Lots of important information in this chapter! Plus cute little quirks are coming out ^^


Freed felt a cool breeze go across his warm skin. He breathed in deeply not feeling too much pain, just an ache from his lung expanding. Freed slowly let his eyes flutter open before looking around, noticing he was back in the room at Porlyusica's.

He closed his eyes again before they snapped open, remembering.

Was that… real? Freed looked around the room, noticing no chairs around his bed and the window was open letting in the breeze he felt earlier.

Freed wrapped his arms around himself in a hug, grabbing his biceps tightly.

It was a dream, wasn't it!? Freed brought his knees up to his chest, letting tears leave him in bitterness.

"Stupid" Freed let the one word come out as a sob from his trembling lips.

Of course it wasn't real. I'm not that lucky. It was all just a dream. Me sneaking out and then Laxus and I confessing to each other. That would never happen. Never.

Freed could only let his never ending tears continue to roll down his cheeks, biting his lip in frustration and to stop himself from yelling out in anger and sadness and bitterness.

"Since when would Freed like those. He's never mentioned it before Bickslow."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure you're the one that likes them"

"We both like them! I'm just lucky to find someone who has my amazing tastes unlike you weirdos."

"Weirdos"

"Weirdos"

"Bicks the only person here that's weird is you!"

Freed tightly pressed himself further into his ball, hearing the conversation and the approaching footsteps to the bedroom door. Before he could hurriedly untangle one of his arms from around himself, to wipe away the tears (since he didn't want anyone to see him cry anymore than he already had at the guild), the door to his room opened, gently. Surprisingly. Considering Freed was half expecting the door to be abusively opened and torn down just because that was how most of the members at Fairy Tail were.

"I-"

"Freed!" Laxus yelled out in worry, "Ever get granny"

Laxus hurriedly made it to Freed, placing the back of his hand on Freed's forehead while Bicks put his fingers to the back of Freed's wrist to check for his pulse.

"Where does it hurt? Can you see me clearly?" Laxus whispered as Freed's red puffy eyes, rimmed with tears, looked up into his calm gray ones.

It was real! What the…!?

"I… wasn't dreaming?" Freed whispered, utterly confused and slightly dazed which concerned Laxus and Bicks greatly.

"No, you weren't. I meant everything I said to you that day Freed, I swear on the guild," Laxus said hotly. However, Freed could only hear the worry in Laxus' voice instead of the anger he just portrayed. Laxus looked liked he was about to apologize for yelling at him since he didn't mean to make it sound like he was angry at Freed.

"Everything?" Freed whispered making Laxus' eyes soften at how much Freed could see through him.

"Everything" Laxus gently placed a curved finger under Freed's chin, directing the man's face up towards him. Laxus gently kissed him, sparks running over their lips as soft gasps left Freed, which were only swallowed up by Laxus' mouth once more. Freed could feel the heat on his cheeks as a new set of tears wanted to come out from how gentle Laxus was being with him; considering how rough Laxus was with, with any living thing. Once Laxus and Freed separated slowly, their breathes mingling from the small space between them, Laxus gave Freed a smirk making Freed's cheeks fully explode into a blush.

"That would be the good morning kiss I promised you. Though it's the afternoon, I guess you'll have to wait till tomorrow to get a morning kiss," Laxus winked at Freed making Freed hit his arm at how blunt he was being.

*low sultry whistle*

"Geez, you guys could star in pornos" Bickslow burst out laughing only to get a heavy ceramic cup thrown at his head by Freed, making Bickslow land on his back with a thud.

"Go get Freed a cold wash cloth" Laxus huffed out, crossing his arms and daring Bickslow to refuse.

"Fun suckers!" Bicks pouted.

"Fun suckers?" Freed cocked his head in question at the weird phrasing.

"Yeah, people that suck out the fun from stuff. Fun suckers" Bicks explained as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Huh… I thought you would have said porno suckers. But I don't think we're ready for that" Laxus smirked widely as Bicks burst out laughing before he and Laxus had other ceramics thrown at them. Bicks left the room happily to get Freed said washcloth before Laxus turned to see a ruffled Freed.

"And here I was hoping you weren't a pervert. You sure showed me" Freed crossed his arms, sticking his nose up in the air trying to act snobbish. Of course Laxus could see through that ruse considering Freed was actually trying to hold back his blush. Which wasn't really working since the tops of Freed's ears started to turn pink.

