Chapter 43:

Laxus was cold.

First, he tried to fight it and pull the blankets up higher to cover his shoulders, but then he realized he was alone. He blinked his eyes open slowly, wiping the sleep from them as the first rays of morning hit him. He stretched, yawned, and sat up, looking around the suite. It was as empty and cold as he felt. He shivered.

Where was Gajeel?

He glanced to the door where his boots were sitting. Dried mud caked the sides, probably from their hike the day prior. His clothes still littered the floor from last night and his bag was sitting by one of the lounge chairs. He pushed himself up from the bed and walked over to the French doors, attempting to peek out one of the frosted windows and coming up short. He was about to grab some clothes and go into the chilly, autumn morning in search for his partner when he heard the shower start. He let out a tight breath and sort of kicked himself for not checking there first.

Laxus smirked as he headed for the back of the suite. He stopped at the door and just listened as Gajeel's smoky voice filled the space with its deep, bluesy ring. Laxus was starting to realize he really liked it when he sang, particularly love songs. He could listen to the ring of his voice for hours, could make a record of it and play it until it fell to pieces. He loved it, just like he loved so many other things about the raven. He chewed on the inside of his lip. He should make a point to tell him sometime. Gajeel had such sensitive pride and it would probably make him smile.

He didn't knock, just eased the door open and let the heat and steam rush out of the small room at him. He crossed his arms and leaned on the doorframe, his eyes not shy in their search for the Iron Dragon. This was definitelya honeymoon suite. The bathroom held a two-person vanity, a toilet, and a massive shower. There was no curtain for privacy and instead a wide glass window that hid nothing in its other side. Three large rain showerheads were installed into the ceiling and it was under these that Gajeel stood, his face turned up and eyes shut, looking the most relaxed Laxus had ever seen him. He almost felt bad for the intrusion and so instead of just waltzing over and surprising him, he actually rapped at the doorframe to grab his attention. Red eyes lazed open like some sort of sun-bathing cat's and focused on him gently, as if he didn't have a care in the world at the moment.

"Mind if I join you?" he smirked and Gajeel just returned his smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief and also something that made Laxus feel incredibly warm. Affection, maybe?

"Whatever you want, Sparky,"

Laxus didn't hesitate. He was in the shower and next to the raven in an instant, lips searching for the shorter mage in the pouring water. He could feel Gajeel's grin against his mouth and a growl sneak past his kiss. When he pulled back Laxus was on his neck, almost ecstatic when Gajeel tipped his head back to allow him a better angle. Gajeel gasped, his chest quivering to Laxus's gentle touch. He seemed more confident, farmore confident than last night, and Laxus wanted to take full advantage.

"I swear to Earthland you have a shower fetish," Gajeel chuckled, grinding his hips against the blonde and feeling just how riled he was getting.

"I told you, it's more like a you fetish…" he nipped at his collar and Gajeel sighed, lacing bare fingers into his soaked hair. Gajeel shivered despite the hot water and ran a free hand down to grip Laxus's dick. He teased him gently, running his thumb over his tip and caused Laxus to lose concentration on the marks he was leaving on Gajeel's tanned skin. Gajeel's touch was already driving Laxus crazy before he brought his other hand to fondle his balls and nearly topple him completely. Laxus's legs started to tremble and his mind was going fuzzy, and he buried his face into Gajeel's neck as he tried to keep it together.

"Shit..." he ran his tongue up Gajeel's jawline and bit his ear, "You better stop before you make me cum…"

"That's really all it takes for you?" he teased huskily but Laxus didn't have anything to say back. He was too busy slipping his hand down Gajeel's strong back, gripping onto his ass, and sliding his fingers to his opening. Gajeel didn't even start at the sudden intrusion, just shuddered out a sigh when Laxus greedily helped himself, "Already done taking it slow, eh?"

"After how well you did last night?" he purred into Gajeel's ear and sucked on his studs, "And those nice things you said?"

"Nice things?" now it was Gajeel's turn to have his mind go blank. Laxus fingered him tenderly, just enough to make him want more. It was a bad angle so he couldn't get quite deep enough to hit the bundle of nerves that would make Gajeel start to shudder with pleasure. It was frustrating and he had to keep his throat closed so a whine didn't work its way out and through his lips.

