The pub was a place where every dark wizard eventually ended up, be that through influence or coercion, job or whim. It was merely standard among those aware of the tradition. Occasionally the odd light man or woman would stroll through, there was not much fuss made either way. The owners were good people with a comfort to provide for all, they didn't much care for the hidden barrier blocking the two types of wizards. Those of light decent were none the wiser, which was just as well for those seeking their solstice.

I had been here many times over the years, so much I have been contrived as a regular since sixteen. My dumbass father had taken me here young, so I was well known. Not to be messed with, said those with experience to the newcomers. A place of merriment fighting wasn't really tolerated unless it had merit. Often those who sought a challenge were just itchy.

I nurse a mead. My job had been taxing this time, stupid old folk with nothing of value getting caught up in a battle of property of all things. I'd seen fit to leave without getting paid, I wasn't about to kill a grieving widow for something she had no knowledge of. Her son deserved the beating I gave him though. Maybe that's why I drink, she kept begging me to stop. Suppose I don't know any better anymore.

The door creaked open, rusted latches not yet giving in to the ware of time, as yet another person with something to want from a drink walks through. A woman beside me with the plain features of a milkmaid sits up, something about the stranger must have caught her eye. None of my business who gets laid or not. Lots of ladies had been giving me the eye since I walked in, I could get away for a night if I want too. But needless sex had never really appealed to me, and the girls glancing are those who I know to be the whores of the area, I don't need some freaky STD.

The violent crash behind me drives out a sigh, and I look around peering from the corner of my eye.

Time runs slowly as a flash of pink is all I catch. I feel my body shift towards the commotion. Standing at the bar now watching as a fantastic display of violence and shocking grace as one of the most peculiar men I have ever seen grapples the well known tough guy of the pub. Holding him down on the floor with strong arms and thighs, a grin on his face so ridiculously ecstatic that I find myself watching a type of sparkling magnificence. The man beneath him struggling and grunting in effort. Pinkie catches my eyes, and the fire within is so bright that I find my mouth dry.

He's young, I can tell that much, baby fat remains around his jaw and fattening his cheeks out. But his body moves and contorts in a downright erotic fashion, can I really be blamed for watching?

"You got a problem buddy?!" The challenge he presents is interesting, but I can sense his magic is weak compared to mine, he must as well. I don't take the bait. Instead, I find my head shaking, and a pickup line spilling forth before I can stop myself.

"Nah, just enjoying the view, have to say, its a nice one. Though I'd prefer if your thighs were around my waist, or hips, whatever you prefer." His cheeks take only moments so blaze, and within the span of a minute a man of little hesitance and clear ability becomes a blushing virgin. It would be so endearing if we weren't within a pub full of men with non-disputable reputations. Not mentioning the fact that I have no idea of his affiliation or age.

Still, something must have caught his interest as he quirks me a coy smile. "I've tried the hips method, not a fan myself. I enjoy the challenge dominating from the bottom. If you think you can handle me, buddy." I have never wanted to fuck someone so badly in my life. I have to will away arousal. Something about this tiny man with the pinkest hair I've ever seen makes me want to find out more.

"Can I buy you a drink?" Its abnormal for me to do anything more than dive for the main activity, then again, this one is something special anyway. He lets the poor loser up and walks over.

"You ain't worried about trouble?" It takes me a second to reason with his indecision, but in glancing at the red emblem on his shoulder I get it. Fairytail was my Pop's old guild, and a light one at that, meaning gay sex is more than a little taboo. Although, he obviously has no idea of how many dark wizards are around him and more than a little familiar with my uncaring nature towards gender. I answer with an eyebrow, he scoffs, but his hands twine together nervously. He's obviously had sex before, but I doubt that's the issue here.

"Nah, that kinda thing doesn't matter here," I say, because fuck the laws the light guild has, what kinda authority do they have where they think choosing the way someone interacts is okay? The guy smiles a little, even if his expression is confused. His body is near enough that I can grab his arm and pull him to the counter, not something he takes kindly, but shockingly he doesn't fight it. Taking the shot offered by the bartender -and owner- seemingly to ease himself. "Would it be too forward to ask you out?" The question is not one I can even consider regretting. Once more a strange type of hesitant confidence emerges from him.

