Author's Notes:
Warning! A lot of unsolicited dancing in this chapter (You're welcome)! The songs referenced in order in which they occur are:
Sunlight - Hozier
The Circle - Blackmore's Night
Roses and Violets - Alexander Jean
So if you'd like to listen along to those when they pop up, feel free! Just be aware I didn't time it so it will probably not sync up with my writing.
Chapter 86:
"I know you mean well, Mirajane, but this is too much," Laxus hissed.
Mirajane had her arms crossed, a towel in hand, and she was leaning against the kitchen counter where she had put together a makeshift bar. The door to the backyard was open, their guildmates having spilled out earlier to talk and drink in the nicer weather. Mira regarded him reproachfully, her eyes hardening at his words.
"It's hardly my fault, Laxus," she tutted, "you know as soon as everyone heard you were almost here they wanted to welcome you home."
"I wonder how they found out," he stated flatly and she shot him a glare.
"What's the harm? Look at him, he's happy," she motioned outside to where Gajeel stood, pack still slung over his shoulder, a smile on his face as he chatted with Wakaba, Macao and Gramps. One of them said something and he laughed and scratched at his neck. To Mira's credit, he did seem happy. But Laxus could see the slight, tense set of his shoulders and the tightness behind his close-lipped smile. His occasionally looks around, eyes shifting from one near body to the next, a set to his stance that said he was ready to run or fight at a moment's notice; he'd laugh and reply quickly to something one of the other men had said, leaving them never the wiser to his nervousness.
"Mira… try to see it from his perspective. He's been in prison… for months. Don't you think this might be a shock?"
She frowned as she poured a drink, "Well then, tell everyone to leave."
Laxus clenched his jaw at her sharp tone. For a moment, he almost growled back that he would, but he heard a voice call out and Gajeel snapped his head in its direction. Levy bounced up to him, a smile plastered across her face, and Wakaba and Macao exchanged knowing glances before snagging Gramps and scattering. Gajeel's tense outline softened, his arms uncrossed. He smiled genuinely, and it almost reached his eyes.
Laxus let out a huff.
Mirajane set two drinks on the counter before taking her own glass and walking out to the others, a phoned-in cheer lighting up her features as she erased any evidence of their argument from her countenance. Laxus snatched the drinks and followed after her, walking up to Gajeel as he laughed mildly at something Levy said. The bluenette beamed, drinking in his attention with a sweet smile and bounce to her curls.
Laxus fought to unclench his jaw and erase the derision tightening in his chest.
"Brought you a drink," he interrupted, noting the way Gajeel stiffened before glancing up at him. Levy smiled warmly up at him.
"Welcome back, Laxus," she said cheerfully.
"Thanks," he muttered, handing Gajeel his glass which the raven took as if he'd just been handed a live grenade.
"Shorty was tellin' me 'bout that library we went ta last winter," Gajeel murmured as he sniffed at his drink, "They've been doin' some work out there."
"U-um… yes…" strange look came to Levy's eyes and she watched Gajeel warily for a moment before she spoke again, "They had a fire so we've been helping to put the place back together."
"A fire?" Laxus asked, "That's… no good. That was the library with the tree in the middle, wasn't it?"
"It was, yes, but the fire was contained before too much damage could be done."
"So they didn't lose anything?" Laxus asked.
"A few history books," she said sadly, before brightening once more, "but aside from that, everything else survived."
"Hopefully it was nothing irreplaceable."
"Well, actually, they were all u-um…" alarm filled Levy's eyes from where they were trained on Gajeel. Laxus heard the clink of ice and looked over to see the raven's glass already empty.
He clicked his teeth, "I was listenin'."
"That was fast," Laxus commented, attempting to sound more observant than concerned.
"Yeah well-…" Gajeel became rigid, his eyes focusing on where Natsu and Lucy were laughing. Laxus frowned.
"Are you alright?" Levy asked hesitantly.
"Fine," Gajeel growled, flicking his hand that he held his glass in towards the bar, "I'm gonna… I'll be right back."
"Right…" Laxus watched him as he walked back into the kitchen. He heard Levy let out a sigh, "Sorry. You were saying?"
"Oh, it wasn't important," she laughed, "I'm, um, I'm going to find Jet. It was good talking to you!"
"Yeah…" Laxus muttered, hiding his scowl long enough for her to turn away and hurry off.
He wanted to follow after Gajeel who was grabbing a bottle and filling his glass again, but Freed intercepted him, pulling him over to where Evergreen stood with an amused look peeking over the top of her glasses. They talked and at some point Mirajane walked by and slipped him another drink. He would occasionally catch sight of Gajeel out of the corner of his eye, and each time the man seemed a shade darker before forcing his mouth into a lopsided smile that showed more and more of his teeth with each glass he downed. Laxus frowned disapprovingly when he noticed the way he was swaying on his feet. Gajeel, for the most part, pretended not to notice in between sips, occasionally shooting Laxus a glance to see if he was still watching, only a slight roll to his eyes when Laxus gave him a look.
"You're being obvious," Freed stated rather flatly, something unfamiliar and harsh about his tone. Laxus turned his attention to him.
"Hm?"
"You've been staring at him for the past ten minutes," he explained seemingly more to his own cup than to Laxus himself.
"It'll be hard for you to keep your relationship secret if you keep glaring at every girl who walks up to him," Ever said keenly, her smug grin fighting to remain concealed.
"Figured the secret was out at this point," Laxus muttered, forcing his eyes not to stray, "So many people know, anyway."
"Who all knows?" Evergreen asked, tipping her head slightly, "You know we would never spread your personal business, Laxus."
"No… but Mirajane and Gramps…"
"You told Master Makarov?" Freed blurted, his eyes widening, "When?"
"Before we all took that mission together, that day you hassled Gajeel out of the guild with invasive questions?" Laxus raised a brow at him. A look of recognition colored his face and he seemed shocked. Before he could say anything, though, Ever cleared her throat.
"The Master hasn't said anything, and I don't think Mirajane has either. I don't think the guild knows you two are… an item," she said salaciously, as if divulging some secret.
"That explains some things…" Laxus glanced over to Levy who had gravitated back to Gajeel's side, talking excitedly while he listened with equable interest. Laxus growled, "We live together, for fucks' sakes. Shouldn't it be obvious?"
"Not if everyone assumes you're straight," Freed murmured, earning him his own knowing look from Evergreen.
"What am I missing?"
"Oh, don't be nosy," Evergreen hushed him, "it's rude."
Laxus gave her an unamused glare before taking a moment to look around, "Where's Bix at?"
"He left shortly after you got here," Freed replied coolly, "Didn't say where he was going."
"Not that I blame him with how moody you've been recently," Ever muttered behind her drink.