Laxus plopped himself next to Freed, getting a few well-deserved arm punches from what he crudely said before. Of course Laxus just swung his arm around Freed, making him lean into his chest.

"Porlyusica went to get some herbs a little while ago. Knowing Ever and how serious I was before, she'll probably hunt down Porlyusica and bring her back as a stone statue if she had to" Laxus said sighing, knowing his poor sensitive dragon slayer ears were about to be yelled in to. Freed smiled into Laxus' chest trying to hide how happy he was, which only caused Laxus to have a tint of pink on his cheeks.

"Was I asleep for very long?"

"Three days, but Porlyusica said it was better this way since it would stop you from doing something to your lung again."

"Was it that badly damaged?"

"When we fought those beasts, Wendy thought something might have been on the red beast's claws which had slowed down her healing power."

"I-I'm sorry" Freed whispered, looking down sadly at his lap considering he knew for a fact that Laxus would want an explanation as to why Freed had broken one of the guild's rules.

"Freed" Laxus ruffled some of Freed's hair, making the little lightning bolt fly-aways bounce at the movement making Laxus chuckle.

Such soft hair. I love it in my hands Laxus combed his fingers through Freed's hair, who only hummed in approval at the feeling. Laxus smiled into Freed's hairline, kissing him there softly. Sure he was new at the whole romancing thing, but he had seen enough romance movies from the girls at the guild and from all the books they read to know what to somewhat do; not like he could get away from that kind of incessant fangirling.

"You'd tell me if you don't like something right?" Laxus asked quietly. Freed looked up at him seriously, nodding yes at Laxus making him smile. If Freed didn't like something he would definitely tell him. Freed rested his head back onto Laxus' chest as the man played with his hair. Definitely felt like a head massage.

"Freed… why did you break the rule. I know this sounds a little subjective, but you especially care for the rules." Freed heaved a sigh knowing it was going to hurt going over his feelings again, but he needed to get passed this mile stone; not just for their relationship, but for himself.

Of course unbeknownst to them, Ever had told the guild that Freed was awake, so a giant party of them were listening outside his door. They had all heard the 'misadventure' they had against the strange beasts. Levy couldn't find anything on them which made things stranger still.

The guild master was with them and was one of the many ears against the door. Bicks was also out there with the cold washcloth, but stopped as well and joined with the many ears against the door.

"I" Freed's voice quivered making Laxus squeeze his shoulder in comfort. Freed hesitantly grabbed Laxus free hand with both of his, playing with the man's callused yet warm fingers; little sparks were running into Freed's hands from the contact making him want to smile, but this was too serious of a situation to be smiling.

"After what had happened in the pool, I honestly didn't know what I was doing. I just knew I had to get away from there; as far away as possible. Then I remembered the mission I had Warren hold for me. It was several days away and it sounded like the best option at the time. I ran back to the apartment, grabbed my go bag, and left." Of course Freed didn't want to explain how he felt during that time again since everyone knew exactly how he had felt after the confession between the two, a few nights ago.

"While I was on the train I didn't want to think about anything. But I came to the conclusion that I might as well try doing one last thing for Fairy Tail. Whether I lived or died wouldn't have really mattered since I wasn't going to be coming back to Fairy Tail anyway," Freed felt Laxus' grip on him tighten as though he were going to run from him at any moment again. Freed squeezed Laxus' hands, reassuring him that he wasn't going anywhere for the moment. Laxus continued to comb his hand through Freed's hair, which calmed Freed down a lot; especially to explain this sort of thing.

"For that reason, I broke the rule. I thought I wasn't going to be welcome back, but I didn't want Fairy Tail to be ashamed of… someone like me."

Freed knew that if he had said 'something' instead of 'someone' Laxus would have been mad at him and read him the riot act of how it's okay to be the way he is. Though he wouldn't mind listening to that instead of explaining himself, Laxus deserved to know that Freed wouldn't break rules just to break them.

Laxus gently moved his hand from Freed's hair to caress Freed's shoulder with his thumb knowing the man would have more than likely said 'something' if he wasn't being so careful with how he was talking right now.

"I deserve whatever punishment Master wishes to give me," Freed sighed sadly knowing everyone was punished for breaking the rules one-way or the other.

"Whatever punishment he gives you I will gladly take it for you. You don't deserve to be punished for this" Laxus said angrily, before sensing other people outside the door. Laxus sighed, stopping his combing through Freed's hair before resting his hand on Freed's hip.