"Not at all. Though, I think I'd better know your name before I agree." Holy shit.

"Laxus." He leans his elbow on the counter, a plain act of seduction, but with him, it was clear that was unintended, which made it all the more seductive.

"Natsu Dragneel."

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Now if I had been told that date would lead me to join a light guild, I would punch the accuser in the face, no semblance of regret forthcoming. Presently, however, it only took a simple understanding of his grasp upon me to figure out that this was inevitable.

He is jumping around, in a type of way I am vastly unaccustomed too. Although it is well known that he is one of extensive energy and normally held a joyous disposition this was to an extent that was almost overdone, even for him.

As it stands I am making my way to Natsu's guild, Mirajane nearby. Of course given that the master of the guild and I are related both me and Natsu had decided silently that my real name should not be one of discussion. It is mere luck the woman beside is unaware of my name. Although, Natsu is rather unaware of my relation to Makarov and should my desire be followed he will never have that knowledge. Maybe I consider this a cleansing of sorts, in a manner of new functionality. Not in the way that I think I will be reborn or some nonsense like that. Still, it is a form of reformation, and as my father will hopefully be oblivious for a long time yet I can indulge in-

"-nd we can take lots of jobs together! I think you and Gramps will get along, don't be mean though!" His presence. Not of common opinion, I'm sure, that my attention is fully grasping what he is saying.

"Slow down pinkie, I still have to actually get accepted." He stops for only a moment before becoming righteous.

"Then I'll just have to beat up everyone who says you aren't!" There's no reasoning when he's motivated. So I don't bother. I do wonder, I always have wondered what his family is like.

You wouldn't consider in glancing at him, but I do think he would be a good parent. I say this with an understanding of his true self. Despite my own need to slap myself in considering that. My eyes draw to him, as I see him staring at me blush colouring his face in the way it only does around me. He was thinking of something scandalous or embarrassing. In teasing, I smirk.

"Jerk!" And with that, he runs off.

"He's elated you know?" She says next to me, sweet voice and hardened eyes of knowing malice.

"I know." It's not a stretch to assume she is wary of my associations. I would too, entanglement within the dark arts is more than slightly dangerous company no matter how good, the intent can kill without provocation always remains the most deadly outcome.

The only soothing she gets is the fact that Natsu is comfortable around me. Then again that is with the knowledge that he is a very innocent man when it comes to trusting nature.

"Natsu trusts you." I would question her knowledge of my mental workings, if it weren't for the fact that she had been apprehensive of me from the beginning. Although she had clearly used Natsu's persuasion on me in order to get me to join the guild, it was for his benefit not her own. "Do anything to endanger my guild... it will be unpleasant." While said through sugar painted lips, I believe her.

I grunt in understanding.

Through the streets of Magnolia, bustling with merchants and travelers, I glimpse on the rooftops the pink-haired menace I call my boyfriend. He jumps beside us in a state of almost mocking joy. I wonder if he even reached his guild or if he simply ran to get rid of some of his extra energy. Either way, his bouncing around makes his cherry blossom locks bob around his face, I smile, because honestly if he's this happy about me -attempting to- join, I should have tried to do it a lot earlier.

"Come here you little shit." He has always complained about that one, but I think he just allows it simply because it's affectionate. He does, and I move my hand to the dip of his back as a form of self-comfort, he is beaming. As the guildhall comes into view, I note that the reconstruction is going very fast, they have only to finish the roof and a few walls. Otherwise, it bears the appearance of a guild hall. Especially with the abundance of people laughing about. I see a small old man upon one of the walls grinning in fond amusement.

He must be my grandfather. I hope I bare as little resemblance to my father as I was previously told. It's difficult to understand how to feel.