"Yeah… about how I'm the only one who does this to you," he withdrew from Gajeel and the raven gritted his teeth, his dick throbbed with hunger and his eyes glazed over with lust. Laxus smiled cheekily down at him, "I like that look,"

"You're so fucking cocky," Gajeel let Laxus move him the way he wanted, placed his hands against the cool tile wall so he'd be able to keep his balance. Laxus was behind him, nipping and licking at his shoulder as he searched for his heat again. He pulled his ebony hair over one shoulder; the silky tangles were heavy with water and smelled like the spice that had invaded their bed the night prior. He balled his fist into Gajeel's raven hair, guiding his head to the side to leave tracks of fire on the nape of his neck and loving how Gajeel clenched his fists against the tile as he tried to contain himself. Laxus licked his lips at the delicious noise that escaped the base of Gajeel's throat when he plunged his fingers back into his heat. He pushed in as deep as he could go, handled him roughly as he sought to hear that sound again but was only rewarded with the Iron Mage's erratic breaths.

Gods alive… he wanted more. He hadn't heard enough of Gajeel's voice last night. He didn't want that tense, reserved sound of shuddering sighs or restrained growls any longer. He wanted Gajeel calling out his name, telling him exactly what he needed to shiver with pleasure, asking for more or even begging him not to stop. He wanted the red-eyed man unhinged, breathless and rolling with ecstasy. He just couldn't get enough of him; he wondered what it would take to completely devour him.

"Lax…" he strangled a hiss when Laxus bit into his shoulder blade, the muscles in his back tightened when he finally pulled his fingers from Gajeel's tight heat so he could push his hard member against his ass.

"Why don't you say my name?" Laxus growled into his ear and wrapped his arm around his torso so he could dig his nails into Gajeel's chest. He gasped, gritted his teeth as he trembled against Laxus easing himself inside him. Laxus ran his tongue against the muscle on his neck, sucked hungrily on his skin and left a delicious bruise, "You always hide your voice…"

"I just… I don't…" Gajeel's voice was strained and tremulous, the further Laxus entered the more Gajeel's thighs began to shake.

"Are you worried you'll look weak?" he sheathed himself inside the Iron Dragon, a lubricious smile playing at his lips at Gajeel's shivers. Laxus reached forward and rested his hands on either side of Gajeel's, just tall enough to almost completely surround him. He licked the raven's neck and heard his breath slither past his teeth.

"You think you can make me weak?" Laxus was sure if he could see the raven's ruby eyes they'd be swimming with challenge and fire.

Gajeel arched his back and leaned forward onto his forearms. Laxus grunted as just the simple change allowed him to be completely enveloped by Gajeel. He could already feel the pressure starting to build in the base of his spine, the need to move, to gain the friction his body desperately craved. He ran his tongue against his teeth, so gluttonous for the man beneath him.

"You don't know what kind of challenge you just gave me," Laxus breathed into his ear causing Gajeel to growl beneath him. He pulled back and grinded into him, starting out slow and building a torturous burn in Gajeel's core. He didn't push himself far enough in to hit his sweet spot, only enough to give him a delightful taste of what he wanted. Gajeel arched and hunched his spine, the frustration of not getting what his body desired making him try to deepen Laxus's thrusts. The blonde held his hips still, though, and it was slowly driving the raven mad.

Laxus wasn't finished. He knew there were so many ways he could torture the Iron Dragon. He slipped one hand up Gajeel's throat, glided past his chin, and hooked two fingers past his lips. Gajeel was ravenous, he sucked on the digits and ran his tongue down their lengths. Laxus felt heat gathering in his groin from the way Gajeel let his canines dig hungrily into his skin. His other hand wandered to Gajeel's neglected shaft. It was hard and needy. Laxus had no problem exciting it even more with his touch but despite the advantages he was taking from Gajeel it was actually his own control that was slipping faster than the water down his back.

"Shit… Gajeel…" he growled into his studded ear, fighting to keep down his lust. He could feel the pulse in Gajeel's dick, the traitorous organ telling him just how much he was being affected even though he was refusing to say it out loud. His breathing was becoming more and more unhinged each time Laxus flicked his thumb across his head, he'd gasp whenever Laxus stroked down his length. Finally, Laxus couldn't take it anymore. His impatience got the best of him and he bit onto his earlobe, "…I guess if you're really not interested… I could always stop…"

He pulled his hands back from the Iron Dragon who immediately let out a groan in protest, "Laxussss..."