Is he conscious of how possessive this move is right now? Freed thought curiously before realizing he honestly didn't care. Freed looked at Laxus, wondering why he had stopped the wonderful head massage; although that was sounding a little bit greedy now.

"What do you think gramps?" Laxus called out before Freed looked shocked at the doorway, which opened to a mob of people.

"I was explained the situation very intensely, and although you did break a rule, it was not intended to harm other members, but you were going to harm yourself. You will be punished," Makarov nodded as Freed looked sadly down at his lap, realizing his fingers had somehow become laced with Laxus'. If he had looked up he would have seen a glaring match between both grandson and grandfather.

"Any punishment you give him I will take for him; nothing you can do to stop me" Laxus said huffing making Makarov shake his head before smiling.

"This will be your punishment Freed Justine. You are ordered to…" Yes he paused for dramatic effect, "stay with Laxus Dreyar in his apartment until I see that you are capable of not doing something like this again. Since Laxus, of course volunteered, he can see how long this punishment will be for you." Makarov nodded once as Laxus and Freed's jaws dropped down in shock, a light tint blushing both of their cheeks. Of course there were several giggles and chuckles being held back behind the master.

"Do you understand this punishment?" Makarov tried not to look like he was enjoying himself but it wasn't really working.

"I do, but…" Freed looked at Laxus worriedly, "I wouldn't want to be a burden or-"

Before Freed could finish his sentence, Laxus kissed him soundly making Freed's eyelids flutter closed at the warm sensation; hearing wolf whistles and yelling in the background.

"Your punishment will be forever. Get that through your stubborn head Freed Justine. You will never be a burden," Laxus whispered out the last part as several 'awes' resounded around the room. Laxus rolled his eyes at them as Freed blushed at their antics.

Suddenly the mob of people swarmed in seeing that Freed was okay with their own eyes.

"I'm sorry for what was said Freed. No one should ever hear such cruel things in their life" Erza said sadly as Freed looked at her kindly.

"I understand it wasn't really you. Any of you" Freed said, looking at how Bickslow, Ever, Mira, and Erza looked down at the floorboards sadly.

"Since the spell reversed real emotions, it just shows you all really like me right?" Freed attempted at a happier mood making said people smile again.

"Of course! We're your best friends and guild mates!" Ever said happily, hugging the life out of Freed.

"I got you these too! Your favorites!" Bickslow handed the man a red box with gold ribbon lining. Freed looked at the box curiously before seeing chocolate covered mangos.

"They are delicious" Freed chuckled, taking a big bite of the chocolate. Of course he gave one to Erza and Lucy who looked like they were about to start drooling at the delicious sugar covered substance in front of them. Of course Freed just handed them the box knowing that he wouldn't ever see it again.

"He was telling the truth!?" Ever and Laxus shouted out shocked making Bickslow smile happily.

"Well they aren't my favorite, but they are one of the many candies I'll eat" Freed laughed softly before giving some of his chocolate mango to Laxus. Laxus opened his mouth to be fed by the man, making Freed blush profusely, making him practically shove the chocolate in Laxus' mouth in embarrassment; of course Laxus only winked at him, holding back his chuckles. Freed of course tried to hide his red face in Laxus' shoulder making some of their guild mates say 'awe' again. Laxus nodded after a moment, agreeing it was delicious.

"Well I tried!" Bicks laughed before pouncing on the girls who were stuffing their faces with chocolates. Of course it was like trying to attack lionesses after their kill so Bicks couldn't even see the box anymore or get anywhere near said delicious candy.

"That's what you get!" Ever said while chewing on the candy. Bicks had little of tears leave him; all the delicious chocolate. Devoured.

After a few minutes of idle chit-chat with everyone, Freed felt a lot better about everything and a little bit ridiculous for acting the way he did before; of course it was understandable. Everyone started to trickle out of the room telling Freed to get better soon and to come to the guild as soon as he can so they know he is okay. Of course the trickling turned in to full out running when Porlyusica came bursting through the door yelling at them in anger for cluttering up her house with stupid humans.

"Natsu, Gajeel, Wendy, I need you to stay for a moment," Makarov said gently making the dragon slayers look at him confused, along with Laxus.

"Is everything okay Master?" Erza looked worriedly before Porlyusica shoved Erza, Lucy, Gray, Juvia, Levy, Ever, Bickslow, and Elfman out the door with the strongest most evil glare they had ever seen. Of course Porlyusica slammed the door behind them.