"You okay?" Natsu asks, for him to notice my discomfort, I must be pronouncing it unintentionally. That being said, there are some things I need to talk to him about privately. He stops me before I can say anything. I want to put this kinda thing gently but in resonance with my character, I know that to be unlikely at best.

"Natsu.." Looking at him now the words almost catch me, and hesitance bubbles forth in a way wholly unfamiliar. His so open, eyes wide in trusting disposition, face contorted in compassion, even his body which is so hardened to anyone else, soften to my touch. I would do anything to avoid him being put in harm's way, even though I know that's not what he wants, and it would be a waste of amazing battle abilities to suspend him from any fight. In a move of incaution, he leans further into my space.

"I..." He shuts his mouth, the wind roars so loudly between us. I feel how tense he is no need to look close, I know well enough that his muscles are fighting to restrain an emotional impulse of some kind. To speak words that could be condemned in some form. Its stupid, he knows my feelings for him. Yet, occasionally he will have the need to distance himself from my judgment in order to better decide for himself. I will admit it irritates me sometimes, the selfish desire, of course, to wish for complete disclosure from someone raised by a dragon, or indeed anyone. Still, I wait, patient, even as he begins to shake in frustration. He stutters in walking a little closer, our bodies barely centimeters apart now.

"I want to introduce you as my boyfriend."

Warmth, not a factor. I consider what that would do to him. He has numerous times elaborated that Fairytail is very much his family, friends, and bonds of attachment strong in every corner. Should he pursue that action then there is every possibility that he will get rejected by those he loves. That kind of emotional impact effects mentality in nearly all things, should this be driven by impulse then he would be sacrificing.

"Natsu that not-"

"I don't care! I know it's stupid! I know what might happen okay?! But if they can't accept who I am then who are they to me?!" He is impassioned, which a bad situation. With his determination so high there is little I can do to change his mind. If its what he wants.

"Okay..." His grin is large and reaches his eyes, I subdue the automatic response to smile back in respect for the seriousness of the situation. "But! We have to do this in steps you got it?" I suppose its due to the rarity of my strictness regarding him that he only nods instead of arguing. "First, you tell your master that you are interested in men and that you would like to bring me into the fold. Then you tell your guild of your orientation and that I will be joining. If there is minimal issue then I will proceed to not appear like a dark wizard, clear?" He shifts his weight abruptly, for a second it appears as if he will collapse on top of me. Beside us, Mirajane walks forward placing herself at both our sides. I had all but forgotten she was there.

"I'll help." She moves her gaze to Natsu, being forth an intense stare that I don't understand as the outsider. He does though, and in turn, he lights up.

"Thanks, Mira!" Still, he seems unsure, for he rests his hand on my folded arm.

"Don't change yourself. You know I don't care how you look, and they shouldn't either!" I can tell he is worried, there is a caution to his words and movements, I'm aware he does not want to disclose anything to his guild. But he knows well enough of the consequences that he is putting forth little struggle to the position we have found ourselves in.

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I have never before held myself back from my own home. Instilled in me now is comprehension, the knowledge that I must now carry forth as I proceed with my actions being what they were. Running as a coward away from my guild. Leaving Happy alone, and my comrades, friends, and family confused. Though in myself I can no longer deny that if I truly want to discover myself as I had told Laxus then acceptance is the first step. Maybe this was only a part I was missing, in order to fully grasp the fact that being different from most does not make me disgusting or wrong. I am not sinful or reproachful, nothing like that. I am me, within whatever boundaries that may be. Discovered or not. If my family does not accept myself then they will have to step backward from me.

I breathe deeply as my father told me when scared of anything. This fear will serve me nothing but paranoia. Gazing at the structure of my new guildhall I recognize the design of an old citadel. My guild is truly amazing to have finished construction so fast, though I am certain there is more to be done. I open the doors and am greeted by the largest of halls. Similar to Phantom's when we had stormed their gates, perhaps gramps had taken inspiration from them.

