#Fraxus Fanfiction

[bluessom1]

Vampire Freed x Hunter Laxus

Inspired by the fanfiction « Meetings in the night » (AO3) by @jemmahazelnut

Vampire Freed is definitely a good thing, I really loved this fic !

(Also, Mirajane and Minerva would be perfect as vampire queens :3)

[eryiss]

Fraxus Week 2024 - Day 1: Transformation

Description: The hard part was meant to be asking Freed out on the date, but in the week between asking and the actual date, Laxus gets in his own head. Following the advice of his guildmates, he transforms himself into the man he thinks Freed deserves. Freed has other ideas, and utilises thievery, embarrassment, and an apple pie to show it.

Note: Fraxus Week 2024, as always hosted by @fuckyeahfraxus. Hopefully I’ll have something for the main seven days. I’m sure there'll be lots of good stuff made. Have fun, hope you enjoy reading it.

Link: Ao3

In Defence Of Apple Pie

Food

Laxus had been sitting in the corner of the guild for a little while, waiting for the bar to quieten down. He'd been playing with his beer tankard after downing it. Not nervous. Just… thinking.

He'd done the hard part, that was the main thing. He'd knocked on Freed's door, got over his stupid machismo and all the voices screaming not to put himself on the line like this, and asked Freed on a date. He'd said it plainly and clearly, leaving no room for doubt that he was interested in Freed, and had gotten the most beautiful smile and a quiet 'Yes, I think I'd quite enjoy that' in response.

So now he just had to plan a date. A date that would determine the future relationship he had with a man he'd been crushing on for over a year now. No pressure.

The second the bar looked empty, he pounced. He strode quickly, slid into the stool that was furthest from the throngs of the crowd, and beckoned Mirajane over with a jerk of his head. When she came, she gave him a questioning look.

"You know any good places to eat?" He demanded without preamble, voice low and quiet.

Mirajane, if she was affronted by his lack of a greeting, didn't show it. She hummed quietly to herself. "Of course. What type of place are you looking for? Fine dining? Quiet and undiscovered? Somewhere to show off about? Somewhere-"

"Need a place to take a date, that's all." He said it impassively, like it wasn't a big deal and didn't need commenting on. He had hoped that Mirajane would catch the energy he was giving and match it. Instead, her eyes shone, and she beamed an excited, gossip-starved grin at him. He was quick to cut it off. "Don't get weird about it."

"You're going on a date!" She exclaimed, though thankfully in a whisper. Laxus looked over his shoulder for listeners-in anyway. "Who with?"

"Doesn't matter."

"I'll find out if you don't tell me," She pushed on, leaning against the bar now. "Might as well get it over with."

Laxus managed to keep to his guns for about five seconds, before he huffed out a noise. "If you freak out on this, I'll kill ya," he grunted, and she nodded. "It's Freed."

She slapped the top of the bar, looked up to the roof with her neck straining, reached for a dishcloth and covered his mouth with it, then made a weird screeching noise. Once that was over, she looked back at Laxus, and in a whisper that might rival a teenage girl in irritation, said "It's finally happening!"

"Be quiet," Laxus demanded, once again looking for anyone who might have heard.

"No; I'm excited. Oh, this is so amazing. You're going to date and fall in love and get married-"

"Get ahold of yourself woman!" Laxus snapped. "It's a date. Just a date."

"Between you and Freed!"

"Not worth it," Laxus pushed himself back to leave the bar. "You tell anyone, the I'll-"

"Wait wait wait," Mirajane leant over and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him back to sitting. Laxus let it happen. "I'll stop. I promise. And I will help you out with finding the perfect place to go. It's got to be somewhere fancy, obviously. Freed's basically the idea of elegance come to life, so it'll have to be somewhere high class. Candles and table clothes are a minimum. Oh, there's this amazing little place tucked away in the corner of Harrow Street. It's called the Thin Sparrow, have you heard of it?"

She went on to give an in depth and detailed recounting of all the local, and sometimes non-local eateries that it would be respectable for Freed to date in. They were all pricey, fancy, snobby places that Laxus wouldn't ever think of going to normal. But Mira was right; Freed was a high class kinda guy, and Laxus wasn't going to risk their first date going to a place that was beneath him.

It raised an issue, though. Because Freed really was a classy guy. Laxus wasn't. Laxus was meat and potatoes when Freed was champagne and caviar. There was more to Freed than that, obviously, but his fancy tastes were a part of him too. He liked to eat well, dressed in fancy clothes, and talked smart because that was who he was.

Freed contained multitudes. Could Laxus appeal to all of them?

"Oh, I've got the perfect place. How did I not think of it before?" Mira grinned at him. "It's called The Mirror. Super exclusive and with a really long wait list, but I know the owner and I can get you in. They do the best food, and I'm sure Freed'll know about it, so he'll be really impressed. And I bet he'll have been desperate to try the food. You know what he's like in the kitchen. It's perfect!"

"You can sort that?"

"Of course," she beamed. "So long as you promise me you tell me all about it the next morning."

"Not a fuckin' chance," Laxus grunted. "He's private; I ain't gossiping about him." She beamed at him, which was frankly a bit disturbing, so he huffed again. "What?"

"You know him so well; you're going to make such a good couple."

Well, there was no real response to that that didn't involve him blushing, so he pushed away from the bar, and walked out of the guildhall, deciding that he'd done enough sharing for the day.

But Mirajane had been right; Freed needed, and deserved, to be wowed and treated like a goddamn Prince. Maybe Laxus wasn't princely to most, but he wanted this thing with Freed to work out, and if he had any hope of that, he needed to brush up and be the guy that Freed deserved. Unfortunately, he had a sinking, horrible feeling that achieving that meant calling for help.

———

Clothes

"Hideous. Awful. Revolting. Makes me judge you as a man."

This had been a mistake, but it was far too late to undo it now. All he could do was sit on the edge of his bed as Evergreen went through his closet, all the while Bickslow cracked stupid jokes and played the part of annoying fashion designer, the likes of which Laxus had only ever seen on TV.

"The fact that you still own this when I distinctly remember telling you to set it on fire," Evergreen huffed as she turned, holding out Laxus' leopard print shirt as if it were made of worms. "Is a travesty."

"It's one of my favourite shirts," Laxus defended himself. "I look good in it."

"I'm with the big guy here," Bickslow spoke up, and his agreement could only be a bad sign. "He should wear it on the date. It sends a message. It says, 'I'm a wild beast and I'm gonna pounce on you and get my teeth all up in your business.' I think Freed would go for that."

"I think you're both repressible men with no sense of style," Evergreen sniffed as she threw the shirt onto the ever-growing unacceptable pile. Laxus' irritation was also ever-growing. "You have a suit. I know you do. Where is it?"

"Under the bed," Laxus glanced down.

Ever gave him a look other people might have reserved for someone killing their firstborn, then got on her hands and knees and started to rummage under the bed. Laxus knew she'd found it when she made an aborted, angry squeak. Moments later, she was out from under his bed, holding his suit and looking furious, appalled and dusty all at once.

