Five Little Sacrifices

Chapter 26

"No, he and Chester went to sleep over at Makarov's place", Freed said and he took away the stein, glad that Laxus wasn't trying to stop him. "He was excited as always to spend a night at his great-grandfather's house and Makarov even promised they could make a fort out of sheets with Chester", he smiled and heard a little grumbling chuckle.

"We used to do that with Gramps too once..." Laxus muttered.

"I'm sure Makarov is more than happy to help them to build that fort", Freed smiled. "Come on, it's long past midnight already."

With great efforts Laxus managed to straighten himself on his seat, but he seemed like he was ready to collapse at any second. Freed sighed and he pulled one of the strong arms around his neck.

"Up we go", he said and helped Laxus to stand up. "Is everything paid?" the rune mage asked looking at the owner.

"Just get him out, that's fine", he said while cleaning the counter. "I don't need to stay here the whole night or pay someone else to move him because I can't move that giant by myself", he smirked and Freed chuckled.

"I will visit here later and pay whatever is left", he promised and they stepped outside the pub.

"He said there's nothing left to pay", Laxus grunted, trying to straighten himself at least a little bit but still he was mostly leaning against his mate who kept him on his feet.

"Laxus, you know that will not do."

"Man, you're too dutiful sometimes..."

"Yes I am and I'm not going to feel bad about it", Freed said and he drew some runes in the air, creating a small dome over them like an umbrella to cover them from rain. "Now let's just get you home, I will make you something to eat and then you can sleep."

"Yeah... Guess so..." Laxus murmured, following Freed the best he could.

The fresh air sobered up Laxus just enough that he could at least walk again, even though he was still leaning against Freed somewhat when they arrived at their house. Freed opened the door and Laxus just kicked his shoes off and shoved his coat somewhere towards the rack.

Freed sighed taking his boots off and assembled them better with Laxus' shoes and then he hung his own coat on the rack as well.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked stepping in the kitchen as Laxus slumped on the couch in the living room.

"Don't care, whatever you do", he grunted.

"Alright", Freed nodded and he started to make something easy to eat. Laxus was still drunk enough so he probably wouldn't care was it something simple.

So he roasted some bacon, toasted few pieces of bread, added some salad, cheese and just a little bit mayonnaise. Finally he placed the sandwiches on a plate and stepped in the living room.

"There you go, I will fetch you some water", he said giving the plate for Laxus.

"Thanks..." he grumbled.

While Laxus was eating Freed placed his sword in the cabinet he locked with runes and cleaned the kitchen. While he was still washing the dishes he heard how Laxus climbed up the stairs. Well, at least he was sober enough to go in the bed. Last time Laxus went to drink with Bickslow, they both had passed out at the living room floor. Felix had been quite confused why they had been sleeping there without blankets or pillows.

After making sure all the lights were out and everything was locked, Freed climbed up the stairs as well and stepped in their bedroom where a lamp on the nightstand was now giving them light. Laxus was sitting at the edge of the bed, leaning his head against his hands.