All eyes spin to me, feeling as taunt no matter my understanding it is much the opposite. They harbor concern due to my fast exit the other day. A cowards retreat, though I doubt they counted it as such. The bar is larger, and as ever gramps sits upon its counter sipping an ale, his eyebrows speak for him in this instance, staring at me as all the others. I've never been the best at centering myself, still, I make an effort now in approaching what is certainly my most important decision of personal virtue.

He puts down his drink as I draw near. Curiosity peaked. For once there is a manner to me that he does not recognize well. I suppose it must be the cause of seriousness that Laxus had so described as professionalism.

"Master, can I speak to you?" I think for a moment, "privately?" At this, he falters an expression befalling him that I could not begin to describe. One of shock would be the most apt I do think.

"Of course my boy, I believe my office was just recently finished." Out of the corner of my eye as we leave I see Lucy stand quickly, hand clutched to her breast a dust of red covering her face. I wonder at that before the following gramps through some not quite finished halls. There is a draft through the walls, still, it feels quite warm within, some form of magic I would assume. We pass through a door, off its hinges, large and ornate. Inside reside a large desk and modest furnishings.

The master sits on his desk without a care. I feel awkward sitting in the plush crimson chair, and I see my palms are covered in sweat. Speaking plainly enough of my disposition. "Gramps... I have something to confess." I want to say nothing at all, but that is not an option. I will not hide any longer, that is only cowardice. It would go against what Dad taught me, and I refuse to do disrespect him any longer.

"I- I'm gay." He blinks a moment, and I hold still as I can, my mind once more telling me to run, but I daren't, I know what may become of me, and I don't care anymore. I will not deny myself, no matter how my breath sticks within my chest, the lightness in my limbs and head I can ignore. Providing explanation seems only stupid to me, so I'll let him draw what he will. He sighs, and I feel it, the weight dropping beneath me. Am I to be banished? The uncertainty is terrifying, more so than any battle. I want to move, to get out, to lash out, and it's so confusing I can do nothing but sit in fear.

"Natsu." I hadn't realized I was looking at the stone ground until his voice sounds above me, I look forward, he is smiling. "I'm so sorry my boy, you must have been so frightened."

"Huh?" He gives out a chuckle.

"Oh, I don't worry about all that council member prattle, they can go screw themselves as far as I'm concerned. You love who you love, they have no business meddling with that." Maybe it's because of my limited experience in expressing my sexuality, but I do think that is not a common position. Nevertheless, I can only collapse against the chair in relief, all heaviness vacant. I do see, however, a grin form on him. "So, is there a special man in your life?" He slyly smiles not missing a beat.

"Well actually-" I can't think too hard about it, but I am well aware that thinking of Laxus only brings a stupid grin to my face.

"Really?! Am I to meet this young man soon?" I let loose a laugh, it comforting to have support, Mira and Gramps, I only hope I can rely on the guild as well.

"Well, I was wondering if he could join the guild actually? He's a really powerful wizard! He's not the best with rules, but he's respectful of-"

"He can." I wasn't expecting such a response. It was quick, and I haven't had to advocate much.

"Really?" I get a sly look.

"Of course, I have to threaten him properly after all." Oh god. I hope not. I doubt Laxus will respond well to a threat, I guess I'll have to warn him beforehand. Suddenly Makarov becomes serious, though it is with kind eyes. "Do you plan to inform the rest of the guild?"

"Yeah." He lets loose a loud breath. A shake of the head and a haunted look crosses him, a recollection I am not privy to.

"I can't say everyone will accept it, the younger generation- your generation, should take it more easily. However, some of the older folks may be sketchy about it. Though I doubt they will be forward." That's a little more hopeful then I was willing to be, but I have faith that they will want to keep me within the guild, so they might not chase me off. He looked at my twining fingers. "Do you want me to say something instead? It might be received better." Now, in a normal circumstance that would not be an option, I would not even take it into consideration. But even I know how fragile this could be, and with him being guildmaster, they may listen to him better.

"I-" Want to decline, but I honestly can't, this is not something I can just idly outcry without issue. "Yeah." I get a nod.

