I bet on you

Laxus was a bit irritated this time. If the first time he lost to Freed he could justify himself by talking about the difference in their bikes, now he couldn't really do it, because Freed had been honest. He had raced with a bike similar to his, and had won anyway. The smirk on the boy's face didn't go away even for a moment and kept reminding him of defeat. And since Laxus had promised to offer him dinner, he would have to put up with it all evening. Well, the upside was that he was going to spend some time with Freed. If he left out the arrogant side of him, it was really fun to be with him.

"Will you go on like this all evening?" asked the blond.

"Yes," Bickslow replied for Freed placing the two plates with sandwiches on the table. "And he'll be terribly annoying, but luckily I've something to show you that will make him less arrogant," he said taking the phone from his pocket. Freed arched an eyebrow probably not knowing what to expect, and when Bickslow turned the phone towards him, Laxus laughed out loud. Freed grabbed the phone and looked at the video, snorted lightly and shook his head in resignation.

"Really, really funny," he said in a flat, slightly annoyed voice.

"He was trying to be cool and made an ass of himself," Bickslow laughed. It was a video in which Freed was still young and was doing a motocross ride, too bad that as soon as he left, he had rolled over backwards after less than ten meters, while the other riders had all left without problems.

"Yeah, the best biker in history," Laxus laughed. "Please pass me the video, you should put it on YouTube or something," he added. Freed gave him a dirty look.

"Bickslow, if you pass him the video I'll fire you, and I'm not kidding," he said seriously. Bickslow laughed.

"Well, good dinner to you both," he said and walked away leaving them alone. Laxus was still smiling and occasionally a few chuckles escaped him thinking about the video. It was all the more hilarious because at first Freed was gloating arrogantly and immediately afterwards, he was the one who was left behind at all. Laxus took a bite of the sandwich enjoying the soft meat and then found himself smiling again.

"Please tell me you won't go on like this all evening," Freed said in exasperation.

"Sorry, but it was really funny," Laxus replied, unable to hold back his smile.

"In my defense I can say that it was the first time I did motocross, and that I was still young".

"Yeah, justified," Laxus instigated him with a grin. Freed rolled his eyes.

"You're unbearable," he murmured.

"You were up to two minutes ago too," Laxus pointed out. Freed smiled slightly.

"Okay, I'll stop being so unbearable but you don't name that video again," he gave up at that point.

"The video in which you fall off the motorbike?" Laxus asked clearly amused. Freed narrowed his eyes and the blond raised his hands in peace. "I'm done," he promised. "Although now I'd really like to do a motocross race with you".

"I would win," Freed said without hesitation.

"As you did in that video?" Laxus asked still on the verge of laughter.

"No, as I did half an hour ago," Freed promptly replied. "And haven't we made a pact?" he then added arching an eyebrow.

"Okay, I'm not mentioning it anymore," Laxus conceded and the two boys began to eat quietly in silence. The blond found himself thinking about the last week spent in that bar, especially how strange it was to be sitting there at the table with the owner of that place. Despite what it might seem, Freed was by no means one of those rich people who flaunted wealth in front of everyone. Still, he was clearly proud of the camp, and when Laxus had said it was a nice place, he had noticed Freed's face break into a smile. It was normal, even Laxus in his place would have been.

Another thing that made him think was how natural it was to be there, maybe it was the atmosphere of the people who frequented that place, or maybe it was because of the passion that united them, but it was easy to talk to almost anyone. And for Laxus, who had always had a hard time socializing, it was new. He had found himself talking to Gajeel about motorcycles and had discovered that the boy was a mechanic like him, Cana never missed an opportunity to bet on anything and Laxus had discovered that that girl was competing too. Well, at least when she wasn't drinking, which was rare. And he had also competed with Mirajane. Even though she looked like a saint, she was a strong biker, it had been a good challenge.

And, of course, there was Freed. Well, Freed was quiet compared to the bar patrons, and Laxus found that he never attended the contests he ran. Freed had explained to him that he had already done it the first few years, but that it really didn't make sense, because he always won and then it ended up making the customers nervous. Better to let them have fun and get more revenue. The blond still struggled to believe that no one had ever beaten him yet, but he had tried to ask someone else too and it actually seemed to be so. At least on that track. For motocross races it was quite another matter. Another smile appeared on his face but he tried not to make it obvious so as not to make the owner even more nervous.

