before he whispered, "I'm afraid."

Gajeel sighed and sat down on the floor in front of Rogue. "What're you afraid of?" It was best to get to the root of the problem.

"Myself."

The iron dragon-slayer frowned. Was this because of the whole future-Rogue incident? "You have no reason to be afraid of yourself."

"Yes, I do!" Rogue cried. "I know…what my future self said…did. What if history is doomed to repeat itself and I…and I…kill the ones I love?"

"You're not gonna do that," Gajeel stated firmly.

Rogue glared at him in response. "You don't know that!"

"Yes, I do," said Gajeel, echoing Rogue's earlier words.

"How can you know?! Do you have any idea what it's like to have a darkness follow you wherever you go?"

"I do…understand." Even Gajeel seemed surprised by his own words. "You remember that I used to be in Phantom Lord, right?"

Rogue nodded.

"Did you know that I attacked Fairy Tail? I destroyed the guild, I crucified three members, and I pretty much tortured Lucy. Those are my greatest sins, my darkness. What I've done haunts me to this day. Sure, I joined Fairy Tail, and I was forgiven for the most part, but I never forgave myself for the crimes I committed against innocent people. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to atone for those sins. So don't go whining about a darkness following you, Rogue. You haven't given into the darkness."

Rogue swallowed roughly, his fear eating away at him. "But what if I do…give into the darkness?"

"You won't," Gajeel insisted.

"What makes you believe that?"

Gajeel smirked. "You've got too many people who care about you to let the darkness grab hold. If you feel like you can't face the darkness on your own, then you seek out the ones who can light it up."

"Does…Levy do that for you?"

The smirk disappeared, only to be replaced by a blush. "Hey! We're not talking about me right now, shadow brat! I'm trying to help you and shit!"

A small smile finally crept onto Rogue's face.

"Don't get all sappy on me, either! You want someone to chase away that darkness, ask Sting or Salamander or somebody."

"Thank you, Gajeel. You're very kind."

Gajeel averted his eyes as he crossed his arms. "Tell anybody and the darkness will be the least of your fears," he grumbled.

The iron dragon-slayer's rough speech had made him feel more at peace, less afraid. Rogue just needed to remember that he had people who loved him and were there to help him keep his darkness at bay.

Author's Note – I had a hard time coming up with an idea for this theme. I hope you liked it!

*Next Theme – Seeking Solace*