"Hm?" he stopped the slow fuck he'd kept going up until now, trying to stifle the quivering in his legs from his thirst for more, "Did you want something?"

Gajeel gritted his teeth and Laxus grinned, feeling his victory approaching.

"Is something wrong, Gajeel?" he sneered gently, not wanting to completely crumple the raven's pride, "You have to tell me or I'll think I've upset you and stop…"

"Laxus," his voice was barely concealing his desperation and Laxus reveled in it, "Please."

His heart skipped a beat and he bent down to purr in his ear, "Please what? Please stop?"

"No…" Gajeel was furious, Laxus knew, but he had turned into such a glutton for him that he couldn't resist, "Dammit… just…"

Gajeel pressed his forehead into his fists and Laxus could see the red rising up his neck, "Just… fuck me properly, already."

"Mmm…" Laxus pulled back his hips and licked his lips eagerly, "Then you'd better make sure I hear that sexy voice of yours."

He didn't await Gajeel's reply. His own depravity was driving him insane and the torture from Gajeel's heat had him collapsing, pushing his full weight into him in his first strong thrust. Gajeel cried out, his throat closing at the end when Laxus was fully inside him. It was glorious and made Laxus's spine flash as if just the noise had caused him to be struck, body and soul, by lightning. He lost all reservation about being too rough as he pounded into him, each penetration dragging a lustful moan from the raven.

"Laxus… hahh… fuck… that's…"

His face didn't leave where it was buried in the crook of his arm but the rose on his throat was fading as he became increasingly lost.

"You like that?" he huffed in his studded ear, his pulse spreading excitement and avarice through his body, "Tell me…"

"Yes…" he arched his back, his voice becoming wilder and sinfully erotic to the blonde, "I like it… shit… Laxus…!"

He splayed his hands on the cold tile wall either side of Gajeel, his chest pressed against the strong muscles of the raven's back; smooth porcelain skin on harsh bronze. He freed one of Gajeel's hands from where it was clenched into a tight fist against the wall and intertwined their fingers, a grip so tight he could feel the blood pooling in his fingertips. They fit together so perfectly like this. Laxus's pulse began to sing in his ears and Gajeel's breathless rapture sent chills down his spine. He could do this forever, craved a connection like this that would never end. Three words ricocheted off every part of his insides as it fought to tumble free but he knew he couldn't say it yet, Gajeel wouldn't hear it, and he didn't want to ruin their weekend. But that didn't mean he wasn't finding it harder and harder to fight the words on the tip of his tongue, the heartfelt confession on his lips, so he thought it instead.

"Fuck… Gajeel…" Laxus's voice was a barely contained plea, I think I love you.

His orgasm hit him hard and shook his core in a brilliant flash of white light. He heard Gajeel call his name and it made him tumble hard from his height. He was deep in Gajeel when he let loose, kicking himself for not being considerate until Gajeel suddenly shuddered and cursed. His entire body shook from his orgasm and it almost swept Laxus away again with its intensity. His legs were still trembling and his breathing haggard when Laxus pulled from him, feeling as if Gajeel had stolen the heat straight from his body as he stepped away. When Gajeel finally straightened, he didn't say anything and it made Laxus apprehensive.

"Oi? You alright?" he muttered as Gajeel turned to look at him finally.

"Stop asking me if I'm ok all the time…" he sounded tired but looked satisfied. The way he ran his tongue across his gleaming canines made Laxus's stomach bunch although he was spent for the time being, "It's annoying."

"I know," Laxus smirked down at him, "I just… you were having such a difficult time and all of a sudden… I can do whatever I want to you."

"Well you finally stopped holding me down," Gajeel muttered, not making eye contact. Laxus noticed red inching up to his cheeks, "And… It feels nice when you hold my hand… safe."

Laxus felt like Gajeel had just awoken a strange new place in his heart that had previously never existed before, an extra chamber made specially for him. He made the Iron Dragon feel safe? Just by holding his hand? Bashful warmth completely overtook his face as he watched Gajeel try to wrestle with his emotions. Mavis's sakes… he was stupidly infatuated almost to the point of being giddy.

"You don't think it's cheesy as hell?" a small smile tugged at the corner of Laxus's lips and Gajeel looked up at him with surprise that quickly melted into a quiet affection.

"Oh, absolutely," he teased, "But I kinda figured you'd be a softie like that."