"A sleeping bag!" She exclaimed. "You keep your suit, the best piece of clothing you own, in a sleeping bag under your bed!"

"Barely ever wear it. Don't want it taking up space," he shrugged. "I take it to the dry cleaners if I need to use it."

"But it- You might- What if you-" She seemed genuinely lost for words. Then she found one. "Men!"

"Why're you bothering with any of that, we all know the real magic's in here," Bickslow taunted, tapping the set of drawers that housed all of Laxus' boxers. He reached for the handle. "Let's have a little-OW!"

Laxus, who had just shot off a bolt of lightning, glared at him. "You ain't rummaging through my underwear drawer."

"Why? You wear something weird? Thongs? Tighty whities?" He made a scandalised gasp. "Is it empty? Have you been going commando on us all this time? Because, if I were Freed and I found that out, I might just get on all fours and arch my back right there in the restaurant."

"Get out of my house," Laxus snapped, but Bickslow just laughed and collapsed onto the chair tucked in the corner of the room.

"Laxus, you can't go on a date with Freed wearing any of this," Evergreen sighed forlornly. "I expected it to be bad, of course, but not this bad. We'll have to go shopping. Right now. We'll have just enough time to find something perfect before dinner if we go now."

"I don't need new clothes."

"Laxus," She said it slowly, like she was talking to a child. "You're going on a date with Freed Justine. The same Freed Justine that only buys clothes with a designer label on them. You know he's going to show up looking like a million jewels. The first thing you do on a date is look at the other person. You check them out, you steal little glances, you drink them all in. Do you really want him doing that to you in something he's seen you wearing a hundred times before. In something that's been cut up and patched up after a mission. On something that, and let's be honest here Laxus, makes you look like you got lost in a charity bin."

That was quite hard not to take personally, but she was right about Freed's love of high fashion. Freed had once said he bought fancy clothes because they handled the wear and tear of a working wizards's lifestyle. But he was fashionable, too. His clothes worked with each other, matched colours and… well, Laxus didn't know enough about fashion to explain exactly why Freed's clothes looked good on him, but they did!

She was right about them looking at each other, too. Laxus was always looking at Freed. Couldn't help it. If Freed had agreed to date him, then maybe Freed did the same. On a date, the looking wouldn't have to be covert. It could be honest and brazen. If Freed were going to be doing that, then Laxus needed to look his best.

"Fine, we'll get something new," Laxus sniffed. "But nothing too weird. Something low key."

"Of course. Low key," Ever agreed.

"Low key fuckable," Bickslow grinned. "I say we get some jock straps in case it goes well. Frames that ass, hugs the crotch, and there's something about the snap of the elastic that just drives a guy wild. I know this place that does silk ones. It's mainly for porn, I think, but I'm sure they'll make an exception for you if we ask nice and you pop those pecs. Maybe do a body roll."

Laxus and Evergreen stared at him. Laxus spoke first. "He's not coming with us, right? Because if he does, I might kill him."

"Oh no, definitely not."

"You both suck," Bickslow pouted, then grinned. "Freed's a lucky guy."

He had a lightning bolt and a spray of fairy dust flying towards him before he could even think of defending himself.

———

Charm

Laxus was eating dinner in the guildhall when Loke took the seat opposite him, swivelled it around, and straddled it. He looked at Laxus. Laxus looked back at him. Neither spoke. Laxus wished that it was more socially acceptable to electrocute acquaintances to a point of unconsciousness.

"So this is how you act when you're eating, hm?" Loke tutted.

"The hell do you want?"

"You know, Freed and I have spent more time alone than you might think," Loke mused, leaning back from his straddled chair. "You're aware, I'm sure, that he and I have often been battling for dominance on the 'Wizards's I'd Like to Have Dirty Sex With' poll. We both make the top ten, of course, and those photoshoots are a long affair and it's inevitable that we'd get talking."

"That's not what the poll's called," Laxus grumbled.

"Might as well be," Loke waved off the argument. "I also got a little closer to him during your time with Blue Pegasus. He wanted advice on his flirting and, well, who better than me to test a man's charms."

"Good for you. Leave me alone."

"All of this is to say, I know what Freed is like when he's being charming and flirting," Loke leant forward again. "And I know that a man who's as silver tongued as him will want a bit of that flirty energy bouncing back at him. Rumour has it that you and he have a date, and I'd be simply remiss if I didn't give you a little advice on how to make the man squirm with just a few short words."

That rankled a little. "I think I know Freed better than you do."

"As a friend, and an ally, I've no doubt you know him better," Loke assured him. "But those photoshoots, we're expected to be as suave, debonair, and flirty as a man can be. And I'm sure you know what it's like to be in Blue Pegasus. You've seen him when he's trying to be platonic. I've seen him when he's romantic."

"You've seen him playing at being romantic," Laxus corrected. "He was pretending."

"Exactly," Loke sighed. "Laxus, when he's playing at being romantic, he's telling you what he wants in a partner. He thinks that his customers, or the photographers want him to be in a particular way. And he thinks that because that's what he wants when he's being charmed. He wants romance."

Laxus didn't say anything for a moment. "If he wanted that, why'd be say yes to dating me? Never gave him any reason to think I'm a romantic."

"Maybe he thinks it's just a part of you that isn't on the surface," Loke shrugged. "You don't need to worry. I'm sure he's not expecting you to be a totally different person. You might not even need to do any actual flirting at all, really. You've got this," he waved a hand in Laxus' direction, "awkward stud thing going on. A little flex, a stray wink, and maybe a little kiss to the knuckles will make all the difference."

Laxus couldn't do any of that! He couldn't wink without looking like he had something in his eye! He couldn't flex his arms for no reason without feeling like an idiot! Taking Freed's hand and kissing his knuckles would be humiliating! What would he do if Freed didn't want that, and took his hand away just as Laxus was lowering his head?

But, Laxus had spent months in Blue Pegasus, watching as Freed flirted with suave perfection. He could take anyone to his table and have them leave blushing and squirming. Surely Loke was right that Freed would want, and perhaps expect, a bit of flirting for himself.

"And you can teach me how to do that?" Laxus nearly whispered. "How to do it without making me feel like a jackass?"

"Oh Laxus, give me twenty minutes and I'll make a dandy out of you."

It felt like a mistake already, and the way Loke was looking at him had him more worried than a good deal of the monsters and dark mages who had actually tried to kill him. But Freed deserved a man who could make him blush, who could set his veins on fire with just a couple of words, and could make him feel flattered, charmed and adored all at once. If Loke could help him make Freed feel like that, then he'd deal with whatever awkwardness and embarrassment he needed to get over to do it.

———

Sex

"So," Cana said as she sidled herself next to him at the bar. "Little birdie told me you and Freed are going on a date, huh?"

"Your wife told you then," Laxus glared at Mirajane, who avoided his eye. "So?"

"Well, I know Freed gives off this whole stuffed shirt, reserved, prim and proper vibe, but something tells me that he's kinda freaky in bed and I thought I could give you some tips on how to handle a demon between the sheets. First hand experience of course. Now, what you wanna- where you going?"

