Chapter 37:

Entering the backyard found them amongst half-drunk comrades wrapping up to go home. Erza was swaying slightly with Cana, muttering about some guy she couldn't see with blue hair. Juvia was hanging on Grey's arm as he tried to escape to go home and Lucy was carrying Happy and pulling along a fired-up Natsu. Bixslow and Freed were laughing about something as Bix downed the rest of his drink. Elfman was chatting with Mira and immediately perked up when Evergreen walked out, although he made no move to walk up to her. The man's man was probably also as averse to the gossip as Gajeel was… or maybe it was Evergreen that had set the standard for his silence, he wasn't entirely sure. As he glanced around, he couldn't find Wendy or Charla and immediately assumed they'd already headed out. Jet and Droy were still sitting amongst themselves and it was clear Jet probably had one to many.

Laxus blinked, an angry feeling suddenly making his heart pound a little harder. Where was Gajeel and Levy?

"Gajeel~!" Levy's voice drew his attention over to where he was winding up his cord, attempting to put away his amp before the grass got damp and ruined the speakers, "Why don't you walk me home?"

He clenched his jaw. Her face was scarlet from drink and her words slurred. She was leaning over the table, holding her cheek in her hand as she watched him work. Laxus narrowed his eyes at her, trying to kill the jealousy he felt he had no right to claim. The strap of her dress was falling down her shoulder and she was clearly trying to entice him. The more he watched the angrier he got.

His voice sounded gruff in response, "Shouldn't ya be askin' yer boyfriend, Lev?"

"I don't have a boyfriend," she muttered, looking up at him through her eyelashes, "so if you don't walk me home I'll be walking alone."

"Yeah?" he threw the guitar over his shoulder and grabbed the rest of his things, heading for the back door to stow them in the garage, "What about Droy, then?"

"But Gajeel I want youto walk me home," she skipped over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He looked down at her, not struggling in the least with his load despite her added weight. It was comical their size difference. She almost came up to his chest and was all giggly smiles compared to his usual cool glare, like an angry wolf being cuddled by a Pomeranian. He broke easily through her hold as he disappeared into the garage and she pouted while she waited, teetering slightly where she stood. When he reemerged she lit up again, brown eyes sparkling up at him and Laxus saw the words on his lips before he even said them.

"Alright Shorty, let's get you home," he combed his fingers through his hair as she bounced happily around him, elated with having her way. Laxus felt like a growl was going to slip past his lips and he was desperately trying to keep it subdued. He narrowed his eyes at the pair and for a brief moment contemplated just walking over, pulling Gajeel close, and…

"Yo! Laxus!" Bixslow's voice cut into his thoughts and he glanced over to see him waiving, his babies floating cheerfully above Freed's head where it was nestled into the crook of his arm, clearly not holding his liquor well, "Give me a hand with this guy!"

"Heavy, heavy!"

"I'm not heavy!" Freed slurred, batting at the totems pitifully, "And I don't need help! I just… give me a minute."

Laxus stole one more glance in at the annoying bluenette before biting down his frustration and heading for Bixslow. His maroon eyes were grinning and his smirk said he knew exactly what Laxus was thinking and was happy he'd actually gotten him to come over.

"Help me carry this guy home," he smiled as wide as a Cheshire cat as he spoke, "I don't think I can do it myself."

"Are you serious?" Laxus scoffed.

"Laxus," he gave him a some-what genuine look, "You're so much stronger than I am… and he needs to go back on his vegetarian diet."

"I'm not heavy!" Freed whipped his head up but in doing so made himself dizzy. He almost fell backwards but Bixslow's totems rushed in to keep him straight. They cackled and Laxus rolled his eyes.

"Freed… I thought we decided you didn't drink," Laxus growled, pulling back his seat so that they faced each other. Freed teetered and opened his mouth to say something but immediately closed it as blush made his face flush crimson. Laxus squatted down with his back to him, gripped his knees, and hoisted the thin man onto his back. Freed squeaked and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. He could feel his thick belt pressing into his back as he straightened.

"Woah…" Bixslow raised his brows, "Told ya you were stronger than me."

"So strong, so strong!"

"Yeah, yeah,"

"L-Laxus… put me down! I… I can walk…!" Freed was gripping his shoulders so hard he was shaking.

"Like hell you can," he growled in response, "Yer house is only a couple blocks away, anyway."

