Laxus squints as he looks at the clock on his nightstand. It's almost midnight and he's been asleep for the past forty minutes or so. Actually, he's trying to get some sleep but there's a thumping bass sound coming from downstairs that's preventing him from reaching R.E.M.
"Ugh, Natsu." He groans out the name like he's done for the past twenty years, since he first met the annoying twerp. Granted, he's grown to love Natsu like an annoying little brother but it doesn't mean the guy doesn't aggravate his last nerves from time to time; especially since the younger man seems to have an abundance of energy at all times.
More thumping can be heard and Laxus knows it means Natsu is playing music in the basement. The basement is supposed to be as sound proof as city regulations allow, but Laxus can always feel the bass of the music from the speakers, whenever they are turned up.
He sighs his frustration, having given up on sleep altogether. Natsu wasn't home when he went to sleep-he had a long day at the office-but now that he hears the music he supposes he better get up and say hello as he sneaks some food. One thing about Natsu is that he always has some sort of food, no matter what. The guy can eat like nobody else; he and that damned blue cat, Happy.
He leaves his shirt off and walks down the stairs in his sweatpants, heading straight to the source of music. Based on the laughter it's more than just Natsu having some fun in their shared home.
"Laxus." Bickslow shouts, tattooed tongue hanging out of his mouth as he holds a red solo cup in his right hand. Laxus and Bickslow, a fellow attorney at Fairy Tail, are life long friends. It used to be Laxus, Bickslow, Evergreen, and Freed; the four of them making up a group called Thunder Legion. They all grew up together and were inseparable no matter what-well, all up until Laxus screwed things up with Freed.
"Can't believe you're hanging out with this fire nerd." Laxus gestures to Natsu, who pouts from where he's dancing beside a half naked Gray, and Happy. Ever since that unforgettable night eleven years ago no one calls out Natsu for his obsession with fire; no one except Laxus who's the only one who can get away with it.
"I'm very fun to hang with, have you know." Natsu replies in outrage. Bickslow kicks his heels up and places them on the coffee table in front of him, from where he's perched on the couch. Laxus heads over to the corner table for a slice of pizza and some brownies.
"Cana's here and you know she likes to lose her top when she's had too much to drink; that and Erza likes to dare the girls to do crazy things when she's drunk." Bickslow explains as he sends Erza a wink. Erza glares and blushes at the same time, quickly grabbing her red cup and taking generous sips.
It's true, however, Erza loves to have fun when she's drunk. She can't even help herself, is the thing. Get a few drinks in the red headed fire house and she turns wilder than any woman he's ever met before. Their truth or dare games tend to get pretty intense, to the point Erza was almost arrested for indecent exposure after she was caught running naked around the park, as part of a dare. It was only by luck one of the officers recognized Erza as being the girlfriend to a fellow cop, Jellal.
"I remain poised at all times," Erza sips more on her drink as she's seated on the floor, in front of a giggling Levy-who works as a paralegal for Fairy Tail. Levy rests her head on her boyfriend Gajeel, who shakes his head while staring at Erza. "My drinking is completely under control." She lies again.
"Oh yeah?" Bickslow calls over to her. "Say that again in about an hour when you're shaking your ass in my face as part of a dare." Erza raises a brow and Laxus can see her lip twitching.
"What was that Bickslow?" She asks slowly, in a tone that warns Bickslow to play nice.
"Don't get mad at him because he's telling the truth." Natsu, the fool, shouts as he shakes his butt from side to side.
"You seriously have a death wish," Gray shakes his head as he tells his friend. Laxus ignores the two friends as they start to bicker and decides to head over to the cooler that houses the beers. He pops one open, using the edge of a table, and takes a ginger sip before throwing himself on the couch; half landing on top of Bickslow.
"You're so heavy." Bickslow complains.
"Stop your whining." Laxus commands as he takes another sip, looking to the left to see Erza beginning to stand and sway. It's only a matter of time now, he thinks with a grimace. "Where's her boyfriend, Jellal, anyways?" He questions his friend.
"He's still at work; apparently there's a huge case that he's working on involving the kidnapping of children." Laxus shakes his head, not knowing how the man can deal with sex offender, kidnapping, and child abuse cases day in and day out. He's a detective, and a damn good one at that.
"Hopefully he'll be able to reign her in when he comes to pick her up," Laxus grumbles as he takes in the sight of his red headed friend who is now crawling on the floor, seemingly trying to tie Gajeel's shoe laces together.
"Oh, Laxus." Natsu suddenly calls. Laxus grunts his acknowledgment as the pink haired attorney comes bounding up to him. "You were sleep earlier but I want to talk to you in private about some things." Natsu waves his hand and Laxus refrains from rolling his eyes; he's just gotten comfortable there's no way he feels like standing up again but he does so because he knows Natsu won't let it be.