Laxus stormed out of the guildhall, door slamming behind him as he went.

———

Truth

Laxus fiddled with the cuffs of his jacket, looking at his reflection with a small frown. He looked good. Really damn good, honestly.

Ever had eventually settled on him wearing a dark blue sweater, a darker blue jacket, and black jeans she said were slim fitting. The outfit was meant to show of his assets – Bix had cackled at that and made multiple jokes about what Freed would want to do with his assets – and it did that well. His thighs were hugged, pecs obvious, arms bulged, and waist emphasised. He looked sexy and knew it.

But he wasn't exactly comfortable. It was a summer's evening. It was hot. A sweater and a jacket were too warm, and kinda scratchy really. The jeans didn't leave much space for motion, which he was used to in his battle clothes.

Whatever. He looked good and would not look out of place on Freed's arm.

They were meeting at the restaurant, and Laxus had been sure to get there early. He wanted to get the lay of the land, scope out the other customers so he could see what they were like, and maybe get his heart to stop thumping quite so much. He quietly wished he could have taken Freed to one of the burger joints or ramen places he would get lunch from; maybe the home field advantage would calm him down.

"Laxus," Freed's voice had Laxus freezing, then slowly turning.

Freed had chosen to wear a simple black dress shirt, a jacket and black pants. The buttons on the shirt were open at the top, showing just a hint of his chest, in a way teasing and irresistible. He had his shirt tucked into his pants, and Laxus knew the second Freed turned away, his spectacular ass would be hugged perfectly. Did the guy really have to do so many squats in his workout routine? It was distracting!

Laxus started to sweat.

"Hey," he said awkwardly.

"Evening," Freed smiled. His eyes flickered over Laxus quickly, taking him in, and Laxus found himself shuffling to his full height. He felt his heart swell when Freed smiled. "Have you been shopping?"

"No," Laxus said a little too quickly.

"You look great."

"Thanks," Laxus ducked his head, then quickly added. "You too, obviously."

"Obviously?" Freed echoed with a question, and Laxus felt his cheeks bloom with heat. Freed didn't push the subject and walked to the door of The Mirror. Laxus had intended to hold the door for Freed, but Freed got there first and did it for him. That was fine. He could still pull Freed's chair out for him. "I have to say, I was surprised that you chose to come here."

"You were?" Concern bloomed. "You don't like it?"

"No, I've wanted to come here for quite some time. I just didn't think it was the kind of place you'd enjoy, is all," Freed looked around the small reception area, eyes flitting all over the place. It looked fancy and stylish, but Laxus clearly didn't see whatever had Freed so fascinated. He couldn't stop looking at Freed.

The host came up to them, and Laxus gave his name. She smiled brightly at them and guided them towards their table. About twenty or so tables, all with two occupants, were laid out. It was all romantic and sweet, with candles and flowers and glittering silverware. Again, Laxus found himself looking at Freed. His ass really did fill out those pants. Could Laxus think like that now? He'd stopped himself before, out of propriety and respect, but if they were on a date then…

What the hell was he thinking about? He was in a fancy ass restaurant, and all he could think about was how damn sexy his date was! That wasn't what you were meant to do, right?

How, in the week of unwanted advice, had nobody told him what was appropriate to think on a date?

As they got to their table, Laxus pulled out one of the chairs, and awkwardly motioned for Freed to take it. Freed did, a little slowly, and let Laxus sweep him up with it. Once Freed was properly settled, and Laxus had told himself a hundred times that Freed would see it as romantic and not painfully awkward, Laxus took a seat on the other side of the table. The host said that their server would be soon over, leaving them alone. Together. On a date.

"You look a little nervous," Freed said gently. "You don't need to be."

"I'm not," Laxus said quickly. Nerves weren't sexy. Confidence was sexy.

"Are you sure?" Freed asked. "Because if you are-"

"I'm not," he insisted. Thoughts of his painful hour with Loke rushed back. They'd discussed this very situation and how to deal with it. He reached over and took Freed's hand in his own, and dammit they were calloused and rough and perfect. Fawning wasn't the plan. Stroking Freed's knuckles was. "It's just that you're so beautiful, it left me breathless."

Laxus felt like an idiot for even saying it. Freed must have sensed it, because he slowly said, "Right."

There was an awkward silence, and Laxus had to fight the urge to pull at the neck hole of his sweater, which was really starting to itch. He'd fucked it up, hadn't he? Already. Any chance of this thing becoming real, and he's messed it up. God dammit!

"Might I posit a theory?" Freed asked, and Laxus frowned, then nodded. "You see, what you just said to me was exactly the same thing that Loke did to me the day he was teaching me how to flirt for Blue Pegasus. Down to the stroking of my knuckles. That, to me, suggests he's been giving you tips. Now, I can't for a second imagine that you approached him, so clearly, he's gotten involved on his own accord. That, combined with us being in a restaurant that nobody without an extensive knowledge of the Fiore culinary world knows about, and you wearing clothes that you don't seem to be all that comfortable in, suggest that maybe you've been given some advice," he shifted so that he had Laxus' hands in his now. "Did the guild get into your head, perhaps?"

Laxus panicked. "No."

"Laxus."

"Yes," Laxus admitted. "Fine, they did. I really wanted this to go well, and I wanted you to see me as someone you could date. I mean, you're you and I'm me and I just got it in my head I needed to-"

"What do you mean I'm me and you're you?"

"Well, c'mon. You're this handsome, elegant, cool guy who tops the Wizard's I Want Drilling Me into the Mattress poll-"

"That's not what it's called."

"-and you can fit in with people and flirt and you know how to look cool and collected in pretty much any situation. You look good. You model. You make guys blush just by talking to them and you always bounce back no matter what you do. I'm just… some guy who you know."

Freed stayed silent for a moment, obviously considering, and he slowly removed his hands from Laxus. "Give me a second."

And then he stood and was walking away, and Laxus wanted the ground to swallow him up. Dumping what you thought about a guy then being self deprecating was not sexy and was a pretty surefire way to end a date. Even before he'd gotten all the advice, he could have figured that out. He'd royally fucked this up. The fact Freed wasn't running for the hills was a damn miracle.

What was Freed actually doing? Laxus watched him as he approached a couple two tables down. "May I have these?" He asked, reaching for their freshly served desserts. When they started to say that, no, obviously he couldn't, Freed didn't stop. He lifted them both and smirked. "Well, then stop me."

They didn't, and Freed walked over with two bowls filled with apple pie and custard. Laxus looked down at them. "If you wanna leave, just do. Don't need to rush to dessert."

"That's not what I'm doing."

Laxus wanted to ask what Freed was doing, but Freed did the most peculiar thing. He plunged his hand into one of the bowls, grabbed as push of the pie as he could, and smashed it on top of his head.

The restaurant fell silent, and everyone just looked at him. Laxus included.

Freed then reached into the other bowl and fished out the pie again, smearing it all over his face. He then hefted both bowls up and upturned them over his head, letting the custard drip down over his face and onto his pristine clothing. He messed it in, ruffling and staining the fabric with the sticky sweet mess.

