Hey guys! Because I haven't been updating as fast because of summer classes, I was like I'll make it a little longer than what it usually is :) Plus I'm making some stuff up about Freed in here so bear with ! Please enjoy my lovely, patient readers!
Freed opened his eyes blearily before looking around his bedroom, realizing Laxus wasn't in the bed with him. He got up slowly, making sure he didn't have a headache, before heading for the shower. He was still worrying a little about Laxus asking him about his nightmare, but forcefully pushed it to the back of his head.
Please, please, please don't let him remember! I'm not ready to tell him anything yet…
Freed got out of the shower before realizing with a blush that he was getting married tomorrow. He hugged himself, smiling happily at himself in the mirror before brushing his hair out. He put on clothes before searching for his blonde haired fiancé.
He found said fiancé in the kitchen, struggling with something that seemed on the verge of boiling over. Freed quickly hurried over, before lowering the flame on the stove for the oatmeal Laxus was trying to make.
"I had it covered!" Laxus pouted making Freed lift his eyebrow at him in a silent gesture saying 'You so did not have it covered but I'm not going to say anything' look.
Laxus huffed before kissing Freed gently. Freed smiled happily before wrapping his arms around Laxus' neck, bring the blonde closer against his body. Their kiss deepened before Laxus prodded Freed's lips with his tongue, asking for entrance. Freed chuckled before biting Laxus' lip, pulling away. Laxus frowned, trying to reach for Freed again to continue their lovely kissing before Freed playfully pushed him. The two were running around the kitchen, Freed being chased by the man before stuffing some eggs into Laxus' mouth by surprise.
"I'm hungry myself" Freed kissed the man quickly who was still trying to chew the eggs that were suddenly shoved into his mouth, "can't let you eat all the food you know!"
Laxus huffed at him playfully before they both sat down at the table, enjoying their breakfast.
"Do you not have a headache Laxus? I could use one of my runes if you like"
"Nah. I don't really have one. It kind of feels like I might get a headache but I think after we finish breakfast it won't be so bad."
Freed nodded at that before finishing his breakfast.
"Hey Freed…"
Freed turned from the dishes he was cleaning in the sink to see Laxus looking around the kitchen.
"I'm sorry you had to take care of me yesterday. It must have been pretty annoying to deal with a drunk" Laxus shuffled his bed-head hair, causing the mass of hair on his head to become even more of a mess.
"Laxus…" Freed came over, trying to smooth out Laxus hair, seeing a nervousness he knew all to well to be wedding jitters, "I love you. Plus you didn't really do anything while drunk anyway… besides the giant fight on the outskirts of town. You're a pretty nice drunk to me at least! Doesn't mean I don't want to marry you. Besides, your pretty possessive when your drunk" Freed chuckled at the end making Laxus look up at him from his seat before smiling at his greenette.
Laxus hugged Freed around the middle before Freed rested his head on top of Laxus' head.
"Man, I don't know if it's a bad thing or a good thing that you can read me like a book" Freed smiled happily into Laxus' hair line knowing that Laxus could read him just as easily. Laxus suddenly turned his head up, surprising Freed with a kiss who blushed a bright red, making the blonde laugh.
"Jerk" Freed scowled, slapping Laxus playfully on the chest.
"Well gramps wanted to talk to me about something important and said that you could join us. He also said there was something fancy we have to go to today that's outside of Magnolia."
Freed cocked his head in question before shrugging. Whatever it was he was sure it wasn't something bad. Laxus and Freed got dressed in their usual attire, making sure to bring a fancier set of clothes with them for whatever event the Master wanted them to attend.
They made their way to the guild, heading up to Makarov's office who seemed to be snoring in his chair with a cup of coffee still in his hands.
"GRAMPS!" Laxus yelled making Makarov shoot up, spilling his coffee on the floor.
"Why you damn brat!" Makarov yelled, hitting Laxus playfully several times who was smiling happily at scaring his grandpa.
"Sit down damn it" Makarov grumbled as Laxus and Freed sat opposite of the Master's desk. Laxus grabbed Freed's hand, who blushed at the action, before tightening his grip around the larger hand.