Gajeel slipped past the Lightning Mage and led the way out of the shower. Laxus didn't realize he had such a stupid grin on his face until he passed by the mostly-fogged mirrors and blush scorched his cheeks at the realization. Gajeel acted like he didn't notice, though, and threw a towel at him as he headed out of the bathroom, leaving tiny puddles in his wake as he hastily dried his hair. Laxus just stood for a moment in the steam and settled down the light feeling in his body. He was so fucking smitten it was ridiculous.

When he finally emerged into the living area he crossed his arms and leaned on the kitchen countertop, watching Gajeel as he grabbed the black shirt he'd worn the day before and slipped it on. His nose wrinkled in question when the sleeves were just a tad too long, sitting at his palms, and the shirt was just slightly baggy. Laxus's heart jittered excitedly in his chest and his dumb smile quickly overtook his face again. Gajeel's brow furrowed and he sniffed at the dark fabric a couple of times before he realized it wasn't his. His red eyes darted back to Laxus who didn't hide his delight in the least bit.

"I mean… I don't care if you wear it," Laxus cooed, "Looks cute,"

"I ain't cute," Gajeel snapped, although he did hesitate for just a moment before he ripped the shirt from his shoulders. Laxus's grin only widened although he did wish he'd been more tactful with the poor Iron Mage's ego.

"Cute but like in a completely masculine way… like when men are nice to kids and dogs?" he snickered when Gajeel rolled his eyes and tossed it over to the side of the room.

"Hurry up and get dressed. I'm hungry," he growled, although he didn't turn away fast enough to keep Laxus from seeing scarlet working its way to the tips of his ears.

Laxus dressed in jeans, a simple red shirt, and the leather jacket Mira had somehow convinced him to take along despite his protests. He stole glances at Gajeel as he pulled on some tan pants and a sleeveless black shirt. Laxus was about to make a comment about him being hot blooded when he pulled a scarf from his bag. It was a deep maroon and matched his fingerless gloves. The color actually really brought out the scarlet of the raven's eyes.

Laxus tore his gaze away before Gajeel could catch him staring.

They hit the streets. Laxus with one hand in his pocket and the other searching for the feel of a leather glove surrounding a warm palm. Gajeel's hand slipped into his naturally, as if they hadn't done this just one afternoon prior but a hundred. Few tourists were out this early in the morning, most were still cuddled in beds and enjoying close company in privacy and cozy warmth. They were spared for the most part any sideways glances as they walked side-by-side down the cobblestone streets. Laxus felt like his heart had swelled to take up most of his chest but he did notice from time to time that Gajeel's eyes had taken a murkier, almost worrisome hue.

"Do you know any places around here?" Laxus broke through the raven's thoughts, trying to drag him up to the same height he was at.

"No… but I think if we head towards the station we'll pass by some-"

"Gajeel!" a voice cracked through their quiet talk and Gajeel stiffened, his eyes widening with alarm as he froze. Laxus stepped back to glance in the direction that the call had come from, meeting immediately a pair of silvery-blue eyes. The man had coppery skin and a shock of black hair pulled into long dreadlocks that spilled in heaps down his shoulders. A bright scar marred his face from an inch above his eyebrow down his eye to disappear under his shirt. He was a large man with arms as thick as tree branches but the belly of a baker, and he stood with arms crossed in front of a closed tavern with the door propped open only by his foot as if he'd stepped outside just to see the raven as he passed by, "Gajeel Redfox? You sonofabitch, is that you?"

Gajeel blinked as if processing just who the man was before a toothy grin spread across his face, "Hajime? What are you doing here?"

"What am I doin' here? I own this bar," he beamed as Gajeel approached. He stretched out his hand as if he were going to shake it before gripping onto his forearm and dragging him into a hug, "How the hell have you been?"

Gajeel fought away from him, seemingly flustered by the sudden contact, "Good, good… and you?"

"Hell, I've been doin' great. Business is boomin', got a wife an' a daughter now. Shit… it's been a few years, hasn't it?"

"Almost six," Gajeel's smile faltered slightly as he spoke but before the silence could settle in he glanced over at Laxus and started as if he'd completely forgotten the blonde was even there, "Ahh… Hajime, this is Laxus. Laxus, Hajime."