"I have not been moody!" Freed defended.
"Oh of course not," she grinned, haughty sarcasm in each syllable, "just temperamental."
"You two sound like kids," Laxus snapped and they both fell silent.
"Well, you two can be moody together, then," Evergreen humphed with a flip of her hair, "I'll find more agreeable people to talk with."
Despite his soured mood, Laxus managed a cheeky grin, "Elfman is that way."
She shot him a glare as she turned on her heel but suddenly stopped short. She glanced back over her shoulder at the two of him, pointing her fan towards the back door, "Well, speak of the devil."
Bickslow stepped into the yard, his totems rushing by either side of him as he made his way. His smile was spread wide across his face, his helmet gone and exposing the manic flash to his eyes as he strode through the doorway with a drink in hand. What was strange was that he stopped to motion someone after him, which Laxus immediately assumed would be more of their guild mates, except that he would recognize those yellow eyes anywhere at this point.
Evergreen and Freed both jumped when Laxus swore. It was less that Laxus wasn't expecting Davian and more that he wasn't expecting him so soon. They were Irena's horses that he and Gajeel had taken halfway across Fiore, after all, and they'd made arrangements for him to collect them. He'd sort of assumed, though, that it would be a few days before the Major had made it up to Magnolia. Although thinking back now, he supposed they had taken a couple more days than previously expected...
"Isn't that the Rune Knight who arrested Gajeel?" Freed asked and Laxus sighed.
"Sure is," Laxus growled, quickly picking his was through bodies and across the yard. A flash of lavender drew his attention to Irena who was following after him, and behind her what looked to be Lieutenant Serrill. The three of them looked so strange standing together; the Major still in prim, military-style jacket and slacks despite very obviously being off duty, and his shiny, gold-tipped nails that flashed in the dim light, Irena in a floor-length romper dotted with quaint purple flowers only a shade darker than the long braids of her hair (hadn't her hair been short when he'd last seen her?), and Serrill in… a black sleeveless shirt, washed out jean shorts, and a wide-brimmed fedora? And was that a red flannel tied around his waist? They all looked like they should hardly get along let alone travel together.
"There you are," Bix grinned widely, his totems circling overhead.
"Where did you run off to?" Laxus asked, standing purposely in front of the group in the hopes of keeping away prying eyes.
Bix responded with his smile wide and head tilted, although he didn't seem able to look Laxus in the eye, "I found some people looking for you."
Davian's eyebrow arched sharply and it was obvious he was trying to figure Bickslow out. His edges looked sharper than usual, "I'm just here to find out where you stabled the horses and then we'll be on our way."
"Oh, right," Laxus said dumbly, fidgeting with his glass, "If you head to the south side of-"
"Not so fast!" Irena interrupted, her eyes gleaming with determination, "I want to meet him first!"
"Eh? Who?"
"Your boyfriend!" she said, her tone matter-of-fact, as if he should have known this already… and he maybe he should have, "You two left before I got a chance to even see him! Even Keirin has met him!"
At Laxus's obvious confusion, Serrill chuckled, "Through work."
"Laxus!" a rowdy voice made Laxus clench his teeth. He was suddenly gripped by the visceral need to shove everyone out of his back yard as quickly and forcefully as possible. He was sure he didn't hide his frustration fast enough when he glared over at Natsu who was standing just a few feet away with a wide stance, "It's been a while since we last fought! Come on!"
"No," he stated firmly, trying his best not to sound half as irritated as he felt.
"Scared you'll lose?" he challenged, clenching his fist with a prideful smile. Fire erupted from his fingers and danced down his arm. Laxus stifled his growing anger with a deep sigh, determined not to give him the satisfaction of getting his magic to manifest.
"Salamander!" Gajeel was suddenly stepping up behind Natsu, grabbing his ignited fist and shouldering into him, "Stop pickin' fights in my house!"
"You gonna stop me, metal-head?" black eyes challenged, flashing a toothy grin.
Gajeel snarled, "Ain't no one fightin' ya. Go bother Bunny Girl."
He shoved him roughly and Natsu extinguished his flames, dejected and annoyed, "You guys are no fun."
Gajeel finished what was in his glass as Natsu turned and stomped away. His red eyes rolled over to where the group of them was standing. Laxus had expected him to make some cutting remark about Davian being there, but instead he honed in on Serrill.
The stiff set to his shoulders eased, "Sorry 'bout that, Lieutenant,"
Serrill shrugged but there was a bit of a nervousness in the way his arms crossed tightly across his chest, as if to protect himself. Irena sprang forward, thrusting her hand towards Gajeel with a smile on her face, "So this is the man I've heard so much about."
Gajeel stared at it for a moment before taking it cautiously, his lip tugging slightly in an attempt at a smile, "All of it bad, I bet."
She laughed, "I'm Irena Cannon. It's nice to meet you…?"
"Gajeel Redfox," his tone was suspicious and he was staring intensely at Irena. Without dropping her hand, he tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes, "Do I know you?"
"Do you?" she replied, her light smile never leaving her face, "I'm an animal handler. You don't have any dogs that went through my obedience school? Horses that I trained? I also do animal rescues…"
Gajeel's suspicion melted into something more excited, "Holy hell, you…? At The Thorn in… ah… Ocotillo?"
Her blue eyes glittered and she laughed again, "Yes, I danced there. I'm surprised you'd recognize me."
"Harder without the handcuffs," he flashed her a toothy grin.
"You know each other?" Laxus asked.
"I mean, I know her. She used to have this trick – can you still do it? It was fuckin' cool. And yer a beast trainer now? How'd ya get inta that?"
"Davian helped me get the job. He noticed I had a way with animals," she chuckled.
Gajeel's smile turned more into a sneer, and his eyes flashed over to Davian, "Pretty easy for somethin' like you ta notice that, eh?"
"How droll coming from a man with so little self-control," Davian sniped in return, eyeing critically the glass in Gajeel's hand, "How long have you been back? An hour?"
Laxus placed his hand on Gajeel's shoulder just as he was gearing up another insult, "Behave."
"Behave," he scowled into his empty glass.
At the sound of a crash, Laxus felt his hand like a vice around his wrist, pulling him close. Laxus followed his gaze to where Grey was yelling at Natsu – something about the pinkette watching what he was doing? - and Natsu was getting in his face right back. There were sparks at Natsu's fists and frost climbing up the grass at Grey's feet.
"Saving me from our guildmates?" Laxus nudged his shoulder gently, trying to be good humored. When Gajeel didn't make a response, he offered, "I can make 'em leave."
"I ain't tryin' to ruin anyone's good time," he shrugged, slowly pulling his attention away from the two as Erza stepped up to make them settle down. He glanced down to where he was still holding tightly to Laxus's arm and let him go, muttering an apology towards the ground. He clicked his teeth, "What happened ta yer arm, Serrill?"