"Now there is something that I have been meaning to discuss with you for some time Laxus. It is very important because it involves the guild" Makarov started the conversation very seriously making both Laxus and Freed very nervous.
"Gramps?" Laxus asked worriedly, "if something is wrong with the guild please tell me! If someone is threatening our family I will deal with it, I promise"
Laxus held his head up high making Freed's heart swell with pride from how much Laxus cares about the guild and all their guild mates now. Freed couldn't help but lift his head up just as high in pride.
Gramps huffed before smiling at the two.
"I want to make you the successor to the guild after I pass away"
Utter silence. Laxus' hand suddenly went lax in Freed's from shock. Both of their mouths were dropped down in astonishment. They could hear the clock ticking in the room while the Master was patiently waiting for a response.
"No" Laxus whispered, startling both Makarov and Freed.
"Laxus!" Makarov said surprised before Laxus interrupted him.
"I may have changed, but I am sure there is someone better than me in the guild who could be the future master. Someone who never had a moment of doubt about their guild and someone who has always cared about their guild mates. I would hate to be a disappointment to you and the people of the guild by screwing up because of my stupidity again. I would live forever with the guilt of knowing I let you down if I screwed up the guild somehow. I think you should pick someone who has always loved the guild."
Both Makarov and Freed were silent. Freed could see that the Master was stricken by what his grandson said knowing that his logic wasn't exactly absurd. However, he could also see the happiness and sadness of how much Laxus cared about not only the guild, but also how much he loved his grandfather.
Makarov seemed to be carefully picking out his words, but Freed could sense that Laxus was just going to leave the conversation at that.
"Laxus" Freed said sharply, making both men in the room look at him surprised.
"Many people of this guild respect and love you. They all know what you did in your past, and they have all moved on from it. I don't think any of them would be happy to know that you've held onto something like that and are using it as an excuse not to accept this offer," Freed held up his hand knowing Laxus was about to refute him, "I'm not saying that your points aren't valid, but everyone in this guild isn't perfect. Making mistakes is what makes us human. If you make a mistake as Master, I know for a fact that you wouldn't hold on to it, but try to fix it immediately for everyone in this guild, not for your reputation. Why? Because you understand that the Master has a great responsibility and everything that goes along with the title. You wouldn't use the power for a tirade or to take over other guilds. You are kind and soft-hearted. You also know when to be fierce and to lay down the law if someone is doing something wrong. I think that's what everyone sees in you and why you would make a wonderful Master. It doesn't matter if you aren't the smartest person in the world because you are a good man. That's all that matters."
Freed took in a deep breath seeing both men had gone into shock at one point from his little speech.
"S-Sorry, I guess I overstepped considering this conversation should have really been between the two of you. Excuse me" Freed said abruptly, standing up and quickly leaving the room.
Stupid! Master would have convinced Laxus one way or the other. I should have kept my mouth shut. What if I screwed up and Laxus never accepts the position?
Freed growled to himself, hitting his forehead with his hand several times before strong arms encircled his waist and he was pulled against a hard body.
"God I love you" Laxus whispered in Freed's ear before turning the man around enough to smack his lips against Freeds' in a hungry kiss. Freed melted in Laxus' arms, allowing Laxus' tongue to find his and initiate a playful duel.
*cough, cough*
Laxus slowly parted from Freed's swollen lips, who looked slightly dazed at him, which only made the blonde smirk at him devilishly.
"I accepted the offer. I hate when you make valid points I can't counter" Laxus started kissing Freed again happily before yelping in pain from Makarov kicking him in the shin.
"I couldn't have said it any better Freed. Thank you for explaining everything to this idiot. I'll probably announce it to the entire guild a few days after your wedding," Makarov smiled up at Freed making him have a slight blush before smiling. He moved his bangs shyly behind his ear knowing he wasn't perfect either, and yet the Master still accepted him.
"Sure, anything Master" Freed said softly making Laxus and Makarov smile at him.
"You know, you never call my gramps, gramps like everyone else in the guild" Laxus asked curiously as the two looked at said greenette.
"I… It just isn't proper is all" Freed said quickly knowing that it was a half-ass answer but everyone knew that he was a gentleman in the guild; no one knew why though.