"What the fuck?" Laxus asked, truly baffled.

"I don't think anyone would call me handsome, elegant or cool right now," Freed said, blinking away a blob of stewed apple. "I think if I tried to flirt, it would be unsuccessful, no self-respecting photographer would allow me to model for them, and I don't think there's a chance that I'll bounce back from this, if the look the manager is giving me is anything to go by."

"What the fuck?" Laxus repeated.

"I agreed to date you, Laxus. Not the odd, polished version of you you've been told you need to be," Freed spoke softly, and it might be romantic if he wasn't covered in pie. "Now, I've heard theres a fajita food truck in the east quarter. How about we get something to eat there, maybe a couple of beers, and we eat by the canal?"

"You-" Laxus felt his throat get dry. "You wanna do that?"

"More than anything," Freed smiled. "Although, even if you don't, we should leave. I think security might have been called."

Twenty minutes later, they were sitting on the edge of the canal, legs dangling over the edge as they ate their fajitas and sipped their beer. Their shoulders were just close enough to bump against each other from time to time, and since Laxus had his jacket resting beside him, he could feel Freed's warmth

"You know you really didn't have to do that," Laxus said at some point. "You got a lifetime ban."

"I'll cope. They seemed quite snobby anyway. And they made me pay for that couple's entire meal. I only ruined their dessert. Hardly fair at all."

"You probably scared them."

"If a little irrationality scares them, then they're weak," Freed huffed, and Laxus had to laugh.

"Are you not at least gonna clean some of the pie off ya. It can't feel good."

"Oh, it feels terrible, but I can't imagine those clothes are all that comfortable for you, so we suffer together," Freed nudged Laxus with his shoulder. "I do appreciate what you were trying to do. I do. But I'd much rather be on a date with the man I've known for ten years. He's quite wonderful, even if a little down on himself sometimes."

"Shut up."

"He cuts quite the figure. Can pull off leopard print like nobody else – I was hoping that's what you would wear, actually."

"Nearly did. Ever talked me out of it."

"Then she shall be decapitated on sight," Freed huffed, and Laxus somehow knew Freed's hand would be on his sword if he'd brought it, just to emphasise his farcical point. But he didn't. He just leant against Laxus as the sun set and looked at him. "I'm glad the night ended like this."

"Me too."

Freed kept looking at him, and Laxus found himself looking back.

In a quick movement, Freed leant up and pressed his lips against Laxus', soft and quick and a little tentative. Laxus' eyes blew wide, and he was brought back to every time he'd ever wondered what it would be like to kiss Freed. Even in that split second, it was better than any of the fantasied, and they'd always been quite wonderful.

"Sorry," Freed gasped. "I just felt-"

"Me too," Laxus quickly said. "That was… is it too much to say it was amazing?"

Freed smiled. "Not at all."

"Then it was amazing."

"It was," Freed grinned slyly. "Even if you had to face your irrational hatred of apple pie?"

Laxus paused. "How d'you know I hate apple pie?"

"The same reason that you knew to pass me the hot sauce when we were getting dinner," Freed shrugged. "We know each other. I also know that you don't like apple pie because you find it bitter, which is ridiculous because it's literally covered in sugar and-"

Laxus leant down, cupped Freed's slightly sticky cheek, and pulled him into a kiss. It was slow and lingering and perfect. All of Laxus' anxieties and doubting voices and worry bled away and were replaced by a total sense of utter rightness.

"Hey," Laxus whispered as he pulled back. He didn't know why.

"Hello," Freed whispered back.

They were kissing again moments later, as the sun set behind them.

[genavere]

Can I promise anything today?

Nah, my brain after getting off meds isn't capable of that, BUT!!

I can promise that I am trying to get an update for Episode One and a Fraxus one-shot posted today!

Wish me luck!

[ninjnerd-anaklusmos]

WIP Wednesday

Laxus watched them point out different buildings, hands tucked into his coat's pockets, quiet as they spoke over one another. He was hanging back a few steps, and he appreciated that they hadn't pointed it out. Normally, he would join in the debate and then hunt down the mayor himself, but he didn't feel like it today. He was tired from the train ride, and he couldn't really focus on the task at hand. He'd only taken the job because he had to get away from Gramps for a while, and the longer he was away, the worse he felt. That wasn't supposed to be how his emotions worked, especially not when seeing the old geezer made him want to hit something. He wanted to be mad at him, to not feel bad about he'd yelled, but his chest felt tight whenever he thought about it. Why couldn't he just be angry instead of feeling like shit for something he had every right to be pissed about? Fuck his whole family tree, every person in it was shit.

[dustyphantom]

Fraxus Week Eve

Haha! I am participating in Fraxus Week this year! And I actually have a piece for each day!

All of my pieces will be posted as separate chapters of one fic for organization's sake, titled "Dusty's Fraxus Week 2024," which I have attached here.

[fairytail-whathesays]

The Eyewitnesses, a fanfiction exploring the history of Freed Justine.

Work will contain: criminal activity, emotional abuse, emotional manipulation, blackmail, violence, and homophobic language. No sexual content as of this time, but that could change.

This is also my first time writing a Freed/Laxus fanfiction, which I've never been all that invested in before, but which really called to me while planning this fic out.

[sharksscripting]

A Quest For Love

Description

When Bickslow and Evergreen fall ill with a mysterious sickness-that not even Porlyusica has been able to treat-the rest of the Thunder Legion will go to great lengths to save their friends; Even if they must make great sacrifices.

OR

A Fraxus Love Story. ⚡️💚

Extra Information

This work is also published on Wattpad.

I recommend reading on Wattpad because italics and bolds are shown, but, I do know ads are there, so, your choice! 🩵 (Plus, updates are there first.)

Chapters

Chapter One.

Chapter Two.

[theguildawards]

Term 1 2024 Winners!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the first term 2024 hosted by The Guild Awards! The mod-team is excited to see so much amazing fanwork and their creators recognized, as well as the love shown for this fandom!

Without further delay, here we are!

