Fools in the Palace

Chapter 1

Laxus let his gaze wander as he looked over the Guild Hall from the second floor. Nothing was really going on, it was almost unusually peaceful here. It really didn't feel normal. Might be because Natsu and Gray were both out with their team that rest of them could even hear their own thoughts as there was no constant shouting and fighting going on.

The lightning dragon slayer grunted, wondering if he should order another beer from Mirajane. Not like he was really planning to get drunk or anything but it wasn't like he had anything else to do. There were very little mission sheets right now and almost every single one of those left were boring or way too easy for him to bother doing them.

Okay, maybe he should still work a little bit with that attitude he was well aware of it. But he couldn't help it since there was no thrill when doing missions that had absolutely no challenge! Though if this was going to keep going on, no better mission sheets showing up, hell he was ready to do even those dull missions as long as he could at least do something.

Laxus' thoughts returned back to thinking about that beer, when suddenly something appeared on his sight downstairs. Green hair, those lightning bolt cowlicks, red coat that was carried with pride and turquoise eyes that were looking towards the mission board. Freed walked over to the board, lifted his hand on his chin and obviously he was pondering which one of those remaining missions might be less boring for the Thunder Legion.

Laxus chuckled slightly. That was not an easy task, they were all boring as hell. But still, he was hoping that if Freed and others would take one of the sheets he would be included on their mission.

He had completely ignored the brunette who was sitting just next to him and Evergreen had not missed how Laxus was looking at the rune mage downstairs.

"Laxus", she said, but it was like the dragon slayer with his sensitive hearing had gone completely deaf. Ever wasn't too keen of getting ignored like that and she slapped Laxus' shoulder, making him jolt awake from his thoughts.

The blond man turned to look at Ever.

"And what was that for?" he grunted annoyed.

"Oh my! I wonder what you were staring so intensely until now?" Ever smiled innocently and Laxus frowned. "Did I interrupt your daydreams?"

"Wasn't daydreaming", Laxus harrumphed leaning against the back of his seat crossing his arms.

"Sure you weren't... It just happened that Freed was standing right where you were gazing, right?"

"Don't start with this again, Ever."

"I don't get you, why don't you just say something?" Ever huffed leaning against her hand, looking at the scarred man who even blushed slightly.

It was so obvious! She and Bickslow had noticed it ages ago! Freed of course was totally oblivious and it was almost driving them mad. But then again, she kinda understood why Freed couldn't see Laxus' feelings... He had fought for years with his feelings and finally accepted that Laxus would not return his love the way he wanted. He had finally found the balance after almost bleeding his heart dry because of all the pain and he was now happily living with them, helping out Laxus as just his friend.

Laxus grunted looking away so he could avoid Ever's eyes.

"This has nothing to do with you", he said bluntly.

"I know, I know... You don't want me and Bickslow to meddle in this. You want to take this with your own time and pace and see if you got the guts to actually talk with him about this matter. Though I think that by then, none of us will be alive anymore to witness that holy miracle..." Ever muttered and Laxus growled.