"B-but… You shouldn't have to reduce yourself…"

"It's not a big deal, Freed," he sighed, thinking to himself that at least it would take his mind off of the raven who was following a woozy bluenette into the house. He wasn't going to say anything, was just focusing on keeping his mouth shut, but Gajeel turned over his shoulder to glance at him.

"Looks like we both have friends that can't take care of themselves," he muttered and Levy spun around, brown eyes having a hard time focusing.

"Gajeel…! Hurry up! Have a good night Laxus!"

With that, they both left, turning in opposite directions from their house. Bix was close behind him and Freed's protests had become completely silent. His grip had become more relaxed and his face was buried in his shoulder. For a moment, he thought that he'd passed out but a sudden shift in his weight told him that wasn't the case.

"So… you're jealous," Bix was staring ahead, crossing his hands behind his head as he trotted beside him.

"You would know," he sighed, "Just can't help it, I guess."

"Are you having girl problems?" Freed slurred from his back, "Oh nooo… is it Mira?"

"Not this time," Bix grinned and Laxus shot him a glare, "He's pretty dense when he's like that."

"I am nooot!" he said in a sing-song voice, pressing his knees into Laxus's ribs so he could pull himself up and wrap his arms around his neck. He rested his chin on his shoulder and Laxus tipped away from him, trying to hide his annoyance, "So… who's the lucky girl? I didn't see you with anyone."

"That's because I'm not with anyone," he muttered through gritted teeth, wrinkling his nose at the smell of alcohol falling against his face.

"But Bixslow just said you were… an' he's never wrong."

"Never," Bix stressed the word with a wicked smile on his features.

"Never, never!"

"Well, I don't think you have anythin' to worry about!" Freed declared, tipping backwards to the point Laxus was worried he'd make them both fall over, "A strong, handsome man like you… she'll be falling for you in a heartbeat. I know I would!"

"You hear that? In a heartbeat," Bix cackled, "Just ask, Freed."

"Stop encouraging him," Laxus huffed but it had lifted his spirits if just slightly, "We're here."

They stopped in front of Freed's house and he could feel him slump against his back as if he weren't ready to get down. Laxus dropped his right leg, then his left, and finally stepped out of the way so he swayed on his own two feet. Bix crossed his arms and watched him stumble his way up the stairs, the entire time muttering about how Laxus had nothing to worry about and he didn't need any help getting in the door despite dropping his keys three times. When he finally opened the door and switched on the light he leaned gracelessly against the doorframe, eyeing Bixslow.

"Just a minute, princess, I'll tuck you in," he called and Freed huffed, stomping his foot before disappearing into his house. Bixslow chuckled and saluted Laxus before following the emerald-haired man.

Laxus sighed and started the trek home. It was chilly and each breath brought with it a plume of steam. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and looked up at the night sky, thinking to himself that the closer and closer they got to winter, the more crisp and clear the sky seemed to get. Thin, barely visible clouds shivered across the sky but the moon was full and made the streets bright with its silver shine.

He tried not to think about Gajeel and Levy and the fact that Gajeel used to like Levy and Levy clearly still had feelings for him. He huffed. She was just… all over him. She didn't leave him a moment to himself. How was he supposed to reach to that? He didn't want to think about them spending their entire mission together or the fact that they probably shared a hotel room. He wondered if they'd slept together. Actually, he didn't really want to know. He was sure Gajeel would refuse her if she tried… wouldn't he? Weren't he and Laxus more of a thing than whatever he had with Levy? But they weren't actually an item…

And of course, there was also the fact that she was a woman… and so very much everything a man like Gajeel would want. She was thin and pretty with eyes that lit up whenever he saw him and lips that begged him to come closer. She was innocent and caring. He was sure that holding her was probably a lot easier than holding him. She was tiny and soft; all round curves, not jagged and rough edges like he was. She'd probably whisper about how she thought he could do no wrong and whatever he'd done in his past she could somehow wipe away with her unending, pure love for him. And Laxus… well… was Laxus. He was a giant blonde brute with large, manly hands and a rough, toned body. He had characteristics that a woman desired but not really anything Gajeel looked for.

But he said he wanted you…

He shook the idea out of his head. He tried to force his mind to stop thinking about Levy and Gajeel and what they could be saying and doing as he walked her home. He'd never said he was coming back… what if he spent the night with her? Maybe listening to Mira was a mistake. Maybe he should have never let Gajeel go on the mission with Levy. What if he had rekindled whatever feelings he used to have for her? He gritted his teeth.

