Laxus had been spending a lot of his time in the camps small offices sorting paperwork since his injury. Currently he had his casted foot propped up on a wooden step stool while he sat back in a chair. Leo sat across from him and both boys were listening intently to the green haired boy who was sitting in the large blonde's lap.

"I think maybe he lost his mind."

Leo shook his head, "No way dude. It didn't happen."

Freed argued back, "I wasn't the only one who saw. There was a crowd of campers who can attest to what I've told you!"

"Wow," Leo smiled thinking about what his friends has supposedly done.

Laxus was laughing now, "OK tell me again what he told her."

"After Gray insinuated that Erza wanted a lap dance he then told her 'my skills are worth the bills'. Her face," Freed shivered, "I've never seen anyone look so deadly."

Leo and Laxus both cringed. Laxus shook his head, "Yep he is probably dead by now." The three boys fell silent as if in remembrance of their stripping friend.

Leo finally stood up, "Well I'm going to go notify the strippers next of kin." The teen smiled, "Lyons is going to lose it, should be fun."

"Good luck Leo," Freed waved him off.

Once alone Freed turned to face the blonde his legs hanging off to the side of the large man. Wrapping his arms around the thick next Freed leaned into Laxus and pressed a sweet quick kiss to the other man.

Laxus watched Freed's face as he pulled away from the innocent kiss. Freed's lips were pulled into a small yet very genuine smile. While the shape of his mouth would only seem like an ordinary smile to most Laxus knew otherwise. Freed was calm and reserved on the outside while in constant battle other struggle on the inside. Laxus realized by now the inner turmoil was kept in check by Freed's often reserved or serious attitude. The teen always kept a straight face but Laxus had begun to notice the small smiles show up more often and Laxus was sure these smiles would be one more reason to work harder to be better.

"How are you feeling on the new meds? Are the helping with the ocd, are they helping with him?" Laxus gazed at that face he loved as he waited for an answer.

Freed chewed on his lower lip as he pondered the question. The teens brow scrunched for a moment but then smoothed, "I think I'm feeling better, maybe not so much improvement with the ocd but I can breath. I don't feel like I have this giant ape stomping on my chest. I'm not drowning in it anymore, between the therapy and medication I have a life vest now. That makes me feel better and hopeful."

Laxus nodded, "And him?"

"Still there, but sometimes it's like a whisper or his words are a quite afterthought in the back of my head almost drowned out and unnoticed." Freed cocked his head to the side, "Like now, it's just white noise. I would think that's an improvement. Besides it can take up to 6 weeks to see the full effects of the medications."

Laxus reach an arm around his palm coming to rest on the back of Freed's neck at the hairline. He gently pulled Freed forward pressing his lips to the other teens forehead. It was a gentle and sweet gesture. "I still can't understand how someone like me got someone like you. After everything I've done," Laxus paused looking Freed in the eyes, "I swear Freed I'm going to become someone worthy of all the forgiveness everyone has giving me, but especially you."

"You are already worthy in my eyes."

Laxus didn't argue, it would be pointless against Freed on the subject. He would have to just keep working on becoming the man Freed swore he saw. Laxus watched the slender teen rise from his lap. Freed grabbed the pair of crutches from the corner and handed them to the blonde.

"Let's get a head start to the cafeteria since you have that bum leg."

"I kinda thought you would go get the food and bring me food like you have been."

Freed rolled his eyes, "No sir, I can not have you going soft and getting spoiled. Besides with camp ending in a few weeks I thought we should spend as much time with our friends as possible."

"Our friends," Laxus said the words quietly as if he was trying them on for size.

"Yes, our friends. Mine as well as yours." Freed watched Laxus give a small smile as he pulled himself up and Freed couldn't help but smile also.

Laxus towered over the other teen. "I can't believe in 2 weeks this place is going to be empty. It's going to be so quiet." Freed nodded solemnly.

"Yes, I'm sure it will be erie. Speaking of did you talk your grandpa into ordering a smartphone for you so we can video call each other? Saying goodbye for now will be much easier if I know your face is only a call away." Freed chewed his bottom lip. He really didn't want to say goodbye to the blonde but he wasn't 18 yet and he was not going to just run off into the sunset with the man he just recently fell for. He needed to finish high school, while doing that he planned on continuing his therapy with a local therapist recommended by the camp. If needed they would also need to keep adjusting his medications until they got the right mix. The psychiatrist had said not to get down if they didn't seem to work right it could take a year or in some cases longer to get it right but it would be worth it. Freed felt so much closer now to being able to be happy than he ever had before so he wanted to do it right. That meant he had to work on himself while Laxus did the same. One summer was not enough but it had been an amazing and truly rewarding start. The long distant relationship would be daunting but the end result would be well worth the work.