Laxus's eyes widened, "Gajeel. You can't just ask that."
"What? Zahir hit his chest, not his arm?"
"That's right. It ruined my heart," Serrill replied calmly, and then snorted like he was laughing at his own joke, "So, I traded my arm for a new one."
"Didn't know it worked like that?" Gajeel said, obviously confused. Serrill just shrugged and presented his arm, opening and closing metal fingers and twisting his wrist, "Bet you can do some cool stuff with that, with yer magic."
Laxus didn't know a lot about prosthetics, his limited knowledge about them coming from watching Galdarts and Erza, but Serrill being on his feet and active after something like that seemed… pretty remarkable. He wanted to ask, but settled for eyeing Davian instead. The Major's eyes flashed gold for one second before he was fiddling with his watch.
"Oh yeah," Serrill nodded, "Using my Reinforcement Magic, it'll be far superior to that shoddy armor of yours."
"Excuse me?" Gajeel grinned, defiance sparking in his eyes.
"I'm just sayin' I saved your ass."
"Maybe we should test it out,"
"You just yelled at Natsu for trying to fight," Laxus reminded him, taking a sip of his drink.
"I ain't sayin' a fight…" Gajeel replied keenly, "What about an arm-wrestling match?"
"That's not a good idea," Laxus insisted.
"Serrill?" Gajeel proposed, his fist on his hip, "Whattaya say? My Iron Scales against your Reinforced arm?"
Serrill hesitated, but his steel eyes clearly held a bit of good-humored mischief, "Sure."
Gajeel smiled triumphantly and marched off to clear a table for them to compete. A few of their guildmates gathered around as the two sat across from each other, elbows on the table. Green and grey light lit up the faces around them as magic was activated and seals manifested. Gajeel's scaled fingers wrapped round Serrill's prosthetic, and the two stared each other down. Levy was the one who bounced up to place her hands on the two's, holding them steady as she started to count down.
Irena sidled up next to Laxus, elbowing him gently, "Oh, he's cute. And I'd wager he gives you a run for your money… I see why you like him."
"The man's a menace," Davian griped at her side.
"Oh hush," Irena schooled him with a glance, "He's no more a menace than you are."
"He's a lot better than he used to be," Bickslow said. Laxus looked over at his friend, surprised by the sober tone he had. His maroon eyes were staring pointedly at the raven, his arms were crossed. He wasn't frowning but he did have an intent look on his face as if he were trying to figure something out. But his eyes weren't lit up and green so Laxus had no idea what.
"Where did ya run off to, Bix?" Laxus asked, "You never answered me."
He scratched at the back of his head, "I needed to clear my head for a minute and figured I'd grab Gajeel some cigarettes. He's edgy so I thought… I know you don't like him smoking but I figured it'd be better than him getting drunk."
"Oh, that's…" Laxus paused, "That was thoughtful."
"I don't know what brand he likes… just that they're top shelf." Bix shrugged and pulled the pack out of his pocket and handed it over, "Can I ask what happened?"
"What do you mean?" Laxus watched him steadily and the taller mage gave him a critical look that would probably intimidate anyone else. His eyes glowed for just a moment as he stared into Laxus's chest, and then he flickered them back up to his face. Laxus just shrugged, "It's been a rough few months."
He didn't seem satisfied but he did stop prying. Laxus could feel the Major's own curious gaze, but if he was going to ask what the conversation was about, he was quickly stopped by a round of cheers that filled the air as Serrill's hand slammed into the table. As soon as the Lieutenant stood, Natsu took his place, eyes blazing as he challenged Gajeel to wrestle him next. Gajeel was all sharp points as he squared up, downed another drink that had appeared next to him at some point, and offered his hand.
"So how goes fixing the prison?" Laxus asked without taking his eyes from the spectacle. Mirajane had sauntered up to Serrill and offered him a drink. Whatever she said made him blush and accept it without complaint.
"Abysmal at best," Davian huffed, "There's been a lot of rain lately and so we haven't been able to make repairs. The mess hall has water damage and the Colonel won't clear me for funds to make the prison more secure."
"What do you need to make it more secure?"
"Ah, I don't know…" Davian sounded defeated, "I've been doing research, as it were, and recently discovered the collars were constructed by a non-mage and no one ever bothered to actually study their long-term effects on inmates. Suffice to say they're probably not practical for use over a span of decades. I'd prefer to create some sort of barrier but to be honest I have no idea how I'd hope to accomplish such a thing."
"Jutsu Shiki could work," Bickslow offered.
"Yeah… actually, it could," Laxus affirmed.
Another round of cheers. Gajeel was smiling almost manically now as Grey dragged an irate Natsu from the table so he could take his place. Laxus wasn't sure exactly when the brunette had lost his shirt but Juvia was clutching it lovingly.
Davian wrinkled his nose, "What is that?"
"It's a type of rune magic," Bix explained, his totems chirping happily in support, "Letter magic. You can use it to make barriers or enchantments… ah.. Where's Freed at? He's the master at it… Yo! Freed!"
Freed, as it turned out, promptly ignored him, pretending instead to be engrossed in his conversation with Mirajane. It was clear he'd heard him, though, as he gripped his saber just a hair tighter.
"Are you two alright?" Laxus asked and Bickslow huffed.
"I'm sure we will be whenever I apologize," Bix muttered, frowning. It was strange because Laxus wasn't sure he remembered a time the two had bickered like this. They were extremely close, or so he thought, nearly inseparable. Actually, the fact that Bickslow wasn't letting whatever had happened just roll of his back like he usually did was almost alarming.
"Something happen that I should know about?" Laxus pressed and Bix's totems giggled overhead, dipping down to chirp something but Bickslow was already waving them away. Laxus raised a brow, "Bix…"
More cheering. Juvia was congratulating Grey on trying his hardest.
"Oi! Sparky!" Gajeel yelled over the raucous, "Wrestle me!"
Laxus attempted to cross his arms, remembered he was still holding a drink in his hand, and opted for putting his free hand on his hip instead, "I'm busy."
"Ya ain't that busy! Come on!" he grinned, rocking in his seat just slightly as another drink was slid his way. Laxus rolled his eyes, "It'll just take a minute fer ya ta lose."
"Oh, I won't lose," Laxus smirked, immediately regretting the words because it only spurred the Iron Slayer on more.
"Oh? Wanna bet?" he sneered.
"Gajeel…"
"Come on! How's this: I lose, I pay you and Lily five months' rent," his canines were glistening devilishly, "Pretty worthwhile, don't ya think?"
