Catch the Thunder

I've Got You Under My Skin

Before either one realized it, a week had passed. They spent the time together, sometimes going out, but mostly staying in and lavishing one another with attention.

Yet Monday dawned with the alarm clock blaring. Laxus simply rolled over, wrapping himself in his blankets more, while Freed rose with a stretch and immediately headed to the bathroom to shower.

As the shower ran and he heard Freed humming a song, Laxus shuffled slowly out of bed. Goddamn too early in the morning, but there was no way he was sleeping through Freed's first day of work. He stumbled groggily into the kitchen. Coffee! He got a pot brewing, then went to the bathroom to be undated by the smell of Freed's peppermint shampoo and that musical humming. He rarely heard Freed actually sing, but he sure did like to hum.

"Want me to make you breakfast?" he asked gruffly.

The humming stopped. "Oh! You don't have to. I should have time to cook something quickly."

"Screw that. I'll make ya something. Need a lunch, too?"

This time Freed laughed. "I'm the CEO's son. I think it'd look bad if I brought a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a brown bag." Freed peeked out from behind the shower. "I'll likely go out somewhere with my father since it's the first day on the job. Thank you, though. That's ... really thoughtful."

Laxus walked forward and kissed Freed's drenched face. "Just tryin' to figure out my role in this."

Freed blushed and hid back away in the shower. His ... role? These little domestic things were still a bit surreal. Just a few months ago...

He covered his cheeks, thinking about how lucky he was, to have gone from a lonely man thinking he would never find love, not with his peculiar needs, to now living with a man he thought was way too perfect for him.

When Freed finally stepped out toweling his hair, he smelled coffee and eggs. Laxus had breakfast completely set up. Freed let his hair air-dry while he sat in his robe in the dining room and ate a nice breakfast with Laxus. They did not speak much, but Freed realized Laxus was staring as if ready to devour him. He worried slightly that he might try something kinky before he had to go, but Laxus seemed to realize this was not the time. This was an important day for Freed.

After eating, Laxus dealt with the dishes while Freed brushed out his hair and dressed. He already had a suit picked out ahead of time. He had dressed in outfits like this frequently while living with his parents. College allowed him to wear less formal attire, but putting on the dress pants and tie felt familiar.

Laxus walked silently into the bedroom and watched him from the side. He had seen Freed dress formally a few times and damn, he looked good. Clothes like that suited him more than the casual-wear he had been lounging in all week. As Freed looked in the mirrored closet to adjust his tie, Laxus finally strode forward and kissed the side of his neck, nuzzling into the smell of cologne.

"Laxus!" Freed protested, although he melted slightly at the soft nose rubbing over his skin.

"I ain't gonna mark ya," he promised, still sniffing him. He gave the side of Freed's ear a kiss and looked into the mirror at the two of them, Freed in a suit and tie, him still in boxers and muscle shirt. "You look great. Knock 'em dead!"

Freed grinned with confidence. Then Laxus moved aside to let him finish getting his shoes on and the last few details of his suit. He kept clear until finally Freed grabbed his car keys and walked to the door. They faced one another, about to leave each other's side for the first time in days.

"Will you be okay here?" Freed asked in concern.

Laxus scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Who the hell do you think you're talking to?" He put his hands on Freed's shoulders and looked at him firmly. "You have some serious duties. I won't bother pretending that you're not the bread-winner in this relationship. You go on and do your thing. I'm gonna sort through the boxes." He gave Freed a kiss on the forehead. "Have a good day at the office."