Chapter 36:

"All done!" Mira exclaimed, putting up the last of the decorations in the backyard. Laxus dusted his hands on his pants and glanced over at her, tired but actually pretty happy with everything they'd done. The whole house had finally been put together, aside from what was left for Gajeel in his room, and Mira had brought over chairs for their guests. Lily and Gajeel had a grill and Lily was already setting to work with getting food prepared and the sun's light was finally starting to sink into the west, bringing with it the autumn chill.

"You've outdone yourself, Mira," he grinned at her, walking over to get the fire started. She'd hung up lights around the yard. Set up tables and chairs and even made a sort of makeshift bar. She'd stowed away a few bottles from the guild earlier that day and Lily had picked up enough beer to probably make the whole guild drunk.

"Of course," she smiled back at him, flipping her silver hair over her shoulder, "When does Gajeel get home?"

"Dunno," he sighed, untucking his shirt from his waistband and realizing just how gross he was from the day's work, "Should be soon I'd imagine… Do you need any help? If not I'm going to change."

"I think we're fine," she waved her hands at him as if to shoo him away, "Go make yourself look nice for your man."

Laxus clicked his teeth at her and she just smiled at him. Suddenly, realization hit her face and she jumped over the bar. Laxus startled as she dashed past him into the house.

"O-oi..!" he glanced at Lily, "What happened?"

Lily shrugged but he heard Mira's footsteps quickly approaching once again. He glanced into the house and saw she was carrying a large bag in her hands. She held it out for him, clearly pleased with herself.

"Your housewarming gift!" she grinned and Laxus smirked at her.

"I told ya you didn't have to get me anything," he went to take a peek when he noticed the mischievous look on her face and his smile quickly disappeared, "What is it?"

"It's nothing bad!" she crossed her arms but her impish smile persisted, "It just might be more for Gajeel than you,"

He just barely caught the stifled snickers of Lily as he passed her and couldn't stop himself as he rolled his eyes. Morbid curiosity nagged him as he held the bag in his grasp. He took the stairs by twos and slunk back into his room, shutting the door until he heard the quiet click of the latch. He carefully peeled back the tissue paper and pulled it out, the smell of leather hitting him immediately. He cocked an eyebrow at the thing.

It was a leather jacket, obviously expensive, and lined with fur around the collar. He looked pointedly at the sleeves, wondering if his arms would be too long. He sighed and threw it onto his bed, turning to his closet and peeling off his clothes from that day. Even though it wasn't hot during the day any longer, his clothes were still damp around the small of his back from sweat. He glanced over at the jacket one more time and then back to his closet. He knew he shouldn't encourage Mira but he still grabbed a scarlet v-neck from the back and pulled it on, telling himself it was just because the fabric was soft and smooth and he was wanting comfort over his usual dress since he'd been working all day.

It was a little tight but he didn't mind and he glared down the jacket for a long while before he tromped over to it, wrinkling his nose at it. He'd never been one for leather. Even before his keener sense of smell he'd thought it stank and just wasn't his style. He felt like it made him seem like he was trying too hard to look cool. All he was missing was a pair of sunglasses and a motorcycle. He lifted it. It was heavy, heavier than his long coat. Metal buttons glistened up at him like jeering eyes, laughing at him as he turned to his mirror and forced his arms into it. He straightened his shoulders and put his hands on his hips, flaring it out around his waist.

He wrinkled his nose again.

It didn't lay how his other jacket did. The solid material almost moved as its own unit, not falling to frame him like he was used to. He stretched his arms forward, sure that the sleeves would rise all the way up to his elbows but was surprised when they only hugged his wrists. There were straps on the sides of his wrist with more large metallic buttons keeping them down. He unsnapped them and let them hang, re-snapped them, and decided he honestly didn't care for them since they didn't seem to have a purpose anyway. He stuffed his hands into the jacket's large pockets and blinked when he felt something. It was plastic and he groaned internally, immediately realizing what they were.