"Always have to be proper and a gentleman, accept when we're alone" Laxus winked at Freed making him explode in a dark blush since the Master was still there (looking as unfazed as ever though), "why is that? You know you can be as improper as you like. How do you know all of that gentleman stuff anyway?"
Laxus seemed to go into his thoughts for a moment, probably seeing if he ever asked Freed something like this before and remembering that Freed was always like that since they were kids. Master seemed to be thinking along the same lines. Not once did Freed ever call Makarov gramps.
They both turned their attention back to Freed who looked sadly at the floor. He had a few memories come to the forefront of his mind from when he was a child and still living with his father. He shut his eyes tightly in anger before relaxing immediately, feeling Laxus' dragon side coming out in worry for his mate.
"Picked it up. Hard habit to let go of" Freed shrugged, looking everywhere but the two people that were in front of him. Makarov and Laxus exchanged a look knowing that Freed wasn't telling the truth in the least, but let it go seeing Freed looked like he was going to run and hide somewhere if they kept pressing the issue.
"Well anyway, they are having a party in the town of Red Castle where mayors from all over Fiore are coming. There are even several delegates, politicians, and rich people (Makarov rubbed his hands together at that) that will be there. I even heard some are coming across the ocean! I'm bringing several others, I'm sure you can guess who, to 'socialize' and represent Fairy Tail so that they know we are the kind of guild that they can go to if there is trouble. So hurry and dress into your nice clothes, the train departs in an hour!" Makarov said happily before Laxus and Freed rolled their eyes. They knew exactly who was coming to the event so they hurried and dressed, getting onto the train with their friends.
Laxus had Freed pulled onto his lap, using the man as a body pillow, not that Freed minded who carded his hand through Laxus' hair. Natsu and Gajeel were doing okay on the train since they had their true mates with them. Of course Natsu just had Lucy wrapped around him as he ran up and down the train in excitement, much to Lucy's dismay. Wendy wasn't doing too well though with Charle patting her head in comfort from the motion sickness.
"Freed" Laxus breathed against Freed's neck making the man shutter in a good way.
"Mm?" Freed mumbled, kissing along Laxus' jaw line. Laxus growled possessively in a happy way making several of their teammates groan at their display of affection.
Laxus just glared at them, making them snap their heads to anywhere else on the train.
"Your dream from before, what was it about"
Freed froze at that, not wanting to discuss it but definitely not wanting to lie about it right to Laxus' face who would definitely know.
Freed seemed to want to get off Laxus' lap who only tightened his hold around the man.
"Please Freed. This isn't okay. You're avoiding a lot of questions today and I'm getting worried. Please tell me something. Don't lie" Laxus looked straight into Freed's eyes who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else. All of their team mates and the Master could hear their quiet conversation, but pretended to be absorbed in eating the train food that was offered.
"I… it's…" Freed stumbled for the right words so as to not lie to his lover and fiancé, but not wanting to let everything about his dark childhood come to light. Freed took a deep breath before placing his hand over Laxus' chest, feeling the strong heart beat that was always able to calm Freed down.
"My father is not, and will never be, a good human being" the way Freed said father and human being were with anger, spite, and utter disdain shocking pretty much everyone who was secretly eavesdropping; plus all of their hackles were raised at the statement.
"Freed?" Laxus whispered, wanting to know a lot more.
"Please… don't ask anymore love. It really hurts to talk about. I never want to remember" Freed whispered, trying to push all the horrible memories back under lock and key in the dark recesses of his mind.
Laxus nodded, holding Freed close to him, trying to comfort his saddened mate while trying not to let his dragon side take over and claim Freed all over again to show him that he will always protect and love him. Laxus slowly snuggled his face against the side of Freeds' before Freed snuggled right back, both of them almost purring like cats.
"I love you, and I am going to marry you tomorrow. No matter what happened in the past, I'm going to hold on to you forever and never let you go"
Freed looked up at him with surprise before smiling and kissing Laxus softly, who returned it a little too possessively, but Freed didn't care in the least.