"How did the idea of opening such a place come about?" Laxus asked, a little out of curiosity and a little to break the silence that had been created between them.

"From my parents," Freed replied.

"Are they also passionate about motorcycles?" Laxus asked. Freed shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"No, not at all," he said. "Well, my parents are quite rich. You know when you told me the other day that the rich all have stench under their noses?" he asked. Laxus nodded, he had told Bickslow, he didn't think Freed was listening to him, but luckily the boy just laughed and agreed. "Well, my parents are definitely in that category," he explained. Laxus frowned still not understanding.

"Since the last year of high school I started skipping school and riding motorcycles, and since I had decided I didn't want to study at university, my parents got mad. They clearly told me that I was either starting to work or I had to continue studying," he said. Well, that was understandable, Laxus thought. Any parent would have done it.

"So, I left home and started working as a bartender, in all this I forgot to tell you that I was constantly arguing with my parents. Not for my studies, but for the people I hung out with. Anyway, my dad got even more pissed when he found out, he said he wouldn't let word get out that the great manager Justine's son was just a bartender. For him I had to become someone important, follow his example and open a business, so I satisfied him," he said shrugging, and then a smirk appeared on his face. "I think he regretted it a lot, he hadn't imagined that among all the activities, I would open a motorcycle club" he concluded, amused.

"So, you did it just to piss off your folks?" Laxus asked a little surprised.

"Well, they gave me the initial idea. I'd say it's the only good thing they've done for me," Freed said with a shrug. "But I really liked the bikes, I think I could only open something I really liked," he explained.

"Wow," Laxus said not knowing what else to say. "Well, I'm sorry about yours…" Freed made a casual gesture with his hand.

"No problem. Anyway, how did your passion for motorcycles come about?" he asked him. Laxus realized that he probably didn't want to talk about it and didn't insist. His face broke into a sincere smile.

"My grandpa," he said. "Ever since I was little, he always took me on motorbike tours, we used to go around the valleys around Oak Town," he said.

"You were born there, right?" Freed asked and Laxus nodded.

"Yes, it's a very small village but the landscapes are breathtaking. I think it's the most beautiful place to ride a motorcycle. There, Oshibana and Clover. You've never been?" he asked.

"I once took a trip around Clover," Freed said, frowning to remember where he had been. "It was many years ago, I don't remember exactly where I was, but I know there was a beautiful lake where we stopped," he explained.

"Yeah, there's a beautiful lake there," Laxus said. "Actually, everything's beautiful there, and as much fun as racing motorcycles is, it's much more enjoyable to drive around the curves of the mountain," he admitted.

"I agree," Freed smiled. "By the way, you probably already know this, but next month there's a motorcycle rally in Hargeon. It's not in the mountains, but maybe you will like to come. We will almost all be there".

"Yes, Cana told me," Laxus said. And surely, he would go.

***A month later***

Laxus had arranged with Bickslow, Evergreen and Elfman to reach Hargeon. The four had met at the Raijinshuu, and from there they had all left together reaching the city by the sea. Actually, Laxus had thought Freed would be there too, but the boy stood them up. The blond would have lied if he had said that he hadn't been upset a bit, in the last month he had found himself better and better with the boy. He often met him when he went to the track and they always stopped to chat for a while and... ok, Freed was a nice guy, he had to admit it.

He found the man attractive, both physically and in his way of doing things. That didn't really matter, though, as Laxus didn't know him that well. Besides, he didn't even know if he could like boys, if he was engaged, or if he might be interested in him. He probably wasn't, so better not think about it directly. Despite that, he would have fun with him.

"Didn't Freed come?" he asked Bickslow as they took their places at a small table where Lucy, Natsu, Gajeel, Cana and Mirajane were already seated.

"No, he said he had a couple of problems with his father," he replied. Laxus frowned slightly and sat down next to Lucy, and across from Bickslow. He understood that Freed didn't have a great relationship with his parents, but they never talked about it after the night they had dinner together. He was almost tempted to ask for more but he didn't want to be too obvious, nor meddlesome. Despite that, he decided to try it anyway.