He glared down at the condoms in his hand as if he'd never been so insulted in his life, "Miraaa…" he growled and walked over to his drawer and threw the in indignantly, "Insufferable fucking demon woman…"

He sighed and straightened, glancing once again at his image in the mirror. He stuffed his hand into his pocket and glared at his reflection. The more he stared at it, though, the less it agitated him. Actually, the furred collar was pretty cool. He squared himself at the mirror and took a wide stance, straightening his spine and tipping his head back. What was that smile that Gajeel always flashed? The one that showed his sharp teeth and made him look like a demon enticing you to sin? Just the thought made the corner of his lip tug upwards and he ran his fingers through his blonde spikes.

More of a gift for Gajeel…

Laxus felt his heart make a misstep. Was he supposed to be sexy? Did he even know how to be sexy? He'd been called a pretty boy before, which he never really understood given the scar that marred his face. He'd posed for Sorcerer Magazine a couple of times when they'd showcased different wizards from the guild. That guy had told him all sorts of stupid shit to try and get him in the mood to pose. He could barely remember what he'd been made to do now. He stared at himself hard for a moment, trying to think of shit he'd seen on book covers, magazines, anything really.

He could undo the button on his jeans. Guys did that to look sexy, didn't they? He cringed internally at the idea. This was stupid. Was Gajeel even turned on by that shit? He let out an exasperated sigh, his mind travelling back to an encounter that seemed like ages ago now, the only time he'd ever actually gotten a glimpse into what Gajeel was into. Back in the woods, when it was just the two of them, and Gajeel was enticing him to lose control and then threatening to make him; he's said he liked the look on his face when he'd been forced down. The way he'd run his clawed fingers across his flesh made just the memory send a shiver down his spine.

He leaned back on his heels, pulled up his red shirt over the lip of his jeans just as his heart started to pound a little harder. He'd been fearsome with glittering silver scales in the dim light under the trees. He let out a tight breath, trying to calm down. The tension in his jeans was getting harder to deal with as he pictured what those ruby eyes would look like glaring up at him from his own bed. A whisper of his intoxicating scent would fill the air and make Laxus go wild. He wanted to feel those nails again, running up his back as he tried to reign himself in. He wanted to watch him when he finally lost his inhibitions… He wanted to do such lewd things to the wicked man, things that he knew he shouldn't, things he'd never had a particular interest in before...

A shock went through him when he heard Gajeel's familiar voice reaching up the stairs. He quietly cursed himself, staring at the obvious results of his wandering mind. He bit the inside of his cheek thinking about how Gajeel would probably smell it when he came down, would probably shoot him that look that said he knew exactly what Laxus had been up to alone in his room but was too good of a guy to call him out for it. He heard the bubbling laughter of Levy and Cana… how many people had come into his house while he'd been deep in his own thoughts?

He adjusted himself and headed for the door, slipping silently into the hall and walking to the railing of the stairs to lean on it and watch who was in his living room. Gajeel had his pack slung over his shoulder still, wearing his sleeveless studded tunic and tanned pants tucked into black boots. As if feeling Laxus's golden gaze, Gajeel glanced over his shoulder. His ruby eyes widened, a slick grin tugged at his lips. He glanced over to Levy who was chattering away with Cana, not paying any attention to the Iron Mage at her side. When his eyes turned back up to the blonde, Laxus knew exactly what they were beckoning him to do. His boner suddenly came back with much more vigor than before as he watched Gajeel run his tongue against his canines hungrily.

A turn in the conversation caught his attention so he immediately stopped his teasing and turned his eyes back to the two girls, muttering something and motioning for the stairs. Levy waved at him and she with Cana headed for the back yard. Watched them for a moment before turning and heading for Laxus, that ravenous look in his eyes again as he raked his eyes up and down the blonde. Laxus smirked at him.

"Welcome home," he purred as Gajeel got to the top of the stairs.

"Thanks," the raven dropped his back at the landing and crossed his arms, "Where the hell did you get that?"

"It was a gift," he replied simply and feigned a tired look, "But I've never really liked leather so… I might give it back."

Gajeel stepped up to him and put his gloved hand on hem of his jacket, slowly travelling up to grip the furred collar, "Shame…" he could see the heat creeping up Gajeel's neck, "Looks good on ya."