"Laxus…?" he thrust his hand out heartily, his eyes excited and kind and Laxus took it graciously. Now that he was closer, he took notice of the fine wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. This was a man that smiled and laughed often. There were some wiry strands of grey hair that stood out and mingled with his black. He had to be older, at least twice his own age.

"Dreyar," he noticed Gajeel's smile almost turn sour and he quirked a brow at him.

"Dreyar? Dreyar… Where do I know that name?" Hajime mused and Gajeel sniffed.

"Makarov Dreyar, the Wizard Saint," he prompted and recognition filled his face.

"You're Makarov's boy?" his blue eyes flashed over to Gajeel and back to him, "Really?"

"Grandson," Laxus crossed his arms, "But he did raise me more than my dad."

"Yee… ya got the looks, don't ya?" Hajime smirked, "I'm surprised this brat would end up bein' friends with one of the Dreyars…"

Hajime turned his eyes back to Gajeel and rested his gaze on the guildmark on his shoulder.

"Well I'll be damned… ye ended up joinin' the Fairies?" his smile widened, "Never thought I'd see the day that happened."

Laxus again shot a look at Gajeel and he let out a tense sigh, "Hajime and I were in Phantom together. He was my mentor… before…"

"Taught the lad everythin' he knows," Hajime interrupted him, the mirth never leaving his eyes despite the shadowy look that had settled in Gajeel's, "Probably would've gotten himself killed back when he was just a kid if I hadn't stepped in. Ahh… we had some wild times, eh?"

The side of Gajeel's mouth pulled up as he remembered something, "Sure as hell did."

"Hajime," a soft voice sounded from the tavern and a woman with an anxious expression on her face stepped forward. She had long auburn hair that framed her face and the look of a working woman, although she wore a nice dress and finer jewelry, "We need to finish opening up, love."

"Right, of course," he paused and looked back over at them, "Ye lads had breakfast yet?"

"That's fine… you don't have to…" Gajeel started but Hajime waved him off.

"Nonsense. Come on in. The wife makes the best biscuits an' gravy this side o' the mountains. Ye ain't got somewhere ta be, do yens?"

"Not at all," Laxus smirked, watching Gajeel tense at his words, "We'd love to."

He wasn't trying to start trouble, but the thought of learning more about his partner was thrilling. Gajeel for the most part kept his past locked up. The last time they'd talked was when he was thoroughly drunk and Laxus was curious. Whoever Hajime was, he seemed nice enough. Maybe he was like Gajeel and secretly hated the guild up until its disbandment? What kind of things did they do together? What missions did they take? This was a side to Gajeel Laxus still knew close to nothing about, and as much as he cared for the man he was also smart enough to realize that he needed to know every facet of who he was and where he came from, not just the person he was now.

The tavern was small but nice. Tables were made of old whiskey barrels with stools instead of straight-backed chairs. Hajime's wife was whispering magic into lanterns around the place to bring in some light since the mountains blocked most of the sunlight until about noon. Laxus could see the way she eyed Gajeel as if she didn't trust him to be in the bar without stealing or breaking something. But she didn't say anything to the two as they took their seats and hurried to the kitchen at Hajime's request. He finished setting up the lights as the smell of baked bread began to fill the bar. When he was finished he walked behind the counter and returned to them with a few tumblers and a fifth of whiskey.

"Here ya go," he grinned, pouring them both a glass, "On the house."

Gajeel seemed uneasy and didn't pick up his glass right away, eyeing the golden liquid instead, "Hajime… you don't have to-"

"Nonsense," he hushed him, leaning back on his stool and crossing his arms, "So, what happened to ya after Phantom was taken down? How did ye end up at Fairy Tail?"

"Juvia actually got me in," he muttered, picking up his glass delicately and swirling his drink around before bringing it to his lips, "Without her recommendation I'd probably still be lost. Makarov found me at Phantom's ruins… just sort of figuring out how I was supposed to move on… and what to… and he offered to let me in."

"Really?" Laxus murmured, eyeing Gajeel before also taking a drink. The alcohol was smooth going down and he blinked at the realization that this must have been some expensive stuff, "I figured you sort of came to the guild,"

"Nah… and I would have said no but yer pops has a way with words," he smirked, his eyes lolling to the side as he recalled the day, "Said some shit about how I was a good person on a bad path… and that if I ever hurt his kids again he'd probably kill me."

"Gramps said that?" Laxus's eyes widened, "Shit."

