The Lightning and the Runes

Chapter 2

The mayor of the village that Freed and Laxus were defending summoned them to his office to bestow the reward. "I was expecting more at least three Fairy Tail members," the Mayor states. "So I've prepared to give you a total of 200,000 Jewels to divvy amongst yourselves. I suppose I will keep my promise. Also, our distillery has produced too much product, and, even though our major export is alcohol, we just can't seem to sell these extra two cases. Here, take them."

The look on Laxus' face showed he was happy about the money, but ecstatic about the free booze.

The two boys left the village and stopped at an inn. It was still a days travel to Magnolia.

"One room will be cheaper than two" Freed, the boy with the obvious crush, mentions.

"Very well." Laxus looks at Freed out of the corner of his eye and goes up to the check in desk. "One suite. King bed" he pauses looking at a stunned Freed. " and sofa sleeper." He adds quickly, glowing red.

****
They make their way to the room and Laxus opens his case of booze. "Want some? We can split this one."

He prompts Freed, who is acting extra reserved, to take a bottle.

Several drinks later, it's obvious Freed can't take much liquor and this stuff is pretty hard. He starts giggling and then laughing. He can barely walk straight, so he crawls over to the slightly tipsy Laxus. And sits next to him.

"I love you. You know that, *hiccup* right?" Freed is truly letting his guard down

**Will he remember this in the morning?** Laxus thinks to himself. He is still mostly aware.

"I know. I've always known. Ever since Gramps asked you to look out for me and you didn't refuse."

Laxus pushes Freed's hair from his face. **God. His hair is so long...** He looks at Freed and sees a longing in his eyes. **I love you too Freed. I... Can't say that though.**

Instead of with words, Laxus tells Freed his thoughts in the most honest way. He caresses the slender mans face with his strong hands. And leans in. **just a kiss. He won't remember it in the morning.**

They kiss. It's a long and passionate one. A kiss that has been waiting to happen for years. Between and angsty man of lightning and a reserved man of runes. But only one will remember it in the morning.

Freed falls asleep next to Laxus. His green head is rested softly on the muscular blonde's head. **what do I do?** Laxus sighed deeply. He didn't know if he was ready for this. So he shifted off the King bed they were on and walked in a dreamlike state of happy to the sofa sleeper. He was tired to he didn't bother to pull it out. He just plopped on and fell asleep.

**i hope we remember in the morning.** was Laxus' last thought before falling asleep that night.