Laxus leaned a bit closer to him, "I'll think about it then,"

"We should probably get outside," Gajeel muttered and retrieved his things from the landing to put them into his room before joining the others. Laxus followed after him and lounged in the doorway as he waited. Gajeel unpacked quickly, having only taken a few things since it had been a short trip.

"How was the mission, by the way?"

"It was fine," Gajeel seemed tense and his voice had an edge to it, "I think I was only invited to piss off Jet, though."

Laxus raised an eyebrow, "What makes you say that?"

"Just a hunch," he grumbled, but Laxus could tell it had soured his mood. He studied him for a moment. He sighed and put his hands on his hips as if getting himself ready for being around their company. He headed for the door where Laxus still lounged but when he walked up to him he made no motion to leave his post, "What?"

Laxus leaned down just slightly so they were seeing eye-to-eye and didn't even attempt to hide the mischief on his face, "I was just thinking I haven't welcomed you properly, yet."

Gajeel gihi-ed and matched his smirk, "A punishable offense."

Gajeel rose up to meet him. He was more agitated than he let on. Laxus could feel it in the way his lips pressed against his angrily. His hands were grabbing hold of his jacket and pulling him closer and Laxus let his hands rest on his hips, held him so their pelvises were flush with each other. Gajeel's tongue was hot in his mouth and their teeth bumped each other, making Laxus wince. His hard-on was throbbing, begging for some sort of action after being provoked so many times. Gajeel was grinding against him slightly as they both came up for air, eyes swimming with his frustration.

Laxus brushed his lip with his knuckle from where their teeth had hit, still feeling the impact in his gums. Gajeel let him go, "Sorry about that."

"T's fine," he murmured, trying to lighten his mood, "I already knew you were a biter."

Gajeel rolled his eyes but seemed to be in better spirits, "You ain't seen shit,"

"Is that a threat or a promise?" Laxus let him through and Gajeel sidestepped him with the same pretentious air as a cat that had just recovered from a graceless landing.

"Who knows," he sighed under his breath and for a moment Laxus wondered if he'd done something to upset him again. He brushed it off, making a note to ask him about it later, and followed the raven downstairs.

There were a lotof people in their backyard. All of Team Natsu, Team Shadow Gear, the rest of the Thunder God Tribe, Elfman and Lisanna, Cana, Wendy and Charla… even Gramps. Laxus had never been one for parties and their yard was much smaller than the guildhall. If a fight broke out, Laxus was sure their whole house would be torn up in the process.

"There you guys are!" Mira waved them over, two drinks in her hands, "I was wondering where you'd run off to."

Juvia was smiling beside her, wearing a light blue sundress despite the chillier weather, "Juvia likes your home. Juvia can tell Laxus and Lily have worked hard putting everything together."

"Mira helped," Lily piped from the grill, putting burgers and hot dogs on a place and bringing them over to the table.

Wendy bounced up, her blue ponytails swishing with each step as she sidled up to Gajeel, "Charla and I put our gifts on the table. We hope you like them."

Gajeel ruffled her hair, "Ya didn't have to bring nothin'."

"It's not much," she stammered nervously.

"Yo! Is the food ready yet?" Natsu yelled from where he stood on one of their tables.

"Natsu! That's rude!" Lucy hissed at him, grabbing his leg in an attempt to pull him down.

"Yeah, Flame-Brain. Get down!"

"Who'd you call Flame-Brain, Squinty?!"

Erza grabbed them both and dragged them to the ground, "YOU'RE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOME. BE POLITE."

"Yes ma'am!" they squeaked in unison, desperately trying to calm the redhead.

Laxus rolled his eyes, already annoyed with the raucous. Levy sashayed up to them, her skirt flaring with each step. Laxus crossed his arms and bit the inside of his cheek, trying to settle the sudden spike in his blood. She was clearly hitting on him and it made him increasingly more jealous whenever she was around. She spent two days with him… hadn't she had enough? He glanced over at where Jet sat with Droy, muttering angrily about something while Droy was digging in to a plate of food and not paying him much attention. He desperately wanted to say something about Levy going back to her angry boyfriend, but that was unbelievably petty and that wasn't the type of guy he was… but it didn't stop him from entertaining the idea.