"Yeah…" he grinned, "It ain't so great to be on his bad side."

Laxus felt a pang of remorse. He'd almost beaten Gajeel senseless the day he'd found him at the guild because he thought Makarov was weak for letting him in, that maybe he just hadn't refused for fear Gajeel would wreak havoc on the place again. He'd never thought that it could have been Gajeel who joined out of fear of being on Gramp's blacklist. He opened his mouth to say something but as if Gajeel had read the expression on his face he just waved him away. His lip curled up in a playful grin as he looked up at the blonde.

"I ain't got any grudges, Sparky," was all he said before taking another drink and shutting down the topic.

"Well… I'm glad you got on… I was worried about ya, lad," Hajime sighed, taking a drink as well. His wife waltzed in from the kitchen, a tray on her arm as she carried three fresh dishes of biscuits, white gravy, sausage, and eggs. Laxus had never had the comfort food before, but the smell was amazing, "Thanks much, Lorelai. It's delicious like always,"

Laxus and Gajeel voiced their thanks as well but she just glared down at Gajeel and turned on her heel, heading back for the kitchen. Gajeel didn't say anything about it and neither did Hajime. This must have been something that was old, then, Laxus concluded, and he wondered if he should press the subject. He decided against it and began digging into his food while it was still hot.

Hajime watched Laxus closely for a minute before drawing his gaze to Gajeel, studying him with keen eyes and then rested his chin in his palm. A grin that was equal parts puzzled and wicked alighted on his features and his eyes sparked with mischief, "I have ta say… when ya said ye were staying at the springs with yer partner I thought ya meant yer girlfriend, not yer guildmate."

Laxus's heart banged clumsily in his chest and he suddenly felt very warm. He tried to coolly take another bite but he was sure it showed on his face just how taken back by the comment he was. He glanced over at Gajeel who, aside from rubbing at the back of his neck, showed no sign of nervousness. He matched Hajime's roguish look, his eyes dancing playfully even before he spoke. Laxus just turned back to his food, trying to ignore the prickles of heat crawling up his neck.

"He is my guildmate… andmy partner,"

Laxus let out a steady breath. He could feel Hajime's eyes on him and he tried to ignore them. If he was Gajeel's mentor, what would that mean if he didn't approve? How would Gajeel take it? He peeked up to meet his steel-blue eyes and his worries were immediately dashed. He only had a warm and almost impressed expression on his face as he regarded the two men, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms in almost a fatherly way.

"Been learnin' more about yerself since ya left, eh?" he mused in a kindhearted way, "Well I'm happy for ye. Both of ye. Finding someone ya care about is a wonderful thing."

His eyes darted back to the kitchen where his wife still hadn't returned.

"Makes life mean a little bit more, I s'pose," he muttered almost to himself.

Gajeel watched him and Laxus could really see how highly he regarded Hajime by just his stare, "I'm glad you made it."

The words resonated in the air like the last note of a song and Laxus was almost startled by it. The two's shared silence spoke volumes. They'd been through a lot together. It was the kind of silence that two men shared after they'd been through hell and somehow managed to escape with their lives. It was grateful and kind and raw. Laxus was more curious than ever. What had happened between them? Gajeel never spoke of his mentor from Phantom Lord. The only people he ever seemed to mention of import was Juvia and Jose. Why did two people who regarded each other so highly stop speaking and never have anything to do with the other again?

He noticed that Gajeel was absentmindedly rubbing the scar on his arm and started blatantly at the matching mark across Hajime's face. A bad fight, maybe?

"Hajime," Lorelai emerged from the kitchen, clearly agitated, "Our shipment came in. I need your help unloading the cart,"

"Aye, love," he smiled, immediately standing and grabbing his plate, "Well, ye lads take yer time. This old man's got work ta do."

Gajeel looked like he was going to say something but stopped as Hajime turned towards the kitchen. Laxus raised a brow at him and then glanced up at Hajime.

"Would you like some help?" he offered and saw Gajeel stiffen in his seat.

Hajime glanced back over his shoulder, "Eh?"

"We don't have anywhere to be," Laxus eyed Gajeel for confirmation and he merely shrugged, "And anyway, you gave us free drinks. It's the least we can do."

"Eh… I appreciate the offer lads, but I-"

"Oh, swallow yer pride, old man," Gajeel was already up and headed for the kitchen, elbowing Hajime playfully as he passed, "Besides, I owe ya anyhow."