Winners of The Guild Awards for Term 1 2024

Best Action/Adventure Fiction: "Molten Steel" by @mavikiu (tumblr/AO3) Best Alternate Universe/Reality Fiction: "Bull In a Crystal Shop" by Buniibebe (FFN) Best Canon Fiction: "Taming the Beast: Living Nightmare" by @dawnwynters (tumblr/AO3) Best Angst Fiction: "Finding Hope" by @creaticare / ChaoticKori (AO3) Best Dark Fiction: "Power of the Underworld" by @genavere (tumblr/AO3) Best Drama Fiction: "Even the Dragon King Has Feelings" by Don_Cheadle (AO3) Best Humor/Parody Fiction: "Fairy Tail Textfics" by @multi-verse-mania (tumblr) / Multiverse_Mania (AO3) Best Oneshot (tie): "what does it all come down to? (love? love)" by @forwantofacalling (tumblr) / Fireflower34 (AO3) and "once upon a time, five" by Ostensibly_Functional (AO3) Best Character Portrayal: "Making Friends" (Gajeel) by FairyDell (AO3) Best Romance Fiction: "All Treats, No Tricks" by Be_dazzled06 (AO3) Best LGBTQ+ Romance Fiction: "Every Good Thing in Life (Leads Back to You)" by allayrose (AO3) Best Serial Fiction: "Heart Shaped World" by Myahud (AO3) Best Ficlet: "untitled" by @caissa-scribbles Best Friendship Portrayal: "once upon a time, five" (Team Shadowgear + Gajeel) by Ostensibly_Functional (AO3) Best Completed Fiction: "The Era of Shadows and Sunshine" by RomanticHawthorn (AO3) Best Action/Adventure Artwork: "Super Late But Happy Gruvia Day!" by @hollie-artz (tumblr) Best Alternate Universe/Reality Artwork: "It's Lisanna's turn to be badass" by @pencilofawesomeness (tumblr) Best Canon Artwork: "dan lucy your bobbies" by @boxonarock (tumblr) Best Angst Artwork: "manga redraw🫣" by @azriaann (tumblr) Best Dark Artwork: "rogue on the battlefield" by @celestialrayna (tumblr) Best Humor/Parody Artwork: "Happy Valentine's Day!" by @riveluart (tumblr) Best Kiss Artwork: "happy february to them" by @lav3nder-bees (tumblr) Best Romance Artwork: "Untitled" by @bakutenshi (tumblr) Best LGBTQ+ Romance Artwork: "untitled Fraxus Week prompt" by @bluessom1 (tumblr) Best Character Artwork: "Levy bout to fuck shit up" by @phoenix-before-the-flame (tumblr) Best Duo/Pairing Artwork: "Gajeel + juvia = besties" by @anniechuuu (tumblr) Best Group Depiction Artwork: "Levy and her boys" by @riveluart (tumblr) Best Manga Coloring: "Fire & Lightning" by @fairy-edits (tumblr) Best Redraw Artwork: "Screenshot Redraw of the Raijinshuu + Laxus" by @sheltered-uno (tumblr) Best Overall Artwork: "Levy all soft and glowy" by @mavikiu (tumblr)

Congratulations to all the winners! Your awards are ready! Please send one of the mods or our ask box your preferred email address so we can send them to you!

And thank you to those who voted for the Roulette Category for next term! The Roulette fanfiction category for next term will be: Best NSFW Fiction. This will be defined as: Sexual Content/Smut with plot. Both one-shots and specific chapters from multi-chapter fics are accepted in this category. If coming from a multi-chapter fic, a link for that specific chapter is required and must include content depicting an act of sexual nature. (i.e.: intercourse, masturbation, heavy petting - etc.

As this term comes to a close, The Guild Awards will be taking a short hiatus. This time is always spent reviewing the process and seeing what can be revamped for the next term. We also love hearing from the fandom (ie: YOU!) for suggestions regarding any changes or additions.

We will officially be back in full swing on October 1st! We will still be around in case you have questions or concerns, but please take this time to read new fanfiction and find new fanart.

Want to stay immersed in all things Fairy Tail? Join our Discord! It's open to everyone!

You can also keep up-to-date with all current fandom events by checking out the @ftguildevents page!

As the day gets closer to the start of the next term, we will be keeping everyone in the loop when it comes to changes and updates. We hope everyone has a lovely summer! Thank you again for making this such a fun experience! See you soon!

~ The Guild Awards

[fuckyeahfraxus]

Hi! I have written a few fanfic for the Fraxus Week here on tumblr and on ao3, but now i'm wondering if anyone has seen it, since they don't appear on the tags. It could be because i'm still a newbie and I might have done something wrong, but i'm not sure.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that, if you haven't seen them, I published a few fanfiction for the Fraxus Week and I would be happy if you read them.

Hey there! You did perfectly fine, I'd guess that it's really Tumblr not showing your posts because your account is so new. Your tags seem perfectly fine! Meh that Tumblr does that 😅 but thank you for messaging us and we'll make sure to put all your posts in the queue as well now that we know. Thank you sm for participating in the Fraxus Week, and welcome! 🤗

[jemmahazelnut]

Fraxus first date where they are both so nervous especially Laxus and everything is going wrong. Than they remember they have been friends for so long and that doesn't change, whatever happens they will stay friends. Than the date goes fantastically (of course they are soul mates lol).

You are so right, if you are interested here is a fanfiction about their first date, similar to how you imagined it. I highly recommend it, it's really sweet: Romantic Beginnings

[sunbeamah]

Thank you so much!! :)

favourite colour: Purple 1000000000%. I love all purples, but if I had to pick then probably lilac, like #ca9bf7

last song: tudo em seu lugar by Thiago Pantaleão!! I was a liiiiitle sad

currently reading: also jjk (i haven't read the last chapter so it counts... </3), and I've been very busy lately so not much else. OH MY FRIEND'S FANFICTION TOO!! It's Fraxus and it's peak if anyone wants to read she's @/polypineapple on ao3, and about to post more!

currently craving: I was going to say tonkotsu ramen, but when I saw @flowingredscale 's answer and looked it up it reminded me of this chicken dish I used to have with whatever kind of filling you like (my fave is chicken, cheesy garlic and broccoli, even though it sounds strange it really works!). it was the besttttt

tagging: @skullsenpai @nico-nat @epickiya722

thanks to @wuekka for the tag - I never do these so I'm kinda nervous but there's a first time for everything!

Favorite color: blue-green (it's different from teal; I can't explain how but I know it when I see it)

Last song: Reckless Driving by Lizzy McAlpine (although if we're going by last song playing in my head rather than last song I listened to out loud, Loppujen lopuks has been playing on repeat in my brain for like three days)

Currently reading: Kindred by Rebecca Wragg Sykes, The Horse the Wheel and Language by David W. Anthony, Tuomas Karhumieli by Ritva Toivola, Kaksois-agentit by Ben MacIntyre

Currently craving: sleep? Honestly I'm always craving sleep so let's say that.

tagging @varahai @namelessennes @chomametchi @mcrmadness but no pressure!

[eryiss]

[Fraxus] Multifaceted - Part 1

Or: The 5 Times Laxus Learned of a New Skill Freed Possessed, & The 1 Time He Fell Victim To Them

Summary: For the rest of the world, it had been seven years. For the members of Fairy Tail it had all been in the blink of an eye. But, for Laxus, that was more than enough time for his closest friend to seem like an entirely new person. This self assured, competent Freed was something new to Laxus, and he found himself enjoying it. Perhaps a little too much… Note: I’m back, probably only for this and then I’ll slink away again. It should have a new chapter every other day. Hope you enjoy. Links: Ao3, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

1: Cooking

Laxus was practically a dead man walking as he approached his apartment building, and wanted nothing more than to collapse onto a bed and sleep for the rest of the week. He couldn't, of course. When he and Freed had been forced to move into an apartment with only enough space for one bed, they'd decided they'd alternate each night on who got to use it, and who had to make do with the armchair. Freed was generous, but he wasn't so generous to give up the bed for a whole week.