"Laxus, youput all this together?" Levy smiled up at him, her large brown eyes making some of his anger abate. There was no way she could be that malicious, "I never knew you to be such a homemaker,"

"I had help," was all he could force out, not happy with her tone of voice.

"Well of course," she stammered nervously, "I just meant that you did a good job."

"Hey man!" and arm wrapped around his shoulders, "Nice place. Even Freed is impressed,"

"Good job! Good job!"

"Bix," Laxus shook him off but the navy-haired man seemed unaffected. He was almost two inches taller than Laxus so he had no trouble keeping his hold even on the hulking Thunder Mage.

"I'm trying to convince Freed to let us hang out here instead of his place," he grinned, his maroon eyes cutting over to where Freed and Evergreen sat, the former clearly sulking.

"Gaudy! Gaudy!"

"My house is not gaudy! You have no taste!" Freed seethed and Evergreen rolled her eyes, clearly not caring about her partner's pride in the slightest. Laxus grinned over at his friends and let the tension fall off of his shoulders. Everyone else had settled into a calm hum as they talked and ate. Bixslow finally left him, giving him a knowing look as he walked away, and Laxus kicked himself internally. Of course he'd seen Laxus getting angry, but Laxus sort of appreciated the fact that he'd come over to diffuse the situation before he'd get so mad he'd make a scene.

But that didn't mean the way Levy kept flirting didn't make his blood spike all over again. He stepped away from them, deciding it would probably just be best to remove himself from the situation altogether, and headed over to where his grandfather was sitting talking to Mirajane and Lisanna. He seemed happy enough and Laxus thought for a moment that he may actually get some approval from the imp of a man.

"Hey Gramps," Laxus stood in front of him and crossed his arms. Makarov grinned up at him.

"What a nice house," he seemed genuine and it was a relief to Laxus, "Although, I was thinking that the next time you'd move it would be with Mira."

Mira smiled and laughed as if the entire idea was silly, "We're not even dating, Master,"

"I know, I know. You two are always on and off," he huffed, "But if Laxus were to finally get serious…"

Laxus stood there quietly, not wanting to say anything to ruin his mood. He and Laxus were always tense no matter what he did. Even though he was back at the guild, he'd damaged their relationship terribly. Gramps had forgiven him, there was no doubt about that, but they always seemed to piss each other off in one way or another. Maybe their personalities just weren't compatible any longer or maybe time would change things… Laxus didn't really like to think about it.

"You don't understand," Mira's sweet voice broke through his thoughts and for a moment, Laxus felt like his heart had stopped, "Laxus and I aren't ever going to be serious…"

She wasn't going to mention anything about him and Gajeel, was she? His eyes widened slightly at her but she paid him no attention. It wasn't really a secret but he didn't want to break the news to Gramps just yet, not until they were certain their relationship was actually going to turn into something. And he was honestly worried about the old man's reaction. What if he didn't approve? It could be the final nail in their proverbial coffin, ending their fragile relationship entirely and he wasn't ready for that.

"I don't have feelings for Laxus," she smiled and Makarov seemed genuinely surprised. Laxus let out a tightly held breath, "He's like my older brother."

"But… but you two dated…"

"Some things you just have to figure out over time," she smiled, "But we'll still be friends."

"Ahhh… I guess it can't be helped," Makarov seemed dejected, as if it had been him who was dumped.

"You shouldn't play matchmaker, Gramps. It makes you seem like even more of a pervert than you already are."

"I'm trying to get you to settle down, you brat! You're going to be the death of me!"

Laxus smiled and Makarov grinned back at him, chuckling slightly.

"Well, I think I'm going to head out. You kids don't need an old man here to spoil your fun."

"Oh yeah, Gramps, we're just waiting to break out spin the bottle," he rolled his eyes but it had him laughing which made Laxus even more at ease, "Do you need someone to walk you home?"

"I will," Lisanna smiled, "I don't mind. I wanted to go home early anyway."

"Lisanna…" Mira chided but Laxus just shrugged it off. He didn't mind. When the two had left, she turned her attention back to the Thunder Mage, "I'm hurt by you Laxus."