"What's wrong with his father?" he asked.

"Basically, he's an asshole, he wants to shut him down," Bickslow explained. "I honestly don't understand what a bother it gives him," he added with a shrug.

"It's just reputation," Lucy explained as she took a couple of fries and stuffed them in her mouth. Then she turned to Laxus. "A couple of years ago, shortly after Freed opened the track, he gave an interview and said he was kicked out of his house because he was gay. This had some repercussions on his father's company, so now he wants Freed to start working for him, so that no one will believe it anymore. The point is that few now remember that article. It's been years, he should just let it go," she said.

Laxus found himself for a moment still with his beer half raised, surprised by that tale. He closed his mouth and put the glass down without drinking, thinking about what he had discovered. He now understood why Freed didn't have a good relationship with his parents, and now he also knew that there was indeed hope with the boy. He decided to leave out that last thought.

"So, he wants him to close the track just for this reason?" he asked.

"Yes, his father wants to have a good image," Lucy said.

"You met him," Bickslow recalled.

"Yeah, quite like my father," she just commented. Laxus frowned, sure he was missing something. Lucy noticed this because she explained to him that she was the daughter of Justine's partner, and that she too had left home since she finished high school. At first, she had lived with Freed, then the two had taken two different paths, she had found a job in a publishing house, while he had decided to open the motorcycle track. They had been friends for years.

Laxus listened to the stories that Lucy told him, and after a while the chatter took a quieter and more fun turn. Gajeel, Elfman and Natsu arm wrestling each other, Cana and Bickslow carried on the conversation by telling lots of funny anecdotes, while Mirajane tried to stop her girlfriend from drinking too much. Laxus soon found himself having fun, forgetting Freed's stories and enjoying the nice afternoon. The boys had just finished eating when Bickslow announced that Freed and Loke were on their way.

"Now we've to go," Cana commented.

"Well, we're staying here until tonight, there's a band playing" said Lucy leaning on Natsu.

"We go home instead, we've a commitment tomorrow," Mirajane said. After that the two girls got up and said goodbye as they walked away. Laxus stayed there until he saw the two boys walking towards them. At that moment he remembered what Lucy had told him earlier about the boy's sexuality, and he found himself for a moment unsure how to behave. At least until Freed and Loke were in front of them. At that point he thought that very little changed, he would enjoy the man's company as he had done up to that moment.

"Here you are finally!" Bickslow exclaimed. Loke sat down while Freed remained standing.

"I saw that there's an exhibition of vintage motorcycles over there, is anyone interested?" he asked them. But the boys shook their heads and finally Laxus decided to join. Freed smiled gratefully and the blonde just shrugged, as they walked towards the place where the exhibition was located.

"How was lunch?" Freed asked.

"Not like the one at Raijinshuu, but it wasn't bad," Laxus replied. "I had to order two sandwiches because they were too small." Freed smiled slightly and nodded, continuing among the people in silence until they reached the exhibit. As soon as they arrived, Laxus' eyes sparkled: those bikes were beautiful, they had a sleek design and were in really good condition.

"My grandfather had a bike like that," he said pointing to one and approaching it for a better look.

"Don't tell me he sold it," Freed commented.

"Unfortunately, yes, it was stupid. It was beautiful," Laxus said with some nostalgia. It was the first bike he had ridden on when he was a child, the one he had sworn to buy when he grew up at the age of five. Thinking about it only brought good memories to his mind.

He continued following Freed and observing others, occasionally making a few comments. Compared to usual, however, Freed's responses were much shorter. Laxus noticed it after a few minutes they were there, and glanced at the boy, wondering if he was okay. He watched as Freed pulled out his phone and answered a message with a frown. Obviously, he wasn't in a very good mood, and obviously Laxus knew it after what Bickslow had told him. But he didn't know whether to tell him something or not, since he didn't think he had all this confidence with him.

Eventually he decided to remain silent, simply trying to pull him into some conversation. All his attempts, however, went up in smoke, even though Freed was clearly kind, he could see a mile away that something was bothering him and at that point it was impossible for Laxus to remain silent.