"Better make it quick," he warns as he stands to follow his brother up the stairs and into the kitchen where Bacchus is passed out on top of the table. Laxus' brow twitches at the sight and Natsu has to forcibly pull him away from the other man.
"Let him sleep, he'll be gone with Cana soon enough anyways." Natsu waves off the intrusion like it's nothing.
"We eat on that table," Laxus tries before stopping himself. He knows his anger isn't good for him, and that he needs to let the small stuff go but everyone pisses him off-he can't even help but get angry at their incompetent actions.
"Get serious here," Natsu whispers harshly as he folds his arms over his chest. Laxus wants to argue that he is serious but he relents; it's rare to see Natsu being stern so he'll reign in his temper this once.
"Fine, what do you want to talk about?" He goes right into asking; trying to keep his voice as nonchalant as possible.
"Well two things really, but I'll lead in with the easier topic because the second one is bound to make you upset." Laxus grits his teeth preemptively. "I met a girl named Lucy Heartfilia and am going to take her on as a client." Laxus raises a brow.
"I thought you were taking your first vacation?" He interrupts.
"I was until I saw her crying about how this is her only chance for help." Natsu sighs as he explains. "Besides, she has a damn good case on her hands. Her father, Mr. Heartfilia, has been committing fraud-classic embezzlement-to try and hide the fact the company has completely gone under." Laxus is actually surprised-allowing his jaw to fall open and everything.
"Your new client is the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in this country?" Natsu smiles proudly as he nods. "Shit," Laxus runs a hand over his face. "I'm guessing you want me on as a co-counsel?" Natsu nods once again. Laxus has dealt with several embezzlement cases, and even received his MBA with his JD degree. He knows how to proceed from here.
"I have all the evidence on a flash drive." Natsu continues talking. "The only thing is that she's a bit cautious in all of this. Her father already has people following her every move, and while that could be for protection, she's not entirely sure her father's actions are innocent." Laxus just stares as he absorbs this new information. Of course he's going to take on the case, even though his plate is pretty filled as is. He can always delegate some of his work to other attorneys.
"I'll do it." Laxus says gently. "Tomorrow give me the drive and we can proceed together." He further states. "Now what is the other thing?" Natsu's eyes shift to the ground, no longer able to make eye contact.
"Mira looks real tired, and her…" Laxus freezes, back growing tense. He feels like a trapped animal right now, desperately wanting to break free or attack. "Her daughter, your daughter, is sick and I don't think she can pay for proper medicine." Laxus shakes his head in anger, feeling the ground beneath him crackle with his tension. If he could release lightning, he would right now.
"Mirajane should have thought about all of that before she…" Laxus shakes his head and backs away from Natsu, instantly afraid he'll take out his misplaced anger on his brother.
"I know, I'm not faulting you." Natsu quickly explains. "It's just that, that little girl has nothing to do with this and yet she's the one suffering." Laxus knows that Natsu is speaking sense, but his mind can't think clearly; it never can involving Mira. He balls his hands into tight fists as he looks for something to punch.
"What do you want from me Natsu? She destroyed everything, absolutely everything and I…" Laxus' throat feels tight and he refuses to allow himself to feel saddened emotions. Freed. He thinks bitterly.
"She was a teenager going through a rough time and made a mistake." Natsu defends softly. "I'm not excusing her actions but Azmay really needs you in her life. You can't keep pushing her away because she's a reminder of what you'll never have with Freed." Laxus glares, not believing Natsu had the gall to even say the name in Laxus' presence.
"Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black," Laxus says bitterly. "You can't even look her in the eyes because she looks just like Lisanna. You remember Lisanna right?" Natsu' eyes harden and Laxus knows he's taken this way too far. Laxus strikes back when he feels cornered but even he knows this wasn't the route to take this time.
Natsu walks out the kitchen without saying another word. Laxus can hear the man storming up the stairs and slamming the bedroom door shut. He bends his head down and sighs his defeat. He'll apologize in the morning when Natsu is more willing to forgive the elder man. Maybe Laxus will call Makarov over, that's one person Natsu listens to. Or maybe Wendy, he can never stay mad when Wendy's involved.
Instead of dwelling on his mistakes he goes back down to the basement. The music is louder now, Gray is down to just his black briefs. Bickslow is stretched out on the couch watching as Cana struggles with taking off her top, a tipsy Levy is giving a blushing Gajeel a lap dance, and a drunk Erza is fighting a bookshelf. Laxus plops down beside his friend and sighs.
"You fucked up again somehow?" Bickslow teases, eyes never leaving Cana's body. Laxus glares at the side of his friend's head.
"I'm not responding to that." Laxus grumbles in response. Bickslow lets his tongue hang out of his mouth as he laughs loud and hard.