"Eh?"

"I saw the way you looked at me. You thought I was just going to out you like that?" she pouted, crossing her arms and glaring at him, "What kind of a person do you think I am?"

He smirked, "I mean… you can't keep a secret."

"Coming out of the closet it a bit more than just a secret," she hissed quietly but quickly swallowed her anger, "When are you going to give Gajeel his gifts?"

"You think I should?" he glanced over to where the Iron Mage was still talking to Levy. Could she have been more open? She had a drink in her hand at this point and a faint blush was coloring her cheeks. Laxus didn't like the way Gajeel was looking at her, giving her all of his attention. He could at least pretend to be bored.

"Oh, I definitelythink you should," she shoved him playfully, "Go on. I'll keep everyone entertained."

Laxus shuffled up to his room once again, this time pulling out a couple of large cases out from where he'd hidden them in his closet. He couldn't help the dread gathering in his stomach as he thought of how flashy this was about to be. He tried to squash it, though, and instead of bringing with him both of the guitars he'd gotten he opted for just the white electric guitar to replace Gajeel's broken one. Maybe he'd give him the other one when they were together alone and not so many eyes were focused on them.

When he emerged from the house his eyes immediately fell on the raven who was somehow stilltalking to Levy, although his expression was far less invested than before. Cana was making a jibe about them liking each other and Levy's face turned bright red, denying the thought entirely even though it was completely obvious that at least on her end it wasn't true . Gajeel's jaw clenched but he bit his way through it, making a snide comment about Cana's drinking habits making her see things that weren't actually there. Laxus was envious of his finesse. He was much more tactful than everyone else gave him credit for. Maybe it was just Natsu who brought out the brutishness in him.

"Oi," Laxus called over to him and Gajeel glanced back at him casually before doing a double-take. Laxus felt heat creeping up his neck as he brought the guitar case off his shoulder to hand it to the Iron Dragon, "I noticed yours was a little busted up… I was going to give this to ya later but I thought the others might like some entertainment."

"Shit… eh…" he handled it almost nervously and set the thing down carefully on the ground, "Thanks, Laxus."

He flipped the case open and slowly his face began to light up more and more as he took it in. He gripped the white body and the neck, hefting it like some sort of delicate weapon in his hands as he stood. His eyes were lit up like a child's, a look of honest excitement on his features. Laxus had to check himself, keep the bubbling feeling of pride down. Gajeel was already putting the strap over his shoulder and starting to tune the cords.

"It's not exactly like your old one," Laxus was trying to contain himself. He was incredibly happy that Gajeel liked it, "If it's not something you like, we can take it back to the shop and get a different one…"

"No, no," he was grinning, already strumming a few muted cords as he tested the sound, "This is great. I've been wanting to play… I need my amp…"

Mira was on it. She'd already set up a little area for him to play while they had done the exchange and motioned him over. He almost ran over to plug it in and as soon as he turned the dial he was filling the air with broken chords and pentatonic scales. He played for a while uninterrupted as he warmed up and Laxus couldn't help but smile as he watched. His mood soured slightly, however, when a voice called out from one of the tables.

"You should play a love song!" Lucy giggled, nudging Levy as the girl turned bright red.

"Make sure it's sexy!" Cana chimed in, waving her bottle in the air. He heard Jet scoff from where he sat with Droy and it irked him. He grabbed some food and took a seat at a table by himself, not caring to listen to the rest of them squabble over what Gajeel needed to play. Gajeel didn't seem to mind. He just started tuning his guitar and strumming out a melody. It was mild and jazzy compared to his warm up and it permeated the air like the scent of burning fire, melting Laxus where he sat.

"Lightning struck me once,

I remember the feeling of thunder

The roar of God's wrath

Pulling me under

Lightning struck me once,

I thought I was a goner

But in the end, I wished

Lightning would strike me twice."

As he started singing, Laxus realized that he could listen to him all night. His voice was raspy and deep and filled the evening air with its dark velvet. He took a sip of his drink and just watching him, thinking the look on his face as he sang was almost criminal. He felt a licentious heat beginning to rise in his chest.