"Everything good?" he asked. Freed frowned slightly.

"Yes," he replied immediately.

"I mean, really," Laxus said. "You're a little distracted, and Bickslow told me you had a couple of problems with the track," he insisted. Freed avoided his gaze and the blonde feared he was being too intrusive. But before he could apologize and withdraw his words, Freed spoke up.

"Actually, there's some problem. Nothing serious but… well, I'm still worried," he admitted.

"I'm sorry, something that threatens to make you close the track?" he dared to ask Laxus.

"Yeah," Freed murmured and then shook his head. "No, I mean, it's all good, just... I don't know, really," he snorted. Laxus watched him for a moment in silence not knowing what to say.

"If everything is up to standard, I don't think you need to worry." Freed smiled slightly at that phrase.

"It's the same thing Ever and Bickslow tell me."

"Because we're right. I mean, I don't know you very well but you seem like a very fussy type, you've probably made sure everything's okay". Freed just nodded. "Anyway, if you want to let off steam, Bickslow and Ever will sure be happy to help you." Freed raised a slightly frowning eyebrow.

"Are you dumping everything on them?" he asked a little surprised and Laxus found himself holding back a laugh at his expression.

"Well, obviously if you want to let off steam with me that's fine, but I'm better at distracting people than comforting them, and apparently my attempts at distracting you haven't worked until now," he said. Freed was silent for a moment, probably thinking back to what Laxus had tried to do, then smiled.

"Maybe with a beer I'd be better distracted," he said.

"Don't think I'm offering it to you, rich man" Laxus replied walking towards the stall. "Actually, since I'm helping you, you could offer it to me." Freed laughed slightly.

"You really are a freeloader, I never would've said that," he commented.

"Eh, having a rich friend has some advantages," Laxus smiled, pleased that he was finally able to get Freed out of his thought bubble. The rest of the afternoon was much more enjoyable for both of them, and if Laxus found himself flirting with Freed, it was just to distract him. Not because Lucy had told him he was gay, that had absolutely nothing to do with it.


Freed hadn't seen Laxus for a couple of days at the bar, and he was starting to feel a little bitter. Since the blond had started going to Raijinshuu, Freed had also started going to the bar more often to see him. The chat with the boy had become much longer and always managed to improve his day. He liked Laxus. To be honest, Laxus attracted him quite a lot. He was the ideal man for Freed. He was easygoing, always had a joke ready, had that hint of arrogance that amused Freed, and he was terribly handsome.

He still didn't understand what Laxus thought of him, and if he could ever return his crush. He didn't even have a clue if he might like guys, probably not, but Freed was hoping for that anyway. After all, it had seemed to him from time to time that the blond flirted with him. But maybe it was all in his head. It probably he was. That didn't stop him from getting on well with Laxus and wanting to spend more time with him.

"Didn't Laxus come to the bar?" he asked Bickslow, who luckily seemed more focused on serving a customer at the moment to see his real interest.

"No, to be honest, I haven't seen him for a while," said the boy. Freed nodded a little irritably. He had hoped he knew more. If only he had had his number Freed would've written to him, but he had never thought of asking him. He was an idiot. He had a crush on Laxus and couldn't even come forward and ask him for his number. He tapped his fingers nervously on the counter, undecided whether or not to ask the next question. His gaze fell on the poster that indicated the participants in the race of the month and he saw the name of Laxus.

"Strange, he has to do the race and he doesn't even go for a lap around the track," he commented.

"He doesn't compete anymore," said a voice behind him. Freed turned in surprise to see Cana. "A beer Bickslow, the biggest you have," she ordered and then turned back to the poster. "Poor Lucy, I'm a little sorry for her, she had focused on Laxus".

"Why doesn't he do the race?" Freed asked, frowning.

"He has had an accident and his bike is unusable," the girl replied calmly.

"What?" Freed asked worriedly and Bickslow also turned to her with a distressed expression.

"Nothing serious!" Cana hastened to say "Really, or I wouldn't have told you in this way" she said trying to calm them down. "A drunk actually overturned his motorbike while he was standing still. Laxus didn't get hurt, but the motorbike... well, he's pretty pissed off," she explained.