He came back to a dark house that was mostly put together. The back yard had been packed up and Lily was nowhere in sight. Maybe he'd left with someone too. Wouldn't it figure that even the cat found someone to stay the night with while his thoughts turned into a whirlwind without a distraction to stop it. He sighed and marched up the steps to the second story, not even bothering to turn on a light, and made his way into his room.

His record player was already set up and he pulled open the crate he stowed his records away in, digging through them until he found an album with the least amount of love songs on it and set it up to play. He turned the dial, watched the vinyl spin for a moment, and set down the needle. He stared at it absentmindedly for a while, letting his mind just stop and take in the sound. He felt more at ease and walked over to fall on his bed, exhaustion from the day's work and entertaining company suddenly catching up to him. He stared at the ceiling and just tried to relax. Casually, he glanced back at his mirror to see his own reflection staring back at him.

He realized he was still wearing the leather jacket despite being inside and warm. A derisive scoff came out his nose, "So much for that."

It wasn't that he'd actually thought Gajeel would suddenly go mad for him in the thing. And, now that he thought about it, Gajeel had mentioned that he'd liked it. Maybe it wasn't a total loss after all. Actually, the kiss they'd shared had been anything but mild. Gajeel had pulled him close, had actually tried to taste his mouth. He remembered the heat, the angry desire that fought back with him in the doorway.

His heart started to pound a little faster and he felt that nagging in his pants again. He'd been taunting himself all day, it seemed. He strained his ears to listen, all too aware that at any minute Lily or Gajeel could come home. But that didn't stop his hand from travelling down to rub at his growing need distractedly. His tongue slipped out to wet his lips and he tucked a hand behind his head, trying to unwind.

Now that he thought about it, every encounter they'd had began and ended with Gajeel. He initiated their kiss. He brought it to an end. It wasn't like Laxus really had any control over it. Whenever he took the reins and tried to pursue Gajeel's affection, his eyes would dilate again and panic would start to bubble up to the surface. On more than one occasion Gajeel had needed to bring what they were doing to a screeching halt so he could get a hold of himself. Things were just too new, still, too out of control. They were eerily similar, the two men. Gajeel was terrified of losing control of his surroundings, of what was happening to him, and Laxus was scared of losing control of himself.

Control. It was all about control.

Laxus, though, wasn't in quite the mood to dwell on it. He closed his eyes and listened intently to the sounds of the house, trying to make sure there truly was no one home as he massaged himself a little harder. He wanted to let his mind wander to more promiscuous places for once. He'd never had to stay so reserved in a relationship before and tip-toeing around Gajeel was taxing. Kissing they had done plenty of times but actually touching the other man's body was something he hadn't been able to do. Gajeel was always the one doing because Laxus either didn't want to trigger him or didn't want to ruin the mood. He wanted to be the one to touch and tease. That wasn't a bad thing, was it?

He undid the top button of his jeans and slid his hand down to grab hold of his hard on. He let out a weary sigh as his thoughts quickly turned to the Iron Dragon. Those ruby eyes would look so nice rolling back in pleasure, he was sure. Laxus wanted to kiss his neck and listen to his tattered breathing. He wanted to run his hands over his body, feel the hard rise and fall of Gajeel's muscles. His pheromones drove him insane and just the remembrance made his dick twitch hungrily in his hand. The steam and the smell of soap and water in the public bath had drowned out the Slayer's scent and he missed what it was like when he finally came…

A creek on the stairs made his body tense. He froze, holding his breath and waiting for his pounding heart to slow. After a few beats of silence, he sighed and relaxed. Either he was just hearing things or the house was just settling. The nagging in his pants coaxed him into dropping his guard again and he was quickly picking up where he left off, closing his eyes and pressing the back of his arm against his forehead as if it would make his lecherous thoughts come back any faster. He freed himself from the confines of his jeans, frustrated. It was hot in his hand and each stoke made his breath come in a little faster and his sighs more heedless.

He thought again of the onsen and the way Gajeel had gripped the two of them together. His hand and the hot water was incredible. He wished he could have sparked between them. His muted shocks could have actually caused them a lot of pleasure. He wondered how Gajeel would have reacted to that. What did he really sound like when he was rolling in bliss? Did he try to hide his voice in lusty growls or breathy gasps? Did he cry out? Damn… he was kind of hoping he would… even if it was just his name…

The feeling hit him suddenly and ferociously that he was being watched. His heart suddenly started slamming in his chest and his eyes flew open. He tried to calm himself down, tell himself it was probably nothing. But when he peeked out from under his arm he caught sight of the corner of his door, wide open when he knew he'd left it closed. A pair of black boots made him relax slightly and he let his arm fall back over his eyes.