"I love you too," Freed whispered, snuggling into Laxus' neck, "ravish me later, yeah?"
Freed chuckled at the turned on growl that came from Laxus' throat.
"None of that! There are children present" Makarov stretched out his hand, smacking Laxus on the back of the head. Laxus huffed before snuggling back with his human pillow.
"Mm. I'm definitely going to ravish you later"
Freed blushed a little but smiled knowing his lover, mate, and fiancé was really going to protect him to the ends of the Earth.
"Man, this party is going to be lame" Gajeel groaned making Levy giggle at him.
"Don't be like that metal breath, at least there will be food!" Natsu yelled happily, rubbing his stomach in anticipation along with Happy.
"So excited for food!" Bickslow said hungrily, although his fancy outfit kept bugging him since the sleeves kept riding up.
"Food!"
"Food!"
"Did you have to bring those annoying things to such an elegant party?" Ever complained.
"But I put them in little tuxes, see?" Bicks smiled cheekily making Ever glare at him.
Laxus and Freed were walking close together, their arms rubbing constantly against each other, hating to display too much in front of other people that weren't their family. Plus if anything, Natsu and Gajeel were just itching for someone to say something derogatory about homosexuals so they could beat the living crap out of them.
"I hope they aren't snobs" Freed said exasperatedly making Laxus chuckle.
"Most of them usually are, but I'm sure some of them are nice" Lucy said half-heartedly making Freed smile. If anyone knew about snobby rich people beside himself, Lucy surely would from all the business parties she probably had to attend with her father.
"We'll just be here for a few hours than I'll ravish you till dawn" Laxus said huskily making Freed groan with lust before Freed quickly bit Laxus' mark making the man grunt.
"Don't make me separate you two" Makarov said with no real heat in his words.
The couple noticed Natsu and Gajeel waving their hands in front of their faces, probably to get rid of the smell of hormones in the air. Freed blushed as the group made their way into the building. Before the grand doors were opened to the ballroom, Laxus quickly kissed Freed, initiating a slow and passion filled kiss. Freed groaned in happiness snuggling against Laxus before they separated.
"Lets go meet some snobs" Laxus winked making Freed groan, not wanting to do this at all.
There were definitely people that could talk about themselves all day long. Others were rather lecherous with Lucy, Erza, and Ever making Natsu, Jellal, and Elfman growl at them. Some were polite. The ones that were rich practically had the Master drooling. Freed was more of a gentleman than almost all the people in the ball room making Laxus' smile happily and hold his head up high. He was afraid to speak and sound like a moron. But in the end he knew that trying his best in this scenario would make Freed gush with happiness.
"Now I know that this has been exciting, especially with members of Fairy Tail being here, but they seem to want to share an announcement with you all" the host of the party proclaimed.
"Hello! I am Makarov Dreyar, the Master of Fairy Tail. I would like to thank you for inviting us and to make you all aware that our guild would be glad to help any of your towns out no matter how big or little the jobs" several claps went around as the Master continued his speech.
Freed felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up for a moment, feeling like someone was watching him, before looking around the room. He thought he saw a glimpse of pale green hair that almost stopped his heart, but shook his head thinking that his old memories were trying to get the best of him today.
"As a final announcement, I would like to bring up my grandson Laxus Dreyar and Freed Justine"
Freed blinked for a second before walking up to the podium, standing next to Laxus who smiled warmly at him. Freed felt his cheeks tint with color, butterflies fluttering in his stomach at the smile, before smiling back up at his handsome fiancé.
"I would like to represent Laxus Dreyar as my successor to Fairy Tail, should I pass away" Freed noticed all of their guild mates looked beyond shocked with their mouths hanging wide open, "and this will be his husband by tomorrow, Freed Justine. Who seems to be crazy enough to marry him," the Master laughed at that.
Of course everyone seemed to be in a stupor at this point before loud clapping and applause was heard throughout the ballroom. Natsu, Gajeel, and Bicks were already in fighting positions just waiting for someone to say something cruel about their family, before almost all the Fairy Tail members were getting their hands shaken in congratulations.
