Phoenix

Babysitting!

"Lunch is ready!"

Laxus stepped down the stairs and met Emi in the kitchen. She smiled at him as she handed him a plate. He handed it right back to her.

"What's wrong? Are you not hungry?"

Laxus simply pointed to the bottle of hot sauce on the counter. Emi groaned and apologized.

"I really don't know why I do it."

The lightning mage gave a small smile, but covered it up quickly. He shuffled over to the fridge and pulled out some leftover chicken. He went to take a bite when his nose caught the same scent. He quickly put it back in the fridge and settled on a bowl of cereal. Emi laughed nervously before apologizing again for the trouble.

"I have a job we can go on," Laxus spoke as he lifted the spoon up to his mouth.

A huge smile appeared on Emi's face.

"What is it? When do we leave? Where is it? What—"

Laxus covered her mouth with his hand and chuckled. Emi giggled before licking his hand. Laxus immediately pulled his hand away, his face twisting in disgust.

"Why would you do that?"

Emi giggled again and shrugged before skipping upstairs and grabbing her cloak.

"What're you doing? Let's go!"

———————————————

"Woah, we're actually taking the train?"

"You look tired. Just this once."

Emi gasped before taking his hand and dragging him onto the train before he could change his mind. Laxus insisted they sit in the back, so they made their way past several rows of seats and sat at the very last row. The train started moving. Emi looked out the window and heard a low grumble. She looked over and saw Laxus looking uncomfortable.

"Laxus, are you okay?"

Laxus was able to force out a "fine" before turning away from her.

"Are you sure? You look—"

Emi was cut off by a bump in the train. This seemed to push Laxus to his limit. His face turned blue and he started choking for words.

"Laxus—"

"Don't."

She got up from the bench across from Laxus and scooted close to him.

"What're you doi—"

"Shh."

Emi pulled Laxus in for a side hug, Laxus groaning in discomfort. She guided his head on her shoulder and started running her fingers through his hair.

"Is this why you didn't want to take the train?" Emi joked.

"Shut...up."

Emi hummed as she continued to play with his hair.

————————————-

"Hey look at the trees! There's barely any leaves left. Isn't that interesting?"

Laxus dragged himself off the train and took in deep breaths, inhaling the fresh air. Emi rolled her eyes and urged him to get going. He groaned one last time before standing up straight and catching up to her.