The rain had considerably cooled the air. The hot mornings of June seemed to have disappeared, a refreshing breeze slowly entering the room from the open window. The rising sun bathed his living room in a golden light.

This was a peaceful sunrise, a nice and quiet morning unlike the last two days he had spent torturing his mind. He looked at the sleepy face comfortably resting against his chest. He had been worried about his own behavior. The last time he had met his blonde, he was really close to beating up his comrade. He couldn't help it; he knew it was insane. There was no reason to fight with his guildmates, especially not for a girl.

He shook his head. She was not just any girl, but they were his friends, and there was no reason to fight them. They were having fun and partying, but he couldn't help himself when he saw the poison jerk with his arm wrapped around the blonde. His teeth clenched at the thought. He was getting possessive and he just couldn't seem to restrain himself. Somehow, he had developed a weird attraction to the girl in his arms.

The said girl turned around, facing the couch, her back flush against his chest. His arms unconsciously wrapped themselves tighter around her. She was warm and smelled just like him. He loved that. His nose pressed into her hair, and he took a deep breath. She was perfect; his brain seemed foggy with pure bliss.

The movement seemed to wake her up, but it didn't deter Laxus, who just tightened his hold. She was so tightly pressed against him, he was sure no one could tell where he began and where she ended. He heard her grumble before she opened her eyes. He had noticed this the last time he had stayed over at her apartment. He felt her legs tense as she tried to stretch her arms, but was stopped by the strong arm flung around her waist.

It suddenly clicked in her head, and he couldn't help but chuckle at her obvious panic. A chuckle that quickly became a full laugh, rumbling deep in his chest and shaking the entire living room. One of her small hands hit his thigh playfully, making him laugh even harder. He playfully tugged her one last time against his chest before releasing her and getting up from his sofa.

He wouldn't have minded cuddling a bit more, but at least the tears from the night before seemed long forgotten, and he had surprisingly one of the best nights of sleep he had in months. He made a mental note to invest in a better couch, something larger and cozier.