Chapter 40:

Gajeel finished packing the rest of his belongings for the weekend and shouldered his bag. His stomach and mind were buzzing. He started to head for his bedroom door when he glanced his reflection in the mirror and stopped, checking himself over. He'd opted for a short-sleeved shirt despite the chill, already knowing what was in store for the day would have him shedding anything heavier, and some baggy pants tucked into his rugged hiking boots. He mussed his hair, tried to put it into some sort of normal style, huffed, and abandoned the hope that he'd be capable of looking halfway decent.

He trotted down the stairs and into the fall air. The walk to the guild seemed longer than usual and he felt like every stranger on the street was staring at him as if they knew where he was going and who with. It was odd. He didn't know if this was a good feeling or not. He kept swinging back and forth between anxious knots in his stomach to nervous shudders of his heart. What was this strangeness? He was antsy to be at their destination but also didn't want to leave the comfort of his home. His thoughts were flittering around in his mind like moths caught in a jar. He didn't like it but also didn't mind it; this was a gentle nuisance but an insistent one.

He sauntered up to the guild, took in a deep breath and pulled open the door. He wanted to walk proudly, as if he didn't feel like five thousand tiny butterflies were trying to flutter their way from his stomach to his ribcage. He felt like everyone could see the apprehensive excitement in his eyes. He was an open book that desperately wanted to be closed but had something inside him that was far too alive to be contained. He spotted the object of his barely-bridled frisson leaning against the bar, pack sitting at his feet, listening quietly as Freed and Bickslow bickered back and forth.

The bored expression on his face suddenly shattered at the sound of the door closing and his molten gold eyes darted in his direction; a sobering amount of contented calm settled there as they waited for him. Gajeel felt the jittering in his gut diminish slightly at seeing him there waiting, almost as if he'd secretly doubted that Laxus would actually be there. He'd dressed down per Gajeel's request and sported a tight, long-sleeved shirt that accentuated his toned form. He was a striking man looking down on the world like the god he was always meant to be. Gajeel felt like he was walking into his shadow as he approached and refused to notice the stares of the two men at the bar.

"You ready?" he pushed his fist into his pocket and looked up at him, hating that he was so damn tall.

"Yeah," a smile tugged at the corner of his lip and it made his scar twitch slightly.

"And where are you two off to?" Freed leaned back in his seat to look around Bickslow and Gajeel felt bashful heat threatening to creep from his collar. Freed had a knowing look on his face and it took everything in him to keep a straight face, "Going on a mission?"

"If I told you," he forced out, already aware by just his expression that Laxus had told him exactly what they were planning on doing, "I'd have to kill you."

"He's not kidding around, either," Bickslow smirked over at the emerald-headed man. No doubt his eyes were still black from where Gajeel had hit him, although it was impossible to tell since he was wearing his helmet. His babies twittered around his head, "That iron fist is no joke."

Gajeel felt his lip tugging up in a snarl but before he could snap about Bickslow's terrifying talent Laxus was picking up his pack and throwing it over his shoulder, bidding a mild farewell to his friends and stepping towards the door. His brilliant eyes had a touch of eagerness in them and the smallest of smiles played on his pale lips. Gajeel felt like any fire he could have had was just blown out by the gust of a cool sea wind. His heart missed a pace as he walked away.

What was wrong with him?

He still could hardly believe they were actually doing this. His mind was reeling again; frazzled as an intimidated denial started building in his chest. Laxus strode with confidence in his step. His commanding pride exuded from his pores and people stared at it, basked in his mighty aura. It was no wonder he had such an ego. He was powerful and strong; a thundering giant claiming the earth beneath his feet. Gajeel was just… himself. He walked in the shadows of the trees at Laxus's feet. He'd never measure up to that kind of man. Could he really think of walking beside him? Surely with his shorter gait he'd be left in his dust to choke in the valleys of his footprints. How long would it be before Laxus lost whatever bizarre interest he had in him? What would happen if he got too attached? How quickly would he implode this time? What if this was too fast or too much? He was falling backwards in his own mind. His familiar self-loathing was opening its maws to swallow him whole and leave him in his own darkness. He'd been letting himself get far too lost in his own thoughts, after all…

Gajeel blinked, breaking his unabashed stare.

