Hello. Finally a chapter with nothing to warn you about. It's a miracle. If you're interested, the outfit Freed wears in this is based off of Fire Emblem's character: Arvis. That's all I have to say, so have fun.

As always, thank you so much for any comments and kudos you leave. They mean so much. Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading. ^.^

Chapter Seven – Partying

Laxus had never been fond of his throne. It was elitist, it was patronising, and it had a fucking uncomfortable lump in the backrest that dug into his spine whenever he sat on it. Thankfully, there wasn't many situations where he was forced to use it, but each time he did need it he was given a very clear reminder as to why he hated it.

The winter festival was such an event.

The blonde was in the gardens of the castle, on a raised stage with the large walls of his home behind him. His grandfather sat beside him, on a larger throne that had been brought out for the event. Before them was a sea of people, assumedly all having come from Magnolia, who were watching as Makarov gave a speech. It was the old man's usual stuff, saying how glad he was that they could all come, wishing them to have a successful and prosperous new year, and saying that they were welcome to let their hair down and have fun. A cheer went up after he said that.

Makarov had created the winter festival before Laxus had been born. It was a weekend where the grounds to the castle were open, as were some of the unimportant rooms on the lower floors. Venders were allowed to set up market-stalls in the garden, amusements were set up to entertain adults and children alike, and it was meant to be a fun end to the year.

Laxus had always enjoyed it. Even if he was forced to sit on his throne as Makarov opened it.

Eyes drifting from the crowd, Laxus saw that his two of his retainers standing to the side of the stage. It was a formality, Laxus needed protection in the chance someone tried to attack. Two of his grandfather's retainers were also standing by the stage to look after the king.

Looking at Evergreen and Bickslow, it felt a little odd that he didn't see Freed with them. The swordsman had been part of Laxus' guard team for nearing six months, and Laxus had gotten used to him just being there. This was the first time Freed hadn't been around for one of Laxus' royal engagements – if this really could be called that, when his bedroom was two minutes away – and the lack of the man's presence was just odd.

He wasn't there on Makarov's orders. Apparently, as part of the festival's entertainment, the king wanted an exhibition fight between his lead retainer and Laxus'. That was why Gildarts wasn't standing beside the stage either, as both he and Freed would be getting ready for their fight.

Laxus wasn't sure why Makarov suddenly wanted this but didn't care enough to question it.

If he was honest, he was excited to watch. Throughout their time working together, Freed had proven himself to be a vicious and skilful fighter but maintained a sense of elegance while doing so; he was like a performer. To show him purposefully showing off would be a sight to behold, more so when Laxus considered how strong an opponent Gildarts was. Laxus honestly wasn't sure how his retainer would faire against him; a fight between a skilled swordsman and a skills mage was always hard to guess the outcome of. It really could go either way, and Laxus was looking forward to seeing how it unfolded.

Despite the retainer not being present, Laxus had seen him earlier in the morning. He had gone to his retainer's quarters to see him before the weekend got too chaotic, as well as to ask if he was nervous about his fight. Freed had, of course, replied by mockingly asking if Laxus had any faith in him, as if her were offended. The faux cockiness of it made Laxus want to see Gildarts obliterate his retainer, and he told that man as much. Freed had laughed at that.

Laxus liked hearing him laugh.

Laxus liked rather a lot about Freed, if he was honest. After they had put their animosity behind them, the prince had started to get to know his retainer. Perhaps at the start, he enjoyed being around Freed because he rejected all formality, and he saw the man as almost a novelty.

But the more he got to know the man, the more he enjoyed him just because of who he was. He had snark to him but could also be compassionate. He had a strong sense of loyalty for those he cared for but was also very quick to call people on their shit when needed. He was good to look at too, both in his handsome features as well as how he held himself. Proud, unashamed and powerful. Laxus found himself fascinated and enthralled by him in pretty much all that he did.

Laxus wasn't blind, he knew what this meant. He had some kind of feelings for his retainer.

It wasn't a crush; that sounded both childish and not enough for what he felt. It also wasn't love; that didn't come quick to someone like Laxus, he was cautious with his emotions. All he knew was that he held some form of passion for the man, and that it wasn't platonic.