God, Laxus missed having a bedroom to himself.

But when you're wiped off the face of the planet for seven years, and your bank decides your dead and absorbs your assets, you don't get to be picky. The jobs coming into the new, barely surviving Fairy Tail were not good. Whereas previously its members had been comfortable financially, they now all had to scrimp and save. Hence, sharing a tiny apartment with Freed.

It could have been worse; a lot worse. He and Freed had always gotten along well, and after a long talk on the boat back to Magnolia's shores, they had an understanding. Things had changed a little between them; Laxus had been humbled after the harvest festival, and Freed had come into his own. He seemed comfortable in his skin in a way Laxus hadn't seen before. He'd always been in control and able to dominate the room the moment he walked in, but now he made it look effortless. Like he was walking with his head held high not because he felt the need to, but because he felt no need not to.

Living together was going well, that was all. Laxus did wish they could afford a better place, and as he trundled up the stairs, he wished they'd found a place on a lower floor.

He forced the door open - it was stiff on its hinges - and it took a second for the scent to hit him. Rich and indulgent meat, thick and butter ladened potatoes, a cluster of vegetables all with the char of a grill, and the slightest whiff of red wine filled the room. After a month of eating bread and the occasional piece of fruit on his mission, the hit of flavour could have made Laxus weep.

"Ah, you're here," said Freed, looking over his shoulder from where he stood at the kitchenette, stirring a pot of something. "I was hoping you'd be back soon. I was a little preemptive with the vegetables."

"You cooked?" Laxus asked, dumping his duffel bag on the floor.

"It seems so, yes," Freed nodded, raising a ladle of cabbage to prove it. "How did it go? Did you get paid this time?"

"I did," Laxus shoved the door closed, half tempted to collapse into the armchair. He stank, though, and if he remembered correctly it was Freed's turn to sleep in the chair. It'd be a dick move to make it reek before Freed had to deal with it. "The guy tried to negotiate the price down after it was over, but I think I scared him."

"Wonderful," Freed hummed slightly. "I can see why no other guild will take them."

The only worthwhile jobs that Fairy Tail had gotten recently were S-Class and A-Class jobs that the bigger guilds would not post. They saw Fairy Tail as desperate and willing to overlook certain issues, some of which consisted of underpayments from the job poster. They clearly had forgotten how Fairy Tail functioned; the guild had always been paid in full, even if they needed to throw a few punches to get it.

"Yeah, it's ridiculous," Laxus agreed, deciding to take a seat at the tiny, rickety dining room table that had come with the apartment. The chair was uncomfortable on a good day, but not being on his feet was too heavenly for him to care. He took a moment to sink into his chair, and watched as Freed opened the oven, taking a steaming dish out. God, the smell! "You seriously cooked?"

"Yes," Freed said as he placed the dish onto the counter. He looked at Laxus with amusement in his eyes. He was so much more open with his emotions now, it was nice. "Why does that shock you?"

"I never knew you could. You used to make Bix do all the cooking on missions."

"Yes, well," he reached for a spatula and broke the surface of whatever was in the dish. "I had always wanted to cook, but for some time I didn't allow myself to learn. I saw it as a frivolity, or something… indulgent. I had other things to deal with."

Other things being Laxus' stupid ego trip, no doubt. "You mean the harvest festival?"

"Among other things," Freed waved off. "When you were gone, I had time to spare, and eventually picked up a cookbook. I got rather good at it, I must say. Though admittedly I had a more generous budget then. But, I've quite enjoyed the challenge of stretching myself. Hence: cottage pie."

He scooped a large pile of meat, veg and potatoes onto a plate. The rich scent that filled the room was drool inducing. "It smells amazing. Don't know what exactly it is though."

"Minced beef, onion, carrots, peas, a few herbs, salt, pepper, a sauce which for the life of me I cannot pronounce the name of - don't you dare tell Bix or Ever, they'll be insufferable - and a dash of red wine. And mashed potatoes on top, obviously," Freed filled two plates with the food, bringing them both to the table. A bowl of mixed vegetables quickly followed, and the already opened bottle of red wine - the cheapest Laxus has ever seen Freed purchase - was placed between them before Freed sat down. "Enjoy."

"I will," Laxus promised, and it wouldn't be a difficult one to keep.

He forked a generous amount of the food and bit into it, a groan of pleasure slipping out before he could halt it. It was simple food, and would have been easy to turn your nose up at if you were a pretentious dick, but it was amazing. The flavours felt exaggerated and brought to life, thick and heavy and so rich.

Freed's eyes were clearly on him, waiting for a verbal confirmation as to the quality. Laxus felt like his partial moan should have told him, and as such didn't rush to swallow. It had been months since he'd had a good meal, and he intended to savour it.

"Oh for heaven's sake," Freed huffed when Laxus immediately went to take another bite. Laxus grinned.

"What?"

"You very well know what," Freed snapped, watching the forkful of food, daring Laxus to try and bite into it. Laxus didn't say anything, but cocked up a brow to prompt Freed. Freed complied. "Validate my ego, you tedious man."

"Hm," Laxus hummed. "I don't know if I've had enough of it yet to come to a fair judgement. Hold on."

As Laxus took a very performative mouthful of food, Freed watched him with a decidedly unimpressed expression. He took a bite of his own food, which he finished significantly quicker than Laxus had. He watched silently as Laxus finally swallowed his second forkful of food.

"Maybe one more bite."

"I think I might actually stab you."

Laxus laughed, slowly placed his fork down and leant back in his chair. Freed faux glared at him, waiting for him to speak.

"Honestly, it's amazing," Laxus said, dropping the joking tone. "I genuinely don't think I've eaten anything this good since I was kicked out of the guild."

"There's no need to exaggerate."

"I'm not, this is amazing," Laxus assured him, watching as Freed started to eat his own food properly. "I'm not gonna pretend that I ate well for any of that time, but this is still so much better. Honestly, after the last couple weeks, this feels like the best meal I've ever had."

"Well then," Freed sniffed slightly. "Don't let it go cold."

Laxus complied, and the two ate their dinner in silence. The food really was amazing, and as cheap as the wine was, it felt like a luxury. All thoughts of collapsing into bed when he got home had been forgotten; this food was a much greater indulgence. That was why Laxus had no qualms about running his finger over the plate, licking it clean.

Freed must have seen that, because he wordlessly took the plate off Laxus and walked back to the counter. As he piled another serving on, Laxus complained that he could have done that.

"As if I'm letting you near my cookware," Freed huffed. "It's the only thing worth a damn in this place."

"What about our friendship?" Laxus teased, leaning on his hand with a smirk.

"Oh don't be tedious," Freed rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.

In that moment, with Freed standing at the counter, serving the fruits of his labour, with a small smile on his face, with his sleeves rolled up and his hair tied back, Laxus realised something. Something he'd never considered before, but in that moment felt entirely obvious. Freed was a very handsome man.

Huh. That was something to think about.

But not at that moment. He had a second helping to devour, and he wasn't going to waste it on the weird fluttery feeling in his chest.