"Natsu is a big boy, he'll get over whatever you two obviously argued about." That's one thing about Bickslow that Laxus loves; the guy can understand him without Laxus having to say anything at all.
"Let's just enjoy the rest of tonight." Laxus settles on saying after a brief pause.
"Eh, that's what I like to hear." Bickslow cheers. "Drink until your problems seem like a funny dream." Laxus shakes his head but smiles anyways. That doesn't sound like such bad advice, not when he eagerly wants to forget about how shitty of a person he's become. He truly is his father's child.
X
Laxus wakes up hot and irritated. He turns to his left and immediately finds out why. Lying on his left arm is none other than Bickslow, mouth open wide and snoring loudly. Laxus rolls his eyes and flips the intruder over; causing Bickslow to roll halfway off the bed. The man wakes up alert, green eyes shining bright in the darkened room.
Laxus rolls his eyes again as Bickslow narrows him with a glare.
"You trying to kill me?" Bickslow complains, a hand placed over his rapidly rising chest.
"I'm trying to figure out how you managed to fall asleep on the couch and yet wind up in my bed snuggling me like I'm some damn teddy bear." Laxus complains in his gruffy voice.
"That couch hurts my back," Bickslow stretches. "You know how sensitive I am; besides, I didn't have my babies with me last night so you had to do." Laxus glares at his friend, knowing all too well the man loves to sleep with stuffed animals. Surprisingly girls eat that shit up, and don't find it nearly as creepy as they should.
"I hate you." Laxus complains. "Natsu would have let you in his room without complaint." Bickslow mock gages in response.
"Natsu has fire gas and you know it, no way am I torturing myself." True, Laxus thinks as he goes to stand. "But now that you're awake I think we should talk." He doesn't like the sound of his friend's tone.
"Don't see why we would need to do that." He grumbles as he shuffles his way to his dresser to look for clothes.
"Natsu told me that I should talk to you about Mira." Laxus closes his eyes and takes a few deep breathes. Of course Natsu would text Bickslow after they had their argument.
"Natsu worries too much," Laxus deflects.
"You haven't seen her man, but she looks worn down-bags under her eyes and everything. She needs help." Laxus' lip twitches in a mock snarl.
"It's not my problem." Laxus settles for spitting out.
"No, but it is your child she's raising; whether you agree with how it happened or not, it happened and you need to take fucking responsibility for your actions." Bickslow demands. "Azmay has done nothing wrong so don't let her suffer for her parent's mistakes." Laxus doesn't answer but he knows Bickslow is right. Everyone is right.
He wants to be in his daughter's life, is the thing; he really does. The problem is that every time he looks at her he's reminded that she exists because he had sex with Mira one last time and it was this action that lead to him losing the greatest thing in his entire life. He was going to propose to Freed, he had so many plans and now he has a daughter and nothing but regrets.
"I'm taking a shower then I'm headed out." Laxus calls instead of answering the previous statement. "I'll be gone a while so stay as long as you want." Laxus doesn't wait to hear a response just goes into the bathroom and gets himself together.
His shower doesn't take long, neither does it take him long to get ready. By the time he goes for his wallet, and car keys, Bickslow is snoring again and Natsu is eating a massive bowl of cereal while watching cartoons.
"Hey, I'll be back later." Laxus calls to the pink haired man. Natsu doesn't turn his eyes from Bugs Bunny, just waves his spoon in the air as a greeting. Laxus shakes his head and leaves.
Driving is something Laxus does by habit. Sometimes he can drive for miles without even realizing he's still behind the wheel. How he hasn't got into an accident yet is beyond him. Right now however, he's driving on more than habit-it's basic instinct. He knows the streets, route, everything by heart-he could probably drive to the house blindfolded.
Pulling up to the house is even basic instinct. He spent so many nights in this same place, even when he needed space from Natsu he would ride out, on his bike, here and just hang with Mira in their own little world. He smiles, despite himself, at the memory-picturing a teen Mira in all her black and piercings always threatening to set fire to the world. Things were simple then, yet they seemed so complex at the same time. Mira was practically on her own, raising her siblings and cursing the cruel world; while Laxus was busy trying to fight the mental abuse caused by his father.
He parks in the driveway and gets out at a slow pace, not really knowing what he's going to say or do. He does know he has his cheque book and is ready to write Mira a cheque for $5,000. He owes her a lot more than that but it's a start.
He knocks on the blue door, only having to wait a few moments before the door opens just a crack. Mira looks shocked, her eyes widening as her lips part open just a bit. Only her head is sticking out the door and Laxus feels foolish just standing on the porch in his sweat pants.
"You going to let me in?" He barks unkindly before apologizing immediately. "Sorry, didn't mean to use that tone." She nods and opens the door for him to walk on through.