A gentle push of knuckles on his shoulder brought his attention to Bickslow who was facing down at the bar. His eyes were still covered although Gajeel was sure if they weren't he'd see maroon eyes peeking up to stare a hole through his chest, "You worry too much."

Freed was watching him quizzically and he could see the question in his eyes. Why the hesitance?

"You should mind your own business," he muttered, feeling as though his heart was beating just a touch too hard and sung too loudly in his ears. Why was he becoming so obsessed? When did he start getting so worried about what Laxus thought of him or how they looked when they walked together? It was so trivial, so silly. He'd never been worried about things so small before. Maybe there truly was something wrong with him. When would Laxus catch on, he wondered. When would he find that it was too bothersome to deal with?

"Oi," Laxus was at the door to the guild, his brow raised as he waited, "You just staying here, then?"

He clicked his teeth and smirked, his best display of confidence. People were staring, wondering why they were leaving together and where they were going. It was eating at him as he walked past questioning eyes. When were they going to start telling people? When was this going to be public knowledge? If their guildmates thought poorly of them for this, then what? Would Laxus abandon him then? His veins iced over a little. Makarov… eventually they'd have to tell Makarov. How did hefeel about his only grandson dating another man? A man that had once destroyed the guild, at that?

The doors closed solidly behind them and Gajeel felt as if that meant he could no longer turn back. He was alone with Laxus from here on out. It was just him, the blonde and the fall leaves that were fluttering in droves to the barren earth floor. When it was just the two of them, though, he felt like Laxus wasn't so tall, wasn't so proud, wasn't so great. He wasn't a god, he was a human. He glanced down at Gajeel and his eyes reflected the humor of the late-blooming goldenrods that dotted the roadside. Gajeel's heartrate quickened; they really were brilliant.

"You looked like you were chickening out for a minute," he rumbled, his eyes lighting on fire whenever they were struck by the early-morning sun that had still only creeped to the thinning treetops.

"Tch," Gajeel kept his hands in his pocket, feeling as if hiding them could help him conceal the anxiety that was still tangling his insides, "I was just thinking about what I'm going to do to you later."

His smile was filled with mischief and he leaned a bit closer to the raven before he spoke, dropping his voice to a dangerous level, "I thought that was my job?"

Gajeel's blood spiked. He didn't answer, just fidgeting with the strap on his pack. Laxus didn't even notice Gajeel's sudden aloofness. He felt as high and whimsical as the cool breeze rushing through the treetops. He didn't feel their silence was stiff or awkward but companionable and intimate; they were just two people contented to exist in each other's presence. He was blissful and optimistic. This was going to be a step they were taking together and he was sure it would be a positive one if only he could keep Gajeel's spirits in tune with his own. He was determined that nothing would get in the way of them finally shaking off the rest of their reservations.

They took a train to a small town called Edelweiss that Laxus had only heard of in magazines and unassuming travel pamphlets. It was an old mining town now turned into a tourist attraction after the mines were shut down and attention was turned to the several hot springs in the area to keep their frail economy going. At the higher altitude, the temperature was even lower and when they first stepped into the crisp air Laxus wondered if he should have unpacked his jacket after all. Gajeel didn't give him time to retrieve it, though, and as soon as they unloaded took thier bags and paid a gofer to take them to their hotel. Laxus just smirked at him, wondering if the big secret was a little over the top at this point.