"You're a fucking freak, you know that?" he groaned, still slightly out of breath and agitated from the rude intrusion.

"Geehee…"

He felt heat creeping up his neck but he hadn't moved his hand from where it rested on his now furious want, "Shut the damn door."

He heard the click of the bolt and the faint shuffle of boots against hardwood as Gajeel crept closer. The bed groaned with the added weight of the Iron Dragon and Laxus could hear the shit-eating grin on his face before he even spoke, "Done."

"Gajeel…" he sighed, finally removing his barrier and finding himself looking up into two rubicund eyes. His signature half-smirk had his fangs dipping just slightly into view. Laxus's pulse quickened again, "I'm busy."

"Yeah?" he purred, tipping his head to the side as he spoke. His grin faded just slightly and he ran his tongue across his teeth nervously before he found his voice again, "What… What were you thinking about?"

This time it was Laxus's turn to have the smug look, "Not you."

"Bullshit,"

"You're right… you were dressed in frilly negligée. You like pink, right?"

"Fuck off."

"I was trying but you snuck in to watch like a fucking creep."

His lip quirked up in the corner again. He had a dark gleam in his eyes and he leaned down until his long black hair fell over his shoulder. His ruby irises were starting to swim with lust and Laxus's own desire throbbed anxiously in response.

"Were you thinking of me kissing you?" he lowered his voice until it rumbled deep in his throat. Laxus licked his lips as he wondered where this was about to go. Despite the front he was putting on, he could tell Gajeel was out of his element. The raven just barely hesitated before each thing he said, "Or… was I touching you?"

Laxus gritted his teeth and tried to contain the shiver that slipped down his back as Gajeel leaned down and kissed his chest. His gloved hand gripped his thigh so that his thumb was pressing against his soft flesh at the bend of his leg. He took in a steadying breath as Gajeel's lips travelled up to his clavicle and bit him gently on the sensitive part of his shoulder. He was hard again and aching, desperately wanting relief. But now he was worried about moving. He had to tiptoe again; unsure and fresh and new all over.

"Was I biting your neck?" he purred against Laxus's throat and he could feel his knees pressing into his side as he shimmied closer, "Or was I frotting you like back at the onsen?"

Despite himself, Laxus was starting to work his neglected member. He felt warm embarrassment trying to eat him alive from his stomach but he swallowed it down. He wanted this to last but he hadn't ever really been into this type of thing. He tried to relax and with the help of Gajeel's body pressed against his he was finding it easier and easier to get back to where he was before the interruption. Gajeel stopped his applications to his neck and shifted his weight on the bed so he could watch.

"Yer not doing it right," he chuckled, "Performance anxiety?"

"Shaddup," he growled, fighting to keep himself going despite feeling off-balance under Gajeel's intense stare.

"Do you need help?" he muttered grinding his hips into his side.

Laxus tipped his head back so he could watch Gajeel's face, "You need to shut up."

"Eh? Why's that?"

"Because…" his breath was coming in as gasps and he was finding it harder to concentrate. His hand was twitching, desperately wanting to reach out, "I want to touch you…"

"…yeah?" Gajeel licked his lips, a little bit of restlessness in his eyes.

"Yeah…" he couldn't help himself, he reached wildly and gripped onto Gajeel's arm, pulling him harshly down so his mouth would come crashing against his. He could feel the raven's arms trembling and he shifted his weight nervously. He pulled back from their heated kiss, gaining an agitated sigh from the Thunder God. He wanted him, he didn't know how much or how far but he wanted Gajeel. Gajeel's eyes widened slightly as if he could see it coming when Laxus gripped his shirt and pulled him down again. His breath was so hot and Laxus breathed it in, relishing in the muffled groan that snuck its way past Gajeel's lips. He ran his tongue into his mouth and tensed when Gajeel bit down and sucked it gently. Laxus peaked one eye open and met his. His eyebrows were drawn down but he didn't seem upset or worried.

