From One Dragon To Another

Chapter 11 - Mixed Signals

I left the park and strolled back to the guild to see if Laxus was there, on the way back I popped into my flat to drop my things off. When I reached the guild I opened the doors and heard absolute silence. That must've been the first time the guild has been that silent since I've arrived here. I walked in and looked around the guild hall; someone was sat at the bar. I walked over cautiously and on closer inspection I realised that it was Laxus. He has his headphones on and I don't think he can hear me. I placed my hand softly on his back and bent forward so I could see his face as he was hunched over with his hand around a tankard of booze.

"Laxus?" I asked.

Laxus turned his head to look at me and gave me a small grin, even though he looked down and a little sad. Laxus took his headphones off and put them on the table.

"You alright?" He asked.

"Yeah. I'm more worried about you though." I said softly.

"I'm fine. There's nothing to be worried about. Why, are you concerned?" Laxus asked grumpily.

"I was looking for you after the contest. You looked awkward on the stage so I knew something was bothering you." I explained.

"The old man pissed me off. He wanted me to do the rewards and kiss you on the cheek as his idea of a joke. He threatened to ask someone else to do it if I didn't. So, I decided to give you the reward anyway, luckily you threw me a safety line though, thanks for that." Laxus explained.

"So that's why you looked tense. I could tell something was up so, that's why I offered a hug instead. You didn't want anyone else kissing me on the cheek then?" I asked.

"Well, why should they get all the fun." Laxus said as he turned his eyes away from me awkwardly.

"That's sweet of you Laxus, I would've been fine though." I smiled.

Laxus turned his head to look at me again and had a grin on his face.

"I was just looking out for you that's all." Laxus stated.

"Thanks, I appreciate the gesture. Anyway, I won the contest so you know what that means." I said excitedly.

"We have to plan something to do together right?" Laxus confirmed.

"Yep. I've kept aside some money already for rent and for a trip to Shirotsume when I get the chance, and the rest is for whatever we want." I put my thumbs up.

"You wanna go to Shirotsume? It's not exactly a holiday destination." Laxus stated, confused by my decision.

"Not for a holiday. Shirotsume is home to Howling Dragons, I was going to pay them a visit since I promised I would visit them once I was settled down." I explained.

"I see." Laxus replied.

"So, we have about 100,000 Jewel to spend. Do you have any suggestions?" I asked.

"We could go out for a meal maybe." Laxus suggested.

"We could do. An island getaway?" I asked.

"Maybe. I'm trying to think if there's any good attractions we could visit maybe." Laxus proposed.

"I've got it!" I said enthusiastically.

"What?" Laxus asked.

"There's a water park in Crocus called Ryuzetsu land which, I've heard is really fun. Apparently it's recently been reconstructed and refurbished since it was burned down and destroyed." I suggested.

I looked at Laxus and I could see pure shock and fear on his face. He looked genuinely worried.

"What's wrong? Are you not a fan of water parks? If not then it's okay we can do something else." I said with concern.