"I thought that I had saved you

When you bared your parts to me

But in truth you were the one

Who came to rescue me,

And oh, the night did rumble

With the storm our love could bring

As skies roared with thunder

My sin poured out like water…"

Gajeel hadn't looked up as he sang, just kept his eyes on his hands as if he needed to be sure he played the chords right. But in a quick, deliberate flicker his ruby eyes flashed up to him and them immediately back down again. Laxus thought he might just lose it. The hairs on his arms were standing on end, chills were shimmying their way up to the back of his neck and burst down his spine. He tugged the jacket around himself as he stifled his shiver, pretending it was the night's bite that was making him quake on the inside even though he felt like his veins were on fire.

"Lightning struck me once

Back when I didn't know

That touch I don't deserve

I want to bring you down from heaven

Make your body roll with thunder

And love you 'til you can't go back

Yeah, in the end I wish

Lightning would strike me twice."

A light applause brought Laxus crashing back down to reality and he blinked a couple of times to center himself. He carefully picked up his cup, suddenly very aware of the desire once again rearing itself angrily up through his body. He dumped his still full plate into the trash and made his way into the house, getting reprieve from his roaring emotions away from his raucous guildmates and Gajeel's sultry voice. He slipped into the bathroom and turned on cold water, rinsing his hands and cupping some to rub on his throat and the back of his neck, trying to cool off. He took a few breaths and steadied himself on the sink, just watching his reflection in the mirror.

When he'd finally gotten a hold of himself, he opened the door to face the people in his backyard. He froze as he almost stepped right into Evergreen, arms crossed as she looked him up and down.

"Shit."

She grinned and pushed him back into the bathroom, shutting the door firmly behind her, "Spill it."

"Spill what?" he lied smoothly even though it was far too late. She raised an eyebrow as if she couldn't actually believe he'd try something so simple. He sighed, "Ok… I've known about you and Elfman for a while now."

Blush suddenly turned her entire face red and he could see an indignant gleam in her eyes, "I… this… this isn't about me," she hissed, "This is about you."

"Me? I don't understand," he tried to stay stone-faced but she was clearly not having it.

"Stop playing dumb. I saw the way you were watching him. Spill it. You like him, don't you?"

"I mean… he's a good fighter and loyal to the guild. He seems like an ok guy, I guess…"

"Laxus," she rubbed her face and took off her glasses, exasperated, "You know what I mean. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't tell Freed or Bix, either."

A wicked smile curled up her face and she chuckled viciously, "I should tell Freed. His reaction will be hilarious…"

"Ever…"

She studied him for a moment before letting out a sigh, "Does this mean you're breaking up the Thunder God Tribe?"

"Eh? Why would I do that?" he blinked down at her, honestly confused.

She turned red again, "B-because… if your lover doesn't like us he might ask you not to be around us anymore."

"My loverdoesn't give a shit about the Thunder God Tribe… even when Bixslow and Freed cornered him in the onsen."

"Oh no."

"Yeah."

"And they didn't scare him away?"

"Surprisingly, no," he snickered despite himself and she smiled up at him, her fears abated for the time being.

"When are you planning on telling everyone?" her brows furrowed and she crossed her arms.

"I'm not sure. We're trying to take things slow."

She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes and fanned herself slightly, "I'd say moving in together isn't very slow."

"It's complicated."

"So complicated you're keeping it a secret?" she eyed him warily and he brushed her off.

"Evergreen… just leave it alone. You're as bad as Mira."

"Mira…" she clucked her tongue. She's never really approved of his and Mira's relationship in the past. She thought Mira was manipulative and somewhat two-faced, and she wasn't completely wrong. There were many times when Mira's demon side had gotten the better of her during their relationship. But Laxus hadn't been a saint either. For the most part Evergreen just never thought they were good for each other and was always overly pleased when she found out they'd broken up again, "How's she taking it?"

"With grace," was all he replied and she rolled her eyes, "Are you done interrogating me? You know our guildmates. Any longer and they'll start thinking we're together."

"They wouldn't be that foolish," she tutted and turned to open the door, seemingly dropping the conversation. He sighed and followed her out of the small room.