[ninjnerd-anaklusmos]

summer storms

'Cause they say thunder and they say lightning It would never strike twice Oh but if that's true, why can't you tell me How come this feels so nice

Some god must have been feeling charitable today, because Laxus didn't say anything about the blush on Freed's cheeks, even when Evergreen pointed it out with a wry grin. Or, just maybe, Laxus was easily flustered too, but he was better at hiding it. Freed couldn't get the shy smile out of his mind, and he wondered if Laxus was thinking about their conversation earlier too. Their eyes met as Bickslow argued about what classified a dish as a salad with an exasperated Evergreen, and Freed watched in shock as Laxus looked away, the tips of his ears pink. Freed smiled to himself, his heart loud in his chest. Maybe lightning could be gentle too.

[silverfoxarchive]

In The Closet- Fraxus Commission for Furidojasutin

Moved over from @rougescribe Series: Fairy Tail Pairing: Fraxus Genre: Romantic/Comedy/Fluff/Minor Adult Themes

Commission for: @furidojasutin @ftlgbtales  & @ftmlmages

-

There was nothing to be said about Laxus’ power and ability to complete anything he set his mind to with little difficulty.  From assisting the rebuild efforts of the Guild, to dangerous S-Class jobs:  He never broke a sweat. Strong and capable were modifiers to his name and Laxus wore them with pride. Even when he worked for Blue Pegasus. No one, not a soul, could say he wasn’t a good example for wizards through all of Fiore.  

Unfortunately, no one knew him like his closest friends. The Thunder Legion saw the cracks others would miss. The poor sense of direction. The socially awkward moments with women and men alike as they fawned and idolized him. Most of all, the one that a certain Rune Mage noticed- was his absolute poor attention to time and schedules.

Did you make a lunch date with him, just for friendly chit chat, two weeks in advance? Forgotten. Mis-timed. Mismanaged. Never on purpose. His organization was questionable at best, often handled by Freed carefully reminding him or Bixlow and Evergreen needling him with jibes and nudges with their elbows. Friendly teasing, but the point never failed to sour his mood, hiding the subtle hint of a blush that blotted the tips of his ears.

Laxus was not a man of schedules. Freed knew this.

Freed knew it and he should have expected it. Planned for it even. Reminded Laxus to check on any recent obligations. Yet, somehow, it reared its ugly head at the worst of times.

The knock on the door came when the two were enjoying time against the black, silky sheets of Laxus’ mattress. “You’re not goin’ anywhere,” He had growled- sending shivers down Freed’s spine as he attempted to dress for the day. Clothes never made it on his body. Half worn pants were cast aside and stubborn hands pulled him down to drown within the blankets.

Freed hadn’t resisted. Grasping Laxus’ broad shoulders to hold him on the bed, they played a riveting game of dominance with the other. Cat and mouse. Who would win? Who would give in?  Many times, it ended with Freed overcome by Laxus’ heated, open mouthed kisses along his neck and collar bone- hands grasping his hips as they sent each other to bliss. Other times, it was Freed who came out on top- far more lithe and easier to slip away when he wanted. Teasing Laxus with hands and mouth only to pull away before he could topple over the edge. Over and over until they both finally sated themselves with the other.

That morning was Freed’s turn. A sneaky smirk was Laxus’ only warning before he’d escaped the bedsheets and with surprising force, rolled Laxus to his back, straddling his hips in one fell swoop. His green locks draped down his shoulders in a messy curtain as he teased his pelvis against Laxus. A building pressure through the fabric of their boxers that left Laxus panting and snarling through his teeth.

“Since I’m not leaving,” Freed purred, stare piercing though thick lashes, “I may as well make the best of it.”

The immediate reaction was Laxus’ hardening cock, bulging through the fabric of his boxers. It empowered Freed. His hips rolled and the teasing continued as Laxus grasped his hips. He bared his teeth- impatience burning beneath his skin.  “Damnit, Freed, this ain’t what I had in mind when I said that!!” “But it IS what I had in mind.” Freed said, grinning wickedly.

His hand snuck between their bodies, grasping Laxus’ thick organ through the slit in his boxers, pulling it through to tease it between his thighs and fingers, but he didn’t deny Laxus too much. Freed’s own need for touch dried his mouth and he fell forward, groaning, eagerly sliding his lips against the others to trade their need in a way that didn’t require verbal communication.  

Tongues pushed against the other and lips sucked and pulled. Their breathing intermingled in hot pants while logic and thought was replaced by the intense desire to taste and fulfill the others growing needs.  Freed’s hand never ceased in it’s exploration. He pumped along the length of Laxus’ shaft in swift, shallow strokes before teasing the base.  Each, jolting move and change of speed pulled more delicious grunts from his lover’s lips. Freed loved these moments. He loved the power he could hold over another, impossibly strong man, but most of all, he loved-

The knock slammed through them like a nail splintering wood. They froze, eyes wide. It came again seconds later. It rapped so loud, it sent echoes down the hall and the walls vibrated. Freed’s grip remained against Laxus’ turgid, far from flaccid length and loosened while he stared at the other. His face changed from sexual heat to a slowly rising and panicked embarrassment.

Laxus stared back, equally befuddled.

Another knock. “Laxus?” “…. err.. Yeah?” It came again.

“…. did you forget something?”

His brows knitted together and he frowned, “do you really think I’m THAT bad?”

Freed opened his mouth to deny the accusation, but was interrupted by a knock so loud he jumped in place. “I’m inclined to… well- question that right now.”

Another loud, booming knock and Laxus growled, “Just ignore it then. Whoever it is, they’ll get the hint and leave.”

As if the world was bent on proving him wrong, they reacted on reflex when an entirely different sound came from the entrance. The telltale sound of squeaking hinges and a door slamming open as it bounced against the wall. Many things happened at once. Freed tumbled off Laxus in a flurry of limbs, sheets and cascading hair and Laxus sat up, snarling at the door as if prepared to maim whoever dared break into his home.

“Laxus?” The familiar, wizened voice of Makarov broke through the house, tentative and curious, “are you still sleeping?”

The revelation of what was happening came quick to both of them. Freed whirled upon his partner, startled. “The Master?! Does he often come here uninvited?!” Laxus stared as he collected his thoughts. After a few seconds he shook his head, “The old man is nosey but he aint that ba-” a pause and realization struck like a bag of bricks, “- shit.”

“What? Shit what?” Freed hissed, his voice now a low and hurried whisper.

Laxus ears were burning as he palmed his face. “We were s’posed to have brunch.”

“You mean to tell me you really forgo-!”

Footsteps were coming to the door and Freed’s mouth shut. They hadn’t revealed their relationship to him. Not yet. For many reasons, they just weren’t ready to take that step and here they were, about to be discovered with their pants down. Obvious tension on erect display.

“I can hear you scuffling around in there, Laxus! Why are you ignoring me?” He was coming closer. Close enough that all thoughts between the two fled through the window and instinct took hold. Grabbing the blankets, Laxus quickly covered his lower half and angled himself to hide the evidence.