From the station, Gajeel took him through the cobblestone streets with a muted look of wonder in his gaze. The town was nestled at the bottom of a valley and surrounded on all sides by four towering mountains, looking as if it had been trapped in time in the middle of the silver rush some fifty years ago. Gajeel had mentioned that he'd been to this place before and it was clear to Laxus as to why he'd been so delighted with it. Mock gas lights stood every ten feet on the sidewalks and the shops were all themed in the same style as they were when first built over a hundred years ago. Although some sold tacky gemstones and replicas of miner's outfits or other cheesy souvenirs, many of them retained their dignity and function. Shoe shops were sporting signs bearing the names of fathers and sons and taverns opened with half, duel-swinging doors and haughty laughter tumbling from their entrances. Laxus felt as if the whole place should have been dipped in bronze and kept in the old shows that Gramps used to watch when he was a kid, the kind with cowboys and rough living. It was charming and breathtakingly beautiful as everywhere they looked they could see the colors of fall stretching up like brilliant orange and red walls around them.

They approached a building towards the edge of town and Laxus could see Gajeel getting visibly excited. His eyes were lit up and he was stepping a little faster than before. Laxus didn't really understand why; he hadn't yet been told what exactly it was that Gajeel had planned for them. All he knew was that the sun was peeking just over the top of the mountains and cast everything in an orange light, striking Gajeel's ruby eyes and making them seem to radiate with incredible warmth. He tore his eyes away from them in an effort to keep from staring. Finally, Laxus could make out the words on the sign and he quirked up an eyebrow at the raven curiously.

"We're going horseback riding?" he asked, crossing his arms as they walked.

He grinned up at the blonde, "That's just part one,"

"Part one? And what's part two?" he smirked back at him and noticed the grin on his face get a bit more wicked. He didn't say a word, just pointed up the shadow of the mountain they were nearest. It was to the north and so half of it was brilliantly lit while the other was wrapped in ominous shadow. As Laxus looked closer at it, he could see a clearly marked path snaking up the face, dotting in and out of trees until it neared the peak. The higher you looked the steeper the face until finally the trees gave way to reddish-brown craggy rock. Laxus felt his stomach turn in apprehension.

"It's three or four hours' hike, depending on where you want to stop," Gajeel grinned, "We're going to try and make it all the way up."

"I was worried you'd say that," Laxus bit the inside of his cheek nervously.

"Don't worry, we're going with a group," Gajeel snickered, "They'll take it easier on you than I would have."

"How kind of you," he murmured, lacking his fervor from earlier that day.

"We're facing fears, remember?" Gajeel sighed cheekily, lacing his fingers together behind his head and gazing up at the mountain. Laxus could tell he was excited and didn't want to impede his good mood in any way. So, for Gajeel's sake, he steeled himself and put his arm over his shoulder, making the shorter man stiffen.

"You're right," Laxus leaned close to him as he dropped his arms, looking up at Laxus quizzically for the sudden change in mood. His voice was a gentle rumble like distant thunder, "I'm in your hands."

Gajeel's eyes widened and he felt as if the Thunder God had just struck him with lightning from the heavens. His heart was suddenly racing and he stopped, fighting the hungry feeling that had just flared up in his chest and pit of his stomach. Laxus just walked ahead as if he hadn't just carelessly lit the kerosene in Gajeel's veins, golden eyes glancing back roguishly as he expected him to follow. Gajeel clicked his teeth, easily seeing how pleased the blonde was with himself.

"Mavis's sakes…" Gajeel breathed, running his tongue against his teeth as he hurried to catch up.

They were grouped in with eleven others and matched up with horses based on their experience and height. Laxus had only been riding on a couple of occasions and never seriously, so the lead paired him with an older mare with a broad chest, chocolate brown coat and flaxen main and tail. She was gentle and patient as Laxus pulled himself atop her back, taking a couple steps to ensure her sure footing before settling beneath him. Gajeel walked up to a gelding with a shimmering black coat and main. It had strong legs and as Gajeel approached it lifted its head to watch him and sniffed at him, bumping his shoulder with its nose. Gajeel talked smoothly and kindly, patting his shoulder before gripping onto the horn of the saddle and pulling himself up. Laxus was sort of envious. Gajeel was just so sleek and athletic. He felt like some sort of clunky, blundering giant in comparison.