"Master…" Freed groaned in embarrassment making Laxus and Makarov laugh happily as Laxus gently moved some of Freed's bangs behind his ear. Of course Freed knew that everyone at the party, including himself, had at least two drinks so far; well he had two drinks. What everyone else had he didn't want to know.
"I'm getting a drink you jerks" Freed slapped Laxus playfully on the back of the head and tugged the Master's mustache for good measure. Freed had several people come up to him, shaking his hand in congratulations, which didn't really help with the fiery feeling in his cheeks. He quickly got a glass of champagne, wanting to stay out of the ruckus that was slowly brewing in the middle of the hall with Natsu at the epicenter; who was happily dancing with Lucy… well more like dragging her half hazard-ly through the crowd.
"Getting married. Having a male fiancé that's a magician. I might have known"
Freed froze. He could feel his heart rate skyrocket even though he could feel all the blood leave his face. His hands began to shake making him slowly set his glass down on a nearby table. Freed licked his lips, since they had suddenly gone dry, before turning slowly to the person addressing him.
"Father" The word left a bitter taste in Freed's mouth making him swallow hard, "thought I saw you in the crowd."
Freed was all but whispering at this point. He knew after that remark that the conversation was going to tailspin as to why he had left all those years ago as a child.
His father was only three or four inches taller than Freed himself. He had pale green hair, dark black eyes, and a hard jawline. He was built like a soldier but was a merchant of sorts. Freed got his hair, build and eyes from his mother who was slender and elegant.
"Freed" his father scoffed, "don't know why your mother even liked that name or why you took it when she died. Of course it was your fault she had to die."
His father was gruff, his voice was dark and sent unpleasant shivers down Freed's spine. Freed could feel the mark on his neck send little sparks through his body to comfort him, but for some reason he felt so cold.
"You wanted to name me Yufukuna* for all the wealth our family had, not because you were having a son. Mother died several years after I was born due to you crushing her heart" Freed said darkly. His father just scoffed at him, dusting off the invisible dirt on his dinner jacket.
"You have to understand that having you as a son was very difficult for me once you presented as a … magician. What would you have me do? Parade you around like I owned a circus? You brought shame to the family but you would do anything to show all those little tricks you could do. You should have been thankful to me but instead you became an ingrate. You were a ridiculous, stupid, little boy who wanted nothing more than to disappoint his father. Marrying a man who is in charge of the circus. Now that is another kind of level I didn't think you could actually reach."
Freed's eyes widened before his temper got the better of him and he snapped in anger. He swung his hand out, flinging the champagne glass across the floor and into the wall making all chatter die out in the room.
"I'm marrying someone who loves me and he is one of the most powerful mages in the world. To cross me, is to cross him and my family. And because it is specifically you I could have you sentenced to death for what you did to me as a child" Freed all but snarled, holding back a smirk from the shock and slight fear that was apparent in his father's eyes for a second before he put on a mask of annoyance.
"Money is power so you aren't able to pull something like that off. I could have you killed like that," he suddenly snapped his fingers to make his point, "but then you would still be sliding the family name through the mud, even if it would be for a noble cause. Unlike you I am an important person of a noble house while you can barely afford to lick the dirt off my shoes."
Freed literally growled in anger, before hearing several gasps and mutters. He didn't have to look behind him considering the look on his father's face was stone, but his eyes held a hidden fear. Laxus was behind Freed and he most definitely didn't like what he just heard, just as much as Freed didn't.
"Who. Is this. Scum?" Laxus all but bit out in anger as though he were a dog about to rip apart his meal. Freed smirked darkly at the stiff man he had to call his father, seeing his father straighten his shoulders back in defiance at the look Freed was giving him.
Freed turned his body so he was right up against Laxus who had little sparks of lightning coming off of him in anger. Freed could see his father's lips tighten into a straight line at the obvious display of affection Freed was having with Laxus.
Freed slowly slid his hand up Laxus' chest before caressing the man's cheek with the back of his finger. Laxus wasn't going to relax just yet in Freed's arms until he knew who this man was, why he said those things, until the guy apologized to Freed profusely, and then ask him how he'd like to die. Of course he wasn't sure if that line of questioning was going to remain in that order.