"I don't want yer money, delinquent," Laxus replied, starting to feel roguish. Gajeel crossed his arms on the table, obviously flexing. Under the veil of iron scales his muscles rolled. The look on his face said he wasn't going to let up, so Laxus finally sighed in defeat, "I lose, you pay five months' rent. You lose, you drop it and don't bother me about it again."
Gajeel glanced to the side for a moment, considering the offer. He ran his tongue against his teeth and finally brought his eyes back to him, suddenly much more serious, "Alright. Deal."
"Oh no… you're in trouble," Bickslow teased, "He's getting serious."
"He's drunk," Laxus pointed out.
Bix smiled warmly, "You aren't exactly sober."
"Good point," Laxus chuckled as he shrugged off his jacket. Excited eyes trained on him as he strode over purposely, "You sure about this, delinquent?"
Like an absolute scoundrel, the raven gave him a rascally smirk and a wink, "Just try not to get cut on my edges,"
"Devil," Laxus quipped as he sat down and leaned on his elbow, flexing his fingers.
He took a hold of his hand, "Fairy."
"Alright you two," Levy stammered, the slightest alarm in her voice as she placed her hand on top of theirs, "Ready? Set. Go!"
Laxus put as much of his weight as he could into pushing Gajeel's hand down but to his credit, iron was a hard element to move. He inched their hands down, his muscles protesting the exertion. Honestly, it had been a while since he worked out, even being on the trail for a week was nothing compared to an actual routine. But still, he seemed to be winning, pushing Gajeel's hand further and further down as their friends grew more and more rowdy around them. It was when Gajeel's arm was almost completely twisted back, that he realized ruby eyes had been piercing into him the entire time. He looked up to a smug grin set across his face and Laxus suddenly realized Gajeel had been letting him win.
"You," Laxus huffed as Gajeel finally stopped his procession towards the table, "are a flashy bastard."
"I gotta make it look good, don't I? It ain't my fault you haven't worked out in a while," he growled lowly, his eyes twinkling with wicked glee. Laxus put his free arm on the table to brace himself as Gajeel put more and more force into pushing him back. Their guildmates were cheering louder as slowly, slowly, their hands returned to their original position, and then Gajeel held him in place.
"I underestimated you," Laxus smiled toothily.
"I woulda let ya win, ya know," Gajeel hummed so low it was a growl. Laxus kept straining but he knew it was over. Gajeel slowly let loose the full force of his arm before suddenly slamming his hand down into the table. There was a moment of stunned silence and then their guildmates erupted in laughs and cheers at their little game and its winner. Laxus shook his hand, working out the tightness in his muscles as Gajeel deactivated his scales. Mirajane slid yet another drink to each of them as people began to disburse themselves, "Five months' rent. I'll pay ya back."
"I'll hold you to it, then," Laxus laughed, throwing him the pack of cigarettes he'd been holding onto, "Bix got ya those."
"Ay, thanks," he grinned, saluting towards their friend who was still cackling near Davian and Irena.
"Oi! Gajeel!" Cana yelled from across the lawn, surrounded by beer bottles. Gajeel stiffened and looked back at her as he took a long drag, the look in his eyes saying he could already tell this was going to be trouble. And sure enough, Erza and Levy were at her sides, the bluenette blushing a shade of red that could make a cardinal jealous as she hastily tried to shush Cana amidst Erza's blithe goading. Laxus wondered what fresh hell this was going to be, "Sing us a song!"
"You hate my singing!" he yelled back through a haze of smoke.
"Aww, come on! It's been ages!" she slurred.
"Ya fuckin' drunk," Gajeel rolled his eyes and turned back around, a lopsided grin on his lips. He looked like such a picture with a tumbler of liquid amber in one hand and a cigarette in his other. He sort of reminded Laxus of an old poker player, although he supposed they were usually accompanied with a cigar instead. He took a sip of his beer as he appreciated the raven's silhouette, the edges of his tourmaline hair almost crystalline in the dim light of the uncovered bulbs Mirajane had strung for their house warming party so long ago. The studs on Gajeel's face and ears would catch the light whenever he moved and blink at him like the raw fragments of lead-zinc in desert sandstone.
"People are gonna start gettin' ideas if ya stare like that, Sparky," smoke was curling from between the raven's teeth and his words were quiet, spoken mostly into his whiskey.
Laxus took another long drink of beer and it occurred to him that maybe he was also drinking too much, "That a bad thing?"
"Ya don' like people in yer business," Gajeel practically purred the reminder. His eyes flashed with the same red as the ember in his cigarette, incandescent and fervent.
Laxus found himself leaning into the palm of his hand, very clearly hanging off of every word Gajeel spoke. Even Freed had warned him he was being obvious earlier. Keeping up pretenses was becoming so difficult, though. Two weeks of not having to be stifled had spoiled him. He wasn't sure he wanted to care about his nosy guildmates anymore… or maybe that was just the liquor talking.
"S'pose you're right…" he muttered, "Do you care?"
"I think I made it clear whether or not I care," he hummed into his glass, "Remember?"
Laxus felt heat inching up his collar as he remembered sampling that sweet ambrosia of Gajeel's unfettered frustration against an old bookcase. When that voice was again a low, dark growl into his soul, those eyes glistening like a demon's as they told him exactly how much he cared about someone finding them, "How could I forget?"
"Do I need ta do it for you?" he asked, again into his mug, and this time with eyes adverted to watch Lucy as she made her way to where the other girls were gathered.
"Gajeel!" Cana yelled again. Gajeel promptly ignore her.
Laxus's flirtatious mood quite suddenly dropped to something more serious. It wasn't really that he thought his friends would care; they were his guildmates after all. His family. He'd known these people ever since he was a kid. If they could still associate with him after he'd tried to destroy the guild, him coming out as bisexual should be nothing. But then, he'd known Gramps loved him like a son and that hadn't stopped him from being as nervous as he was when he'd walked into his office – although, Gramps was no foreigner to excommunicating family, so maybe the nervousness was justified, if by an infinitesimal amount. He couldn't imagine his sexuality being a big enough scandal that anyone would hate him. But if they did, was there anyone he would be heartbroken over losing as a friend? A family member?
He wasn't sure he wanted to think about it.
Gajeel, of course, could see the conflict on his face. His smile wasn't unkind, but Laxus could tell he was tired of playing games. It wasn't fair to ask him to yield, not when Laxus knew how passionate of a man he was. Gajeel just simply didn't care, and Laxus was envious of that, and sort of proud. After all, hadn't Gajeel had to do his own reconciling in order to be ok with this? To be outwardly with a man when he still struggled with archaic views he was raised with, that had to take some grit. Surely, if Gajeel could do it, couldn't he?
Of course, he could. There was no reason for him to be so hesitant, not here, not in Fairy Tail, his home.