The realisation hadn't been as shocking as it perhaps should have been. It was clear from his initial reaction to meeting the man that, when Freed was involved, Laxus developed opinions in a strong way. Freed was a focus for Laxus' passion, both good and bad, and Laxus suspected that the same might be said about Freed's feelings for him. Whenever that thought came to mind, however, Laxus quickly willed it away.

He had been doing that for around two months now, basically immediately after he realised what his feelings for Freed meant.

His hesitance wasn't because he didn't think there was a change that Freed felt for him in the same way. For months they'd consistently gotten along very well. And while their night together hadn't been good – the pleasure being overthrown by how misguided and unhealthy everything had been – it was undeniable that they had slept together, so there was some kind of sexual interest between them. It was entirely possible that Freed had some form of romantic interest in Laxus, but Laxus still thought it best to keep his feelings to himself.

It was for the best. Royalty and romance weren't a good combination, even without the added complications of Freed also being a man as well as being a member of Laxus' staff.

Being friendly with Freed was great, anyway. So why ruin it?

"Well, you've heard enough from me," Makarov concluded, clasping his hand together. "So please, enjoy yourselves. And I truly wish you all a very happy new year."

Laxus was brought back to reality at his grandfather's words and watched as people applauded before the crowd began to disperse. The prince was forced to wait a little while before he could leave his throne, and he sighed in relief when he could.

"Are you ready, your highness," Bickslow grinned, a slight tease in the way he spoke. He apparently found Laxus' discomfort at the situation amusing.

"Fuck off, Bicks," Was all Laxus said.

His title meant that Laxus couldn't enjoy the festival in exactly the same way everyone else could. He needed to be accompanied by his retainers, which wasn't that bad as they were also his friends. He could go to the stalls in the same way other people could, although sometimes vendors would get stressed serving him, so he would often send either Bickslow or Evergreen in his place. The only thing he was banned from doing was getting involved in the carnival style games; it was apparently undignified for a prince to try and catch a wooden duck from a small, fake canal. Who knew?

For the most part, he didn't mind. The games were almost all aimed at children, and the only one he would have wanted to play was a strength tester. And that was only really so he could gloat about beating it to Freed, who wasn't there, so it would be pointless.

He had been excited to spend the winter festival with Freed. But he'd see him after the fight, probably.

Shaking off that idea, Laxus started to walk towards the market area with his retainers. Bickslow, who seemed to adore the winter festival more than any man Laxus had ever met, began to explain all the stalls that had been set up and which ones they absolutely needed to visit. Evergreen grinned a little at her friends overexcited attitude, and occasionally shared a glance with Laxus at Bickslow's expense. The festival usually went like that, and Laxus found himself enjoying it.

Quite a few fond memories had been made here.

As they walked, they passed the 'arena' where Freed and Gildarts would fight. It was cut off by waist-high wooden walls, and the ground inside had been decorated with a scattering of large crates, clumps of bricks and other things that could be hidden behind, destroyed, and used to make the fight more interesting. Two seating stands were set up, as well as a walled platform that Laxus assumed he and his grandfather would be watching from.

The sight of it made Laxus' stomach churn slightly. Both in excitement and nerves for his retainer. Other than simply standing beside Laxus at events, this would be Freed's first public appearance. A lot of people would be basing their opinions on this.

Again, Laxus pushed Freed to the back of his mind. They continued to walk through the market, allowing Bickslow to guide them to wherever he wanted to take them first. Sometimes people moved out of the way for them, and Laxus gave a polite thank you to them all. It really was the least they could do; and he didn't want to ruin anyone's day by conforming to the stereotype of royalty being made up of rude and uncaring people.

He had done that enough as a teenager.

The first stall they arrived at was selling glass ornaments, of which Bickslow brought three. The next sold woodcarvings, and again Bickslow had brought some. By the third stall, which sold a wide range of jams, marmalades and other preserves, Laxus and Evergreen realised that Bicks had waited until the last minute to buy gifts and was trying to make it up now. Neither cared, Bickslow was the biggest shopper out of the three of them and would be getting the most enjoyment from this part of the weekend, so they let him have his fun.