Laxus's mare took him out of the stable and into the clearing, well-trained to wait for instruction after getting situated with her new rider. Gajeel trotted up beside him, his horse seemingly far more spirited than his own. Laxus smiled over at him. He wasn't sure he'd seen Gajeel look so genuinely happy before, or maybe he had and it was just outshined by this moment. He grinned over at Laxus, one gloved hand holding the reins and the other resting on his hip. All he was missing was a cowboy hat and boots to compliment his cocky attitude.

"I'm finally taller than ya, Sparky," his smile was so wide Laxus could see his canines glinting back at him.

"This must be a big moment for you," Laxus teased, leaning towards him as far as he dared without losing his balance, "Congrats,"

"Not everyone can be as freakishly tall as you," he quipped back, tossing his head back in mock indignation, "Just try not to eat my dust on the way up."

"I don't think this is a race," Laxus snickered as they directed their horses towards where their guide was rallying everyone together.

"Not yet," Gajeel replied playfully.

Despite his words, the two stayed beside each other on the way up the mountainside. Laxus's thighs felt tighter the further they went. He wasn't used to having to sit on a horse and the wide spread of his legs was taxing at times. Their guide gave them brief instructions on how to handle going up and down hills on their horses and how to best keep their balance, pointing out warning signs to agitation and fatigue and answering questions along the way.

He droned on about the silver mines, some of the shafts still left uncovered deep in the woods because of their remote nature. Gajeel, it seemed, didn't much care for the history of the land and was more just enjoying himself at his side, eyes forward and a gently, appreciative smile stuck to his face the entire time. Occasionally they'd come across tracks in the woods and cement bases of what used to be watchtowers. The trees were thick here at the base of the mountain where dense and the century old oak and spruce branches blocked the midmorning sun from their trail. The smells of the trees and horses overruled his senses and the chilled air and speckled sunshine patterning the ground made him feel serene.

It took two hours before the trails were finally too steep for their horses and they came to a small area where they could dismount and a hand would watch their horses, garbed in traditional wear from the mining age as if they were all headed up to the purest silver line to work for the day. They rested for a half hour or so before their guide marshalled them up towards the path to work their way up the mountain. Laxus could see the rock face up ahead with much more detail than before. Mixed in with the tones of russet and chestnut he could now see splotches of grey tarnishing the cliff side. The trees were starting to thin as seeds found it harder and harder to find purchase on the rockier ground. The smell of earth calmed him despite the apprehension that had started gnawing at him as they approached their ultimate goal. He could see it now, the black rope that spindled its way up the rock. They'd be harnessed in and made to climb the rest of the way to the precipice.

He shivered, telling himself it was just the chill in the air that caused his skin to prickle although he couldn't rationalize away the sweat on his palms. Gajeel struck on ahead of him, climbing the rugged trail with a fervor Laxus just couldn't muster. From behind, though, he could see his muscles ripple below his black shirt. He tried to use that at his motivation to keep pace but the farther up they got the harder it was to concentrate on anything aside from the loose gravel beneath his feet.

"Alright," their guide sighed as they came to the point where the cliff jutted up from the mountainside at a steep, almost 90-degree angle, "Those of you who are going back down will come with me. Everyone who's climbing to the top, Travis is going to take over."

As Laxus approached, he saw Gajeel with his arms crossed staring up at their next obstacle. His eyes were picking their way up the face but quickly turned their attention to Laxus as he got close. He grinned.

"Have you looked down yet?"

"I'm refusing to," Laxus replied as stoically as possible, although just thinking about it was making his stomach roll.

"Gihi… that's no good. How are you supposed to face yer fears if you don't actually face them?" his red eyes were wild as he spoke and Laxus sighed in defeat.

"You're not seriously making me do this, are you?" he grumbled, crossing his arms and eyeing the rock, "This is insane… we'll fall and die."

"Don't worry, Sparky," Gajeel winked at him at it caught him a little off guard, "I'll catch ya."

Laxus was silent for a moment, "If I look down now you might not be able to convince me to keep going."