Or, maybe that was just the liquor talking.
He finished the rest of his glass.
"Oi! Stop talking to your boyfriend for two seconds and sing us a song!"
Laxus felt uncomfortable, like his blood was slowly leeching through with ice and he was trying to pretend it wasn't. Gajeel seemed unfazed.
"Tell me no," he murmured, "Last chance."
Laxus opened his mouth but nothing came out so he closed it again. He felt his stomach trip over itself, especially as Gajeel took in his last deep pull from his cigarette, drawing the ember nearly up against the filter. He put it out against the heel of his boot before he tilted his head back and sighed.
"Alright, ya fuckin' vulture, what do ya wanna hear?" he stood up and pushed his fists into his pockets, squaring his shoulders like he was about to fight. Cana and Lucy were grinning and Erza was trying to keep Levy from bolting.
"Sing us a love song!" Cana cooed, drawing out the word loveas if her tongue were twelve-inches long and it had to roll all the way down it to escape her mouth. Gajeel must have made a face because Laxus could see Natsu snickering.
"I ain't doin' love songs," he growled, "pick somethin' else."
"One love song, Gajeel, please?" Lucy grinned, "You have to know one."
Gajeel huffed and relented, "Fine. One. But only because I have ta scrap it anyway."
"Scrap it?" Lucy asked and Gajeel shrugged.
"He didn't like it."
Four words and the women gathered were struck dumb and motionless. Laxus could see it written on their faces, each of them, confusion and shock and question, and then on Levy, dejection. His overly-jealous soul would have felt good about that last realization if it weren't for what seemed an innumerable amount of eyes suddenly trained on him. He pretended he wasn't burning wretchedly on the inside, his entire body roasting beneath the gazes of everyone he knew as that one simple sentence was processed en masse. And Gajeel, as he always did, did not mind the stares. Instead, he picked out a beat with a snap of his fingers and a tap of his boot, taking his spotlight with his iron grip. When he began to sing, Laxus felt all the more under scrutiny because Gajeel didn't hold back like he had when Laxus had first heard him in the prison cell.
"I would shun the light, share in evening's cool and quiet
Who would trade that hum of night for
Sunlight, sunlight, sunlight
But whose heart would not take flight?
Betray the moon as acolyte
On first and fierce affirming sight
Sunlight, sunlight, sunlight."
His voice found a way to echo through the yard. With drink in hand and in time to some unknown music, he drifted in a certain languid motion that took him in a wide circle. A step with every beat and his snaps keeping time, eyes slowly drew themselves from Laxus back to the man performing at the behest of four women who hadn't known what sort of can of worms they were forcing open. Everyone was surprised at seeing Gajeel dance, head tilted back and eyes half-lidded as his heels stomped to the rhythm his fingers missed. Pearls of amber rolled from his knuckles and dripped onto the grass.
"I had been lost to you, sunlight
Flew like a moth to you, sunlight oh sunlight
Oh, your love is sunlight
Oh, your love is sunlight
But it is sunlight."
Laxus felt something strange in his chest, a charge filling the gaps of his ribcage; something like an omen but much stronger and hurtling faster. It was a need, a drive that shivered in Laxus's core, something familiar and feral. He just knew he needed to move and Gajeel's body was mesmerizing. What was this, this low hum that was beginning to permeate his body? A strange awakening? His eye felt warm from it, not hot and insistent like during the thunderstorm, no, but it was strange and mystifying. When Gajeel took his next step, Wendy was at his side, a wide smile on her face and eyes glittering. She seemed to know this dance too.
"All the tales the same
Told before and told again
A soul that's born in cold and rain knows
Sunlight, sunlight, sunlight
At last can grant a name
To a buried and a burning flame
As love and its decisive pain, oh my
Sunlight, sunlight, sunlight
It was about that instant that he realized Natsu also stood transfixed, eyes trained to Gajeel like he could bolt from just watching him. But where Laxus felt nervous, Natsu looked more like he was remembering something distinct and distant, like Gajeel had just opened a portal to a vague memory.
All that was shown to me, sunlight
Was something foreknown to me, sunlight oh sunlight
Oh, your love is sunlight
Oh, your love is sunlight
But it is sunlight
Oh, your love is sunlight
Oh, your love is sunlight
But it is sunlight, sunlight."
Natsu stepped up, a grin spread wide across his face as he awaited the shift in tempo for him to join in. Wendy was giggling, blue sparks dancing from her heels.
"All these colors fade for you
Hold me, carry me slowly, my sunlight
All these colors fade for you
Hold me, carry me slowly, my sunlight
Each day you'd rise with me
Know that I would gladly be
The Icarus to your certainty
Oh my sunlight, sunlight, sunlight
Strap the wing to me
Death trap clad happily
With wax melted, I'd meet the sea
Under sunlight, sunlight, sunlight…"
Laxus was standing but he didn't quite remember when he'd moved. As the song drew to a close, the buzz of his blood burned its disappointment down into his marrow. He could feel the zing of lightning like when he'd tried to deny himself the summer storm. He wanted to dance…
"That was so fun!" Wendy gushed, eyes alight as she spun in a circle, "Let's do another one!"
"Eh? You know any songs?" Gajeel was swaying where he stood, his heels catching him in the grass. He was shaking the spilled liquor from his hand. She turned that question over for a moment before responding excitedly in Draconic. Laxus furrowed his brow because something rang familiar about what she said. His eye still felt warm, like he was pressing a warm stone into his brow. He realized he knew what she said.
"The Circle?" he asked and Gajeel's eyes sparked like a cat's on a night prowl.
"Yeah… yeah, that's what she said," his smile was wide and growing wider. The points of his teeth glinted at him above a glass rim, "Ya wanna try?"
"Try…? What? The dance?" Laxus stumbled over his words. Gajeel's brow arched up at him, "I have no idea…"
"It's easy!" Natsu chimed, "You follow the beat."
Gajeel was in front of him in an instant, grabbing a hold of his sleeve, "It's yer heritage. C'mon."
"It's not my…!"
"You too, Cockatrice," Gajeel growled, glaring pointedly at Davian.
Yellow eyes flashed, "Excuse me?"
"Cockatrice?" Laxus asked, finding it difficult not to chuckle.
"There's no nice way for me to call him a dick, is there?" Gajeel smirked before eyeing the major again, "Don't think I didn't see the way ya stared. Ya have a weird lizard dance, don't ya?"
He blinked rapidly, "I certainly do not-!"