Laxus grinned wide at the other boy, "It's taken care of. The new phone will be here before the end of the week. Although I had to get Mavis to help me convince him so I promised her she could use it once a week too." Freed grinned just as wide in response as they made their way out of the office.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Zeref sat the clay needle tool down beside his work. He blew on the figure and lowered himself eye level to study his creation, which happened to be another dragon. This one would be a gift for Laxus. Freed had voiced concern over Laxus still not feeling as though he deserved friendship from his bunkmates after he had put them in danger. Natsu and Leo were good at just showing up and clowning around with Laxus even at the annoyance of the blonde. Lyon had asked Laxus to coach him on his weight lifting since Gajeel left. Zeref knew he was not good at reaching out like that especially when his voice failed him but he hoped maybe this heartfelt gift would get the message across that Zeref did indeed value the man's friendship. He now had about a week to finish it.

Camp was winding down most of the classes and therapy sessions had wrapped up. There would be and end of camp bonfire the night before the last day. On the last day there would be a ceremony for the parents to attend when campers were recognition for their hard work. After the ceremony it would be time to say good bye. Zeref couldn't believe how much he was dreading that day. He had been so frustrated with his father for dropping them here and now he didn't want it to be over. He actually had friends, real friends that understood and liked him even as messed up as he was. There was also Mavis, she was amazing and patient, understanding and could make a calm quiet spot for him anywhere when he was overwhelmed. She was definitely worth coming to camp for. Beyond all that though was the actual progress and understanding he had gained with his own issues. He didn't feel like he was sinking into a black abyss anymore because knowledge was power. Knowing how his depression and anxiety worked actually lifted some of the weight. Knowing his triggers and how to self calm, when and how to ask for help and having real answers for the way he was ended up being immensely valuable. Probably the most important realization was that is was ok to had bad days, he didn't have to hide in his room alone and avoid everyone. He could tell his brother or his dad that he was having a bad day and know he had the support if he needed it. Zeref was in awe at how in one summer everything could change so much.

As his thoughts winded down Zeref noticed another pair of eyes examining his work on the other side of the table at the same level he was. He raised an eyebrow in question and the girl nodded in response. Zeref smiled and dropped all the way down crawling under the table. The blonde girl soon joined sitting herself down right beside him. She stretched her legs out in front of her and Zeref couldn't help but chuckle at her bare feet.

Mavis smiled at the dark haired boy, "So what colors are you planning for this one?"

Zeref looked down in his lap but his hand found hers and their fingers interlocked as he answered. "I'm going to do yellows, oranges, and gold I think." Mavis hummed in thought as Zeref continued, "I think of lightning maybe. It's so powerful and can cause so much damage if it strikes wrong, but it can also be so majestic and complicatedly beautiful. So it's a lightening dragon, I think it fits Laxus."

"Laxus will love it. I can not wait to see it when it's finished. It is very symbolic and thoughtful." Mavis leaned her head onto the other teens shoulder.

"Yeah I'm not saying all that sappy stuff when I give it to him."

Mavis giggled and elbowed Zeref, "Oh come on, why not?"

Zeref elbowed her back, "Because Freed wants to see me give it to him. Freed would probably start crying which Natsu would point out making it a big deal and then it's out of control and ends with me getting blamed for making Freed cry."

"I see we have already started on the what if scenarios and overthinking the simple act of giving a gift."

"Yes but in my defense I've only about a dozen scenarios mapped out in my head instead of 300."

"Well we want progress not perfection so that's not bad." Mavis pulled her head off his shoulder and turn so she could see his face. He was still looking down in his lap. Mavis took her free hand and used her fingers to push up on his chin til he was looking at her. "There that is better I can see your face."

He smiled, "Yeah your face is nice too."

"I helped Laxus talk gramps into getting a smartphone, he promised me I could use once a week to call you." Mavis sighed, "I know we are both young but I can not deny this connection I feel and I do not want the end of camp to be the end of me knowing you. My soul is always meant to know your soul whether we end up as life long friends or something more, we met for a reason."

"So is that hippie speak for can I have your number?" Mavis gasped at his remark but Zeref smirked and she had to swallow a squeak that almost escaped from her throat in response. It was a confident kind of smile she had not seen on him yet but it looked so very good on him.