Gajeel smirked and Laxus figured he was going to make another sarcastic comment so he just walked past him towards the man who was hooking people up to harnesses. To his surprise, he felt a hand smooth against the small of his back and he stopped to glance back at Gajeel. His smile was less cunning and he seemed genuine.

"They test these things every day. You're safe," he ran his hand up and patted his shoulder blade before finally breaking his touch, "You got this, Sparky."

Laxus blinked, feeling as if where Gajeel's hand had been had set off some sort of reaction on his flesh to make it tingle, "…yeah…"

Their party was drastically smaller now. Where there used to be eleven there were now only five including their new guide. There were six lines up to the height and Travis situated himself in the middle with Laxus flanking him to the right and Gajeel after him and then their two companions to his left. Gajeel was the first to have his harness on and was quick to help Laxus with his, adjusting the straps so that they were snug at his thighs and hips and making an offhanded comment about him needing not to get too excited while he was down there. Laxus wished he could have bantered back with him but he was too nervous. He felt shaky and his heart was fluttering so fast he was worried it might just jump out of his chest. Gajeel stared at him hard for a moment.

"If this is too much…" he started but Laxus shook his head.

"Just remember, you said you'd catch me," he tried to smile past his nervousness, "So if I die, I'm haunting your ass."

Gajeel smiled, "Of course."

They clipped themselves to the line and Travis yelled some instructions to them before putting his hands to the stone and pulling himself up. Gajeel followed suit and gripped the hard brown and grey and hefted himself up as well. Laxus took a steadying breath. He could do this. He reached as far up as he could and got a good grip and pushed his boot against the rock. Taking a breath he pulled himself off of the ground. One step, then another, and he pushed himself up, clinging to the cold stone as he continued his accent. He tried not to look down, to focus his attention up, but occasionally he'd have to glance down to ensure he'd find his footing and each time he'd catch sight of just how high he was. He gripped at the rock tighter, each time wishing he had a better hold.

Gajeel was at his side, though, and kept pace with him even though Laxus was sure he could rocket ahead if he wanted. As with everything he did, he was smooth and strong as he stole himself up the cliff; a flawless picture of power and finesse. His movements were graceful and strong and he didn't seem perturbed in the slightest with the height. Sweat was starting to bead at his neck and he would occasionally cast his eyes over to Laxus and check how he was doing. He appreciated it. His heart was still pounding in his ears and the fatigue in his limbs was making him feel all the more frantic to get to the top. Did no one worry what would happen if their strength suddenly gave out and they fell? Sure, the line would catch but what if he was too heavy? How much weight could these anchors hold?

"Sparky," Gajeel's voice caught his attention and he tried to center himself again and gaze over at him. He had an easy smile, "Yer almost there."

"Great…" his voice was shaky but he didn't really care. He was just thankful that he was almost to the top. He looked up and could see the next attendant waiting to help pull him over the edge. He'd never been so happy to see a pair of hands reaching down for him. One more good push and he caught hold of them and they helped him up.

Cresting the top of the mountain was the greatest thing he'd ever done. He felt relief wash over him and allowed himself to feel the shakiness in his arms and legs and appreciate the workout he'd just put himself through. He was breathing heavily, focusing on his knees on the ground when he felt a rough hand on his shoulder. He glanced up at Gajeel, red eyes eager and a proud look he'd never seen before on his face. His smile was wide again and his sharp teeth pointed at him.

"You did it," he beamed, "And I didn't even have to catch you."

Laxus's heart was beating fast again but this time it wasn't in fear or anxiety, "Yeah… I did."

He took his hand and stood, looking up at the last bit until they made it to the top. From here he could glimpse just how high they were and his nervousness came back with a vengeance. They were higher than some of the low-hanging autumn clouds and they were spilling over the mountains around them like the waves of a waterfall. Gajeel didn't release his hold on him, though, and tugged Laxus along after him to the peak. It was just another ten or fifteen feet higher but Laxus thought he was going to lose his stomach on the ground. He gritted his teeth as they waited their turn to finally be at the top as the two guys before them stood and looked over. Finally, Travis ushered them up and Gajeel led the way, his raven locks fluttering out behind him as the wind kicked up.