"We'll be back at the guild soon so make your way there," Makarov said without a care in the world as though it wasn't that impressive that Porlyusica could get powerful members out of a room with just a glare. Especially with how protective they were with each other.

"What's this about gramps?" Laxus' hand had somehow ended underneath Freed's shirt, caressing his hip. Of course Freed didn't seem to notice or mind in the least; nor did anyone else for that matter.

"There is something very important I had been meaning to discuss with you Laxus" Makarov sat on Freed's bed, sitting in front of the two.

"Um…" Wendy began to raise her hand as the dragon slayers looked uncomfortable in the room, not wanting to be there for whatever relationship advice Makarov was about to give him.

"This is about dragon slayers. Even though most of you are 'of age', it would be best if it was explained to all of you at once so I don't have to repeat myself again."

"Of age gramps?" Natsu asked, sitting Indian style on the floor while Wendy and Gajeel got comfortable too.

"Dragon slayers have mates. They can have regular mates or end up with their true mate. A mate is someone that they have claimed, and a mark will appear on the claimed person somewhere; usually where the neck and shoulder meet. The dragon slayer can also choose if they even want to claim anyone at all. However, if a dragon slayer claims their true mate, whether knowing it or not, a mark will also appear on the dragon slayer's neck showing that they have a full and complete bond with one another," Porlyusica explained while mixing together the herbs for Freed's disgusting medicine.

"Let me explain it woman, damn it!" Makarov huffed as the dragon slayers just looked at each other still shocked by the information they just heard. Porlyusica only glared at Makarov before continuing her work.

"Porlyusica-san and I have agreed that Freed is your true mate from what we have seen over the years"

Freed felt Laxus' hand tighten on his hip making Freed blush a little.

"Whether or not someone is claimed by a dragon slayer, being just a mate, can have the mark removed by the dragon slayer at any time. With a true mate, the mark will never disappear from either person."

"When you say claimed and to mark, what are you talking about old man?" Gajeel asked confused, though they were all still in shock.

"You have sex with them and then bite them, pushing your magic power into their body. The one receiving the bite doesn't have to bite the dragon slayer back, but the dragon slayer will still receive a mark on them if it is their true mate they are having sex with," Porlyusica butted in again making Makarov growl at her.

"However!" Makarov yelled out, not wanting to be interrupted again, "We aren't sure whether true mates are biologically designed for the dragon slayer or if the true mate is 'formed', so to speak, from being around a dragon slayer for so long. We think it's a combination of both. They are biologically and socially created for the dragon slayer. A dragon slayer and their mate have the choice of whether or not they want to be with one another. We just don't want you kids alarmed if something strange looking appears on the recipients necks or wherever" Makarov nodded. Freed looked at the shocked look on all of the dragon slayers faces knowing he was showing the same feelings.

"If you both agree to be mates, or life mates if it is with your true mate, there are several things that will happen. Some of which can both be helpful and dangerous to your mate" Porlyusica handed Freed the cup of liquid who looked less than interested in drinking it.

The dragon slayers put their hands over their noses from the horrible smell feeling bad that Freed had to drink something that smelled that gross.

"Can't believe you're giving him something like that" Laxus wrinkled his nose once Freed had finished drinking the medicine, before Porlyusica gave him a mint to chew on. The room was quiet for a while, while the dragon slayers thought over everything.

"Freed" Laxus whispered, but their really wasn't a point in being quiet since the room was silent and they all had great hearing.

"I don't want you to be with me by force, biologically or whatever" Laxus said sadly. Even if he wanted to be with Freed, he wasn't going to force the guy into something he couldn't control.

"Well I mean, it took a while for me to like you when we first met. It wasn't like I instantly fell in love with you when I saw you so you didn't force anything! Since it seems I was the only one affected like this, for gramps and the old lady to claim that I'm your t-true mate, I don't think either of us could help what happened. I… honestly wouldn't mind being your mate for life… as long as you'd be happy with someone like me" Freed whispered bashfully before Laxus gave him a blinding smile which somehow got all the nervous dragon slayers and old people in the room to smile as well.

"Really?"

"Yeah" Freed nodded before kissing Laxus softly on the corner of his lips, blushing. Laxus only smiled softly, pulling Freed into his side. Of course Freed enjoyed the warmth greatly.

"You guys are so corny" Natsu chuckled, holding back a laugh that Happy usually used with the 'supposed' couples around the guild. Laxus glared at him making Natsu stiffen before pouting.