Laxus got up and followed him, noticing how Hajime's expression softened. He walked after them into the kitchen and showed them to the back door where his wife was waiting. There was a cart heaped with large crates of food and barrels of ale. She did a double-take at the two men as they emerged to help but didn't say anything as they passed, merely signed off for the purchase and propped the door open so they could come and go easily. Hajime leaned on the wall next to his wife and gave simple instructions on where to put everything in the stockroom. The job was easy and the cool air kept them from getting tired. Occasionally, Gajeel would offer an apologetic smile as he passed Laxus, as if to say he didn't mean for them to end up working on their vacation. But Laxus didn't mind. If this really was someone important to Gajeel then he sort of wanted to make a good impression.

It was about mid-morning when they were done and Lorelai had abandoned them to take care of the few customers that had shambled in during that time. Gajeel heard a clatter inside and went to investigate but Hajime didn't seem worried and just leaned casually on the brick wall outside, appreciating the crisp fall morning. Laxus stood near him awkwardly, not sure what to say or do. After the question gnawed at him for some time, he finally got up the nerve to ask.

"So… how did you and Gajeel meet?" Laxus crossed his arms and Hajime chuckled.

"I wanted ta ask ye the same thing," he grinned, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it as he spoke, "I met the lad back when he first joined Phantom. Poor kid didn't know anythin' about bein' in a mercenary guild. I guess ya could say I showed him the ropes. Didn't know at the time I'd be trainin' my replacement but ya live an' learn I s'pose."

He offered the pack to Laxus but he just shook his head, "What do you mean your replacement?"

"I used to work under Jose taking targets," he muttered as he struck his match and took a dreg. Everything from the way he held the cigarette to how he smoked it mirrored Gajeel completely. He supposed Gajeel must have learned from someone; apparently Hajime was the culprit for his nervous habit, "But after a while I'd had enough. I wanted ta settle down, see. Ye can only handle that kind a' life fer so long. Gajeel was the one who took me out of commission."

"He beat you out of the job?" Laxus pried, trying not to be completely obvious. Hajime snorted but his grin wasn't a malicious one.

"In a manner of speakin'," his gaze was off in the distance as he spoke, remembering what had happened with a hint of sadness in his eyes, "Nah, Jose wanted me dead. Gajeel was sent to track me down."

Laxus felt like his blood had suddenly turned to ice, "You're kidding."

"Wish I was… we both left some nasty marks on each other that day. But in the end I guess he saved my life. Convinced Jose that was all it took to keep me quiet… He wasn't entirely wrong," he rubbed at his scar thoughtfully, took another hit from his cigarette, and looked sheepishly over at Laxus who'd paled slightly at his words, "How much do ya know 'bout his time with Phantom?"

"All that he'll talk about," he admitted, rocking back on his heels as he spoke, "I know he's killed people, if that's what you're asking… You could say I've seen him in action."

Hajime frowned, "Really?"

"Yeah…" he pulled his jacket around himself to stave off a cold wind that swept by, "It was… scary."

"I don't doubt it," Hajime let out a tense sigh, "Why did he do it?"

Laxus chose his words carefully as he spoke, because if he were truly honest, he wasn't sure of the answer, "I think it was a few things… she was a terrible person and he knew she wouldn't take the fall for what she'd done. I don't think he could stand to see her walk free and keep ruining kids' lives…"

"Like Jose," he muttered, not meeting Laxus's eyes.

"Yeah…" Laxus stuffed his hands into his pockets and watched Hajime as he spoke. His gaze was far away, remembering a time and a person that Laxus was sure he'd seen as well. A person with red eyes and the kind of hate that drives a man to kill, "More than that, though, I think he hit his limit."

"His limit?"

"She was a very cruel woman," he stated flatly, still remembering those malicious yellow eyes, "I only had a taste of what she really was and it was enough to make me hate her. I don't think I could have killed her even if I'd been through everything he had. I just don't have that kind of strength."

"It ain't strength, lad," Hajime bit back at him, sparking slightly at his words, "It's a disregard for human life."

Laxus prickled and narrowed his eyes at him, "Call it what you want, then, but after seeing what someone like her is capable of I can't blame him for the decision he made. I'm not so stupid to believe there aren't some people in this world who can't be rehabilitated."