He put his hands on Gajeel's waist and met his hips with his own, loving the way he gritted his teeth to keep in any noise. Laxus let his hands wander up, gripping his tunic and pulling it over his shoulders. The thing was long and awkward to get off, but Laxus was rewarded with Gajeel's bare, breathless form lying next to him. Laxus's hips were grinding against Gajeel's, forcing feverish gasps to shiver out of them both as Laxus gripped him tightly. He wanted to devour the man beside him. It was rising from the pit of his stomach and slowly burning its way through his chest. He wanted them to be connected. Fiercely.

He pulled back just for a moment and pulled himself on top of Gajeel. His red eyes widened and surprise could have been written in ink across his face. He didn't push Laxus away, though his movements were much more muted and unsure. Laxus bent down to pull him back into a fiery kiss, running his tongue against the Iron Dragon's as he sought to deepen their connection. He gripped the crook of his knee and angled him so their hips were flush with each other. He was probably being too rough but he was desperate to have him. Gajeel arched his back and muttered a curse as Laxus nipped hungrily at the soft flesh of his jawline.

"Laxsss…" his groan caught in his throat and turned into a hiss as Laxus's hand worked its way down his pants and gripped him harshly. He dug his nails into Laxus's biceps and arched his back. Laxus gazed down at him, relishing the rosy blush that was heating up his chest and face. His mouth was parted from his breathlessness and a light gleam from sweat was starting to dot his tanned skin. Laxus worked him, ran his thumb over his head which caused the Iron Mage to clench his teeth and let out a tattered sigh.

Laxus leaned down and nipped at his ear, ran his tongue along the outer shell and tasted the iron from his studs. Gajeel dug his nails in even more harshly, to the point of causing pain. He was going to bruise but it wasn't so bad as to make him want to stop. He could feel Gajeel pulsing in his hand, felt a slight trembling in his thighs. His scent filled the air with its feral, needy aroma and Laxus's mind was dizzy with intoxication from it. He wanted to see if his eyes would melt when he came…

"Haah…" Gajeel's breath was in his ear, "It's hot…"

Laxus ran his thumb across his head again, trying to drive him faster to his end goal.

"Shit… it's hot…" he was clutching his arms so tightly Laxus had to pause, wincing from the pain, "Laxus… I'm…"

"Gajeel…"

"I can't… breathe…!"

"Gaj-!"

He shoved him off, ripped himself up from where he was lying and stopped in the middle of the floor. He kept his back to back to Laxus as he stood, clutching at his chest as if it would soothe it's crazed beating. Laxus kicked himself. He'd pushed him too far. He cursed the raging hard-on that was trying to keep him from being focused on his companion. He put it away and righted himself as best he could without alerting the Iron Dragon who was still taking deep, shaky breaths to calm the panic in his veins. Laxus just sat on the edge of the bed, waiting patiently and unsure of what to say.

"Sorry," it was the first thing he could think of, and the only thing.

Gajeel didn't answer, didn't look at him, but the way his shoulders fell slightly proved enough to Laxus that he was eating himself alive already. Laxus just stared at his bare back and watched how his skin moved with each breath he took. His scars were fearsome and in the dim light he looked sort of like a battle-hardy soldier reliving some old war-time memory in the dark. Laxus was sure if he said something about it, though, Gajeel would scoff at him. He let out a tired sigh and he turned his mind to think of something to break the tense air between them. The record on the stand skipped and Gajeel watched it silently for a moment before finally lumbering over to move the needle off and send them into silence. He ran his fingers through his hair, still refusing to make eye contact with him and instead stare at the ground. He could make out the trembling in his fingers despite his seemingly cool demeanor.

"You alright?"

Gajeel's eyes fluttered shut and Laxus could see the vein on the side of his neck shutter as he clenched his jaw, "No… I'm not."

"Can I help?"

"T's fine… I'm just pissed,"

"Don't be. It's not your fault…" Laxus started but the rage in his eyes hushed whatever he was going to say.

"You're ok with this?" Gajeel growled, motioning between the two of them.

"Ok with what?" he was confused.

"This… stop and go… pussy-footing around shit," he spat the words out indignantly. Laxus just blinked, at a loss for words, "I mean, how long will I be like this? Months? Years?What if it's years, Laxus? What if I can't get over this stupid shit?"

"It's not stupid shit," Laxus bit back at him, trying to keep calm but not quite being able to, "And so what if it takes months? I'll wait."

"You'll wait," he sneered, pacing back to the middle of the floor.

"Yes. Weeks. Months. Years. However long it takes. You were tortured for almost two weeks. It's not something you just get over."