"Don't worry Natsu. I'm sure it won't be as bad as your thinking." I take that as dismissal and head out. Almost sagging against the wall in relief. The assurance comforts me as a warm safety blanket, but I know it may slip away, so I don't hold onto it. Paranoia drives me to consider this may not end favorably. I may even lose those I consider family. Yet, I can not hold it, hold him, in the dark any longer, and so I must face whatever may come my way. No matter how negative.

The stairs almost trip me, but I make my way to the first floor without falling straight on my ass from pure unsteadiness. Many of those who had borne witness to my humiliating retreat yesterday plead me with gazes to join them at their table. Probably for an explanation. Though they don't try any other method.

"Natsuuuuuuu!" I look up just in time, as Happy swoops into my arms, clutching to me. Then again I shouldn't be shocked, I did leave him alone for at least three days of indulgence, and I probably shouldn't have. "I missed you!" He cries as he huddles closer to my chest. I am about to answer when someone lets out a loud whistle.

"Phew Natsu! You look half eaten!" Macau shouts out. The fucking hickeys, I had forgotten about. God, they must be all over me. Instead of shame, I feel pride in its place, a strange shift. And I find him with my eyes only, leaning leisurely on the bench sipping some form of drink, Wakaba by his side smoking. I smirk. Because for once I feel like I can.

"I guess I would. I got laid last night, and it got kinda out of control." Kind of? I snort at my own lie. It was not marginal at all, we went at it more then we have in a long time. Admittedly mostly due to my own enthusiasm.

Macau spits out his drink, not far off, Grey starts coughing loudly. Erza smacking his back violently in order to dispel his food from his throat. I don't completely understand why, I'm fairly certain both of them have had sex before, so why are they so shocked? I suppose it's none of my business. Happy, who is still clinging to me gets brought over to the now calmer Grey, wherein at the table sits Lucy, Elfman, along with with a darkened Erza, and scalded looking stripper. I sit down next to Erza, away from Lucy, and far from Grey so I don't punch him. Elfman sits beside me as well, gnawing on a leg of what I think to be a turkey. It funny, because he used to be a vegetarian. He did change a lot with Lisanna's death, as Mira did.

"Uh, you expect us to believe you got laid flamebrain? Who would do you?" The insults just fly out of his mouth, I don't expect he is even fully human at this point. I would punch him, but poor Happy is still clutching to me and I can't bear to realize him cruelly just for some sort of revenge. I don't usually fall to his game, but when I can't punch the guy its really my only option.

"Says the ugly ass stripper." He shoots up giving Erza cause to glare, but she's at peace right now eating her cake.

"What did you just call me?! Have you looked in the mirror?!"

"I have, and I saw a man with a dozen hickeys. Never seen any of your before!"

He looks ready to hurl a punch at me, cat or not. Which I won't let slide, you hurt Happy you deal with me, especially if he's already upset.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Grey stops mid-action and so do I, looks like Gramps had entered the hall without either of us noticing, now giving us a deadly glare, of which Erza's was born. Naturally, we sit down. "Now listen up all of you!" Everyone turns and the guild quiets, it's not often that he makes an announcement, usually to busy drinking.

"I have a serious announcement to make. I have decided to welcome a new member to Fairytail." Some uneven murmurs break out, and some persons grumble in disagreement while others hum in interest. "Now! I want it to be made perfectly clear he is to be treated with equal respect and kindness as all members of our family are. That being said; This man is joining us par the request of his boyfriend."

That causes everyone to steer. I look around as unassumingly as I can. Some faces I don't recognize well, scowling with full wrinkles on display. Macau and Wakaba I note are among that group. At least it is something I expected, those two are well known for their love of women, I doubted a while ago they could understand anything different. In reference to the younger generation; most just seem surprised though not quite at the point of judging just yet they seem to be waiting. However, Elfman is scowling as well, and that shocks me a little. Truthfully he is one of the kinder men I've met, especially in childhood, yet he seems so angry at the prospect that I tilt my head away, and in hidden intent focus on Gramps on top the bar. Suddenly I feel myself grip Happy tighter, he is also watching the other side of the room.