After a little while, Bickslow decided he was finished shopping and they started to browse through the stalls.

"Are either of you getting hungry?" Evergreen asked as they walked. "I've heard that place is amazing."

She was looking at a stall that advertised itself as a 'Chocolate Waterfall.' Laxus had seen one before; a decorative model cliffside with a stream of chocolate acting as a waterfall. It seemed to flow infinity by the use of two small portal spells. People put sweets and fruit under the spray of chocolate, covering it.

"You've never been to one?" Bickslow said, seemingly offended on the stall's behalf. "How is that possible?"

"Because they only happen at events like this," Laxus deadpanned. "And Evergreen usually likes to focus on her job rather than getting distracted by chocolate."

"Well that's not fun," Bickslow ignored the clear insult. "You want us to get you anything, Laxus?"

"Nah, not really into sweets."

It was true, but Laxus had also been given what was essentially a feast for breakfast. He knew that it was so he was full throughout the day, meaning he wouldn't end up eating at the stalls. It was another way for him to preserve the dignity of the royal family; eating a banana covered in chocolate which would end up covering his face and clothes wasn't princely. It was slightly manipulative, but Laxus knew why it happened and didn't care.

"Of course not," A smooth voice said from behind Laxus, and the blonde grinned. "Even a quarter inch of fat appearing somewhere on his body would send our poor prince spirally into a panic."

Laxus turned to greed his final retainer, intending to point out that Freed was just as insistent that he keep himself fit as Laxus was. When he turned, though, the words seemed to die on his tongue as he looked at Freed.

In a word, the retainer looked breath-taking.

He wasn't wearing his usual uniform. Instead, he was dressed in a black and white overcoat, with gold trimmings decorating it. Laxus couldn't see his shirt, and only caught a glimpse of black trousers as the wind flicked at the bottom of his coat. Around his chest and resting against his neck was something akin to a shirt-collar, that looked similar to his overcoat, and had a long cloak flowing behind him, fading from orange to red. His hair was in a high ponytail, giving an unhindered view of his face, and Laxus couldn't seem to look away.

He looked faultless.

"Wow," He found himself saying. "You look…" Nice. Beautiful. "Different."

"I'm shocked you noticed your highness," Freed chuckled. "Your grandfather organised it for me. Apparneltly this is similar to what my opponent will be wearing. More in keeping with what a royal retainer should wear, he claimed."

If that was going to be his regular uniform from now on, Laxus had absolutely no complaints.

"You sure he ain't trying to mess you up in the fight? The cape might fuck you up, he's sneaky like that" Laxus asked, wanting to stay away from topic of what Freed looked like.

"The amount of trust you have for your grandfather is awe-inspiring, it really is," Freed laughed, and Laxus grinned a little. The retainer looked towards Bickslow and Evergreen. "Feel free to leave, if you'd like. I'm sure I can keep him safe before I'm needed."

Neither needed to be told twice, and they started to walk towards the chocolate waterfall immediately. Laxus fought back the urge to roll his eyes, instead looking to Freed. He would let the 'I can keep him safe' comment go; he could take a little dig at his capabilities if he was going to spend some one-on-one time with Freed. Even now that was something of a rarity.

"You feeling okay for later," He asked, and both men started to walk again.

"I'll be fine," Freed assured him. "I'm not one to shy away from crowds and it's not as if the fight will put me in any danger of death. Admittedly I'd prefer to win, but the only think in repercussion if I lose is my pride being damaged."

"And you've got enough of that to spare," Laxus smirked.

"Indeed," Freed agreed with a small laugh. "Gildarts is a fine fighter, so I doubt I'll get through it without at least a scratch or two, but I expect we'll be evenly matched. You weren't worried about me, were you Laxus?"

"Course I was. Gildarts is gonna kick your ass," Laxus grinned. "And you fall like a fucking leaf. Just a little punch from him and you'll be knocked out."

"And yet when we fought, you could barely touch me. What does that say about you?"