"I wasn't tortured," he paced back to the record player. Laxus swallowed past his closing throat.

"Then what didhappen, Gajeel?" Laxus crossed his arms, trying to figure out how far he should go to prove a point, "Because if it's so bad you can't talk about it, I'd say it's pretty damn close."

Gajeel huffed and stomped back, his face set in a scowl. He didn't say anything. He never did. They'd had this round before. Whenever Laxus mentioned what he thought happened Gajeel denied it. He'd even gone as far as to ask if he'd been raped but the Iron Dragon just refused to speak about it and deny anything bad had actually happened. But he knew something must have he just didn't know what. To be honest, he didn't have a desire to know out of morbid curiosity or that he felt the right. If he thought it were for the best, he'd let Gajeel keep what happened with him until he died. But he didn't think it would help him cope or heal. However, forcing him to relive the trauma would do nothing good for him either, so he never pressed the issue. Maybe one day Gajeel would divulge to him what he was forced to live through, but it wouldn't be over a squabble about his self-perceived ineptitude.

They lapsed back into silence and Gajeel just paced the floor, a tiger wired up and ready to break free of his enclosure. He was restless and angry. This was about his own weakness, Laxus was sure. He felt that by letting this get to him he was showing he couldn't handle the memories or his own emotions. No matter what Laxus tried it never seemed to do anything to alleviate his darker thoughts. Laxus just watched him as he lumbered back and forth across the room, red eyes flashing up in Laxus's direction as if he were checking just to be sure the Thunder Mage was still there.

"I was wondering if you were staying the night at Levy's," he mused, trying to open up a conversation and get him to stop his incessant patrolling of their confined space, "The way she was actin'… It wasn't exactly subtle."

"Eh?" Gajeel glanced at him out of the corners of his eyes, "Jealous?"

"Nah," he lied smoothly, "I was just thinking it was such an open invitation."

"I can't touch Levy," he muttered, not making eye contact. It spiked Laxus's blood a little.

"Right… you think she's too good for you…" he crossed his arms.

"I knowshe's too good for me."

"Right… but if she wasn't then she'd be fair game," he didn't mean to sound agitated but it just slipped out anyway. But how could he help it? He was starting to feel inferior. He knew he wasn't Gajeel's type. Maybe it was just a matter of time before he was bored of fucking around with him and wanted to go after something more his speed. It seemed like a real possibility and it made his stomach sink. Maybe if it were someone like Levy being involved with him, Gajeel wouldn't feel so threatened and on edge. If he were with some small, thin, supple woman he wouldn't have as much of an intimacy issue…

Gajeel crossed his arms, "That ain't what I meant."

"Yeah well…" Laxus sighed and leaned back on his arm. He absentmindedly rubbed at his scar, a nervous habit he didn't usually indulge in unless he was feeling particularly vulnerable, "She's a nice girl… she'd probably be better…"

"Better?" Gajeel's lip curled up slightly as if he were about to snarl.

Laxus felt his stomach tighten nervously and he had to force the words out, "Yeah… she's more your type."

Gajeel raised a studded brow at him and Laxus was trying not to fidget under his gaze. He didn't like looking insecure. He wasn't some jealous girlfriend who was pissy just because Gajeel was being hit on by another woman. But he was a possessive man a heart and it was eating at him more and more each time he thought of Levy that maybe they weren't a good match for each other after all. He heard Gajeel click his teeth and he glanced over to see the Iron Mage smiling to himself. It wasn't a wicked or smug thing and it sort of eased the tension in Laxus's chest to see.

He walked over to the bed and sat down next to Laxus, making the bed groan as he dropped down on the mattress harder than was probably necessary. He leaned forward so that his arms rested above his knees and he was staring at his hands, thinking. Laxus watched him quietly, not sure if he wanted to prod him for words or not. It was clear he was struggling with his thoughts and he was worried that it was something he didn't want to hear… like he was regretting his decision to pursue this strange relationship of theirs.

He was quiet for a minute before he let out an exasperated sigh and straightened. Laxus could see red starting to creep up his neck and he laid his hand on top of his own. He leaned in and kissed him. It was simple and sweet, nothing like the heated kisses they'd shared in the past although it made his stomach flip even more ferociously than before. But he didn't just feel it there. He felt like his entire chest was exploding with it and when Gajeel pulled back he didn't meet his gaze.