"C'mon Sparky. It's beautiful up here," he reached down again, this time so they could stand together at the summit. Laxus hesitated a moment but he'd made it so far there was really no way he couldn't meet Gajeel up there now. Digging his boots into the rock, he climbed up beside him and sucked in a breath.

He wasn't kidding, it was gorgeous.

The rock jutted out just a few feet so they could stand as if they were on a giant diving board on top of the world, ready to jump down. The blanket of trees looked like some sort of classic painting with only the town to break its endless rolls across the surrounding mountains and hills. Clouds tumbled into the valley as if trying to fill it like a massive bowl only to dissipate before they could get too dense. He could see the horizon broken by rolling hills in the distance. It was breathtaking and Laxus felt the need to etch the view in his mind and take it with him forever. He never wanted to forget a sight like this.

"Uh… Laxus…?" he felt Gajeel's hand brush his own and he glanced back to look at him. His iron studs sparkled in the afternoon light and his eyes were on fire.

"You were right, it's beautiful up here," he smiled at him. He looked awkward and Laxus noticed his other hand messing with something in his pocket. He shot him a curious looked, "What's wrong?"

Scarlet started to slowly creep up his cheeks, "Nothin' I just… uhh…" he pulled something from his pocket and held his closed fist out. Laxus cocked his eyebrow at him, "You uhh… said something about… going steady?"

His eyes widened as Gajeel pushed a small, dark grey ring into his hand. If his heart weren't about to jump out of his chest before, it definitely was now. His smile was so wide it was stupid and he watched Gajeel fumble with sliding a ring of his own on his right hand. His hands were trembling and for a minute he wondered if he'd drop the tiny trinket as he slid it past his knuckled to rest on his right ring finger. It fit, but of course knowing Gajeel he'd found some way to know Laxus's ring size. He couldn't help it, he laughed and leaned down to kiss Gajeel on the lips. The raven stiffened at first but gently kissed him back, fighting the heat that was now overtaking his neck and even the tips of his ears.

"Heheh… this… this is great…" he felt so dumb but he was so happy and so in awe with his surroundings and just baffled by the fact that Gajeel was going along with this and they were dating, actuallydating, now. Gajeel broke through his bashfulness with a smile and Laxus was gushing, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Gajeel smiled up at him. For the life of him, Laxus wished he could snapshot this moment forever. He was so happy he thought that he might just float back down the side of the mountain.

The way down was fun now that Laxus's fears were completely abated. Their instructor demonstrated the correct way to repel down and for Gajeel and Laxus it was a playful race to see who'd get to the bottom first. Gajeel won just from the hesitation that Laxus still had when he first went to jump over the edge. It was another three hours before they were finally back into town and Laxus felt accomplished and tired. He was still elated, though, and when they were walking through the streets of quaint little Edelweiss Laxus found the confidence to reach out and brush Gajeel's hand. The raven looked at him inquiringly at first before realizing and timidly lacing his fingers with his.

Gajeel's hands were larger and rougher than what he was used to but it wasn't a bad thing. He could feel Gajeel's ring pressing into his finger and it made him smile. They stopped at one of the stands in the downtown area, buying just a cheap dinner and a few things to take back to the hotel, and heading to where they would retire for the night. Laxus's curiosity was piqued. Gajeel actually hadn't given them a single clue as to where they would be going. It was late in the evening at this point and the gas lamps were lit to stave off the early sunset caused by the surrounding mountains.

The place Gajeel took him to was quiet. Laxus didn't know if it was done purposefully or not, but surrounding the compound was a forest of bamboo. Maybe it was to make patrons feel calmer or maybe it was like a weed that couldn't be controlled, he wasn't sure, but they had to follow a narrow path back to a hut where Gajeel checked in. The attendant took his money and looked up his name, obviously giving Laxus a once over as he entered in Gajeel's information. Laxus felt a little self-conscious for it but Gajeel either didn't notice or chose not to address it.