"You can't be serious old man! That's against the law!" Says a gruff grizzled voice from the table not far away.

"Yeah! And it's unmanly!" I feel my flinch rattle my body. I can beat him if I need to. I can.

"You will have to deal with it! Because and let me make myself drastically clear! One of our guild members is gay, you will accept this, and you will leave him alone. Anyone who doesn't will get a punishment." Gramps is sharp in tone, he's cautioning them, not threatening but on the verge.

"But-"

An echo sounds throughout the stone and shakes through all assembled. "BE SILENT." Wakaba sits down, thoroughly scalded.

Elfman looks ready to protest but remains silent. I lost three friends today. Its... unpleasant, but it brings a clarity to me at least. I know who I must stay away from. Gramps regains himself and smiles kindly at everyone. "That is all." He leaves once more, and all is silent. No one speaks and an ere fog of quiet descended across the entire hall. Slowly, very cautiously some tables begin to talk again, and some people go to find a job on the board as if nothing had happened. Others, however, remain in place, allowing the information to sink in.

"Man this sucks," Grey speaks first among the group. "I don't want to be around some homo." That stings a little, even if I and him don't get along very well, I've still always considered him part of my family. Yet, he harbors the same notion as so many common folks do. "What if it catches?" He laughs, and now, I really want to wipe that snark off his face, kick him back into the pit he crawled out of.

"No kidding... So unmanly." The male Strauss pouts, angry at the master's orders.

"It is of no concern of mine." Erza bluntly states, eating another bite, this time one of strawberry.

"But Erza... You know they say it can be... infectious..." Lucy adds though she seems more nervous about her statement than anything, as though both in doubt of the science and believing it at once. She bites her lip and shifts her posture. I thought she might understand.

I've had enough, and I stand. They look to me. Grey with a smirk on his lips ready to through another insult, Erza chewing questions me merely with her body language. Lucy looks ready to yell, and Elfman doesn't seem to care either way, too busy feeling slighted.

"Your all disgusting." I don't mean it. Doesn't matter though, everything hurts, there is an ache in my lungs and a burning sensation in my eyes. I suppose this is what rejection must feel like. I terror, a fear, a victory in apprehension, and a betrayal in sight. I no longer want them to know. Be aware of anything, their my friends, my family, and yet. My trust in their virtue shatters and the shards embed into my mind like needles of a doubt. Only Erza remains unchanged in my thoughts.

"Ah shut it pea brain. You probably don't even know what a homo is." I want to hit him. Happy shifts his weight.

"That sounds really mean Grey." He smiles, the little shit has the audasity to smile, like testing a child.

"Don't worry Happy. Homo's aren't people, you can be mean they won't feel a thing."

"Damn right," Elfman adds.

"Shut up."

"SHUT UP." Erza overpowers my volume. Now becoming invested and no longer calm to what she hears. "How dare you say something so disrespectful! Distancing another human being from their humanity just to suit your own personal ideals is disgraceful! You should be ashamed of yourselves!" I don't say anything. At least someone understands. Though the lump I feel doesn't melt, I walk away instead. I let Erza handle it, handle all of them. Happy puts his paw to my face, and I look at his confused face with all the joy I can muster.
"Hey, Natsu?"

"Yeah, little buddy?" Its stupid, foolish, to believe he didn't hear all of that. I just hope it doesn't stick to him. Like vomit on a carpet. Because all it is; bile.

"You don't... believe that do you?" Good, I think. Good.

"No, of course not. Don't listen to them Happy. People are just... idiots sometimes okay?"

"Yeah. I don't want to be mean." I pet his head, even though he says he hates it. I wonder what Laxus is doing right now. Mira is helping appear more like a light wizard. I hope he doesn't change his style too much, I like it as it is. I sit at the bar, and put bread in the jar, and wonder what the hell I'm doing here.