Laxus chuckled, and the two of them continued to walk through the market, going back towards the castle where the crowds were thinning now. Laxus was glad that they were surrounded by less and less people, as he had never been too fond of crowds. He was always on display around people who didn't work in the castle and, as much as he liked the winter festival, it was essentially two days without any break from being around people.

Freed apparently seemed to know this, as rather than milling around the few stalls this close to the castle, he instead led them to the stage that Laxus had previously been seated on. There was a small space behind it, giving them a small amount of privacy.

"We can go inside, if you want," Freed spoke, voice low. "If you feel like you'll be burned out."

"Nah, I'm fine. A break is nice though, thanks," Laxus smiled.

Laxus was leaning against the back of the stage, muscles relaxing. Freed stood opposite him, leaning against the castle wall, and Laxus couldn't help but notice the closeness between them both. He didn't particularly mind, not when Freed was looking like that with a relaxed, calm expression painted across his features. God he looked good.

"You looking forward to the new year?" He asked, as it was the only thing he could think of.

"I am," Freed nodded, looking perhaps contemplative. "It'll be nice to start a year in a place I'm somewhat happy with."

"You weren't happy last year?"

"A year ago I was still locked in a cage," Freed said, and Laxus went to speak. Freed cut him off before he could. "Rightfully so. Though at the time I didn't think that way. Ironically, being in the cells was the best winter I'd had in a few years."

Laxus didn't ask what Freed was alluding to. He knew. Freed had disclosed what his past before the castle was. Homelessness, having to make a choice between eating and having shelter. Having to deal with the loss of his family. What was worse was how pragmatic he had been well telling Laxus; it wasn't an emotional moment; he simply stated a list of facts that had happened to him. It was no different to how someone would explain what they had done on a regular day. It had been almost surreal to the prince.

But he could defiantly understand why a castle cell could be seen as the better of two evils.

Looking at Freed, there was a shadow of sadness across his features. Freed was a private person with his feelings, just like Laxus was, so it was a testament to how close they had become that Freed could be somewhat vulnerable in front of him.

Laxus wanted to take Freed's chin in his hand and comfort him.

He was tempted to actually do it.

"But this will be… it will be quite nice in comparison."

"Well, hopefully it's as good as you want it to be," Laxus said softly. "And, y'know, if there's anything I can do to help it be good, just say so, yeah."

Freed gave a small nod, and Laxus was reminded of the closeness between the two of them. Not out of fear, nor lust, this time. It just would be easy to hold Freed now, barely a movement to scoop him in his arms and kiss him. Perhaps even kiss the slight look of sadness off his face, but of course he couldn't do that.

He hadn't thought this might be a big deal for Freed. The New Year was a large holiday – perhaps the largest celebrated by the kingdom – and it would be the first time Freed had been celebrating it in his new position. His new life.

And Laxus had been occupying himself with relatively unimportant assessments of who the man was to him.

He had been acting selfishly.

Pretty much since they met, actually. He had focused on himself. Not Freed. Not really. And that wasn't fair.

He went to apologise, to say that he sometimes got so caught up in his own head – his own desires – and that he forgot about the struggles of others. He was going to say that he should have been more sympathetic towards Freed, throughout the entire time they had known each other, because the world didn't revolve around Laxus and he shouldn't act like it did. He was going to, but he found that he couldn't.

Because Freed had kissed him.

It was odd. It was different to the last time. That was a hazy mess, the height of their antagonism towards each other. That had been angry and heated and aggressive. This was different.

It was soft, and perhaps tentative. And it was almost instinctive that Laxus should lean into it, to return it, to stand up properly and to carefully wrap his arms around the man's waist. He leant down, tilting his head slightly and moving his chin to deepen it however he could. He felt one of Freed's hand resting on his bicep but paid no attention to it. He allowed his eyes to close as he relaxed into it.

Both an eternity and no time at all had passed. They pulled apart, bodied gently flushed against each other and looking deep into each other's eyes.

All memories of their previous kiss had been dispelled. Laxus had been holding onto them, a small remnant of what a possible relationship between them could be. But that was a stupid mistake caused by alcohol and anger, this was something so much more. So much better, that the previous kiss was nothing in comparison.

Neither spoke. They seemed to be entranced by each other.