"That my love, my mate" Freed whispered, softly touching Laxus' ear with his lips, placing himself flush with the side of Laxus' body so there was little to no space between him and his fiancé, noticing his father's lip curl in disgust. Good. Freed could hear several growls and the fact that his guild mates were ready to pounce in anger. Well Natsu and Gajeel were, considering the guy just seemed to be a homophobe or something at the moment.
"Is my father. Kufuku* Hitori*" Several gasps were heard throughout the ballroom considering Hitori were considered a very noble family because of the power they held as merchants all over the world.
Mr. Hitori held his nose high, snobbishly in the air from being addressed.
"How dare you insult my lover with your petty words. Scum like you wouldn't be able to lick the bottom of my shoe from your nose being stuck in the air. Now, give me a reason not to tear you apart."
The pale haired man only scoffed, crossing his arms, looking pointedly at the blonde. Of course Freed noticed that his father took Laxus' words very seriously.
"You'd kill the father of your future husband? Doesn't that seem a little dramatic?"
"Not if it means protecting him from the likes of you"
Laxus and Kufuku were staring down at each other until Kufuku straightened his back standing tall.
"This party was getting dull, especially with magicians running around. I'll take my leave and don't worry. I most definitely will not be coming back if that thing I once called my son is here"
Laxus hit Kufuku hard, making the man's side slam into a table. Kufuku looked up with fear and anger in his eyes before seeing Freed casually rub his hand up and down Laxus' chest sensually. Freed's eyes never left Laxus' face, who seemed to be on the verge of letting his dragon out from this guy insulting his mate and insinuating that he could have Freed killed instantly.
"You will leave today. You will take your boat and sail back to where you came from. You will not come back here, and if you do, I cannot guarantee your life again. Not that I want to" Freed said darkly, making his eye turn black by using a little of his eye magic. He saw his father swallow quickly, nodding, before briskly leaving the ballroom, head still held high. Once the man left, and Laxus didn't have anymore lightning coming out of him, music started to play again in the ballroom.
"Freed?" Laxus asked quietly, placing his hand on Freed's shoulder as their friends came over worriedly.
"Sorry about that. I…didn't expect him to be here" Freed whispered, not looking up to meet Laxus' gaze which he could feel boring into his skull at the moment.
"Freed…" Laxus whispered again, his large fingers gently curving under Freed's chin, silently asking him to look at him.
"I'm rather tired, I'd like to go home Master if that's alright?"
"Of course…"
Freed nodded before quickly walking out of the ballroom, Laxus on his tail, before taking a deep breathe of fresh air which he desperately needed.
"You can stay at the party you know? I'm fine" Freed whispered the sentence, trying to will his memories to settle down.
"The hell you'll go alone and you are not fine Freed Justine! Please…" Laxus growled, grabbing Freed's arm to slow down the man's speed walking to the train station.
Freed could hear the silent plea of Laxus wanting to know what happened. Freed could only think of it as fair considering Freed knew all of Laxus' baggage and yet Laxus barely knew anything of Freed's past. Since they were getting married tomorrow, he should probably get it off his chest. Not that he wanted to, or had the courage for one thing, but he'd try.
Freed slowly turned to face Laxus, since they made it to the train station in record time and the train was now being boarded. He slowly looked up at Laxus, seeing worry and anguish in those eyes making his heart squeeze tightly in pain at seeing Laxus looking like that, before standing on his tip toes to kiss the man softly on the forehead. Laxus took that as an invitation to join Freed on their way home.
Laxus took Freed's hand into his, boarding the train with the love of his life, his heart silently aching at what that man could have possibly done to his Freed.
*Yufukuna - wealthy
*Kufuku- Hungry/hunger (I meant this in like a hunger for power kind of way if that makes sense)?
*Hitori- Alone
(Let me know if any of these translations are wrong!)
There you are my lovelies! I'm sure you're all wondering what his father did and all will be revealed in the next chapter! So I want to say that this is like... half a cliff hanger? Oh well! And I love all of your commenting FairyScorpicus dear ^^ as well as all you other darling reviewers! Thank you all for being so supportive! Review for anything and the next chapter will be out soon :)