"Those are strong words," he hummed, letting the air fill with the acrid smell of tobacco, "Better watch who you say them to. There are men who've used those same words against yer mate,"

Laxus stilled. Did he mean the Magic Council?

"Ye must keep in mind, lad, everyone thought Gajeel was a lost cause. There was no way he could be saved after he was groomed from such a young age to be in Jose's shadow," Laxus watched Hajime carefully, letting his words sink in and biting back his defensiveness for his lover, "There are people still who think he didn't pay the price for his crimes and think he should have never been allowed to walk free."

"Gajeel is different,"

"Gajeel is human," Hajime countered, finally centering his icy gaze on Laxus, "Just like we all are. We're all blinded by greed, or hate, or love, or anger. No one is excluded. We all make mistakes, some make a life of it and others learn and grow from it. Taking a person's life, lad, should never be anything but a last option."

Laxus felt outraged. Was he seriously comparing Gajeel to Bianca? That devil of a woman who thrived off of the murder of children's innocence? Of torturing men in order to make money off of their suffering? A perpetrator of rape and all sorts of other atrocities?

Hajime flicked his butt on the ground and smashed it under his boot, "What's done is done, I s'pose. No use in worryin' over it now. He is definitely a changed man from what he used ta be, there's no denyin' that. I'm just an old codger that worries too much."

Those simple words diffused Laxus although he was still ruffled. When Hajime looked back at him, though, that fatherly presence was back in his features.

"Ya seem to have a good head on yer shoulders, lad, that's a valuable thing. You'll have ta be the one to keep him outta trouble," he smirked, the action making his scar pull to the side, "He's loyal to a fault, that one, and he'll follow ya to the ends of the earth if ya do 'im right… gods help ya if ya get on his bad side, though."

Despite it all, Laxus smiled, "Don't I know that,"

Hajime's grin widened and he stepped closer to Laxus, startling him slightly, "I'm glad ta meet ya, lad. I wish you and Gajeel the best of luck. It's a rough line to tow to deal with 'im, but I think ya have what it takes."

"I try," was all he could think to say as the barkeep stretched a hand out to him to shake. Instead of taking his hand, though, Hajime gripped onto his forearm and pulled him close. Laxus widened his eyes at the sudden change in demeanor as he dropped his voice low and a dark look came to his eyes.

"One thing about us retired mercs, lad, is we take care of ours," Laxus's heart started beating a little faster and his magic rolled nervously in his chest, "If yer ever in any trouble, just remember ya gotta friend outta ol' Hajime, yeah?"

"Y-yeah…"

"Good," he released him then and all the tension suddenly vanished as he pulled out another cigarette. Laxus was so confused. It was as if the sudden exchange had never happened, "Go grab ye boyfriend and escape while ye can. Lorelai has a tendency to suck helpers inta workin' all day with no pay. I'm sure yens have other things ye'll want to do than man a bar while yer on vacation,"

"Right… thanks," Laxus eyed him even as he walked back into the tavern. He caught Gajeel in the stockroom, restacking a few things under Lorelai's instruction, and bid their farewells. Laxus felt off as they left. Even though Gajeel didn't act as if anything was strange, he just couldn't shake off that the whole encounter was odd.

"You alright?" Gajeel's voice broke into his thoughts as they walked, "You're kinda quiet. Did Hajime say something weird?"

"No… not really," he murmured, forcing a smile onto his face as he glanced down at the raven and reached for his hand, "Just that you tried to kill him."

"Oh, that's all," he muttered, looking down at the ground.

"And that I'll have to keep you out of trouble," he said lightly, squeezing his hand as he did so.

"You think you can accomplish that?" his lips quirked up slightly at that and Laxus didn't even try to hide the playfulness in his voice upon his reply.

"I'll try but I'm not a miracle worker,"

"But you're the Thunder God, Laxus," Gajeel tutted back, "What kind of lousy god can't work miracles?"

"The kind that falls in love with devils like you, I suppose," the words slipped past his teeth before he realized what he was saying. For a split second, his heart missed a beat but Gajeel didn't seem to notice or maybe he just didn't think too much into the comment. Instead, a cheeky grin consumed his face until Laxus could see his pointed canines and his eyes glistened blood-orange in the midmorning sun.

"Gihi, I've never been called a devil before… I kinda like that,"

Laxus snorted, "You would,"