"Oh, go have some fun!" Irena pushed him forward. When did she get a drink in her hand? She was standing next to Serrill and Mirajane, and Laxus realized immediately that would mean trouble. But Gajeel was pulling him into the center of the yard and he was finding it hard to care too much when he was staring at the bottom of his cup again. He let himself be bullied into a spot and Davian was beside him, the five of them in a circle. Wendy seemed nearly beside herself, the small sweet girl surrounded by all of these men, what an odd thing that was. Why didn't the dragons pick more female slayers? Well, he supposed he hadn't been chosen, had he? And Davian wasn't a slayer. Why was Davian here?
"Weird lizard magic," Laxus reminded himself and he saw Davian stiffen.
"Ritual dance," he snapped, "Oros above, you are drunk, aren't you?"
"I feel fine," Laxus defended. He hadn't swayed on his feet yet, at least, and the world wasn't off-kilter. He did feel warm though, and finding it impossible not to just blatantly stare at Gajeel, "Maybe a little buzzed."
"Is that all?" Davian's jacket was off and he looked agitated, standing with arms crossed in just a black undershirt. Laxus could see the gold scars peeking out from his short sleeves.
"Lighten up," Laxus grinned, "Cockatrice."
Davian narrowed his eyes at him and made a sound from the back of his throat like a hiss.
"Ready?" Gajeel purred.
Laxus's humor fled him, "No."
"Just move with the beat," Gajeel snickered.
"There's no music."
He rolled his eyes, starting to snap out a faster tempo than before, "We ain't gonna take it easy on ya, Sparky. Keep up,"
Honestly, Laxus didn't think he'd be doing much in the way of dancing. He hadn't danced in years, and nothing like this. Sparks skittered from ankles as the other slayers stepped to the beat Gajeel kept with his fingers.
"I've been here for a million years
Through the joy, through the tears
But when I am gone this will go on
And the circle starts again...
I've watched the mountains rise from dust
Saw the gold return to rust
I had cried when the oceans died
And the circle starts again..."
The crackle of energy rocketed up his arms and shoulders, bunching in his chest. The feeling of lightning in his bones made the world shift around him. Laxus watched the way Gajeel moved, each step sharp as filed steel and smooth as the back of a razor, a set of steps identical to Natsu's but… utterly different. Because Natsu moved rampant and unfettered as a forest fire, as bright and livid as the color red, aggression in his steps. He spun on his heel and landed like he was ready to strike, but when Gajeel made the same move, his feet struck the ground like a tree's roots or a strong foundation, stone. Wendy glided on her tip-toes, her hair furling out about her whenever she would spin. A smile on her lips, her eyes closed, she danced like she could hardly stand to touch the ground and at the wind's soft beckon she'd vanish.
"I was here when the world began to turn
Kissed the sun as it started to burn
The whispering at the reckoning said
"The circle starts again"
The moon was rising from above
I caught her eye and thought it was love
But she turned her back, the sky went black
And the circle starts again..."
Davian was different. He danced like a snake, shifting and striking and quick as a cobra's head. He moved with his wrists, eyes burning with gold as his tattoos caught fire. Laxus felt the shift in the air he'd come to recognize as the major's strange energy, the massive thing he summoned but Laxus was never able to see. He felt magic arc up his spine in response. With Gajeel's voice bouncing across the five of them, he was surrounded by nothing but the vastness of space. He stepped and turned. When his foot left the ground, he wasn't sure he'd find it again to land. Untethered, a brilliant array of raw energy that blanketed the heavens, that's what Laxus was. He didn't dance. He shattered skies.
All five of them jumped. Gajeel spun in a circle and landed flat on his feet, his knuckles nearly scraping the grass. Wendy's eyes were closed, her blue hair whipped back from her face as if some wind had swept it away. Flames were dancing up Natsu's arms. Through the rush in Laxus's veins, he swore he heard music and thunder and maybe something else in the distance… the sound of a roar.
"I danced through castles made of stone
Walked the desert sands alone
In the midnight hour you feel the power
And the circle starts again..."
His heart was in his throat as a warm strike sung the world around him in vibrant color. Swept away… he was getting swept away, again. The magic was turning into instinct, the song into a wild call. Everything else about being a Dragon Slayer was so driven by this strange, integral pull like red destiny strings, how was he still surprised by being reminded how small he was? Electricity arched from his fingertips and he felt it tumble in the atmosphere. There was something massive cutting open the sky like a ship does the frozen sea, four winged beasts circling in the sky. He'd heard once that there was a snake that could circle the world. Lightning spidered through his veins. He could feel the candle-flame of his lifespan flutter at the breath of things much older, much larger than himself.
"Now the question falls to you, my friend
No beginning has no end
Will we ever learn, will the world still turn,
Will the circle start again?"
Laxus turned and found himself colliding into Gajeel. Their ankles crossed, hands instinctually finding each other's. The reaction was fluid and practiced when Laxus stumbled back and caught the both of them, locking his fingers into Gajeel's so the iron dragon wouldn't fall. Gajeel seemed just as surprised as he was to find that it was just the two of them standing where the circle had been. Laxus blinked himself out of his reverie and blatant confusion, eyes landing on Wendy who smiled enthusiastically and gave him a thumb's up. He had not even the slightest idea what for. Natsu had his arms crossed and was smiling like he'd just accomplished something. Where the hell was Davian?
"Sorry, Sparky," Gajeel laughed, slowly untangling himself.
"Oh, oh yeah… my bad," he took a step back, and then in a strange, impromptu gesture, he spun Gajeel out of their knot of limbs. The raven stumbled a little and held tightly to Laxus's hand to keep from falling.
"Hey... that was…"
Piano music started playing and Laxus scowled, looking for the source. Mirajane was standing by his record player, the horn pointed at them. She had a devilish look in her eye with Irena to her left and Bickslow to her right. There Davian was standing next to Serrill and Freed. When had they gotten over there? How had Mirajane gotten his gramophone all the way out here? Concern was starting to bunch in his throat but he was trying to shove it down because Mira was mouthing something at him and for the life of him he couldn't figure out what she was saying.
"Dance with him!" Irena yelled, no longer able to keep quiet.
"What? No."
"You dance," Gajeel stated. How did he keep getting drinks?
"No, I don't," he could feel Mira's glare so he sent one back to her, "I'm done dancing,"
"Mh? That so?" Gajeel was eyeing him suspiciously.
"Don't let him lie to you, Gajeel! Makarov made him take ballroom dancing classes," Mira called and Laxus suddenly felt the need to strike her with lightning. He didn't, of course. There were two knights around, after all. So he gritted his teeth and hurled daggers at her with his eyes instead.
"Ballroom dancing," Gajeel chuckled, "Sounds like something Gramps would do."
"I was like… twelve."
"Sixteen!" Mira corrected.
"Mirajane!" he growled.
"Eh? What's the matter? Embarrassed?" Gajeel teased.
"I'm not embarrassed," Laxus huffed through his blood heating.