She smacked him playfully in the shoulder, "Shut it emo boy I'm just saving you the trouble of asking." He was looking down in his lap again his ears tinted red but she could see him smiling under his dark fringe.

His voice was much softer and sincere when he spoke next, "I would really like to keep in touch after camp. I think you are pretty awesome."

"Good because I think you are pretty awesome also." Mavis rose so she was on her knees facing Zeref under the table. "Hey Zeref," The dark haired boy looked up at Mavis, "In case my hippie speak wasn't clear enough this will be in a universal language."

Zeref cocked his head to the side waiting for her to continue but instead of speaking the girl dipped forward quickly pressing her lips to the astonished boys lips. Her lips were on his, they felt so soft and warm. Zeref felt a heat creep into his entire body and his heart starting to beat fast. His heart was hammering in his chest but it wasn't the same feeling as his heart beating fast from a panic attack. This was different it was an exciting, and thrilling, and possibly the best feeling he had ever felt. Zeref was in shock and it took a few seconds for his brain to start working again, by that time the girl was already pulling away, a brilliant smile stretched across her blush covered face. Zeref opened his mouth but couldn't get any words to form and he ended up gaping like a fish while his stared at the girl. He knew his face must've been as red as hers he could feel the heat.

"Now try not to overthink THAT too much," Mavis said as she winked. Before Zeref could respond Mavis turned and left leaving Zeref under the table alone.

He sat in stunned silence for a couple minutes before he jolted and spoke to himself, "How the hell am I not going to overthink THAT? Why would she do THAT and say that? Whatever THAT was…..was really amazing. I liked THAT……...I'm over thinking and i'm doing it outloud. This can't be good, but THAT was definitely good." Zeref shook his head before crawling out from under the table. He decided to focus on the dragon in progress it would confuse him much much less than the girl.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Lyon was watching Gray try to fit another marshmallow in his already over stuffed mouth. He cringed as Gray choked and deformed marshmallow mixed with saliva ended up falling out of his mouth down the front of his chest and landing on the ground.

"Dammit!" Gray cursed spitting the rest out as his did.

Natsu started waving his middle fingers in Gray's face as his tried to shout, "In your face Fullbuster!" with his own cheeks stuffed with the white marshmallows making him almost incomprehensible. His victory dance was short lived however as he ended up choking on the marshmallows as he tried to brag and they spewed from his mouth nearly catching his friends in their line of fire. Gray started laughing hysterically as Natsu coughed and choked.

Lyon shuddered utterly disgusted with the scene. "Seriously this is meaningless, childish, and disgusting. I am sure there are better things you both can be doing beside trying to see who has the bigger mouth."

Gray was grinning from ear to ear and that almost made Lyon feel bad for chastising the boys. "Come on Lyon, have a little fun! The bonfire is tomorrow and we all go home the next day. Relax and enjoy what little time we have left not having to worry about the real world."

Lyon sighed, "We have different ideas of fun. Just don't get into any more trouble. You guys seem to take your contest a little too far and I want none of Erza's wrath."

Natsu and Gray shuddered simultaneously at the mention of the red head. Gray had been made to wear an orange jumpsuit for days until Erza had felt like he had learned to keep his clothes on. Natu's punishment had been having to wait until every other camper had had their food before he could get his. Both boys were very sorry by the time it was all over.

Leo who had been holding the bags of marshmallows popped one in his mouth seeing the contest over and they were now free to eat. He pulled another out of the bag and contemplated it for a moment, "Where did you guys get these anyways?" He offered one to Zeref who had been standing and watching silently and Zeref took one and ate it.

Natsu gave a goofy grin, "They got a whole bunch of them for the bonfire tomorrow night. Laxus was the one they sent to get them and he had to take someone with him to carry stuff with his foot in a cast and all. The Mira and her sis and bro are busy setting up for parents. I think the ceremony is more for them than us because really we know what we did here. But anyway Jellal and Erza are having alone time and Gramps looked terrified when he said it. I wonder what alone time is for them I mean does Jellal make strawberry cake and feed it to her and does she like do anything nice for him. Seems like she usually gets her way. I bet they like to watch action movies and Erza has to point out all the ways she would of been better than the hero while Jellal pretends not to notice she's bossy. Whatever they were busy. So Gramps said to take a camper and I was all like me, take me,and Laxus was all growling and like hell no,and I was like hell yes. And Laxus got this look on his face like he was getting a headache and Gramps laughed and said take him, meaning me, and I was like YES! But then I saw Freed walking up and the idea hit so I was like oh no, wait my stomach hurts I think i have explosive diarrhea. Gramps and Laxus were both like that's gross. So it was all doom and gloom what will we do there will be no marshmellows for the bonfire. Then Freed waved and I winked at Laxus and was like look Freed's here to save the day this is awesome. Laxus caught on and realized I'm so much smarter than he thinks. So as a thank you Freed made Laxus grab a couple extra bags for me."