Falling into flight mode, Freed made for the nearest escape: the closet. The door clicked shut just in time for Makarov to stroll through the main door, mustache twitching while his nose scrunched at the scene.

Laxus’ expression was dour, staring at the door as he affected nonchalance and apathy.  The two stared from one to the other for seconds, but for the man in the closet, it felt like an eternity of silence. When it seemed the two Dreyar’s would only continue to study each other, Laxus inhaled to speak.

Makarov was quicker. “We planned brunch today.” It was a statement that fell between them like a sack of cement. Laxus resisted the urge to grimace, knowing Freed would use it against him later. Instead, he screwed his expression into a frown and grumbled.

“I don’t remember that meaning you get to walk in whenever you want, old man.” He said with a growl that rumbled in his low baritone.  It was meant as a warning, a reproach. One that was ignored.

“You gave me a key.” Makarov reminded, shrugging.  “I worried you might be sick or something. Is there a reason you didn’t show up?”

“Tch, well- it wasn’t ‘cause I forgot. I didn’t.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

The look on Makarov’s face was nothing short of dubious. Though short in stature, his presence felt like a mirror to his giant magic and after another pause, Laxus looked away. Stubborn pride dusted his cheeks as he spoke under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Ugh, you’re too nosy!” Laxus said., eyes sparing a glance to his closet before he added, “I just didn’t have any clean clothes.”

The room was silent. Makarov looked to Laxus and Laxus looked to Makarov. The expression on their faces spoke volumes.

Makarov’s nose twitched, rustling his mustache as his eyes surveyed the room, as if attempting to calculate the accuracy of Laxus’ words. “No clean clothes?”

His tone was hollow in it’s reiteration and Laxus pulled the best expression of indifference he could muster. “Yeah that’s right. Your hearing isn’t going out is it, old man?”

“You’re serious? This is the hill you’re standing on, Laxus?”

His eye twitched as he cleared his throat. “You saying I’m lying? About clothes? Really.”

“All right…”  While in the closet, Freed couldn’t see their expressions, but his own was hidden in his palm. Makarov sounded disbelieving, amused even while Laxus… Good grief, aren’t you a better liar than that? He thought.  His body stiffened amidst the thick coats and shirts that hung beside him, realizing belatedly that Makarov had begun to move.

Soft steps through the room, becoming louder and louder as he approached the closet. Freed covered his mouth to mute his own breathing and further attempted to hide himself amidst the mixed fabrics.

“What,” Laxus sat up, almost dropped the blanket from his hips, and quickly readjusted, “What are you doing?”

“I’m looking for clean clothes.” Makarov stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I never imagined you for a slob, and if the nearby hamper is empty, then I can only assume they’re in the wash or-”

His hand grasped the closet knob, “stuffed inside your closet.”

“It’s not like I’m going to step all over my clothes,” Laxus defended, “so what if they’re in there? My closet is none of your business, anyway.”

“True, but -” And Makarov’s gaze slid mischievously back towards his grandson, eyes gleaming, “if that was all, then why look so nervous, Laxus?”

He had no chance to answer as Makarov turned the knob and flung the doors open. No clothes slid out. No obvious piles of dirty, unwashed pants or boxers littered the ground. There was just a mass of shirts, fur-lined coats and shelves housing boots, socks and other unmentionables. All the things one would assume to be in a closet and one extra Freed, partially stuffed behind the thickest coat he could find, but the green of his hair stood out like a sore thumb.

“Uhm-” He began, only to fall silent when Makarov grabbed the coat and slid it in front of his face as if he hadn’t noticed a man hiding in his grandson’s clothes. He sifted from shirt to coat, from coat to shirt, hemmed and hawed away as he chuckled.

“Now, would you look at this!” He exclaimed, “Not a single dirty item in sight! I see you have plenty of options, m’boy. Shirts, pants,” And he opened one of the shelves to find the carefully folded pants that looked far too tidy to have been done by Laxus alone, “Socks and briefs- in fact, they look freshly washed even. Are you sure you’re not wanting to admit to forgetting you had plans with me?”

Laxus balked, “That’s- look, I didn’t forget a damn thing, now would you get out of there-”

He continued sifting, grasping the first coat to bring it out once more, revealing Freed’s flustered, but now scraggly hair falling before his face. “Oh! Hello Freed, I hope you’ve had a good morning, at least.”

The coat moved before him yet again and Makarov shut the door, looking unperturbed, but highly amused.  The telltale sputters of Freed’s confusion echoed from the closet as he struggled to move out from the mass of clothes Makarov had flung against him and the Fairy Tail Guild Master raised a brow towards Laxus. The silent point hung in the air.

Laxus managed to look guilty in that moment as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly, “Yeah, fine, so I forgot. You happy?”

Makarov smiled, “Was that so hard?”  Laxus rumbled his response, his patience running thin. He waved a hand to back off and turned to exit the way he’d come. “No need to answer. How about we reschedule for tomorrow, then?”

Quite put out, Laxus grunted, “Fine.”

“Excellent!” He paused at the door, looking back as he chuckled, resembling a cat that had caught a canary, “Oh and Laxus?”

“What?”

“Bring Freed would you? I’m sure your boyfriend would appreciate a meal too.”

The door shut and Laxus gaped.

Both Freed and Laxus held their breaths. One still naked in his bed, the other still traversing the closet as he clamored out through the door. Makarov’s footsteps echoed down the hall, to the front doors, and much like his entrance, he left without another word.

Head peeking from the closet door, Freed looked to Laxus, but Laxus wasn’t looking at Freed.

“…. when did you tell him?” He asked, under the impression their relationship had been a tight-lipped secret from everyone but the two currently in the room together.  Laxus, ears brimming with a redness Freed relished despite the situation, finally met his gaze and shrugged.

“I didn’t.” He said., “but are you coming to breakfast tomorrow or not?”

The implication was clear. Unspoken, but understood. Coming with meant admitting to what Makarov obviously knew. To be comfortable in the fact and allowing others to see what was between them. A thrill ran down Freed’s spine as he smiled.

“I’d love to.”

Bonus Scene - A convo During Breakfast

“Were you SPYING on us or something?” The question was pointed and Makarov’s lips twitched in his attempt to hide his grin.

“Well now,” He drank from his mug, gulping down the substance without a care towards Laxus’ accusing stare. Makarov’s smirk over the rim was devious, “did you really think I wouldn’t notice?”

Freed and Laxus looked towards each other and shrugged, “That was the point in keeping it quiet.”

Makarov couldn’t hold it. He burst into laughter and slammed the mug down, “How would I NOT know after what you two did on the upstairs floor? I might be old, but I’m not oblivious!”

Their jaws dropped.

Well, shit.

[dustyphantom]

A (smutty) fic I wrote based on this comic (posted on my alt), for anyone who would like it:

Fraxus Week Day 2 : (Forced) Proximity

« Close(t) »

Bonus : Ever and Bixrow wondering where their teammates are…🤣

[fairytail-whathesays]

The Eyewitnesses, a fanfiction exploring the history of Freed Justine. Chapter 11, "Endless Loop" is now posted.