Not even sure what this is, but inspiration was running wild today so I decided to give it a try. Given that this is only my second time writing Freed and Laxus as a couple, I ask that you please go easy on me.
Hope you enjoy the prompt nonetheless!
Title: Cold Day, Warm Heart
Summary: All Laxus had wanted was to be alone on this painful day until he spotted the most important person in his life at the cemetery and was reminded of how lucky he was to have Freed.
Warning: There is major angst in here as a major character dies.
He just wanted to be alone. Not in the mood to talk or even fight. Just space. That's all he needed, but not everyone got the message. The Thunder Legion; well Freed and Ever; followed him to the guild even though he told them not to. They were worried, he could tell, but still they should respect his wishes.
"Can't you see I want to be alone now?" He finally snapped after constant concerned comments and attempts to get him to share.
Silence. They stared at him in shock, but soon that was replaced by understanding. Letting out long sighs, they finally stepped away and let him be; after reminding him that they were only a call away if needed. He was grateful, really, but wouldn't tell them now.
After a quick meal and drink, he returned home only to grab the bouquet of white orchids which he had purchased the day before. They reminded him of his grandfather, but Laxus tried not to think about Makarov, as he made his way towards the cemetery. So much pain and grief; it was always overwhelming.
Arriving at the huge gates and let out a long sigh, closing his eyes and letting the cool breeze envelop him. It was a cold morning which perfectly symbolised the coldness and harshness of this date. It was strange how every year it was the same and even though the rational side of him knew it was due to the winter season, unconsciously he wondered if the weather was like this because his grandfather was gone.
Makarov had been such a warm presence in all of the lives of his loved ones. Always bright and cheerful; truly the best grandfather Laxus could have asked for. Someone who had always been there for him and helped him become a better person.
He was gone now, though, and the warmth left with him.
Laxus didn't want to think about that anymore. It was depressing enough to be standing in front of the cemetery on this freezing day. Thus he took in a deep breath, trying to recompose himself even as the lump in his throat tightened and his eyes watered.
Step by step, he started making his way towards the grave. Per Makarov's wish, he had been buried alongside his beloved wife whom Laxus had never met and the mother he barely remembered. Laxus didn't expect that anyone would be there because even though Makarov had certainly been beloved as a guild master and grandfather to many young members, everyone knew that Laxus wished to pay his respects in private and therefore they only visited the grave after the dragon slayer had done so.
Expecting to be alone, Laxus was deeply surprised when he heard voices upon reaching the grave. Familiar voices too. Normally this would annoy him, but somehow his heart warmed at the thought of who was there.
He rushed, eager to reach his destination, and continued to listen to the sounds.
"So, why was his name Makarov?" A child asked.
"Well, that is because of Master Mavis. Do you remember I told you about her?" A man answered. Even though Laxus couldn't see him yet, he could picture him exactly. That long, wavy green way hair and eyes like emeralds. The adoring look and soft smile which were usually on his face whenever he glanced at his husband.
Laxus couldn't deny how grateful he was to have someone like Freed in his life. The love and care he had given him over the years that they had been together were incomparable. Irreplaceable too.
Freed had always been by his side and had waited so long for him. The dragon slayer knew that no matter what he did, he could never repay his husband for all the years of uncertainty and heartache. All he could do was try to make him as happy as he felt.
He was close enough to see Freed now. His husband stood in front of the grave, holding in his arms a beautiful little girl of 5 years old. She had bright blue eyes like and spiky blonde hair; a perfect mix of her parents. Her name was Nova, after Laxus' long deceased mother.
It always made him proud and incredulous when he remembered that she was his daughter. Someone he hadn't expected to ever meet nor love so much. He remembered clearly a time when he would have disregarded that this could be his future, but now he couldn't be happier with the direction his life had taken.
This was the path he had chosen and the one that made him happy. Because he was happy; perhaps more than he had ever thought possible.
"Yes, daddy, I remember." Nova's sweet voice broke him out of his thoughts. Watching as Freed smiled before booping her nose, Laxus thought once again about how lucky he was to have such a wonderful family.
"Good, so you remember that she was the guild's first master, right?" Freed asked the five year old who nodded.
"Yep yep." She was adorable. Everyone who met her said so and Laxus agreed with them. Though he had to admit he was not the biggest fan of children, his daughter was simply...amazing.
Wondering about Nova led him to think about her mother and how grateful he was to her too. Mirajane had always been kinder to him than he ever deserved and when she had volunteered as the surrogate, he had decided it was time to treat her with the same kindness.
She had also been a good influence which helped him change for the better and become the man that Freed deserved. Over the years, Laxus and Mirajane had grown closer and become close friends which was also unexpected but still a pleasant surprise. Nowadays he might even say she had become his romance coach since she was the one he turned to when dealing with romantic issues.
Laxus also enjoyed co-parenting with her even though sometimes that could be confusing. There were some hard times when Nova wondered why her biological parents weren't together which led to some difficult conversations, but overall parenting was a successful experience for all parties involved.
More importantly, everyone had found a way to be happy. Mirajane, though not having found the right partner yet, was content being an aunt to her nephew and niece as well as a mother to Nova. Her life felt complete; she always reiterated; and Laxus chose to believe that.
His life felt complete too, with the most faithful partner and beautiful family. The only way it could be better was if his grandfather was still there, but there was nothing he could do about that.
"Laxus..." Hearing his name, the dragon slayer realised that he had unconsciously kept walking and was now only a few meters away from the grave.
"Hey." He sniffled, still trying to contain the tears. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"I know." Immediately, Freed's expression sombered and he offered an apologising look. "I'm sorry for intruding, but Nova really wanted to pay a visit to her great grandpa."
Laxus glanced at his daughter, who excitedly called him. "Hi, papa! I missed you."
"I missed you too, darling." He offered her a soft smile before turning back to his husband. "And I'm glad you're here."
"You are?" Freed seemed genuinely surprised.
"Yeah." Laxus embraced them both; enjoying the feel of the two most important people of his life in his arms. Pulling away a few minutes later, he genuinely told his husband. "I feel like I should apologise for shutting you out on this date every year."
"It's okay, I understand." Ever forgiving, Freed didn't accept it.
"No, it's not." Laxus shook his head. "You and Nova are the two most important people in my life. I should be comfortable sharing every moment with you, even the darkest ones."
"Laxus, you don't have to. I know why you don't feel that way." Freed insisted, taking his husband's hand and squeezing it. "You always want to be strong for us, but everyone needs to break down once in a while."
Looking into his emerald eyes and noticing all the love and empathy there, Laxus couldn't contain his emotions anymore. Taking both by surprise, he broke down in tears, prompting Freed to carefully lower Nova to the floor before hugging him tightly. The little girl was silent, understanding they needed a moment.
Just like that, this day didn't feel so painful anymore and the coldness around them faded in comparison with the warmth in Laxus' heart. Being with his family, with the partner who loved and supported him through it all, helped ease the darkness and lighten the weight of losing his grandfather.
For once in a long time, Laxus chose to let himself be vulnerable and appreciated the feeling of being loved and protected. Admit his tears and sobs, he managed to let out two simple words but which carried so much meaning. "Thank you."