He rests against the closed door, peering around the left corner to see a sleeping little girl on the couch; golden locks falling around her round face. He places his hands in his pockets and just stares at Mira, not really knowing what to say.
"This place looks much smaller than when we were children," he settles for saying. She looks at him, as she bites on her thumb nail, and smiles while nodding.
"When my foster parents left me this house I thought I had it made, but you're right, it is much smaller now that I'm older." She agrees hesitantly.
"We managed to have fun though right?" Laxus asks, feeling a bit more at ease. Mira used to be his best friend, well before they even tried dating. It's easy with her-or at least it used to be.
"Ha," she laughs. "How this house is still standing is beyond me. We were wild." Laxus covers his face and shakes his head.
"Now you sound like Bacchus." He jokes, knowing the man and his friends love yelling the world 'wild.'
"I can't believe there's someone out there who can keep up with Cana." Mira hides her smile behind her hand.
"I can't believe there's someone dumb enough to try and be with Cana considering her father was named world's strongest man three years in a row." Laxus says back. They both chuckle and allow the silence to cover over them, surrounding them both in past memories.
"I'm assuming you stopped by because of Natsu?" Mira questions in a soft voice. Laxus isn't used to this demon woman being so timid, quiet, and almost shy. He's used to the girl who would raise hell just because she was bored.
"Bickslow actually, but I needed to stop by anyways." He admits as he takes in the home. The walls are chipping white paint, the wooden floors have definitely seen better days. There's little furniture and the place is slightly cold.
Laxus takes in Mira. Her face looks worn, and aged-definitely not portraying her true self. Her clothes are a bit baggy which means weight loss, and her hair looks unkept. He tightens his lip at what he sees. How could he have let his own hatred get this bad?
"Look," Mira starts but Laxus interrupts.
"Here," he says as reaches for his cheque book. He pulls out his black pen and places his cheque book on the wall so he can fill it out properly. He doesn't give her time to protest, just rips the cheque out of his book and hands it to her. "This is for you."
Her eyes widen comically as she takes in the amount offered. She could really use the money, is the thing. There are so many things that need to be done that she just can't afford. Apparently older homes cost a lot of work and money to maintain. Even with her steady bartending job, it's just not enough. But she can't take the money, not when it's being given to her out of pity.
"I'm not taking your money." She hands the cheque back. "We agreed I wouldn't take any money and that Azmay will know you as only her uncle." Laxus shakes his hand and refuses to take back the money.
"Despite how it happened I am her father. I'm not going to be like my dad and just abandon my child because I don't get my way." Laxus gripes. "You've entertained my foolishness for too long Mira. Don't suffer because I made you feel guilty. I did what I did on my own accord-despite the outcome."
There are unshed tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. She can feel her lip quivering but even still, she's determined to hold it all in, and remotely, together.
"You don't have to do this," she says as she clutches the cheque tightly in her palms.
" I don't have to do anything, I'm choosing to do this." Laxus rolls his neck. "Besides, I owe it to Azmay to make sure she has everything she needs, which includes a safe house to live in." Laxus eyes the obvious problems that he sees. Mira brings the cheque to her chest and nods.
"Even if you're only doing it for Azmay, thank you." She whispers. Laxus rubs the back of his neck as he nods.
"Do you have enough food for her?" Mira looks down at the ground, shuffling her feet.
"I will, thanks to you." She holds up the cheque. He nods once more before peering into the living room again-seeing his daughter wrapped in a purple blanket; fast asleep.
"Good, good." He repeats himself. "I'll make sure to do like an amazon prime box or something for her once a month." He shrugs. "Do you mind?" He gestures to the little girl. Mira looks hesitant but still manages to give a terse nod.
Laxus swallows as he walks into the living room, sitting on the edge of the small brown sofa. He lifts her head up gently before putting it in his lap, allowing her curls to fall over his legs. He doesn't know what compels him to do this but he brushes her forehead softly, just allowing her hair to fall through his fingertips.
She looks so small like this, fragile almost. She's seven years old and Laxus barely even knows who she is. He doesn't know her favorite color, her likes or dislikes-hell, he doesn't even know if she's allergic to anything.
You're such a failure. You're small, weak, and completely useless. I'm surprised you've managed to live this long. How the hell did you come from me? You're pathetic, and you let people walk all over you. Good for nothing. Failure. Failure. Failure.
His father's painful words reign loudly in his mind. He swallows the lump in his throat and stands, walking back over to Mira.
"I'll try and be better." He whispers and then heads out the door before she can even say anything. He's failed his daughter because of his anger towards Mira, and in return he's become someone he hates-his own father. He can't let this continue to happen, he has to do better. He will do better. For himself, his daughter, and for what he could have had with Freed. It's time Laxus takes back ownership of his life.