"You kiss like a man," he muttered, staring at Laxus's silvery buttons, "And yer kind of an asshole."

"Gee… thanks."

"I kind of like it…" it was almost a whisper it was so quiet, but Laxus was sure he heard the words and it made his heart suddenly shudder in his chest. He couldn't help it, he smiled.

"Yeah?" he felt like such a kid, he was stupidly excited.

"Yeah… something tells me some nice girl like Levy isn't going to be like that," he actually met Laxus's gaze despite the furious blush that was taking over his face, "So you can stop glaring at her whenever she's around."

Now it was Laxus's turn to feel heat crawling across his face, "That obvious, huh?"

"Oh yeah," Gajeel smirked up at him and Laxus blinked when he felt the raven's fingers intertwine with his own, "Listen… I was thinking about maybe taking a vacation. All the shit that's happened recently… maybe it would be nice to get away… face some fears…"

Laxus's heart fell just a tad, "Yeah? You goin' alone?"

Gajeel rolled his eyes, "I can. But I figured you'd probably come with me."

Laxus blinked a few times, "You want me to?"

"You're dense as hell, Sparky," he snorted, "There's a place I'd been wanting to go when I finally got with somebody. It's stupid and romantic and shit, but when I first scoped the place out I thought I'd be impressing some dame..."

"Wait… you want to go on a couple's retreat?" Laxus's eyes widened and he felt his heart skip a few paces.

"Ya don't have to call it that," Gajeel wrinkled his nose at him again, "I just thought maybe it could help me… you know... get over some shit… face it head on, or whatever."

Laxus couldn't help it. It was too much for him to keep inside any longer. First, Gajeel told him he liked him back and now he wanted to go on a couple's retreat? He felt like a shaken-up bottle of soda, full of reckless energy and ready to explode. He leaned down and crashed his lips into Gajeel's, hearing the muffled surprise as he did so. Gajeel gripped his collar, pulling him back slightly so he could talk.

"So you wanna go?" he snickered as Laxus buried his face into his neck.

"Nah… just the fact that you asked me pisses me off…" he nipped at the flesh of his neck and Gajeel pulled away from him again.

"Oi! Calm the fuck down or we ain't goin'!"

Laxus pulled back and looked Gajeel straight in the eye. They were so close that he could feel the heat of his breath on his face, "So… this mean we're goin' steady?"

Gajeel wrinkled his nose again, "Going steady? How old are we?"

"Don't worry, darling, I'll buy the rings," he grinned and hot blush suddenly overtook Gajeel.

"You don't…! No! I refuse to be the girl!" he growled, although he could tell it wasn't mean spirited, "I ain't a fucking bottom."

"Bottom?" Laxus blinked at him.

"You… you don't know what a bottom is..." Gajeel's blush was suddenly much more ferocious.

"No,"

Gajeel studied him for a moment, "Laxus… aside from when you jumped me back then… have you ever had sex… with a man?"

"No," he paused, "But I mostly remember how it went."

The color suddenly left Gajeel's face and he scratched at his neck nervously, muttering, "Yer fucking kidding me…"

"I ain't gonna hurt you like that again… have some faith in me," he squeezed his hand but Gajeel didn't seem any more put at ease, "When were you wanting to leave?"

"This weekend…" he responded quietly, his gaze sort of distant, "Maybe I should buy a few things..."

He seemed uneasy, as if he were rethinking his decision, "I'll take care of it," Gajeel looked at him, slightly alarmed, "You said this was about facing our fears, right?"

"…yeah."

"I'm scared of heights," he stated and Gajeel seemed a little impressed by the easy confession, "You can help me with mine, and I'll help you with yours."

Gajeel diverted his gaze, "I'm not sure…"

Laxus tried to be sly but it was strange coming from his mouth, "What's wrong? Worried I can't love you better than a woman could?"

His blush was back with a vengeance and it almost made Laxus snicker, "More like I'm worried I'll lose my shit."

"Was everyone who came from Phantom this negative?"

"Are all of you Fairies so fucking overconfident?" he bit back.

There was no way Gajeel could bring him down from his high. He was too excited with the prospect of them working through this. He leaned over to steal another kiss and didn't stop the words no matter how ridiculous he thought they sounded after the fact, "I'm going to find a way to make you forget everything she did to you," his voice was just a low growl in the back of his neck as he spoke and the look on Gajeel's face made him want to pull him closer but he refrained, "The only marks you'll see on your skin will be from me."