"Oh" was the only thing Freed managed to say. He was relieved that the boy was okay, but to be honest he understood the blond's anger. "Well, the insurance will pay the damages," he reasoned.

"Yes, but in the meantime, he can't use his bike," Cana commented and then shrugged, taking her beer and starting to drink. Freed looked at the girl. Of all the people there, she was surely the one who knew Laxus best. She probably had his number, and Freed wanted to hear the boy too. Maybe he could distract him from the story. Okay, it was a pathetic excuse to hear the blonde but, man, he missed him.

Pathetic, he thought irritably as he thought of a better excuse to talk to the boy. Besides, what would he say to Laxus once he called him? He snorted slightly lost in his own thoughts, until an idea came to his mind. A much calmer idea, so he wouldn't need Laxus's number to talk to him. He would pass by the place where he worked, hoping to cross paths with him.

Of all the people he expected that day, Laxus hadn't thought of finding himself in front of Freed. The boy got off his motorbike and smiled slightly as he took off his helmet.

"Hey".

"Hey, any problems?" the blond asked, wondering if he was just there to talk to him or if he had some problem with his motorbike.

"Yes, I was taking a ride when I realized that it's leaking some oil. Since I was close to here, I passed here, to check before the engine is damaged," he explained. Right, well, it's not like Freed could've been there just for him.

"You did the right thing. I see if it's something minor or if it's more serious," Laxus said, taking the bike and dragging it into the workshop, almost with sparkling eyes to have such a vehicle in hand. Every time he saw it, he felt crazy envy. And in that moment even more. He darkened his face for a moment to rethink his bike, but he quickly dismissed the thought, just hoping that the insurance would pay him quickly so that he could repair it.

Freed nodded absently and looked around.

"Is the workshop yours?" he asked.

"No" Laxus replied "But today the boss isn't there" he explained as he began to take a look at the vehicle. When he did, however, he was baffled for a moment. For a couple of seconds he remained motionless, then turned to Freed, who was looking around.

"The fuel cap isn't closed properly," he said at that point, at the same time surprised that Freed hadn't noticed and amused him. To tell the truth, he was a bit shocked. The green-haired boy blushed slightly.

"Oh really?" he asked naively and Laxus raised an eyebrow. Freed's cheeks warmed even more and the blonde couldn't help but smile amused, crossing his arms over his chest and staring at him. Freed wasn't that stupid.

"So, are you really that incompetent or is the reason you are here another one?" he asked him. Freed snorted slightly and turned his gaze to the side. Laxus chuckled, feeling a little hope in his stomach. Maybe Freed really had passed by just to see him. It would have been nice, and very, very funny too.

"I know you had a motorcycle accident," Freed said at that point. Laxus frowned slightly.

"It wasn't an accident. A fucking drunk hit me. I was still," he pointed out in an irritated tone, losing all fun.

"Yes, Cana told me," Freed said turning back to him. "I'm sorry about your bike, but the insurance will pay for everything, right?".

"Yes, who knows when, though," the blond commented. Freed smiled slightly.

"Well, I'm here to make you a proposal," Freed said. "You know, Lucy bet 40,000 jewels on you."

"Holy shit," Laxus commented in surprise. "Well, I'm sorry for that little blonde, but she's really unlucky," he added, knowing full well she didn't win one.

"Yes, but if you participate you could make it win. If I gave you the bike, would you participate?" he asked. Laxus frowned, surprised by this proposal.

"Are you serious?" he asked "Would you lend me the bike, just to let your friend win the bet? You aren't even sure that I will win, you would first give her the money".

"She's too proud to accept," Freed said. "Anyway, yes, why shouldn't I? I know how you drive, I've seen you several times," he added with a shrug.

"Would you lend me such a motorcycle?" Laxus asked, still shocked, pointing to the nice little gem he had just closed the fuel cap tightly. Freed nodded. "Fuck you, you're crazy" he said, not knowing what else to say.

"Would you accept or not?" Freed asked.

"What if I lose?" he asked at that point. Freed smiled in amusement.