The other boys just stared at Natsu for a moment. "I don't think he breathed once through that." Leo noted as he ate another marshmallow. "Scarier yet though is the fact I completely understood all of that."

Lyon nodded solemnly, "I understood all of it too. Not once did I question what he was talking about as he rambled."

"It kind of grows on ya doesn't it?" Commented Zeref.

Leo gave a sideways glance to Zeref shaking his head then turned to Lyon, "You realize what this means right?"

Lyon was about to give some snarky comment about how they must have gotten dumber but stopped himself knowing Natsu was listening for the answer. Lyon was working on not tearing people down just to try and make himself feel better. He was also working on being more honest, "It means somehow even though we fought against it we actually became closer and will be leaving camp with real meaningful friendships."

Lyon was tackled by a blur of pink, "I knew you couldn't stay frosty forever! I knew there was a heart buried in that ice somewhere! Look at frosty getting all sentimental. Zeref hug him with me."

Lyon tried to push the other teen off him as he gave Zeref a warning glare, "I will take it all back if you don't get off me!"

Leo was laughing at Natsu's antics as Gray stepped beside him. The dark haired teen didn't look straight at Leo as he spoke, "I never told you thank you."

Leo frowned, "Thank You for what?"

Gray looked up, "For that day back when I took off in the woods and you chased after me. There was so much going on in my head and I couldn't get any of it straight. But you told me about what you were going through and what you had been planning and for once I didn't feel completely alone. It felt like someone else knew what i was dealing with and just knowing that meant more than you would ever know. What you said that day may seem small to you but it will always stick with me so thank you."

Leo was awestruck, "Gray I, I don't even, geeze come one I can't handle this stuff." Leo sniffled as he sprung at Gray pulling him into a hug. He pulled back wiping his eyes, "Shit who knew making a few real friends would have me crying like a little girl. Seriously though this is really real we all need to keep in touch. I don't want to go back to fake friends and booze and running away."

Natsu straightened up and pulled himself off of Lyon, "For sure, I don't have too many friends that can handle hangin with me when I get intense. I like being able to be myself."

Gray smiled at Lyon who rolled his eyes and pulled Natsu back into a hug. He reached for Zeref too who opted to step away from the hug. The sound of footsteps made Gray turn and he saw Freed and Laxus walking over.

Laxus cocked an eyebrow at the boys, "What's going on here?"

Leo smiled, "Not much just the sudden realizations that maybe we've all changed and grew up and little."

Lyon stopped hugging the pink haired teen. Natsu smiled, "Also we are all going to probably be friends forever or something cool like that."

Freed looked up at the blonde, "Isn't that just so self actualizing, beautifully honest, and sweet."

Laxus shrugged, "It's something."

"We are all going to be friends forever after our life changing experiences at summer camp like in some cheesy 80's movie." They all turned to look at Zeref who just shrugged. "I call it as I see it."

Laxus rolled his eyes, "Well save the rest of the sap for the day after tomorrow. I got the projector out and Freed tied a sheet between some trees so we are going to movie marathon til lights out if ya'll are coming then let's get going i'm not waiting all day."

The boys smiled and followed the blonde. They could have teased him for actually trying to hang out with them but instead decided to let him be. Laxus actually cared he just had to show it in his own time and his own way.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT

The movie marathon had been fun. Mavis showed up and Zeref was quick to pull her down to sit in front of him in the grass between his legs. He hid his ever red face in her back as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. His friends deciding to be kind didn't tease or make fun so he eventually had his chin resting on her shoulder watching the movies also.

Freed sat next to Laxus but eventually the blonde had sunk down and ended up with his head in the other teens lap. The other boys say side by side occasionally rough housing or wrestling around until Laxus would get annoyed and yell at them to stop.

All in all it had turned out to be a nice night and they were able to forget about having to pack and say goodbye for little while. Eventually they cleaned up and heading for the cabin to turn in for the night. They teased and goofed off like any other night deciding they would wait one more night to get real and sappy.