Neither dared move, do anything. They were only interrupted by a small crackling sound.

"The exhibition fight between the king and prince's retainers will begin in five minutes," Mirajane's voice was magically propelled throughout the garden. "For all those interested, please begin to make your way to the viewing area."

A moment passed between them before they reacted.

Laxus slowly removed his arms from around Freed's waist, who moved his hand from the prince's arm. They looked at each other, neither knowing how to proceed from what had just happened. Neither wanting to break from what had happened.

"I," Freed spoke, voice soft. "I should probably get ready. I was told that's my cue."

The prince wanted to argue that. He wanted to say that they should ignore the pointless fight he had been forced into. Either to continue what they had been doing, or to at least discuss what it meant. But he knew they couldn't. If a prince and his retainer were lost, guards would be looking everywhere to find them. They couldn't talk about anything serious before they were found, and if someone saw them kissing then who knew what would happen.

"Sure," Laxus nodded, a little flushed and voice having a small shake. "I'll erm, I'll see you later, right?"

"Of course," Freed nodded.

"Right," Laxus smiled a little. "Well, good luck."

"Thank you," Freed smiled. "I'll see you soon."

Laxus didn't know why he waited a little while after Freed left to start walking to the arena. The walk there was hard to describe, he both felt as though he were walking on air and as if something bad was going to happen. It was almost indescribable. He tried to focus on the fact that Freed had kissed him, that it was a good thing, but it might not be. Maybe Freed would think it was a mistake, maybe not. He had no idea. He had no idea what was going on, and almost felt as though his body was taking control while his mind tried and failed to keep up with what had just happened.

Despite not knowing what was going to happen, he found himself smiling slightly. He didn't know why.

He climbed the stairs to the makeshift royal box that had been constructed, taking his seat overlooking the fighting area. He assumed Freed and Gildarts were in a small hut that had been made at the side of the arena. His grandfather was also in the hut, he wanted to be the one who introduced the event, given it was his idea.

The next few minutes passed in a blur, with Laxus going through seemingly every possible outcome of his kiss with Freed. From them starting a relationship to Freed feeling inclined to quit as the retainer as their kiss was inappropriate.

That left a dull concern in the pit of Laxus' stomach.

Makarov left the small hut to the sound of applause again, which of course he lapped up. Laxus watched intently, again trying to distract himself from a feeling he was scared to confront. That was harder when, following the king, both Gildarts and Freed left the hut.

Even form a distance, Freed looked beautiful.

"Thank you all very much for this welcome," Makarov began, his voice being magically propelled like Mirajane's had. "And I can assure you we'll be starting the main even very soon. But if you all don't mind, I want to explain why I've organised this fight. Because it's more than just a fight between some of our strongest soldiers, it's actually something of a way to pass the torch."

Laxus, who had been focusing on his grandfather's words to distract himself, frowned. What did that mean?

"I want to prove to you all that both these men are strong and capable enough to look after this kingdom. You're going to be seeing a lot more of Mr Justine here," He motioned to Freed. "And I want you all to know you'll be in safe hands."

Laxus wanted to groan. His grandfather's vague theatrics weren't appreciated. What the fuck was he building up to?

"Because, my friends, I have some news to tell you," Makarov continued, his voice a little sad. That didn't happen often. "This will be the last time that I attend this festival as your king."

He didn't know why, but Laxus eye's shot to Freed. For comfort, for an explanation, for any form of calmness. Freed was looking back at him, panicked and clearly taken unaware. He didn't know either.

This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not today. Not after what just happened.

"The years I've been your king have been the best of my life," Makarov was still talking. "But nothing can last forever, and as much as I'll deny it to my doctors, I'm getting old. So I hereby announce I will be defecting my throne to my grandson, Prince Laxus Dreyar. He is more than capable of looking after you all. He will take this kingdom to new places, places of prosperity and greatness. I hope you are all as excited as I am for the new chapter in Fiore's history, led by my grandson.

"So please, give respect and applause to your future Knight of the Realm, Freed Justine," He gestured to Freed, before moving his arm towards Laxus. "And your future king, Laxus Dreyar."

What the fuck?

What the fuck?