"So, you know you could lose. I thought you were more arrogant, you'll have one of the most powerful bikes and…".

"Shut up," Laxus growled irritably.

"So do you accept or not?" Freed asked again. Laxus fixed his gaze on Freed's bike and a sudden excitement pervaded him. He could've ridden a motorcycle like that! What the fuck did he care why Freed would let him do it? A grin broke out on his face.

"Okay," he agreed, already feeling high at the idea of riding such a bike.

"Well, and since you're so sure you'll win, I'll bet on you too. Don't make me lose money," Freed said as he took his bike back.

"As if you miss them" Laxus couldn't help but reply and Freed laughed slightly.

"Tomorrow you can choose the bike to use in the race," Freed told him as he left the workshop. Laxus nodded and followed him, but then frowned.

"Wait, what do you mean by choosing?" he asked.

"You'll find out tomorrow," Freed replied, before putting on his helmet and saying goodbye.


Laxus stared in rapture at the garage in front of him. When Freed told him he could choose between different bikes, he didn't expect to find himself in a large garage with a dozen or so bikes inside. How the fuck rich was Freed? Other than shitting money, he really didn't know what poverty or normal life was. He stared at those beautiful bikes in surprise and excitement, not knowing which one to choose.

He must have really had a surprised expression on his face because Freed chuckled and approached a black motorcycle leaning on it.

"Except this one, you can choose whatever you want," he told. Laxus cast a curious glance at the bike he was leaning on, realizing that it was probably his personal gem that he was most fond of. He was starting to feel a little uncomfortable to tell the truth, he didn't even understand why Freed should have given him a motorcycle of his own. Sure, he wanted Lucy to win, but why let him pick one? Was he trying to show off? Because if he was doing it, he worked damn well.

"Take your time," Freed said.

"Are you like... a motorcycle collector?" Laxus asked as he stepped forward and ran his hand over a fiery red vehicle. He really was spoiled for choice.

"More or less," Freed smiled. "Even though Evergreen says I've an exaggerated fixation. Bickslow often tells me too" the boy commented, looking around.

"They're not entirely wrong," Laxus murmured. That place was like his heaven. He rode a bit between the different bikes. They weren't all sporty, there was a beautiful classic one, and Laxus gazed at it for a while and then moved on. He wanted to try them all. Eventually he made up his mind to pick one and Freed then tossed him the keys. Laxus caught them on the fly.

"Wait until tomorrow before using it, I've to reactivate the insurance," Freed said as he walked out of the garage. Laxus followed him without saying a word, already feeling a thrill of adrenaline running through it. The very idea of being able to ride something like this excited him beyond measure. "Well, I thought you were happier riding a bike like that," Freed commented. Laxus looked up at him.

"You're really weird," he told him openly. Freed shrugged.

"Just because I lend you a motorcycle? It would be so much stranger if I gave it to you," he replied calmly.

"That would be crazy," Laxus commented.

"Anyway, if you're free tomorrow we can come back here together so you can try it out," Freed said. Laxus nodded again a little dazed.

"You really trust me," he muttered.

"I've seen you ride before," Freed replied. "Unless you lied to me about the accident and you were the one to ride another bike," he added. Laxus regained some confidence and turned to Freed, remembering how the boy had shown up in the workshop with a stupid excuse.

"I'm not like you," he retorted. "Uh, next time, if you want to stop by, come up with a better excuse. You could puncture the tire and call me," he said with a smirk. Freed's cheeks reddened and Laxus laughed in amusement.

"Shut up," he muttered.

"You know I'll make you remember it forever?" sneered the blond.

"You know I can let you walk home?" was the annoyed reply and Laxus smiled and decided to shut up. He didn't really want to walk all over town to get home, or take a bus. The two boys got on the bike with which they had arrived there. Freed in the front and Laxus in the back. The blond put his hands on Freed's hips, enjoying the contact, for the first time thinking that perhaps that accident had not brought only negative sides with it. He smiled as Freed left and took him home. Eh, maybe the boy wasn't so indifferent to him.

Note: Maybe it was better to divide it into two chapters, it turned out to be longer than I thought. Well, I think the next chapter will be roughly the same length, but I also think it will be more interesting than this one.