Finally, after walking through more of the tall green, Gajeel pulled out the key to their suite. It was free-standing, not like the hotels Laxus was used to staying at. They wouldn't have any neighbors. Laxus raised an eyebrow. How much had all of this cost, he wondered?

Gajeel opened the door and stepped back, not making eye contact with Laxus as he strode in and looked around. He had to say he was impressed. It was no wonder the attendant had done a double-take at the two men; this was probably a honeymoon suite. Although there weren't rose petals covering the floor and bed, there wasa massive bed against the wall with a large mirror at its head. There was a kitchenette and a small living area, a large bathroom and vanity… it was almost like an apartment in size. But out of all of that, the most stunning part was the French doors that opened up to a small, bubbling hot spring surrounded by the forest of bamboo so thick that no one would be able to see through the stalks.

"Well… what do you think?" he heard Gajeel lock the door behind him as he came inside and his approach made a hungry excitement start to awaken inside of him.

"How the hell did you find a place like this?" Laxus looked over his shoulder at the raven. He crossed his arms and didn't even try to hide the smirk playing on his features.

"I've travelled a lot," was all Gajeel responded as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

"You're actually kind of flashy, aren't you?" Laxus grinned and watched as scarlet started to light the tips of his ears on fire, "All this just for your first time?"

The red spread to his cheeks but he held his gaze and put on his most confident façade he could muster, "Tch, I'm worth it."

Laxus rolled his eyes but the Iron Dragon paid him no mind, instead unloading the food they'd bought while at the market. He heard the clinking of bottles and the rustling of bags as he made his way over to the massive bed. It smelled crisp and fresh and he hesitated for a moment as he watched himself in the massive mirror, anxious heat forcing itself into the hungry mix in his boiling in his chest. He hadn't expected something like that and he wasn't sure how keen either he or Gajeel would be looking at themselves while in the heat of the moment.

He glanced up at the reflection and watched Gajeel working, completely unaware of the blonde's gaze. The lights were dim and so his eyes flashed softly as he cast them to wherever his hands would be moving next. He felt a knot starting to tie up his insides. How awkward was this about to be? He'd met women for midnight rendezvous before and every once in a while, instead of just jumping into what they came for, there was an unbearable span of time where they had to just clumsily be in each other's company. Kissing was strained and uncomfortable, and touches were inelegant and forced. He was worried that their first few minutes would be similar and he was already dreading it. He didn't want any sort of negative stain to be left on their time together and so made up his mind that he would do whatever he could to keep it from happening.

He tore his gaze from the raven and dropped his eyes to himself again. Casually, he gripped the hem of his shirt and pulled it up over his head, momentarily getting caught in the dark fabric before freeing himself to the humid room. He balled it up and tossed it to the floor and calmly realized that the shuffling in the kitchenette had stopped. He glanced up to the mirror again and met glistening cinnabar irises watching him silently like a cat taking in quietly and cautiously an unknown creature. Laxus stepped back and leaned to glance over his shoulder at him, keeping his eyes as he unbuckled and pulled free his belt. Gajeel was the one who broke first, muttering something about cleaning up and shuffling with a clenched jaw to the bathroom. Laxus tried not to let it bother him as he stripped down to just his boxers, the sound of water in the sink abating his worries just slightly.

He cast his eyes to the French doors and eased them open. He was immediately greeted to a stronger heat and damp than what he'd become accustomed to in the suite. Even with the chill of the fall evening he didn't feel a need to cover himself. He noticed that there were a couple bamboo chairs sitting near the door with towels and robes stacked neatly in them. The floor looked to be wedged and sealed together, waxed over until they shone like glass in the light, and etched to form around the pool in a tight ten-foot circle. It was so smooth that the ground felt like polished marble beneath his feet. He finally shed the last of his clothing before taking a step into the near-scalding heat and sinking like a stone into the hot water. Everything in his body sighed with relief as the heat melted the stress from the day away and he waded in up to his waist, reclining on the seat that was chiseled out from the wall. He pressed his new ring to his lips and waited, watching the way the steam twisted and rolled into the chilly night sky.