"You don't wanna dance with me?" he pretended to look disappointed. And to his credit, he did a good job. He even lost some of the rollicking glint in his eye.
Wait.
"What? No… I just... fuck."
"Dance with him Laxus!" Cana slurred, waiving her beer bottle in the air. Elfman yelled, "Like a man!" before being shoved by Evergreen. Juvia was gushing about them being in love as she clutched Grey's arm. Words of encouragement were made by Romeo and Wendy while Happy floated overhead giggling something similar to what Juvia kept saying. Red eyes were pinning him in place. He tugged at his collar. Was it getting warmer or was his skin just too tight?
"Princess?" Laxus teased, extending his hand.
Whatever hot retort that surged to Gajeel's lips he somehow wrangled under control. Red tinged his cheeks but his purr was dulcet and warm velvet, "Femme fatale."
Laxus put his hand to his waist and felt the slight curve beneath his shirt, slightly damp from the feral dance he'd lost himself in and the drink that heated his blood. Laxus could smell the metallic bite of his sweat as he drew him as close as he dared, which was still somewhat of an arm's length away. Awkward and clunky.
"Thought you didn't want to be the woman," Laxus murmured. His throat itched from blush. Gajeel had a look in his eyes and he couldn't quite place it, although he knew it was familiar.
The piano music restarted.
"I'd have ta follow you anyway."
"Should I go slow?" his heart was in his throat. He stepped and Gajeel moved with him seamlessly, slitted pupils trained to him like a sight to a deer. A studded brow rose sharply, his lips set in a wry line that parted just enough that Laxus could still smell that smoke that clunk to his teeth.
The first verse of the song wasn't even over yet and Laxus wanted to sink into the dirt. Everyone's eyes on him was not something he particularly enjoyed and it didn't help that every once in a while he caught sight of Mira's disappointed head shake. Gajeel had decided to stare a hole into his chest, it seemed, as they stepped about gracelessly. Laxus felt exposed and ridiculous. If he were in worse of a mind, he might have just clicked his teeth and retired for the night. Laxus took a wrong step and Gajeel's eyes closed and opened again, hard and impatient. He stopped them from moving any farther, a snarl curling his lip.
"Yer holdin' out on me," he growled and Laxus felt it in his throat.
"You're drunk," Laxus replied simply, "Don't want you to be embarrassed by all this tomorrow."
Gajeel leaned in closer to him and on impulse Laxus took a step back, but not before Gajeel grabbed at the chest of his shirt and oh no Laxus knew that look. It was the look from the library, the one that foretold demand that could turn Laxus's blood straight into steam. He had much less in the way of balance now that he was a few drinks in and sans a bookshelf at his back. But Gajeel didn't handle him aggressively like he did before. He simply rocked onto his toes so he could be at Laxus's eye-level, and the low rumble of his chest turned soft and warm.
"Laxus," he said sternly, "I'm happy."
Laxus's mind sort of stopped, and his heart, and possibly his lungs, "You're happy."
"Yes," rose was blooming up beneath the soft tan of his cheeks, making the ruby of his eyes seem purer than before, "If ya don't wanna dance, fine, but stop ruinin' the night with yer overthinking. Laxus, look around. No one cares."
Laxus clenched his jaw because… because he didn't want to look around. But that didn't stop him, of course, because he wasn't scared of his family's reaction to him dancing romantically with Gajeel. He just didn't want to deal with the questions, the prying, the giggling and rumors spread, the meddling of people who had no business in their relationship and the slim – he reminded himself – possibility of someone not approving.
Maybe one day some of those things would come, but it wasn't tonight. Tonight, everyone seemed to be smiling, and shooting knowing looks at each other. Whispered I-told-you-so's and some I-knew-it's and even a couple I-didn't-see-that-one-coming's mixed in with those faces he knew and loved. Gajeel wasn't quite right. They cared, but in the best way possible. And Mirajane still stood with her arms crossed, lips pursed, a critical look that said "Are you don't being self-conscious now?" as her fingers threatened to restart the song.
Gajeel stepped back from him, an honest look in his hazed eyes, "I ain't gonna be embarrassed, Laxus."
Laxus's stomach flipped over itself and he found a bashful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He scoffed at the warmth flooding up to the tops of his ears and when Gajeel smiled kindly at him for it, he felt it pool in his chest. Damn, how did he do this to him? He was an absolute mess, wasn't he?
Laxus scratched at the back of his neck and sighed. Did he even remember how to dance? Seven years was a long time, but some things were muscle memory. That song, that damned song Mira kept playing was a waltz. He remembered how to waltz, didn't he?
"Should we start over?" Laxus asked, "If you think you can keep up with me."
Gajeel's smile was smug, his gaze keen, "You think I haven't memorized the way your body moves by now?"
A fresh wave of heat rushed up his cheeks and he pulled at his collar, glancing around them and making sure they had enough space. He unbuttoned the wrists of his shirt, muttering about being warm as he rolled up his sleeves and Gajeel watched with unabashed amusement. Cana catcalled him and Mirajane was grinning like she'd gotten away with something. He tried to ignore the proud look on Gramp's face as he realized he was really going to dance. He cleared his throat nervously, offering his hand to the raven, and Gajeel's eyes widened as he adjusted the angle of his elbow.
"I have a long stride," Laxus muttered, stepping much closer than before, almost chest to chest with him, and more than close enough to see the excited way Gajeel's breath hitched as he was forced to crane his neck back to look at him, "I'll lead with my right."
Gajeel shifted anxiously on his feet, red eyes darting between gold, "Ah hell… now yer intimidating."
Laxus just smiled, "You asked for this."
The piano music started and Laxus could immediately pick out the beat, that rhythmic 1-2-3 that drifted within every waltz. He stepped and Gajeel followed, mirroring the movement of Laxus's body as he strode forward with purposeful steps, medium at first, tasting the music and his partner's ability. There were easier waltzes to learn, especially for beginners, but Laxus had always been partial to the Vienesse Waltz. It was always less of a dance to him, and more of a flight. Simple and graceful, it made him feel like he was drifting across freshly-slicked glass, or probably more appropriately, lavish marble floors.
Gajeel stumbled and Laxus stopped his forward movement, pushing away the hand that was resting gently on his shoulder so the raven would step back. Gajeel staggered, his hand gripping Laxus's tightly so he wouldn't lose his balance. Laxus tucked his hand behind his back and spun him, forcing those long, ebony locks to splay around him before he found himself back in Laxus's arms, a step change, and they were spiraling off in the next direction to the lyrics roses are red, violets are blue. Gajeel's eyes were wide and he was staring up at Laxus with nothing short of amazement. Nearly glossy with drink, Laxus could taste his vices on the breaths that escaped him in rushed gasps as Laxus turned them around in a wide circle. Gods alive, those eyes were flickering in the low-strung lights as if they'd swallowed candles.