"What is dangerous for the person when they are claimed?" Wendy asked curiously wondering what would happen if they had a mate or not.

"Well a mark, once given, will protect the mate for life. From poisons or serious attacks that could result in death. It also protects the mate from being claimed by someone else; it is especially powerful if it is the true mate. It can be used to save their dragon slayer in battles where they could be killed. However, it has mysterious healing properties. For example, if their mate is sterile, once having the mark, they become fertile. If the dragon slayer is on the verge of death, one touch from their mate and they will slowly be saved from dying. Dragon slayers also get very protective and almost possessive of their mates. It could get dangerous for anyone the dragon slayers don't trust or don't want near their mate in general. They could either end up hurting innocent people or their mate in blind rages if something bad were to happen to their mate by accident or on purpose. The mark is mysterious in other aspects, but because there haven't been any 'matings' in a very long time, we aren't sure what else it is capable of," Porlyusica placed her hand on Freed's back telling him to do a few breathing exercises for her.

"Because you don't know what else the mark can do, that's why you are saying it could be dangerous to the mate?" Gajeel asked, rubbing his chin in thought.

"Yes. You must also remember that if you claim your true mate, the mark on the dragon slayer will not allow for any other mates to be claimed. In other words, you probably won't be able to 'get it up'" Makarov chuckled making everyone glare at him.

"Wow. How many matings have their ever been?" Freed asked curiously wondering how his life wandered onto this strange new road.

"Only two have ever been recorded before but that was back when dragons roamed. So whether or not the claims are true, we'll have to leave it up to what actually happens. Which means that I expect to see you and your mate so I can take notes!" Porlyusica snapped at them making them sweat drop.

"What did you mean about 'of age' from before gramps?" Laxus asked curiously, his head resting on top of Freed's.

"Once a dragon slayer has turned fifteen, it will be evident if their true mate has been around them the whole time before then. They will also be able to tell more accurate smells that will lead them to a person who will be a good mate if it is not their true mate. Once a true mate has been claimed, or any mate for that matter, all dragon slayers become protective of each other's mates. We aren't sure why this happens either." Makarov nodded as Wendy looked slightly relieved while Natsu and Gajeel tensed since they were both over 16 years old.

"It is also possible that your true mates were already chosen unconsciously by you" Porlyusica added, confirming that the muscle ache in Freed's chest was normal.

Gajeel and Natsu exchanged a look.

"Well look gramps and granny, its been weird so I'm going to go" Natsu said before opening the door walking out.

Gajeel and Wendy left as well, Wendy thanking Porlyusica for the information knowing the other dragon slayers were thankful for knowing something as important as this.

"Well I expect to see you at Laxus' place once the old hag clears you, as agreed for your punishment" Makarov nodded, hopping off the bed, waving his way out the door.

"You… aren't mad that it's someone like me Master?" Freed asked worriedly making Makarov stop and for Laxus to hold his hand tightly in anger that Freed would think something like that. He cared to a point if his grandpa didn't want Freed to be his mate, but that wouldn't stop him from allowing it to happen.

"Of course not boy! As mages, our lives become complicated and the next day could be our last. So when love comes around it should be held tightly. It doesn't matter who it is. As Erza has said before, love is love. That's all that matters" Makarov smiled making Freed give a watery smile in happiness. Laxus smirked at his grandfather, shaking his head.

"If you rest for a few more days I will allow you to leave. If he comes back worse than when he left I will find you Laxus Dreyar for not taking care of my patient" Laxus nodded quickly not wanting his poor dragon ears to start ringing from her yelling.

"Thank you for everything" Freed whispered softly, smiling up at the old woman who gave a small smile back before glaring at them and then stomping away.

"I can't wait till the end of the week" Laxus pulled Freed so he was lying down next to him.

"Me either" Freed yawned before snuggling into Laxus' chest who only chuckled at his antics.

"You're like a cat when you do that. It's… cute"

Freed glared at him because he used the word cute on him, but let it go knowing he was too tired to put up a good argument right now.

"Sleep Freed"

Freed didn't need any more encouragement before he was out like a light.

"My beautiful mate, Freed. I will never let you go" Laxus fell asleep soon after since he hadn't been sleeping well with Freed injured the way he was. He ended up wrapping an arm around Freed's middle section protectively, their legs ending up tangled together. Freed had a small smile on his face as he slept.


There you are lovely readers! I'll add other things about mates further in the story when other stuff starts to happen.