It was probably the drinks he'd had, or maybe the way Gajeel was gazing at him like he was some incredible thing, but Laxus felt that embarrassed warmth he'd suffered for so long melting into something like gold light. It was in his throat and his chest, burning with the same gentle fire as the first twinkling of a stars that appear as the sun fades and releases the sky to the gentleness and brilliance of the universe at night. When he made Gajeel spin again, the man was smiling so wide it creased the corners of his eyes. He shuffled a bit as he tried to fall back into step and Laxus found the divot in his waist that his hand made its home in, enjoying the feel of his lungs expanding beneath his fingers with each near-laugh that escaped him.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I know I'm meant
To be with you
As the music picked up its pace, so did he. Gajeel's stride matched his with near perfection. Laxus felt light, like he was dancing in space, distant from the people around him and even the ground. Gajeel's eyes were half-lidded, endless affection falling off of him like an intoxicating perfume. It made Laxus feel heady, like if he missed a step he'd topple over. He'd never particularly enjoyed dancing. It was alright, and moving to music brought with it exhilaration and freedom he only rarely could duplicate. But this? Dancing like this with Gajeel? He might be able to do this forever.
Under those gentle, backyard lights, Laxus found himself clutching at those calloused hands a little harder. I love you and I'll never stop loving you and why did it take me so long to find you and you're the reason it never worked out before started swirling around in his head. He never thought he'd adore the way iron smelled, the tang of it in sweat, of whiskey and cigarette smoke, of black hair that was always in tangles, studs that textured an otherwise smooth face, and red eyes, blood-red eyes, that stared like a predator up at him and made docile with adoration. He'd always thought he'd end up with Mira, or someone like Mira, all curves and pristine feminine beauty, sweet and pale and gentle and perfect, and he'd be perfect because of her. He'd resigned to it, trudged lazily towards it, not quite dreading it but not even close to excited for it. But now he was wondering what Gajeel would look like in a white suit, not the kind he wore on stage, but nicer. Or if maybe he'd wear black instead and Laxus could wear white. When would they dance like this again, under twilight stars and surrounded by friends and loved ones? Who would ask? Should he ask? Would Gajeel beat him to it? Or would something like that overwhelm them both? Maybe they never would. Maybe they'd just stay like this forever, side by side, without a great white affair. He didn't really care so long as he still had this beautiful man in his arms forever.
"You give my heart wings to fly,"
Laxus's heart squeezed, "You are the magic in my veins."
Goddamn, had he ever seen Gajeel smile like that? He'd do anything to keep it there, to keep him this happy, this overfilled with love. Please stay this way with me forever.
Roses are red
Violets are blue
One day I'm meant
To be with you
"I'm going to dip you," Laxus warned him and Gajeel shook his head.
"No, no! Yer gonna drop me!"
Laxus feigned hurt, "You don't trust me?"
Gajeel's eyes were ecstatic, "Not after as many drinks as I've had!"
"I'm going to do it."
"Wait! Laxus! Don't!"
Laxus squeezed his hand tightly so he couldn't get away and spun him out to the music's crescendo. Gajeel stumbled back, eyes wide and gleeful as he laughed and Laxus spun him back. Gajeel was clutching at his arms when he caught him and lunged, pushing him back at the sound of the final notes on the piano. Gajeel dropped his head back, barely keeping his feet on the ground. Laxus smiled down at him, a lopsided grin that he had no way of controlling.
"Told you I wouldn't drop you," he purred, nearly forgetting himself as he gazed down the length of the iron dragon's exposed throat. His head was tossed back, abs strained where he tried to keep himself up and still, his hair tickling the grass. Laxus ran his eyes down the slope of his studded trim, the sweat gleaming on his skin, the faint rustle of electricity shivering through his spine, a feeling of forever resting there in the palms of his hands. Glistening scarlet eyes peaked up at him, his teeth sharp and white as he laughed wholeheartedly. Laxus felt like his chest was tight, brimming with something he couldn't string the words for like the night he first wanted to tell Gajeel he loved him. He was overwhelmed with that aching need, the desire to just spill over.
He wanted... he wanted...
In the dying of the music and Gajeel's fitful laughter, he heard someone yell "Kiss him!". He tossed a glare at Mira who was giggling at Irena's side. Cana started chanting and it was quickly followed by Erza, and Juvia, Natsu and Evergreen and Bickslow. He couldn't glare at all of them, especially as it progressed to a rowdy swell. He felt blush razing his face and he glanced back down to Gajeel who was laughing even harder, turning his own shade of pink. Harsh knuckles balled into his shirt and dragged him down. Their lips crashed together, teeth sought out his lip to worry it open for a tongue to run across his teeth. Laxus felt like his entire body was blazing at the sound of his friends losing it. He feet lost their traction and he tumbled, nearly falling on top of Gajeel in the process.
"I told ya you'd drop me!" Gajeel was still laughing.
Despite feeling like he'd spontaneously combust from embarrassment, Laxus found he couldn't stop smiling, "That was all your fault and you know it,"
"Yeah… it was…" he sighed, wiping tears from his eyes.
Author's Notes:
I'm very, very, very sorry for how long it's taken to update (Five weeks? Yikes!). I know everyone is having a hard time right now, me included. Seasonal depression and impending doom aside, I spent a lot of my free time making masks for my close family and friends, so unfortunately I wasn't able to get writing done like I'd wanted. I'm hoping that will change for at least the next couple of weeks. My last day at my job is quickly approaching, and I was planning on taking a month before hopping back into the work force, so my goal is to update for you guys more during that time. We'll see if I actually accomplish my goal or not.
QueenOfWS asked: Was Laxus able to see memories because of the lightning and the extra power? That could be an issue or an asset in the future if that's the case.
And the answer is yes! He'd attempted to view bioelectric fields in the cave beneath Bianca's lair? estate? - whatever you wanna call it - where he glimpsed something weird about Davian, but the experience was off-putting and he wasn't really able to "see" much. Eating the lightning gave him a LOT of power he wasn't used to having and so he could see all of the bioelectric fields around him, even originating from plant life and the swells of electricity in the sky instead of just sensing it magically. He tapped into Gajeel's nervous system on accident and was able to see flashes of memory that surfaced and Gajeel, almost immediately realizing what was happening, probably explored a little more than he should have with it. I read a paper once that memory isn't just stored in your mind but in your entire nervous system, and so that was the idea I worked off of when I wrote it.
Thank you for your patience beautiful beans! It's an unprecedented (take a shot!) time we're living in. I hope you all are safe and everyone close to you is safe.
Until next update!
-StevMarie